Cheers to the sober life

There has never been a better time to be sober. No more hiding your preference for abstaining by pretending your glass of seltzer water is vodka or gin and tonic. No more answering awkward questions like, “So why aren’t you drinking?” Most places now proudly offer a plethora of non-alcoholic choices that are just as delicious as their traditional alcoholic counterparts. “There’s something inherently social about having a drink in your hand and sharing good conversation,” observes Christain Perry, co-owner of The Green Door in Covington, a cannabis “dry bar” and lounge. “But when you remove alcohol, that connection becomes much more genuine.”

Whether you’re all in on NA or a sober-curious beginner, our guide will help you order with confidence to match your tastes and your mood.

If you’re in the mood for a beer…

Non-alcoholic beers are downright tasty now. You can even have a NA beer at a brewery. At MadTree, pop a tab on their NA offering, Leave No Trace. There’s also Rhinegeist’s Cincy Light Lime, a refreshing twist on its popular light lager. And Ghost, the brewery’s first-ever non-alcoholic beer line.

Most restaurants and bars also offer national brands, including Athletic Brewing Company and Best Day Brewing.

If you’d like to sip a glass of wine…

Sometimes a beautifully curated plate just calls out for a sophisticated wine pairing, doesn’t it? Some varietals of non-alcoholic wines have gotten so good, you may not even be able to tell the difference from a taste perspective. If you haven’t tried Lietz Eins Zwei Zero non-alcoholic wines, you’re missing out. You can enjoy it in many places across the city, like Mid-City Restaurant downtown on Court Street, Safi by Salazar in OTR or at Bouquet in Covington.

If it must be a cocktail…

Many restaurants feature at least a few mocktails on their drinks menu these days, so look there first. If there’s nothing listed, ask the bartender for a suggestion. Some mocktails are made with fruit juices or sparkling waters, while others incorporate non-alcoholic spirits such as Seedlip, Ghia and Spiritless.

If you still want a buzz…

Beverages infused with THC or CBD are increasingly popular, offering gentle relaxation that won’t leave your head spinning after one drink. The laws are a bit confusing and conflicting around THC drinks, and they differ in Kentucky and Ohio. On the south side of the river, your safest bet is to buy them at liquor stores, like Party Source and The Liquor Barn. Rhinegeist and Urban Artifact on the Cincy side serve THC options. “Our brand Coastalo is fruit sodas, a nostalgic concept. The number one seller is cherry cream soda,” shares Scotty Hunter, co-founder and head of sales at Urban Artifact. Their fruit-forward beverages incorporate varying levels of Delta 9 THC, either 5mg or 10mg per can.

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If you want to go out for NA drinks…

The Green Door offers a cozy ambiance for connecting with clarity over a wide selection of NA drinks, such as That Lavender Haze, described as “blueberry, lavender, citrus and a shimmer of something sweet.” You can order drinks with or without a THC infusion. “Under the current Kentucky regulatory guidance, we are still able to serve low-dose THC infused drinks,” explains co-owner Christain Perry. “I have to say, though, that our other non-alcoholic alternatives like Kava and adaptogens are welcomed with as much curiosity and appreciation.” Never heard of kava? It’s a root known for its calming, anxiety-reducing effects. People often describe feeling relaxed, socially at ease, and mentally clear, but without the intoxication or loss of control associated with alcohol. Just beware it’s normal for kava to slightly numb your mouth and lips.

If you’ve got your dancing shoes on…

No, you don’t need to be tipsy to get your groove on. Every Friday night at Cincinnati Yoga School in Pleasant Ridge, you can move your body in an ecstatic dance experience. Do bring water, but leave your judgment behind. Kids are welcome the first Friday of each month, with the remaining month’s sessions for adults only. There’s an opening ceremony, followed by a live DJ set and then a relaxing “sound bath” session and a Reiki sweep to close out the night.

If you’re chilling at home…

Swing by Fresh Thyme to check out their selection of adaptogenic drinks, from brands like Recess and Heywell. Sparkling water is a perennial favorite, with flavorful options from floral and fruity to herbal-aromatic. Up the flavor and the health factor with a shot of flavored white or red balsamic vinegar from The Spicy Olive, in varieties like Sicilian Lemon, Elderflower, Honey Ginger and Black Cherry. 

If you want to quench your thirst…

Called Jamaica in Spanish, bright fuchsia hibiscus iced tea is tart-sweet and lightly floral. You can order it in many Mexican restaurants, or look for hibiscus tea bags in the tea aisle at the grocery store and brew a whole pitcher, sweetened or not to your taste. Rooibos tea is also deliciously refreshing served cold. You can turn any tea into iced by dropping 5-6 tea bags into a pitcher. Poor a kettle full of hot water over the bags, add sugar or honey as you like, then let it steep for 15 minutes or so. Add cool water to fill the pitcher, and pour over ice. Ahhhh.

Curiosity piqued? Learn more about the botanical history of drinks at an upcoming Lloyd Library event on January 21, featuring an interactive talk by Christain Perry, who’s also the founder of Kentucky Botanical Co. in addition to owning The Green Door.