Drink Alternatives

Finding yummy drinks that aren't alcoholic is very important - especially when we first quit drinking. What do you like to drink in place of alcohol? This Sober Toolbox is a space for sharing recipes and ideas for delicious alternative liquids. If you're looking for more discussion, interactions and feedback, head inside our Members Feed. That's where the real-time conversations take place.

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370 Comments
  1. MichaelrpG 5 years ago

    I like black coffee although I know that too much of that can upset my feelings.
    I like many herbal teas. In particular Fennel, Camomile and Spiced Apple and Lemon and Ginger.
    When I am feeling really adventurous I push the boat right out and drink “Boiling Water”. Can’t beat it.

  2. BluemoonBabe 5 years ago

    I like Pimento, a low sugar ginger beer with chilli, it appeals to my like of spicy things, also dealcoholised white or rose wine, half and half with sparkling water. Always in a nice glass of course! ?

  3. DebO 5 years ago

    Tea, Iced Coffee, Seltzer. Unfortunately I have turned to food and am now trying to undo the food addiction.

  4. connilynn 5 years ago

    I’ve been enjoying a few ounces of margarita mix sweetened with agave, lemon ginger kombucha, and a splash of pure cranberry juice. I like it on the less sweet side with a wedge of fresh lime. I think I’m going to buy myself a martini glass to make my drinks feel more adult!

    • Croninlisa 5 years ago

      That sounds like a nice drink.. I might try it.,

  5. Moonwriter 5 years ago

    Has anyone tried Curious Elixirs? https://curiouselixirs.com/ I’m really tempted to try them!

    • connilynn 5 years ago

      They look good, albeit expensive! Please share your opinion if anyone has tried them.

  6. WakingOwl 5 years ago

    A new favorite for me is cucumber, lime and melon water, roll the limes really well and slice them thin to get the pith and pulp, chop the melon in half inch cubes, slice the cukes, refrigerate overnight, you can add a hint of something sweet if you like or something bright like apple cider vinegar.

    • connilynn 5 years ago

      That sounds good @WakingOwl. I’m struggling with sugar and need something that feels special without being sweet.

  7. Heidi65 5 years ago

    Tressiere [french cordial] with sparkling water and lots of ice. It comes in several different flavours and I have the sugar free options.

  8. scrippen 5 years ago

    I like to drink an alcohol free strawberry daquiri/margarita. It makes me feel like I am getting a treat and not sacrificing.

    • Anonymous 5 years ago

      Do you have a good recipe you can share for this ??

      • mischy 3 years ago

        Love a slice of liquidised fresh watermelon and pineapple – keep the pulp as not much of it and use about a third of a glass topped with diet or non diet tonic water with ice- love it

  9. Lorna79 5 years ago

    I’m on naltrexone and its working wonders for the cravings! 22 days sober and feel GREAT. I have however been smashing up to 6 cups of tea or coffee a day! Milo or green tea before bedtime.

    Dinners it is Sparkling Grape Juice (preferably Appletize mmmm) or everyone’s favourite LEMON, LIME & BITTERS.

    • Caniwi 4 years ago

      Hi Lorna79 Well done on 22 days. I’m on day 21 and so darn stoked with myself. I want to scream from my mountain top. I’m am also on naltrexone as well. Lockdown helps with not having the car drive past every store. I’m feeling strong in my sobriety this time around. I’m also hitting the tea and coffee! Taming the thirst is real. Take good care

  10. Angie Sclanders 5 years ago

    Hi guys-FYI Here in South Africa,they have produced a variety of dealcoholised wines.There is a tinge of Red,white and Rose.All low calorie as well.If I feel the need when socializing,It really helps take the spotlight off me-otherwise I drink Alcohol free champagne with half soda and a sprig of mint or a strawberry.YUM!Good luck on all your journeys-It is only going to get better.

    • connilynn 5 years ago

      I can’t find any af wines in the US! Anyone know of any I’m missing?

  11. 4wards 5 years ago

    I love the vblog Pick Up Limes. It’s a vegan cooking show and I watch it sometimes for healthy recipes and new ideas. Sadia, the host, loves to drink sparkling water with slices of cucumbers and limes (sometimes she even adds chia seeds). I was surprised how refreshing the combination is! Drinking it a lot lately.

  12. Bridgett 5 years ago

    I’ve been putting a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in fruit-flavored seltzer (with stevia) and it helps kick my wine-at-five cravings.

  13. JudyB 5 years ago

    Grapetise 🙂 It’s a bit sweet, but sometimes put soda with it to calm it down. Yum.

  14. Marnielee 5 years ago

    Having hot chocolate tonight – according to Clare Pooley of “The Sober Diaries” it has healing powers. I am back to day one again . . . Sigh,

    • drgnflyz 4 years ago

      All the good energy to you, and mercy- be kind to yourself.

      You cannot master the lesson before you are ready. The process is often not in a linear fashion. You can’t do it wrong. Every. Single. Step. Takes. You. Closer.

  15. Tylee 5 years ago

    So far on my recovery journey, I havent touched anything that resembles alcoholic beverages – No mocktails or grape juice in wine glasses. I really want to try one of those Shirley Temple drinks though. I found out pretty early on that I can not mess with caffeine after lunch time if I want a good nights sleep – so grateful for decaffeinated coffee!

  16. Seni 5 years ago

    I looooove a Virgin Colada, it smells like holliday! Coconut milk, cream, pineapple juice (all in the same amount) and crushed ice, a nice decoration if you like! Could drink it all evening, but my hips say, one is enough. They are party poopers…

    • connilynn 5 years ago

      I love that idea! I don’t do well with carbonation, and that’s the first mocktail I’ve seen without seltzer or tonic water.

    • Michelle M Kessinger 5 years ago

      Thanks for that idea!

  17. Marie2 5 years ago

    Healtheries pineapple & coconut teabag infused in diet tonic water in a tall glass over ice ??

  18. AprilsFool 5 years ago

    My go-to drink so far has been grape juice over ice with diet 7Up. Sweet yes. But white zin was my poison of choice, so it’s been a good substitute for me. I also mix it with fruit flavored club soda or sparkling water.

  19. TheBee 5 years ago

    My current favorite is cold club soda with fresh lemon or lime juice squeezed in and some fresh ginger slices – great in summer! I also love – especially if I’m hungry and cooking – organic tomato juice with: ginger, red pepper flakes, turmeric and ground black pepper (stir well and you can add an ice cube if you like but I usually don’t) with lime or lemon juice for a different twist. Enjoy with celery sticks and who needs wine??

  20. Zeeshan 5 years ago

    tell me the alternative of injectible drugs?

  21. sober@sixty 5 years ago

    I have latched on to Seedlip AF distilled liquors. Citrus with Zevia Ginger Beer replicates a Mule. Garden with tonic and lots of lime is my stand in for G&T. When I’m out I always check for AF options on the cocktail list. If not, I just ask for an AF mojito. A local place offers a virgin pomegrante mojito, which not only looks gorgeous, but tastes great too! I haven’t found a good AF wine. Most just taste like grape juice or have very little taste. Anyone found a good one?

  22. tndiva19 5 years ago

    Have to go to a work dinner tonight. Will be drinking there. I am on antabuse but I am still feeling scared and awkward.

    • maguire 2 years ago

      you cannot drink on Antabuse — you’ll end up in hospital.

  23. sobersista 5 years ago

    Homemade lemon sour drink 🙂
    Disolve 1.5 cups sugar in 1 cup water over heat, let chill. Squeeze 10 lemons and add to sugar mix, easy.
    I like to mix half a cup of the lemon sour with ice and ginger ale, tonic water or just soda water.

    • totemdreamer 5 years ago

      I’m going to t y that, thanks for the info

  24. sonicgirl 5 years ago

    Healtheries Pineapple & Coconut organic tea is truly divine – just like a pina colada only better! I pop 2 teabags in a large teapot, fill wth boiling water and add 3 sweetener tabs (or you could add organic coconut sugar to taste). Delicious hot or cold.

  25. Anonymous 5 years ago

    Do bitters help with seltzer water as well when you are trying to dwindle down?

    • loraj 5 years ago

      I think bitters actually contains alcohol so would not technically be an AF drink.

  26. JSAC 5 years ago

    Indian tonic water with elderflower, slices of fresh lemon and lime with ice.

  27. Anonymous 5 years ago

    I have come across a sparkling water with a hint of citrus. It has no sugar or artificial sweeteners.
    It’s made by Frantelle, I’m from Australia and I’m not sure if it’s sold in other countries.

  28. Blake 5 years ago

    I’m an alcoholic, trying very hard to cut down. San pelligrino and club soda has helped so much! I’m not trying to replace all the calories and unhealthy aspects of booze with something almost equally unhealthy like soda or sugar. A big part of me quitting booze is weight gain, in addition to the addiction and self destruction. Sam Pelligrino and Club Soda gets something in your hand that isn’t just boring old water, but is still healthy and good for you, like water. It has minerals that are positive for your health, and it feels kind of like drinking a beer. It reminds me every once in a while, if cold enough and carbonated enough, of a coors or bud light; just the carbonation and bottle. I prefer the glass bottle; it feels more special.

    That’s my two cents now. I’m doing my best, and fizzy drinks are helping.

    • Anonymous 5 years ago

      My husband is an alcoholic, he drinks about a pint or 2 pint of vodka a day. We went to detox a couple of times, but none of it works, he only stayed sober for a week but then went back of drinking. We even tried medications such as librium, and vivitrol and also try herbal remedies like Kava Kava but none of it work. I am really really worried since we will have our first baby soon and still he can’t quit. Is there anything that you can help me with to try with my husband?

  29. Anonymous 5 years ago

    I’m.in the same boat as you. Its very hard. But the way I understand it is not to go full cold turkey with alcohol. And sort of dwindle down.
    I am on the same path. And for now I’ve found alcohol free beers with a few fully alcoholic ones helps. Like 1 on 1. And also really suagry drinks like mountain dew. Coke. Energy drinks (my go-to). About half hour before you usually crave. Down one. See how long you last. Go to At beer. See how long. Then go to real.
    Before you know it you’ve reduced your actual alcohol intake by 2/3rds.

  30. Anonymous 6 years ago

    Fentimans Ginger Beer and Rose Lemonade – made in the UK so they don’t have the oversaturated sweet taste of all NZ soft drinks (seriously, what other country adds sugar to soda water!)
    Paradoxically these have to be bought from Glengarry Wine shops in the Mixer section as they are not available elsewhere

    • Anonymous 4 years ago

      Fentimans Ginger Beer is fantastic. I like the taste, possibly something about the brewing helps to replace a cold beer for me, and the brown bottle in the hand feels nice too. Also, I bought myself an espresso maker and have really been enjoying that. I’m on day 33 and feeling good.

  31. Anonymous 6 years ago

    tea is a big hit,
    with me,
    love it , especially caffeine free.

  32. Linda Creswell 6 years ago

    Michelada made with non alcoholic beer.

  33. Bridget 6 years ago

    Belvoir mulled winter punch – it’s delicious, but feels as indulgent as a glass of wine 🙂

  34. sheaney5 6 years ago

    I love a nice cup of tea!

  35. Anonymous 6 years ago

    Looking for ideas

  36. Jim 6 years ago

    please keep me posted,thanks

  37. Anonymous 6 years ago

    Try getting Rosa de Jamaica (or Hibuscus) leaves – they sell it as “tea” in the states – but in Latin countries it’s mixed with juice or other things at times – find it in bulk on amazon and put it in one those pitchers that has a storage tube to make flavored waters. It’s tart and delicious and I make a strong red batch and drink it in a wine glass and it’s a great substitute for red wine for me. You could make it weaker and lighter and it could mimic rose’.

  38. sober@sixty 6 years ago

    Ginger beer!! Becks Blue and some radlers are AF alternatives if you like beer! Powell & Mahoney craft cocktail mixers are great for mocktails. The have a sparkling Mojito that is really good. I’ll mix it with a little ginger ale or a flavored sparkling water. Good Luck!! You won’t regret giving up the booze!

  39. WoodysGirl 6 years ago

    I love sparkling water with a dash each of cranberry juice and lime juice. Super tasty!

    • totemdreamer 5 years ago

      That sounds good. Going to try

  40. ROBERT STEARNS 6 years ago

    Looking to stop drinking and want to replace beer with tasty beverages

  41. Tonitoons963 6 years ago

    I like dry rose. If it had zero alcohol I’d still like it – the tartness and flavor is perfect to me. The alcohol and cost of drinking bottles of wine is what I’d rather avoid. If there is something other than no-A wines that mimics this tartness, I’d love to know what it is.

    Thanks!

  42. Diane Carter 6 years ago

    I love pineapple, orange or mango juice mixed With a small about of pina colada mix and poured over iced cubes. Add a splash of Grenadine, if you like. Garnish with a cherry. It looks like a tequila sunrise! This is a 100% virgin beverage that helps with sugar cravings during early sobriety.

    • kitten 6 years ago

      Nice one.

  43. Anonymous 6 years ago

    into the vitamix: coffee, nondairy milk, 7 or so dates, chia seeds, ice. mix, drink. it is summer.

  44. texgg 6 years ago

    San Pellegrino. The blood orange one is fantastic.

  45. TAS 6 years ago

    I started drinking frozen coffee and all natural fruit juices…cranberry, grape, cherry, pear, carrott…I mix em with seltzers too

  46. Craig mcdowall 6 years ago

    I want to stop alcohol all together. What is best to replace it. I drink every night. It needs to stop full time

  47. LeaBra 6 years ago

    I just discovered Private Selections Sodas. They come in beautiful dark, glass bottles & have fun flavors. I found them at Kroger on sale for $1/bottle. Normally, they were around $1.50/bottle.
    The flavors are: Bourbon Barrel Cola, Irish Cream Soda, Creamy Ginger Root Beer, Hopped Grapefruit Cream Soda, Huckleberry Hibiscus Cream Soda, & Peach and Black Pepper Soda

    Amazon has them, too.
    https://www.amazon.com/Private-Selection-Soda-Variety-Bottles/dp/B075TRB54W

    • Poppy88 6 years ago

      Oh me Lordy! Those flavours sound great! Thank you for sharing this!!!!!! 🙂

  48. LeaBra 6 years ago

    In a wine glass, mix Cran-Grape juice & Coke. I used diet versions of both. It makes a deep, red wine color and tastes great (in my opinion). I watched a show (Real Housewives of New Jersey) where they mixed red wine & Coke. I got the idea from there.

  49. LeaBra 6 years ago

    I have loads of organic dried rosemary that I’ve been trying to use. I don’t know what I was thinking when I purchased it.
    I heated some water, steeped a tea ball filled with rosemary, added a splash of lemon juice & some stevia drops. Quite tasty. I added some cold water since I wasn’t in the mood for hot liquids.

  50. LeaBra 6 years ago

    I was just thinking about purchasing some juniper berries to add to tonic water or diet Sprite. Kind of like a mock gin & tonic. I wonder if that would work. Probably would have to muddle the berries a little to get that gin taste & aroma. Sounds lovely & would be a pretty drink with the berries in it. I’m not too into gin, but it sounds like a good substitute at the moment.

    Google says juniper berries have some benefits:
    -Relieve oxidative stress and help prevent disease.
    -One major benefit of juniper berries is the antioxidants they contain. …
    -Natural antiseptic. …
    -Improves skin conditions. …
    -May help improve digestion. …
    -Aids restful sleep. …
    -May be useful against certain cancers. …
    -Good for the heart.

    • totemdreamer 5 years ago

      That sounds like it would be good for me. I’m a gin

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