Sober Curious Month Celebrates Healthier Lifestyle With Mocktails And Sober Bars

October is Sober Curious Month – consumers give up alcohol for a month to rethink their relationship with it. During this month, people experiment with a sober lifestyle often drinking mocktails and visiting sober bars.

Did you know . . .
 

• “Forty percent of US respondents closely or occasionally follow a sober curious lifestyle.” (Source: Mintel)
• “Sixty-one percent of Gen Z and 49 percent of Millennials are trying to drink less in 2024.” (Source: NCSolutions)
• “Fifty-eight percent of consumers are drinking less to improve their physical health, 47 percent of individuals are drinking less as part of a lifestyle change and one in two people are drinking less to save money.” (Source: NCSolutions)

 
In this blog, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc., a boutique food and beverage public relations agency based in New York City, explores the sober curious movement.

What Is Sober Curious?

Sober Curious examines a person’s relationship with alcohol, why a person drinks and what life would be like without alcohol.  Sober curios allows people to explore low alcohol intake or no alcohol at all 1) to experience improved health and mental acuity, 2) to balanced emotions, and 3) to enhance social relationships.

Health Benefits Of Going Sober

Sober October has many positive effects on a person’s health. Reports have revealed that
“individuals who take a break from alcohol for a month can sleep better, have an improved mood, and have increased energy.” (Source: CNBC).

On the mental level, getting sober can result in better management of feelings and a decreased level of anxiety. Studies reveal “that alcohol can make mental health worse, and therefore, refraining from its consumption is beneficial for the improvement of mental health.” (Source: Diversus Health). Sober curious individuals do not feel pressure to drink, which makes the interactions more positive and mindful.

Mocktails: Flavor Without The Alcohol

Sober culture movement would not be complete without discussing mocktails, drinks that mimic the cocktail but without the alcohol.  “Mocktails are beverages that are made by combining juices, syrups, herbs, and sparkling water in order to give a cocktail-like feel but without alcohol.” (Source: AllRecipes).

From virgin mojitos to alcohol-free spritzers, mocktails are a way for sober curious people to indulge in complex cocktails without indulging in alcohol. Mocktails have become so popular that many restaurants and bars now boast entire mocktail menus.

“This non-alcoholic shift is revolutionizing the beverage market for those who have decided to reduce their alcohol consumption and for those who prefer tastier drinks.” (Source: Roland Foods). Mocktails are consumed by healthy lifestyle enthusiasts and are gradually entering social events, weddings, and restaurants all over the world.

Sober Bars

Sober bars are slowly gaining popularity as a viable option for regular bars. The sober bars offer products such as mocktails, zero-alcohol beers, kombuchas, and non-alcoholic spirits to help make a platform for people to relax and interact without alcohol.

The sober bars “are becoming popular due to an increased focus on the wellness of the mind.” (Source: CNN).  “It has been noted that such spaces undermine the notion that drinking is necessary for having a good time and interacting with others, which is inclusive for everyone.” (Source: Surely Wines). Sober bars do this because the absence of alcohol makes people shift their attention to other aspects of social life.

Sober Curious And Social Culture

“Sober culture encompasses the sober curious individual and also people celebrating 100 percent sobriety and those who are in recovery.” (Source: Arkay Beverages).  Studies reveal “the sober bar trend is on the rise, with cities across the country witnessing new sober bar openings.” (Source: Business Insider). These establishments are changing the face of nightlife, providing quality and fun experiences without alcohol.

Sober bars and mocktails are part of the wellness movement, which is indicative of a new culture of mindful living and nutrition. While there are a handful of sober bars, “hundreds of locations serve non-alcoholic beers, wines, and mocktails.” (Source: Arkay Beverages).

Consumers are more concerned with their health than before, and these alcohol-free products are in perfect harmony with such a market trend.

The Impact Of Sober October

For many people, Sober October is the entry point into the world of sober curiosity. This month-long challenge encourages people to abstain from alcohol for 31 days, offering a structured and supportive way to explore sobriety. By the end of the month, the participants tend to experience an array of positive changes that may encompass their physical and emotional well-being.

By the end of October, some individuals make a lifestyle change and embrace a sober curious lifestyle all year long. The sober-curiosity movement lets people have a chance to make constructive choices regarding their consumption of alcohol.

Our talented team of food and beverage public relations professionals and social media marketers can help brands tap into the growing demand for non-alcoholic beverages as individuals embrace sober, curious lifestyles all year long.

​By Joanna Allen, chief executive officer, Allen Marketing Communications, Inc.