Whether you call it ‘responsible consumption’ or ‘mindful drinking’, our attitude and relationship towards alcohol is evolving. Did you know that 20% of Canadian adults don’t drink alcohol and that number is on the rise driven by younger generations.

 Non-alcoholic cocktails are everywhere, sober bars are popping up and sober social networks are forming. All of a sudden ‘not drinking’ has switched from carrying a stigma to becoming sort of cool, dare I say, sexy even. In today’s day and age you don’t need to be ‘expecting’ to choose to opt for alcohol free options. Alcohol companies are offering zero-alcohol beer and trendy non-alc spirits. Was there even such a thing as “Dry January” or “Sober October” 10 years ago? 

 Today’s buzz word is “sober-curious” but what does it really mean?It’s simple really. It’s about being more intentional about how, when, and why you drink. It’s based on the idea that asking questions about alcohol, or consuming less of it, may lead to positive outcomes for yourhealth, relationships, finances and more.

Here are just some of the benefits of quitting.

1. Youthfully glowing skin

Did you know Alcohol is a diuretic? This means that it actively dehydrates the body. We all know the importance of water, and without proper hydration skin can dry out and lose its youthful elasticity. As if that’s not problematic enough, alcohol can also cause tissue inflammation. This is why some of us get flush in the face after a glass of red wine or two. This effect tends to dissipate after the alcohol is metabolised and leaves the body, but over time constant inflammation can cause long-term skin issues.

2. Weight loss

You may have heard alcoholic drinks referred to as “empty” calories. This means they provide your body with calories but contain very little nutrient value. For example, there are almost 155 calories in one small can of beer, and 125 calories in a small glass of wine, therefore several drinks a night can lead to consuming a few hundred extra calories. By comparison non-alcoholic alternatives often contain a fraction of the calorific content even when mixed alongside tonics or sodas.

3. Better more restful sleeping

Anyone who drinks alcohol from time to time knows that beer, wine, or spirits can sometimes leave you feeling drowsy. In fact, as many as 20 percent of us use alcohol to help us fall asleep. But while alcohol can help you fall asleep faster, it also contributes to poor quality sleep. It has been shown to reduce the amount of REM sleep. This stage in your sleep cycle is widely considered to be beneficial for learning, memory, and mood. A lack of REM sleep may have adverse implications for physical and emotional health.

But wait! Removing alcohol from your diet doesn’t mean that it’s just soda water for you from here on in. There’s a wealth of zero alcohol options out there that deliver on taste and experience so you can keep enjoying the rewarding feeling of pouring a cocktail at the end of the day (just minus the hard stuff).

Here’s a great late summer sipper you can make at home and it even gives you a chance to use up that basil that’s taking over the back yard as we speak!

FLUÈRE BASIL SMASH

INGREDIENTS

• 3oz FLUÈRE Botanical Blend | 1oz fresh lemon juice | 0.5oz simple syrup | A large handful of fresh basil & 2 edible flowers 

HOW TO MAKE

• Add lemon juice & simple syrup to shaker
• On top, add the large handful of fresh basil and muddle for 30 seconds 
• Now add ice to shaker 
• Pour Fluère Botanical Blend over top
• Shake vigorously for 20 seconds 
• Double strain into your glass
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves and edible flowers.

It looks like the sober curious movement is officially here to stay, and with all the benefits it brings we’re happy it’s not going anywhere soon.

What’s your favourite non-alcoholic tipple? Tell us in the comments below!