If you decided to boot the bottle recently, you will be all too familiar with some of the awkward situations it can land you in.
From after-work drinks to catching up with girlfriends over a bottle of rosé, maintaining a teetotal attitude in the great Australian drinking scene is bloody hard.
And then there’s Christmas.
Aussie Christmas = beers by the pool. A chilled Sav Blanc with your prawns. Boxing Day Bloody Mary’s at the pub. The festive season is as closely tied with hangovers as it is Santa and Coles Pavlova.
So, how to tackle Christmas as a non-drinker? Here are our best tips.
Bring your own drinks.
Don’t set yourself up for failure by arriving to your Christmas parties empty handed. After all, choosing a glass of flat Sprite over a lovely glass of prosecco isn’t the easiest decision.
Be prepared and stock up with PLENTY of delicious pre-made mocktails or soft drinks that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out.
BYO esky and stash it somewhere in the house where it won’t get swiped.
…and make them fancy.
Don’t just stock up with any old tin of Passiona.
Do your research, and find yourself some delicious non-alcoholic drinks to bring along and be involved in the party. From non-alcoholic rosé to super-cute pre-packaged mocktails, you won’t even feel like you’re missing out.
We love Periquita Non-Alcoholic Rosé, and PS40 Craft Sodas.
No one will ever tell the difference!
Don’t make a big deal of it.
Walking into your family Christmas and declaring, “I’m not drinking!” is going to see you get a pretty standard response: a few guffaws, some scoffs, and Uncle Bob shoving a Corona in your hand and telling you to can it.
People feel personally attacked about their own drinking habits when faced with someone who doesn’t drink. Does it make sense? No. Does it happen? All the time.
So, hot tip: don’t make a big deal out of it. Roll on in with your non-boozy beverages, and they’ll be none the wiser. Drinking soft drinks? Pop in a cocktail glass. Opting for orange and soda instead of orange and champagne? Stick to the champagne glass and no one will ask any questions.