How to Navigate Social Events Without Drinking

By Joshua James

Social events can feel like a minefield when you're not drinking alcohol in a group setting. Whether you're cutting back, prioritizing your sobriety, or just not in the mood, the pressure to "have a drink" is real. After a long career as a bartender, I’ve learned that enjoying a night out is NOT all about the alcohol in your glass.

So, how do you show up, have fun, and manage the awkward “why aren’t you drinking?” questions? Here’s how I do it.

1. Cool Confidence in Your Choice

You don’t owe anyone an explanation, and I’m pretty sure, in 2025, most people know about this huge trend of people drinking less. Everyone knows someone who is cutting back, or stopping drinking altogether. One of the first responses I think of has to do with the delivery. Assuredness and confidence in your choice. It's an opportunity to exclaim with cool calmness about how you’re into this trend of people drinking less and love feeling better and being productive the next day. 

2. Get an Adult Drink in Your Hand

No one gets together over water. People assume you’re drinking if you’re holding something that isn’t water. Order a non-alcoholic cocktail, an NA beer or a NA wine. This is a “vote”. The bartender/server will be hearing this yet again and it helps effect change. 

Two drinks I like: Order a “Sonic”: Half soda, half tonic, with a lime. It has the bitterness of tonic and cuts down on the sweetness. Order a “Pacer”: Half Ginger Ale half soda with lemon juice. Optional: Add bitters. Although it's essentially guaranteed that the bar bitters has alcohol in it, so, that may not be for everyone. 

3. Find Your Crowd

Statistically, you’re not the only one skipping the booze in the crowd (if you want to read more about this cultural shift, check out our previous blog). Seek out people who also have a non-alc drink in hand. There's a lot of people that are more passionate about great conversation than a round of shots. The reason we get together at parties isn’t about if you’re drinking alcohol - they’re about fellowship and community with each other.

4. Shift the Focus

Instead of feeling like you’re missing out, flip the script. Be the one who organizes a game, starts karaoke, or actually remembers the wildest moments the next day. It's a superpower to not be drinking alcohol, not an uncool thing. Looking, smelling, and sounding drunk is… well, you know. 

5. Have an Exit Plan

Not every event is worth sticking around for. If the vibe shifts and it's no longer fun, know when to dip. Drive yourself, have Uber ready, or bring a like-minded friend who’s down to bail when you are.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, social events aren’t about alcohol—they’re about connection. Whether you’re sipping a well-made NA drink or just vibing with a great crowd, you can own your night, no booze required.

Want to explore the world of non-alcoholic drinks? Stop by Ocean Beach Cafe in San Francisco, where we’re all about making not drinking the best drinking experience ever.