By Lauren Power
Whether you plan to embrace mindful drinking this season or go completely sober, we’ve got the perfect plan, complete with recommendations.
As summer winds down and the crisp air of autumn approaches (hello: pumpkin spice season), it’s become increasingly popular to kick off the fall with a Sober September—a month dedicated to abstaining from alcohol. This practice allows us to do a few things, including resetting our relationship with drinking and focusing on wellness, mental clarity, and physical health while transitioning to a new season.
No matter what your goals are, a sober September should not mean you need to switch over to boring drinks like water or regular sodas. Whether your goals are to improve sleep, boost productivity, or simply challenge yourself, Sober September offers a chance to step back and assess your habits – and try new alternatives you may love even more.
Here are a handful of products that I love to sip on and serve for a sober evening:
French Bloom
French Bloom is the perfect non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Available in a classic white and a rosé, it perfectly captures the joy of celebratory moments without the buzz.
Made from organic grapes and infused with natural extracts, this beverage delivers a light, crisp taste with a floral finish. French Bloom is Ideal for toasting special occasions or whenever you’re craving a glass of bubbly.
Ghia
Ghia is my choice for a non-alcoholic aperitif—A.K.A., the perfect mocktail base. Crafted with botanicals and natural ingredients, it delivers a complex, bitter profile reminiscent of classic Italian liqueurs. This is perfect for those warm September nights before the summer heat leaves us. Use Ghia as your base and top with ice and tonic or soda water for the perfect non-alcoholic spritz.
Jukes
For those of us who just love the ritual of pouring a glass of wine: Jukes non-alcoholic wine is a game-changer. Created by the award-winning sommelier Matthew Jukes, Jukes delivers the complexity and depth of traditional wine without the alcohol. It’s perfect for those who want to reduce their alcohol intake without sacrificing the wine experience.
Mindful Drinking over a Sober Month
Not interested in committing to a month alcohol-free, or do you have a lot of social events coming up? Try out mindful drinking instead. This is a practice that encourages a conscious approach to alcohol consumption—paying attention to why, when, and how much you drink. It’s all about savouring the experience and making deliberate choices rather than drinking out of habit or social pressure. This approach can lead to a healthier, more balanced relationship with alcohol without the need for total abstinence.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re fully embracing Sober September or exploring mindful drinking, there are plenty of ways to enjoy flavorful, sophisticated beverages without alcohol. With products like Ghia, Jukes, and French Bloom, you can indulge in delicious drinks that align with all of your goals.