Here is Why You Need to Choose Non-alcoholic Drinks Instead!

Alcohol is one of the most deep-rooted vices of our generation. This is why quitting alcohol is one of the hardest things to do. Even if you aren't thinking of quitting completely, you should at least consider limiting your intake. Why? Because there is ample research on the long-term dangers of alcohol consumption.

Problems of alcoholic drinks

There are several problems associated with the consumption of alcoholic drinks:

1. Addiction

Alcohol is a highly addictive substance, and long-term use can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

2. Health risks

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing various health problems, including liver disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.

3. Accidents and injuries

Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, and this can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, particularly when driving or operating heavy machinery.

4. Social problems

Alcohol abuse can cause problems in personal relationships and lead to domestic violence and child abuse. It can also contribute to social problems, such as fights and public disorder.

5. Economic costs

Alcohol abuse can have significant economic costs, including lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and the costs associated with dealing with alcohol-related problems.

Overall, alcohol consumption can have serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole. It is important to consume alcohol responsibly and in moderation to minimize these risks.

What are the other options apart from alcoholic drinks?

There are many non-alcoholic drink options that can be enjoyed instead of alcoholic drinks, including:

1. Non-Alcoholic alternatives

Non-alcoholic Drinks that are alcohol-free are defined as having less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, or about the same as a glass of orange juice. Non-alcoholic drinks also have alcohol but in a very tiny quantity. The volume is so little, though, that it won't have any immediate or long-term consequences on your health.

A big reason why we tend to reach for that glass is because of social validation. If your entire group is drinking, it is hard to seem like the prude who orders juices. Hence, try particular non-alcoholic alternatives for each drink of choice. Today, you can find non-alcoholic gins, vodkas, beers, and every spirit under the sun. In beers, you'll find Big Drop Brewing, which is the highest-rated non-alcoholic beer you can buy. Similarly, if you like hard liquor like tequila, bourbon, etc, you have the option of Free Spirits, which has the same packaging, taste, and feel minus the booze. If you are a sophisticated Italian Red Wine connoisseur, worry not. You can now enjoy exquisite Italian wine-making in Zeero Sangiovese, which is an Italian-made non-alcoholic red wine carrying the same degree of sophistication and craftsmanship.

2. Water

Water is a hydrating and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere in place of alcohol.

3. Fruit juices

Juices made from fresh fruits are a good source of vitamins and minerals. And can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a smoothie.

4. Tea and coffee

Both tea and coffee can be enjoyed hot or cold, and offer a range of flavors and variations.

5. Sodas and carbonated drinks

Sodas and carbonated drinks come in a variety of flavors and can be a refreshing alternative to alcoholic drinks. They are also available in most bars so that is a plus.

6. Sports drinks

Sports drinks are specifically designed to help replenish electrolytes and hydrate the body during exercise and can be a good choice for active individuals. Not all sports drinks are created equal and are safe for everyone so please do your research or talk to your doctor.

7. Milk

Milk is a good source of protein and calcium, and can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a smoothie or recipe.

Overall, there are many non-alcoholic drink options that can be enjoyed as an alternative to alcoholic drinks. It is important to choose a variety of drinks to stay hydrated and meet your body's nutritional needs.

How non-alcoholic drinks benefit you the most!

1. Maintain the social context behind alcohol consumption

As discussed earlier, alcohol has more to do with the context and setting than the drink itself. It is harder to control alcohol consumption when you are socializing in a setting where alcohol is the norm. At a BYOB house party, you are likely to be made fun of if you brought a milk carton or a jar of orange juice. In that case, non-alcoholic counterparts to alcoholic drinks give you the option for a healthy drink while maintaining your social status within your group dynamics.

2. Simulate the speed of consumption

One of the issues of drinking juices with your alcoholic friends is the speed at which you down them. Alcohol has a burn, which prevents people from taking them down in one go (unless they are doing shots). This can be simulated in non-alcoholic counterparts of these drinks.

3. It also simulates the taste!

Although non-alcoholic drinks utilize alternate components instead of fruits, non-alcoholic spirits attempt to mimic the bitterness of liquor by utilizing various distillates made from fruit essence. A number of these are mixed with cordials, tonic fluids, cold brew espresso, and sodas made from scratch. As well as purified fats (such as almond butter), syrups, and combinations of regional herbs, peppers, botanicals, and bitters.

4. Health benefits

They can lower your LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, and is overall a lot healthier than other options, as per research.

No matter what your alcohol of choice is, you will find a corresponding non-alcoholic version of it. If your drink of choice is a bottle of wine, you have Wonder+Found Wines which are wines, but without the alcohol. Similarly, you will find Sir. James 101 AF Cocktails, which are the classic cocktails minus the buzz. Whichever spirit is your favorite, there are alternatives for them.

How to consider different non-alcoholic options?

All of the qualities of a great alcoholic beverage are present in a superb nonalcoholic (NA) beverage. Although taste is incredibly subjective, there are numerous essential elements that contribute to a drink's sense of balance, specifically an ideal compromise of acidity, sugar, sharpness, salt, and hydration. As you drink, dine, or simply relax, these levels of taste interact with one another and flourish. The beverage stimulates your taste buds and forces you to consider what precisely makes it so incredibly delicious—and how you can't stop sipping it.

In short, each drink of choice has its non-alcoholic counterpart, which simulates most plus points of that drink minus the alcohol. So, while contemplating on what to get, try ordering the exact drink that you would go for in the non-alcoholic menu.

Great non-alcoholic drink recommendations!

1. French Bloom Le Rosé

Who doesn't love a good Rosé? Rosés are some of the most popular day and night drinks for social occasions. The thing that makes Rosés good, is the perfect blend of the bitterness and aroma of red wine, and the sweetness of white wine. This taste profile is impeccably replicated in the French Bloom, and it allows you to enjoy that lovely Sunday brunch without alcohol.

2. Ritual Tequila Alternative

Winner of the World Spirits Competition, Bronze (San Francisco), Ritual Tequila performs impeccably and is one of the highest-rated tequila alternatives. As tequila is one of the most popular evening drinks, it helps to have an alternative that gives you the same kick without the alcohol.

3. The Spirit of Bourbon

Ah. Bourbon. Bourbon is one of those irreplaceable liquors that exude class and a good time. It is hard to carry juices or mocktails into a bourbon-drinking crowd. Hence, the Spirit of Bourbon lets you have the same experience and social context, all without alcohol.

Some other things to keep in mind

Dr. Siddhant Bhargava, nutrition and wellness scientist and co-founder of Food Darzee, stated a caution. That some "non-alcoholic beers can be nutritious and may purport to lower the likelihood of heart diseases, enable you to sleep better, aid bone formation or lower the chances of other diseases". However, it is necessary to exercise caution regarding overconsumption. Reading the label of contents of non-alcoholic beverages is very important. To know if you are allergic or something, or if it has an ingredient not suitable for you. For instance, if you have diabetes, a large amount of sugar can be harmful to you.

Overall, there are many good reasons to choose non-alcoholic drinks over alcoholic ones. While it is certainly possible to enjoy alcohol in moderation without experiencing negative consequences, non-alcoholic drinks offer a safer and more versatile alternative. This alternative can be enjoyed by people of all ages in a wide range of settings.