Bring Your Own Damn Drink

Self reliance feels really good.

(updated from 2022)

HOT TIP FOR ANY HOLIDAY EVENT

Bring Your Own Damn Drink!

I will keep this short and sweet (unlike the video above) because right now, you are most likely going crazy running around trying to do things for everyone else, and you probably don’t have much time to read this. So, whether you are new to this lifestyle, trying it out, or haven’t had a drink in years, the holidays can be rough on us, especially when attending a holiday party. I see a lot of narratives online about how people are offended that a family member, friend, or random party host forgot they didn’t drink and offered them nothing but water. While yes, I understand the frustration, but also - No, take care of yourself and take responsibility for meeting your own unique needs. And by this, I mean - BYODD, bring your own damn drink.

Hosting is hard, and people are busy as hell. If someone forgets that you quit drinking, try not to take it personally. The world does not revolve around us being non-drinkers. I learned very early on that if I wanted my own unique NA drink, I needed to bring it. Otherwise, I would end up with a fancy cup of water. The best guests are those who bring what they need and never put pressure on the host to take care of their specific needs.

Image: Hollywood Reporter.

The NA world has exploded, and the options are endless. If you haven’t already, go out and purchase a few and play around. When I quit drinking in 2015, the only options I had were Odouls and Fre wine. Nowadays, you can have red wine, white wine, rosé, champagne, bourbon, tequila, gin, aperitifs, and almost anything you can conceive of. This new world of NA can satisfy pretty much anyone who is into it.

Now, all that said, you might NOT be into it, and NA may NOT be safe for you. So, with anything and everything, please have discernment and know that no one here is telling you to drink something that may trigger you in any way, shape, or form.

Below are some favorite NA drinks, recipes, where to buy them, and what to be aware of before purchasing—also, a personal note on who I support with my dollars and why.

A short(ish) list of my favorites

• Ghia

• Figlia

• Athletic Brewing Co

• Three Spirits

• Wilderton

• Aplós

• Giesen Sauvignon Blanc

• Sovi Rosé

• Ritual Zero Proof Non-Alcoholic Tequila

• Lautus Rosé

• My favorite NA bitters (All The Bitter) that I add to my drinks.

Noteworthy mocktail situations

• A Guide To Non-Alcoholic Cocktails and Shops in LA

• All the Bitter line-up of mocktail recipes

• The Spruce Eats mocktail list

• Clean + Dirty Drinking: Recipes for Drinks with or without Booze

• Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You’re Not Drinking for Whatever Reason

• Zero Proof: 90 Non-Alcoholic Recipes for Mindful Drinking

• Recipes from Ghia

• Recipes from Aplós

Places to purchase NA drinks

• The New Bar (LA)

• No & Low (online)

• The Zero Proof (online)

• Amazon (always double-check the name of the seller)

• Bevmo (all over the country)

• Total Wine (all over the country)

• If your local bottle shop does not carry any NA drinks, I would suggest telling them how important it is that they do. I would then share some information about how the NA world has exploded and remind them that it is the year 2025! :)

• Check out your grocery stores as well. One of the most random but wide assortments of NA drinks that I have come across was in a small grocery store in Yellowknife, Canada (near the freaking North Pole).

Buyer Beware

I have mentioned this several times, but it bears repeating. I have had two holidays ruined due to consuming a trendy NA drink with adaptogens. When it comes to herbals of any sort, know what you are drinking, and I would even go as far as “testing” it out on a day when you have nothing going on. With both incidents of drinking this brand, I was awake for over 24 hours. I was hoping the first time was a fluke, but I was affected the same way the second time. Not everyone will experience this, but it’s in your best interest to be aware of the herbal/adaptogen/caffeine content when it comes to these drinks.

A Personal Note

With the rise of NA drinks, I lean hard towards creators/owners who are in this community of non-drinkers, and I am staying as far away from large corporations that are looking just to make more money. I have no problem with people making money. Still, if I have a choice of supporting a woman-owned company that I know is a non-drinker versus some celebrity who just slapped her face on a marketing campaign for millions of dollars, I am giving my dollars to the person in this community.

Much love to you, dear reader, and have a safe holiday weekend, whatever you have planned.

XX

MM