Alcohol has been used in celebrations for centuries, it is an ancestral beverage, and it has been both divinized and demonized. Some refer to it as a social lubricant as it allows people to let go of a little bit of their inhibitions and celebrate. It can make people feel more relaxed, lighten the mood and even make an anxious social situation more tolerable by the sense of feeling free from self-consciousness.
As with many social groups, alcohol consumption is a common part of Rotary events and celebrations, but it can also be a source of stress and struggle for those with alcohol use disorders, but it is more than that. In a world where people are striving to become healthier and more fully present, mindful drinking is becoming a demanded choice. People want to be mindfully present to experience all the joys that life has to offer.
Celebrating life’s beautiful moments without being under a haze of alcohol induced mental fog or hangover.
In Rotary we are always trying to be better and let’s not forget that “little thing” we call the 4-way test. When we know better, we need to DO better. So why not join the ranks of the sober curious, choosing to not drink at every social opportunity. Not just Dry January or Sober October but make it a common experience for ALL Rotary events. Ensure that your event offers premium non-alcoholic options, not just water and lemonade. A conscious effort on your part helps to ensure all participants feel included and that they belong at your celebration and in your club!
Tips for Incorporating Mindful Drinking at Your Next Event
If you are ready to start working mindful drinking into your social life, here are a few tips to get you started:
OFFER NON-ALCOHOLIC OPTIONS
Make sure you provide a range of non-alcoholic drinks alongside the alcoholic ones at your event. This ensures that all of your guests feel included, regardless of their preferences.
CREATE A SIGNATURE MOCKTAIL
A mocktail is a non-alcoholic cocktail. It's more fun if you come up with a beautifully crafted mocktail that's seasonal, easy to make, and packed with flavor.
EDUCATE YOUR GUESTS
Many people are unfamiliar with the variety of non-alcoholic options available. Take a moment to introduce your guests to mindful drinking by sharing why you have chosen these alternatives and how they fit into your lifestyle. A simple explanation can be a great conversation starter.
MAKE IT SPECIAL
Use elegant glassware and garnishes to serve your non-alcoholic drinks. Presentation matters and serving a mocktail in a beautiful way makes it feel just as special as any cocktail.
Credit: The Mindful Drinking Company
If you are ready to start working mindful drinking into your social life, here are a few tips to get you started:
OFFER NON-ALCOHOLIC OPTIONS
Make sure you provide a range of non-alcoholic drinks alongside the alcoholic ones at your event. This ensures that all of your guests feel included, regardless of their preferences.
CREATE A SIGNATURE MOCKTAIL
A mocktail is a non-alcoholic cocktail. It's more fun if you come up with a beautifully crafted mocktail that's seasonal, easy to make, and packed with flavor.
EDUCATE YOUR GUESTS
Many people are unfamiliar with the variety of non-alcoholic options available. Take a moment to introduce your guests to mindful drinking by sharing why you have chosen these alternatives and how they fit into your lifestyle. A simple explanation can be a great conversation starter.
MAKE IT SPECIAL
Use elegant glassware and garnishes to serve your non-alcoholic drinks. Presentation matters and serving a mocktail in a beautiful way makes it feel just as special as any cocktail.
Credit: The Mindful Drinking Company