Whilst having an alcoholic drink is a popular way for many people across the UK and the rest of the world to relax, for those struggling with addiction issues, drinking alcohol whilst being out with friends simply is not an option.
If you’ve spent any time on social media this year, you might have seen the odd mocktail recipe making its way onto your feed or reels. Mocktails are the watery drinks they used to be. These days, they’ve evolved into tasty, creative, bold, full-flavoured drinks which are becoming increasingly popular, even for those people who do drink.
For anyone navigating addiction, detox, rehab or long-term addiction recovery, the rise of alcohol free drinking culture can feel both liberating and slightly confusing, with the number of options and choices now on offer.
Whilst drinking mocktails is usually a safe way to ensure that you are staying clear of alcohol, some mocktails can in fact be surprisingly triggering. This is because an increasingly large number of mocktails recipes are surprisingly boozy in taste, which can’t be really unhelpful for someone trying to rebuild a healthy relationship with drinking behaviours.
Whether you are fresh from an alcohol detox, months into alcohol rehab, or years into a stable recovery, knowing which drinks truly support your wellbeing is more important than ever.
Below is a practical, enjoyable guide to addiction and recovery friendly mocktails, along with tips and tricks on how to spot the red flags in supposedly alcohol-free drinks, handling social social pressure and staying grounded throughout your recovery.
How Mocktails Can Help When It Comes to Recovery
Depending on the severity of your addiction, it can take months or even sometimes years to recover from an addiction. During this time, it can be incredibly hard to avoid attending social events and avoid coming into contact with drinking alcohol. This is why the likes of mocktails can be incredibly important and useful when it comes to your recovery.
This is why getting the right kind of non-alcoholic drink isn’t just a matter of preference, it can play a huge part in addiction recovery. Mocktails serve a number of purposes when it comes to your recovery. For example, they give you something to sip on when you are recovering, so that you do not feel awkward or worry about looking out of place. A surprising amount of drinking culture revolves around the object in your hand, which is why opting for a mocktail rather than nothing can be incredibly helpful.
Likewise, drinking soft drinks can often feel childish and many fear being judged by asking for a coke or an orange juice at the bar. Mocktails let you join in without being worried about what other people are thinking or saying behind your back. In fact, lots of other people you will be with won’t even notice that you’re drinking a mocktail or that your drink is non-alcoholic in any way.
However, as anyone in addiction recovery knows, not all substitutions are good ones. Certain mocktails can replicate alcohol too closely, create sensory flashbacks, or carry non-zero amounts of alcohol through fermentation.
Below is a breakdown of some of the safest mocktail options you can opt for if you are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction.
The Safest Mocktails for People in Addiction Recovery
1. Citrus Coolers
If you’re looking for absolute safety, citrus-based mocktails are one of the best options that you can choose. These types of cocktails are bright, sharp, uplifting and do not resemble alcoholic drinks in taste or scent.
The citrus flavour can’t trigger memories of drinking beer, wine or even spirits, which is what makes them such a great option. They also offer a natural energy boost without involving any alcohol, which can be great if you are on a night out, at a work function or a wedding and trying to get through whilst staying sober. It’s also incredibly hydrating.
To make your own citrus cooler, simply mix fresh orange juice, lemon juice, grapefruit, sparkling water with some ice and mint.
2. Herb Flavoured Mocktails
There are lots of different herb flavoured mocktails. Herbs add complexity without introducing alcohol. There are many different drinks that use the likes of mint, basil, rosemary, or thyme that feel sophisticated but still sit safely outside traditional cocktail territory.
These drinks tend to feel very ‘grown up’ and often look like they can contain alcohol even though they do not. They do not taste like beer, wine or spirits and are also great for grounding the senses whilst you are out.
To try a herb flavoured mocktail, simply mix crushed mint, basil leaves, elderflower cordial, still water and lemon and mix well.
3. Spice Based Mocktails
Spicy mocktails are also great for anyone recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction. For example, the likes of ginger is a powerhouse for those in rehab or long term recovery. It’s bold, energising, and it’s able to replicate alcohol’s taste. Whilst this is great for those who are able to cope with this, it might be best avoided if this might be triggering.
Ginger is also great for your health, as it supports digestion, can reduce bloating and can also cure a sore throat. To try your own spicy mocktail, mix lime juice with some ginger beer, ice and even a stick of cinnamon.
4. Berry Based Mocktails
Berries such as blackberries, strawberries and raspberries bring a rich, fruity profile without the triggering taste and sensation of red wine or sangria. They offer the same colour without recreating alcoholic aromas, so many people might think that you are drinking alcohol when in fact you are not.
In addition to this, they are also incredibly easy to prepare. To make your own berry based mocktail, mix mixed berries, cranberry juice, soda water and some lime.
Mocktails to Approach with Caution
While plenty of safe options exist when it comes to mocktails, there are certain mocktails that aren’t ideal for someone coming from detox, alcohol rehab, or active addiction treatment. Below are the categories worth watching.
● Angostura bitters
● Aromatic bitters
● Orange bitters
● Juniper
● Molasses + spice
● Agave + lime + salt
● Kombucha
● Kefir
Some of these drinks might taste a bit like alcohol, which could be triggering for anyone trying to recover from an alcohol addiction.
Strategies for Staying Sober Whilst Socialising
Navigating social events is one of the toughest parts of recovery. Even if you opt for safe mocktails, you may still find yourself struggling in situations that put pressure on your new boundaries. There are a number of strategies that might help you stay grounded whilst recovering and socialising at the same time, some of which are listed below for you.
You should arrive with an escape plan. This is an excuse that you can use when you want to leave early. For example, you could use an excuse such as having to get home for the dog or simply going home early as you have an early start the next day. Likewise, volunteering to drive is always a good excuse as to why you are not drinking.
Likewise, you could bring a sober friend with you. This helps you to stay on track and doesn’t single you out as the only one who is not drinking. You should also choose venues with good alcohol free menus. It’s always best to plan ahead to see where you are going and what mocktails you have to offer.
Conclusion
Just because you are recovering from an addiction does not mean that you cannot socialise. It is possible to socialise without having to drink alcohol, and mocktails are a great way to go about this.
Mocktails should help you feel part of the moment, rather than pull you back toward old habits. This is why it is important to make sure that you choose the right mocktails for you.
Whether you’re fresh from alcohol detox, finishing a stay in inpatient alcohol rehab, or deep in long term addiction recovery, the safest mocktails are the ones that align with your new alcohol free identity, not your past behaviours or addiction.
