Socialising At Work Without Alcohol For Dry July

If you've recently started taking a break from alcohol or are looking to participate in Dry July, we've got the best ways to enjoy an alcohol-free lifestyle at work or in your personal time! Continue reading for suggestions on the best non-alcoholic drink alternatives to enjoy after work and as well as a tasty, quick non-alcoholic punch recipe to excite your office and guests.

What is Dry July?

For those who might not be familiar, Dry July is not-for-profit cause that runs annually in July that challenges people and teams to abstain from drinking alcohol to support people affected by cancer. Besides supporting a great cause to help others, abstaining from alcohol can lead to multiple health and life benefits including:

• Improved mental health and sleep quality
• Increase in energy levels
• Improved personal relationships with loved ones
• Better concentration and performance at work
• Reduced risk of long-term health problems including cancer, liver and heart disease
• More money saved

How do I socialise without drinking alcohol?

Whether you're doing Dry July or abstaining from alcohol, if you're a keen social drinker who enjoys drinking in the company of others it can seem like a bit of a challenge at first to not be tempted to take a sip of your favourite beer or cocktail especially in social situations when you're around other people who are drinking too.

1. The first step to enjoying an occasion without alcohol is to set the boundaries for yourself that you won't drink before attending the event.
2. Keep note of a mocktail or non-alcoholic beer, wine or gin you would like to drink.
3. Decline drinks that do come your way - Remember the first step? While it may be difficult to pass up a social opportunity to drink with friends or colleagues, you have to put your foot down and let others know politely you aren't drinking for personal reasons.
4. Have a good time, whichever event or occasion you're attending, you are there for fun and company of it. As long as you're there with a drink in your hand (alcoholic or not) you should enjoy the moment and feel better about your decision afterwards.
5. Like a muscle, these habits require building over time and will become easier the more familiar you are with it.

Is non-alcoholic beer healthy?

With all the classic taste and aroma, and no side effects, non-alcoholic beer sounds too good to be true! However, based on manufacturer labelling, a standard bottle of non-alcoholic beer has less than 100 calories. Drinking non-alcoholic beer allows you to enjoy the occasion and socialise with friends and colleagues with a cold one whilst still being able to watch your waistline.

Where can I get non-alcoholic drinks for work?

If you're keen to give non-alcoholic drinks a try for Dry July or just to try something new for Friday drinks at the office, EatFirst has some amazing suppliers to keep your fridge stocked and alcohol-free!

NSW & VIC:

• Shorty's Liquor

Nationwide:

• Vintage Cellars

Picture: Fruity Iced Tea by Naked Life

How to socialise at work without alcohol

1. Think Fun

You are usually thinking that sober people aren't going to have any fun - so instantly your mindset changes. Change this - Enter the situation with a positive attitude and make the most of your time, you might actually find that being sober is more enjoyable than predicted by you beforehand!

2. Know why you're not drinking

Whether it's Dry July or you're taking a break from drinking the chances are someone is going to ask you straight away why you're not drinking. So be armed with an honest and straightforward answer. It’s best to have some kind of backup plan in place. Maybe that means ordering yourself a kombucha or water so people see something in your hand and are less likely to bring it up. Or, you can offer to be the designated driver so it’s understood why you’re not drinking.

Some go to Phrases:

• “I decided to stop drinking for a while.”
• “I’m not interested in drinking tonight.”
• “I gave up alcohol.”
• “I’m cutting back on my drinking.”
• “I’m not going to drink for a while.”
• "I'm participating in Dry July."
  

3. Find a New Favourite Drink

Sometimes it can be hard to find a new favourite beverage. You might try drinking lime and soda, chocolate milk, water, or pomegranate mojito mocktail - This way you can have a regular drink when you’re out and about with friends or at work drinks!

Some top non-alcoholic drinks 

• Non Alcoholic beers: Heaps Normal XPA
• Kombucha
• Mocktails such as a Virgin Mojito
• Infuse your soda water with any type of fruit!

4.  Encourage Work Friends to Join

Dry July is an excellent way to help curb your drinking for a month, but it can feel lonely and frustrating doing it alone. Why not encourage friends at work to join you?

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How to make a non-alcoholic punch

There's always the classic non-alcoholic punch that you can't go wrong with and is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s an office party or just hanging out with friends on Friday night after work – everyone will want seconds because this drink doesn’t have one sip alike. Unfortunately, there are also too many punch flavours to choose from so we have gone with some of our personal favourites.

Non-alcoholic sangria punch

Ingredients

• 4 cups white grape juice
• 1/4 cup blueberries + 3/4 cup blueberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• Juice of 1 lime + 2 limes
• 2 oranges
• 2 bananas
• 2 peaches

Steps

1. Blend the white grape juice with 1/4 cup blueberries. Pour this liquid mixture in a jar or bowl.
2. Add the orange and the lime juice. Stir until is well mixed.
3. Place ice in a jar, add the liquid mixture, the chopped fruits (2 oranges, 2 bananas, 2 limes and 2 peaches) and 3/4 cup of blueberries. Let stand the sangria in the fridge for about 2 hours. Serves 10 people

Raspberry Mint Limeade

A refreshing drink, perfect for summer! Vegan, gluten-free & low-sugar.

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen raspberries
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup cane sugar
• 8 mint sprigs, plus more for garnish
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 cups soda water

Steps

1. Place frozen raspberries in a saucepan. Add water and sugar then bring to a simmer over medium-high heat then reduce to medium. Simmer, serving occasionally, for 5 minutes until berries are very soft and almost dissolved. Stir in the mint sprigs, then remove pan from heat. Let cool, and discard mint. . Stir in lime juice. Serves 6!

Rather get someone else do the work?

Need so amazing alcohol substitutes in your office today that will impress? Speak to the corporate catering experts at EatFirst today for help deciding on the best options. Call 1300 851 900.

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