Spirit-Free Options for Keeping Spirits Bright

If you’re alcohol-free or sober-curious, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can make it both a tempting time to drink as well as an unusually alienating time to avoid drinking.

The first step to surviving the holidays alcohol-free is managing stressors and anxiety during the holidays is a necessary step. No worries, I’ve got a free guide as well as a free holiday challenge support group to help you here.

The second step is to arm yourself with fun and festive alcohol-free options so that you’re not left drinking seltzer water all night! Whether you’re looking for an easy substitute or a full-blown fancy mocktail, I’ve got you covered! Check out some of my favorite sources for tasty recipes, shopping recommendations, and products below.

I’ve lived in Austin since the Fall of 2015 - it’s a vibrant city known for its funky, eclectic (and sometimes super weird) culture. The city has a little of something for everyone - especially when it comes to great restaurants and nightlife. As one of the nation's fastest growing cities, a host to two major festivals, and a frequent destination for bachelor/bachelorette parties; it isn’t too difficult to find a place to grab a good cocktail in Texas’ capital city. Finding a great spot that offers alcohol-free options that go beyond “virgin” cocktails (which is actually code for club soda and syrup) is a bit of a different story.

I just returned from a three-day vacation in Havana, Cuba...and I did it all stone-cold-sober. Most people thought I was crazy to travel to a city known for their amazing rum and not have a single sip of their famous nectar, but I did it and it and it was an absolutely wonderful trip. For those wondering if Havana is a practical sober vacation, I can assure you: it is. Here are my pro tips for navigating the city of rum, alcohol free including my sober strategy as well as the spots I hit up while exploring there.