Latest news with #sobercurious
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
The real reason Gen Z have stopped being ‘sober curious'
Hold the kombucha and pour me a pint! It seems that Gen Z are actually drinking alcohol, and I'm not surprised one bit. I wish I'd made a note of the number of wine tastings, seminars, meetings and dinners where the seemingly existential crisis of Gen Z not drinking was discussed. Not to mention the thousands of entries on a brief Google search to see how much it's been written about. It was going to be the death knell of the wine industry. But I never really believed it was going to stay that way. People change, after all. And, it seems I was right. New data released by IWSR shows that the situation is altogether far more nuanced. I mean, aren't most things in life? It seems the ' sober curious ' generation have become curious about booze. IWSR's Bevtrac findings show a marked increase in 'alcohol participation levels' compared with two years ago. In research carried out in the top 15 markets (including the UK, North America and Australia) in April 2023, 66 per cent of Gen Z consumers said they had consumed alcohol in the past six months, this figure rose to 73 per cent in March 2025. And interestingly, the trend is especially strong in some key global markets, including the UK, where participation increased from 66 per cent to 76 per cent, Australia, where there was a staggering leap from 61 per cent to 83 per cent, and the US, with a huge bump from 46 per cent to 70 per cent. As Richard Halstead, COO of consumer insights at IWSR, says: 'There is evidence that the propensity to go out and spend more is recovering among this group – challenging the received wisdom that this generation is 'abandoning' alcohol.' Issues such as consumer confidence around inflation has had a huge cross-generational impact when it comes to purchasing, with the cost of living crisis having been brutal for many. But Gen Z have especially suffered, maturing in a period where they're met with soaring costs and stagnant salaries, not to mention the global pandemic and the impact it had on hospitality and real-life socialising. Further research published by Rabobank in April supports this notion, with data showing that Gen Z's drinking is actually on par with previous generations. And that in the US, the proportion that each generation spends of their after-tax income on alcohol is exactly the same – boomer, millennial and Gen Z'er alike. The headlines were misleading. We were being told that it's a generation obsessed with 'wellness', but it turns out they're just skint! And my God, we have all been there (I mean, I still mostly am, aren't you?). It's just that when I was starting out on an incredibly meagre salary, I was propping it up with a hefty overdraft and a plethora of credit cards. Banks were falling over themselves to give people like me credit cards and overdrafts without any checks as to whether you could actually afford them. My Egg card was well and truly funding my millennial avo and egg habit to the max. Want to go shopping? Get a store card. Want to go out for a drink? Put it on your credit card. I was a fully signed up card-carrying millennial who definitely drank above the recommended weekly allowance. Boozy Thursdays spread effortlessly into Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. I was the queen of knowing a little late-night drinking den that was still serving in the early hours of the morning. But I'm delighted that most of my Gen Z friends appear to be far more sensible and financially astute. Believe me, I learn a lot from them. And I'm thankful that personal finance isn't so readily available; it crippled me for many years. And looking at this situation from someone who makes a living from tasting and talking about drinks, with a heavy leaning on wine, I think the alcohol industry should be pleased with this emerging picture. The days of excessive underage drinking are hopefully dwindling and people are being more cautious with the amount they drink. Both of these are excellent outcomes. And there's a genuine interest in premium products too. Drinking less, but better, has never been an easier or cooler thing to do. Nothing stays the same forever. And the wine industry for the most part reflects this, showing a keen and energetic desire to welcome new consumers. In many ways, I feel nothing but excitement about these latest figures. It's one of my greatest pleasures to help people find the wine that sparks their love of this wondrous product that has endured for thousands of years. Wine and the world that surrounds it really is a beautiful thing, so here's to the latest generation of wine lovers, I can't wait to share a glass with you.
News24
2 days ago
- Health
- News24
Why the mocktail movement is taking over wellness culture
Gen Zs and millennials are embracing alcohol-free lifestyles as part of a broader wellness shift. Mocktails are no longer seen as substitutes – they are crafted for flavour and function. Healthy sodas are emerging as the new base for clean, flavourful drinking. There's a shift happening in how we socialise, celebrate and drink, and it's driven by a generation that's choosing consciousness over intoxication. Across South Africa and globally, Gen Zs and millennials are leading the sober-curious charge, favouring nonalcoholic mocktails over sugary cocktails or heavy drinks. And they're not just doing it for 'dry January'. From gym bags to rooftop bars, clean-label beverages are finding their place in our everyday rituals, not as compromises, but rather as upgrades. It's not about restriction; it's about balance. While previous generations equated a good time with glasses of wine and tequila shots, today's youngsters are choosing sparkling mocktails after a 5km run, sipping vitamin-infused mixers at yoga brunches and celebrating birthdays with fizz – just not the alcoholic kind. READ | On My Radar | In Bed by 9pm – how a mug of Horlicks became the new nightcap Part of this wellness-driven movement is about prioritising physical and mental health. There's a growing awareness that alcohol, while socially normalised, doesn't always serve our bodies or minds. Whether it's about clearer skin, better sleep, improved focus or simply avoiding the dreaded hangover, more people are asking a simple question: Does this still feel good? When the answer is no, mocktails offer a delicious alternative. One reason this shift has real staying power is taste. There's nothing bland or boring about what's in the glass any more. Flavour, fizz and fun are all non-negotiables and a new wave of better-for-you sodas is stepping into the spotlight. Take South Africa's own Pura, for example. It's not pretending to be an alcohol-free G&T or a faux bubbly – it's its own thing: bold, refreshing and bursting with flavour. Available in crisp combos such as Cucumber and Lime, Pomegranate, or Lemon and Elderflower, it's the kind of drink that holds its own in any glass. Supplied Supplied Light, clean and made with all-natural ingredients, it contains no artificial nasties and far less sugar than traditional sodas. This makes it an ideal base for a new kind of mocktail, one that suits the growing list of reasons people are opting out of booze, whether for a night, a month or for good. At the heart of this shift is a cultural pivot away from performative partying and towards a more present, purposeful lifestyle. Whether you're spending a Saturday at a wellness festival, working your way through a digital detox or just trying to sleep better, beverages that nourish rather than deplete are becoming a clear choice. Mocktails have also become the go-to post-run refresher and pre-Pilates hydration tool. They're not sugary sports drinks; they're crafted with intention, made for sipping slowly and, more importantly, made to make you feel good. The DIY mocktail scene is also exploding. Think the nojito with fresh mint, crushed ice, lime and Pura Cucumber and Lime. Or the Pomegranate-Rosemary Spritz, tart and aromatic, best served with feet up and sunglasses on. Then there's the Lemon and Elderflower Thyme Smash that's floral, citrusy and perfect for Sunday slow living. These aren't just drinks. They're rituals. They're the new form of social currency in spaces where alcohol no longer has to play a starring role. Supplied Even the design matters. These aren't cartoon-covered kiddie drinks. Wellness sodas such as Pura look sleek, feel premium and speak to a lifestyle that values aesthetics, health and meaning in equal measure. And for many, the shift is deeply personal. Whether you're managing your mental health, training for your next marathon or navigating a busy family schedule, having a grown-up drink option without the drawbacks can feel like a relief ... or even a quiet revolution. The mocktail movement is here to stay. It's reshaping what we bring to book clubs, what we pour into flutes at celebrations, and what we sip while journaling, meditating or just doing life. Drinks such as Pura may not call themselves a wellness drink, but it fits the bill. It's part of a bigger story – one about choosing presence over performance, clarity over chaos and balance over buzz. Because feeling good isn't just the goal any more; it's the lifestyle. And if your glass happens to be sugar-free, alcohol-free and topped with rosemary? Even better.
Washington Post
17-06-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Businesses jump on cannabis drink craze as lawmakers try to crack down
States are rushing to ban or restrict sales of intoxicating cannabis drinks that have exploded in popularity in a market lacking many of the regulations imposed on marijuana. The drinks get their psychoactive properties from hemp, marijuana's less potent and less regulated cousin. They can be sold outside dispensaries — in some states, to minors — and are increasingly drawing a variety of consumers including sober-curious drinkers and craft beer enthusiasts, industry experts say.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nutritionists Are Sharing Alcohol 'Rules' You Should Really Be Following, Including Women Having No More Than One Drink Per Day
Alcohol is known to be a health risk. Research shows that it's linked to certain cancers, can damage your liver, is tied to dementia risk and can just make you feel lousy. So, with all of these findings, it's only natural to think more about your relationship with alcohol. As the sobriety awareness of Dry January comes to a close, you may feel a pull to go back to your old drinking habits. But it could be worth thinking about your use of alcohol and making a change that lasts beyond January. (And, no, this does not have to mean cutting it out altogether.) Terms like 'mindful drinking' and 'sober curious' are showing up in the news and on social media, indicating that folks are taking these research findings seriously. What mindful drinking means for one person might not be the same as for another, but in essence it's bringing awareness to your alcohol consumption and choosing to drink when you actually want to, not just as a reflex while watching the game or as a crutch to deal with stress. Although some people who follow this lifestyle do still drink, others don't, making the definition fluid and customizable to what's right for you. In the end, your decision to drink or not to drink is up to you. But for those who decide to imbibe, nutritionists say there are some things to keep in mind. Below, they share the alcohol guidelines you should follow if you do choose to drink. 1. The CDC guidelines say women should have no more than one drink per day and men should have no more than two. Related: People Are Sharing The Telltale Signs In Someone's Kitchen That Make Them Scared To Eat There The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines define moderate drinking as no more than one drink for women and two drinks for men each day, said Christine Byrne, a registered dietitian and the owner of Ruby Oak Nutrition in Raleigh, North Carolina. 'I think that is a pretty good guideline,' she added. 'Those specific guidelines also point out that it doesn't mean seven drinks in a week for women, it means one drink a day — so not drinking for five days and then drinking six drinks on the sixth day is not the same thing.' 'Alcohol is a lot for your body to process,' which is why you can't just bank all of those drinks for day six, Byrne said. 'Overloading [your body] with alcohol on one day and not drinking for seven days or more can be more harmful than just drinking one drink for women or two drinks for men on a single day ... our bodies are able to process that amount of alcohol.' Not be a buzzkill, but one alcoholic drink does not mean a Long Island iced tea (a cocktail that combines gin, vodka, rum, tequila and triple sec). Instead, the CDC says one drink is equivalent to a 12-ounce beer that is 5% alcohol by volume (ABV), 5 ounces of wine that's 12% ABV, 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor or 8 ounces of malt liquor that is 7% ABV. But know that alcohol is not beneficial to your health. ″[It's] really important to know that recently, I think as of last year, the World Health Organization actually came out and said that no amount of alcohol is safe,' said Sumner Brooks, a registered dietitian and author of 'How to Raise an Intuitive Eater.' 'We know that alcohol is associated with cancer, it's a Group 1 carcinogen, which puts it in the same group level as tobacco,' Brooks said. Beyond being a carcinogen, alcohol is a toxin, according to Byrne, who added that 'our body prioritizes metabolizing the alcohol because it's a toxin, so it wants to get rid of it.' The WHO guidelines say that even one drink per day for women and two per day for men is still associated with these health risks, Brooks noted. So for people who do choose to drink, 'it's just important [to know] that we've moved past the point of that general consensus that drinking offers health benefits,' she added. Suffice to say that just because the guidelines say you can have a certain amount of alcohol each day doesn't mean you should. 2. If you do imbibe, drink water after each alcoholic beverage. Related: 19 Very, Very Unfortunate Food Fails That Belong In A Museum Of Culinary Crimes It's not an official guideline, but the notion of following up an alcoholic drink with a glass of water is a good practice to follow, Byrne said. 'Not only does it hydrate you, it also slows you down, and that can be helpful,' she added. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more often and can dehydrate you. If you decide to drink more than what the CDC guidelines consider 'moderate drinking,' following each drink with water is helpful, noted Byrne. 3. Don't drink on an empty stomach. You probably have at least one memory (albeit, a fuzzy one) of drinking on an empty stomach. For more reasons than one, Byrne said, drinking on an empty stomach is not a good idea. 'I do not recommend drinking on an empty stomach. The alcohol can hit you faster that way, and that can be a problem,' she said. Specifically, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, your body absorbs alcohol faster when you don't have food in your stomach. 'Drinking while eating can help you not get so drunk, which is a good thing,' Byrne said. 'It also could help you drink less because you're not just drinking, you're also eating — there's something else to do. And drinking less is a good thing.' So if you end up at a happy hour with friends, order a few bites to eat, too. 4. Don't replace meals with alcohol. According to Brooks, while alcohol does provide your body with calories, it does not provide it with necessary nutrition, like protein, fiber or fat. 'People tend to equate dietary quality with calories, which is really harmful, especially when it comes to alcohol. Because if they're just thinking about how many calories they're taking in, then they will replace food calories with alcohol calories and think that's enough or that's a healthy replacement,' Brooks said. 'But really, nutrition is about getting what we need: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals and water, and when we're cutting those things out to maintain calorie balance, then there's a nutrition risk,' she said. Your body isn't getting the nutrients it needs if you're replacing a meal with a filling beer. 5. Be aware of what constitutes binge drinking. Byrne said it's important to know the official definition of binge drinking. The CDC says having five drinks or more on an occasion for men and four drinks or more for women is considered binge drinking. 'I think it's less than a lot of people think,' Byrne noted. Think about it: If you've ever been to a wedding where there's cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and often an after-party, you know how easy it is to have four or five drinks during the celebration. 'What you do with alcohol is completely up to you, and just because you drink more than what's considered binge drinking on a single occasion doesn't necessarily mean you have an alcohol addiction or an alcohol problem,' Byrne said. 'I want to make that clear, too, but technically speaking, that is the definition of binge drinking.' 6. Pay close attention to you're drinking. For those who do choose to drink, Brooks said it's important to pay attention to three things: The frequency and quantity of your drinking: Use the CDC's guidelines to assess how much and how often you're drinking. Why you're drinking: 'Ask yourself, what is it that I think this drink will do for me?' Brooks said, adding that if you're using alcohol to de-stress, let loose or be more social, know that you can do this without drinking. Is there something else you can do or drink instead of alcohol? 'Because there are actually so many ways that we can achieve those benefits that people think they're getting from drinking, we can get all of those things without drinking,' Brooks said. 'If you are saying, 'Well, I just need this drink because I just need to relax' ... that alcohol itself isn't actually what helps you relax. [What can give you that effect can] be the sitting, taking a break from what you're doing or going to happy hour and talking to people, connecting to people, getting a change of scenery,' Brooks explained. You can still relax without a glass of wine. You could take up coloring or take a bath with a seltzer by your side instead of a glass of wine, or you could go out for a walk for an after-work change of scenery, she added. 'If somebody believes that having that drink at the end of the day is their way to relax, then just by default they're not thinking about other ways that they actually could decompress,' Brooks said. Beyond thinking about your intention with alcohol, it's important to look at any red flags, too. 'If you think your drinking might be problematic, ask yourself why you're doing it,' Byrne said, 'and if you're doing it to avoid certain feelings or numb certain feelings, then that's something to question and probably a reason to reassess your relationship with alcohol.' In this case, it's also a good idea to reach out to a therapist who's trained in substance use treatment who can support you, Byrne added. The Psychology Today website can help you find a local mental health provider. Additionally, Brooks noted that changing your drinking habits is not an easy feat. If you are trying to do this, it's a good idea to lean on loved ones who have a similar article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Food: 25 Peculiar Family Food Traditions People Thought Were Totally Normal Growing Up That Range From "Weird" To "Disgusting" To Actually Really Cute Also in Food: "They Kept Looking At Us Like We Were Sugar-Addicted Americans": 22 Comfort Foods From All Around The US That Probably Seem A Little Weird If You Didn't Grow Up Here Also in Food: Only True Culinary Geniuses Can Identify These 15 Recipes From Emojis Alone
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What Exactly Is A Sober Bar?
For the sober crowd, finding an inclusive space to socialize can be a challenge. The default choice of "let's go grab a drink" just doesn't work, but now, with the introduction of sober bars, the options are opening up. What exactly is a sober bar? It's exactly what it sounds like — a bar without the alcohol. While most bars center their existence on spirits, sober bars revolve solely around social connection. That means those navigating sobriety can once again enjoy these spaces, as can the sober-curious or those just looking for a place to gather without the pressures of alcohol. These places are hubs for community events, like live music, flea markets, and game nights. They're also great spaces to go to and learn how to converse without the crutch of a clouded mind. You're not a watered-down version of yourself. You're just you. While most bars are only open at night, and coffee shops are open during the day, sober bars offer a wider variety of drinks and have longer hours. This opens up the opportunity to socialize with friends or strangers at any time of the day. So, while the sober crowd once had to sacrifice the sophistication of a cocktail lounge or the dive bar experience, sober bars are coming in to fill that gap. Their presence is on the rise. Read more: 11 Ginger Ale Brands, Ranked From Worst To Best Although sober bars open up the door for nondrinkers, these places are for everyone. For those skeptical about these spaces, even addiction experts like Will Burse of True Self Recovery praise their benefits. "This shift toward alcohol-free socializing represents a significant public health opportunity. Regular alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 health conditions, and by creating attractive alternatives to traditional bars, we're seeing communities embrace healthier social connections, without sacrificing enjoyment," he says. As to what these places serve, every sober bar is different. Some sell mocktails made from non-alcoholic spirits, like an alcohol-free beer, rosé, or spiritless tequila. Others sell drinks that are more wellness-focused, like mushroom coffee, electrolyte-filled elixirs, or drinks loaded with vitamins. Other bars might offer drinks infused with kava, THC, or CBD. Finally, some might sell house-made sodas, canned drinks, teas, coffees, or smoothies. Without the standard criteria of coffee or alcohol, the sky is really the limit. That innate creativity is half the fun. If there's a sober bar near you, check it out, as you never know what you'll find. Sober bars are another indication of society's gradual shift away from alcohol. (As is the popularity of Liquid Death drinks, which mimic the packaging of alcoholic brands.) While some customers might be confused on a first visit to an alcohol-free bar, over time, we bet they'll become just as common as any other gathering space. Read the original article on Chowhound.
