RocktheMock

Hi There! I am skiing in Park City this weekend. It is so much fun! I never skied as a kid, and I didn’t even start to learn until I moved to Colorado when I was 40! As a result I have a lingering fear factor and always take a cautious approach. In the last few years between increasing my commitment to fitness and eliminating alcohol, a number of areas of my life have blossomed… and skiing is one of them. My higher level of fitness gives me more stamina for the altitude, better form and consistency and more confidence to try harder runs. Plus I can almost keep up with my hubby now which makes for fun ski dates. I remember when I was first learning routinely having beers at lunch, like the cool kids, then getting back out and feeling extra scared like an accident waiting to happen. I never want to feel that way again. It’s amazing how people won’t drink and drive, but will drink and ski! In fact, according to a UK study, 43% of skiers were more likely to be involved in a ski crash after drinking alcohol. If you are hitting the slopes this season stay safe! ♥️
What activities do you enjoy more when you don’t drink?
-

It was Curious Elixirs for me last night. Love the strong ginger taste of #2. I wouldn’t say you get a buzz but it does make for a happy vibe.
-

Is this your year? I absolutely couldn’t imagine quitting. But now I can’t imagine going back. Being fully present, facing feelings and failings honestly, forgiving yourself, these are all a process of falling in love with yourself. No one tells us that is the goal. We put ourselves last. As women we are often obsessed with loving and looking after others. Moms are told wine is the solution to help them bear the pressure of so much giving and selflessness. We seek fulfillment in dating and relationships. The solution is discovering yourself, validating yourself. It’s not easy, but it will never come in a bottle. Keep going, friends!! ♥️😘
-

I can’t think of anything I’d like more than for someone to make me a delicious, low sugar mocktail this Valentine’s! If you feel the same you can give this recipe to your honey - or make it yourself, either way bask in that AF glow!
Strawberry Fields (makes 2)
-Muddle chopped strawberry, cucumber wheels and mint in a shaker with 2.5 oz Vodka-alternative (I used Strykk)
-Add lemon juice (I used Suja Lemon Love juice which has a bit of spice)
-Add ice and shake
-Strain into glass and top with light tonic. (I used fever tree light cucumber seltzer it’s so good)
Happy Valentine’s Day!! ♥️💕
-

I have been going to workouts 3-4 days a week for 2 1/2 years. It is a huge part of my alcohol-free life. I get to do this in large part because I am no longer compromising my body and my goals with alcohol. Every day that I walk out of class I am filled with gratitude for being able to challenge myself, for being physically well, and for not drinking anymore. Sometimes I cry on the way home. I am becoming the person I always wanted to be. Someone who makes and keeps commitments to herself. Someone who keeps showing up. Whatever may be holding you back, I wish this for all of you. 🙏🏻
-

Alert: This Phony Negroni is delish. I made a double ☺️
2 oz Gin substitute (Bare Zero Proof)
2 oz Campari substitute (Wilfred’s)
2 oz Vermouth substitute (Versin)
Pour over ice and garnish with orange 🍊
Cheers!
-

Hope your dry January is going well and you are feeling amazing! Here is an interesting winter vibe or Valentine’s mocktail to try. NA Red wines are generally problematic and this one is not my favorite just what I had on hand! Fine as a mixer. My current favorite to drink straight is Oddbird NA Red Wine GSM. So good.
♥️Spiced Ruby♥️
-6 oz NA red wine
-1/2 oz lemon juice
-1/2 cinnamon syrup
-4 dashes AlltheBitter New Orleans
-egg white

Shake all except egg white on ice (dry shake). Then add egg white and shake again for best froth.

If you are artsy you could make a heart in the froth! ♥️
-

Grateful for a beautiful, sunny day in CO and to for providing amazing NA Beer options for the sober curious crowd. 🍻
-

Heading into the weekend happy to be fully present in my life and doing better for my body. How about you?
-

Hello Team January! I am in love with The Pathfinder NA herbal spirit. It reminds me of Benedictine which was a favorite after dinner drink. Here I’ve made their “Spritz” recipe. 2 oz Pathfinder, 1/2 oz lemon and top with seltzer. If you are contemplating going dry or damp this is a great one for the arsenal. 🤩 Please drop a comment with any of your new faves!

The mommy needs wine campaign has been going strong for 100 years. “Nerve Tonics” with 15% ABV were marketed to cure “nervous debility, exhaustion, premature decay and hysteria” among other ‘disorders’. When we rely on an addictive substance regularly to ‘correct’ our mental state surely we have lost touch with ourselves. Fortunately, unlike these poor women, we live in a time when there is reduced stigma around mental health struggles, a greater acknowledgement of the burdens moms juggle, and a plethora of NA options to have fun without numbing out. If you are questioning your relationship to alcohol this January, I salute you! You are in charge of your mental and physical health. You have the power to moderate or stop drinking. Don’t be sold that Alcohol is the solution.

Found a yummy mocktail on the menu at dinner tonight! A Rosemary-Orange Sour, made with Seedlip 108, laurentii syrup (a succulent), egg white, rosemary and orange flower water. I have had a few drink disappointments lately, so I was very appreciative of this beautiful NA option I could enjoy while my friends cocktailed. Plus it was tasty!

Are you doing dry or damp January? If so drop me a comment!

Hanging on to the Christmas spirit with this adorable “V&T”. Hope you are seeing the benefits of an alcohol-free or reduced alcohol holiday season! If you are struggling, remember tomorrow is another day and always another chance to succeed! Don’t give up on your best life.
-freeze rosemary sprig to base of glass
-add 2oz vodka alternative (Seedlip Spice)
-add Tonic
-I added some AllTheBitter zero proof orange bitters
-add fresh or frozen cranberries
Enjoy!! 🎄♥️

Cheers to NA options on vacation! I am at an “all inclusive” in Mexico with my family and the alcohol is flowing big time. It is my first time in this type of environment after almost 2 years sober. Things I am focusing on 1. Rather than deprivation feeling pride in my choice not to drink 2. Not judging others but noticing behaviors and recalling consequences I am glad to no longer experience. 3. Showing up for my family and being present in activities rather than thinking about the next drink or nursing a hangover.
It is hard to be the odd one out at times. But it is worth it. What helps you when you are surrounded by drinking? Sending inspiration and support for your choices at this difficult time of year. 🤗

Mimosa Bar! NA sparkling wine with Belvoir Farm sparkling drinks. I’m obsessed with this limited edition Belvoir Mulled Winter Punch! Plan ahead for your holiday drinks and avoid any friction during this season of drinking! Remember you don’t need alcohol to enjoy!♥️🎄

NA Coconut Marg. How cute is this?! Wasn’t on the menu, made when I asked. Don’t be shy to ask!! 🚫🍷🎄
-

When it comes to alcohol everything we know is wrong.
-There isn’t something wrong with you if you have trouble limiting an addictive substance. It’s the substance itself.
-Alcohol doesn’t reduce anxiety or enhance experiences.
-It doesn’t help us sleep.
-It doesn’t make us more attractive or more fun.
-It is not necessary in order to celebrate, relax, succeed in your career or have good s*x.
-NO amount is healthy. -Only you know what is right for you. And it is hard to hear that voice above the roar of alcohol in our culture.
I am on my first sober trip to Vegas to see my favorite band in a soaring sphere. I am hearing and feeling and remembering every note in this moment. I am fully alive. I don’t focus on time frames or forevers, but there is no room for alcohol in my life. It is too full of other things. And I want to keep filling rather than numbing.
If, like so many of us, you are questioning whether drinking alcohol serves you, take action. You will never know your truth unless you try life without it. If I can do it, you can too.
If you have changed your approach or stopped drinking, what helped you take the first step? 💙

Hello Friends! Be ready for your AF Thanksgiving by prepping this tasty mocktail!
NA Blackberry Whiskey Mule
Makes 2
-Make BlackBerry Mint Syrup (recipe in comments)
-Rim 2 glasses with agave and raw sugar
-Shake the following on ice:
Handful Blackberries
Handful Mint Leaves
2-3 small slices fresh Ginger root
3 oz whiskey alternative (Spiritless)
3.5oz lemon juice
2 oz BlackBerry mint syrup
Pour over ice into your rimmed glasses.
Top with ginger beer
Garnish with mint
Enjoy with zero proof and zero regrets! 🤗
-

Anyone else have any cringe-worthy dish towels, tee shirts, etc? I remember the glee with which I purchased this towel. Hehehehe a girl’s two favorite things: shopping and alcohol. Interesting how these both feed into enriching big companies rather than women’s lives. Not anymore…coming up on 2 years Jan 1!! 🎉 Cheers to sober living (and shopping :)! Stay strong during the boozy holiday season Friends, it’s not worth it. 👊
-

What NA drinks have you tried lately? Here is a fun fall drink recipe to save.
Apple Cider Margarita 🍎
Rim glass with honey and cinnamon.
1 3/4 oz Tequilla Alternative (Ritual)
1/2 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz lime juice
2 oz apple cider
Shake with ice. Pour into glass. Enjoy with no nasty side effects!!
Ritual offers a great tequila replacement. If you are interested in NA Spirit recommendations check out my link in bio!
-

I’m in the midst of some house projects and haven’t had time for mixed drinks. So I was delighted to crack open this Mocktails Mockapolitan tonight and just chill! Hope you are having a great weekend and finding good NA options! ♥️

Concern about not drinking socially can become so dominant in our thinking about alcohol. We want to fit in and meet expectations. The reality is that many of the benefits you realize when not drinking may offset that loss. In fact you may ultimately not even see it as a loss. If you are trying to quit or thinking about extending dry October know that you are not alone. I, and many others in this sober IG community, have faced down the awkwardness and come out feeling better about ourselves and our lives. Keep going!
-

I used to bring a flask. I even remember having one in the stroller pocket. Now I am sober but my kids are grown. In case you need to hear this, you can’t get back those special nights. So don’t divide your attention with alcohol. It is not worth it. Plus you will be setting an example that you don’t need alcohol to have fun! Happy Halloween! 👻🎃
-

Happy fall y’all! If you are doing Dry October that is amazing and hang in there!
*Spiced Chai Bliss*
Make Chai tea - one tea bag in boiling water with about 3 tsp sugar. Allow to cool.
Combine and shake over ice:
2.5 oz cooled sweet chai tea
1 oz lemon juice
2 oz vodka (Seedlip Spice 94)
1/2 oz cinnamon syrup (Monin)
Express into glass over ice. Top with chilled club soda. Garnish with lemon twist and star anise.
-

Fabulous fall mocktail alert! Highly recommend saving this one. Zero proof and 100% yum.
The Red Delicious 🍎
Makes 2 servings
-4 oz Vodka Substitute (Clean Co Apple)
-4 oz Pomegranate Juice (Pom)
-2 oz Apple Cider
-Pinch Cinnamon
Shake above on ice. Pour into glasses over ice. Top with cold ginger beer and garnish with apple and cinnamon stick.
-

A fun mocktail to keep you in the mix heading into the holidays!
NA Cranberry Rum Punch
1. Make Cranberry syrup. Bring 2 cups fresh cranberries, 2 cups water and 1/2 cup sugar to a boil. Strain out cranberries and set aside. Allow syrup to chill. Note this makes enough syrup for 6 servings.
2. Drink Recipe
- 2.5oz cranberry syrup
-2 oz rum substitute
-3/4 oz lime juice
Shake over ice. Pour over ice. Garnish with mint and reserved cranberries. Cheers!
-

It won’t happen overnight. It takes time. But when you’ve gained distance and made honest reflection, it’s actually possible that through your learning you will have talked yourself out of wanting to drink. You will be choosing it rather than feeling forced into it. And that is something you will strive to defend. 🎉
-

This is a delicious and easy NA option for your next sipping occasion. Cheers!
🍋NA Lemon Drop🍋
-2 oz vodka alternative (Abstinence)
-3/4 oz Cointreau alternative (Lyre’s)
-1 oz fresh lemon juice
-1/2 oz simple syrup
Shake over ice, strain and pour into glass. Garnish with lemon twist.
-

This drink is so yummy for fall and brings a nice heat from the ginger!🫚
NA Pomegranate Ginger Whiskey Sour
-2 oz Bourbon Alternative (Spiritless 74)
-2 oz unsweetened Pomegranate Juice (Pom)
-3/4 oz Ginger Syrup
Shake with ice, pour over ice and garnish with orange peel 🍊
Sip with no regrets! xx
-

When you like it spicy….
NA Spicy Mango Margarita 🥭🌶️
1/2 mango puréed
1 tsp spicy honey (Bee’s Knees)
1 oz lime juice
2 oz NA Tequila (Ritual)
Garnish with Mango
-