What Does "Sober Curious" Mean?
"Sober curious" is a term coined by Ruby Warrington in her 2018 book of the same name. It describes a conscious, intentional approach to alcohol — questioning your relationship with drinking without committing to permanent abstinence.
Sober curious people might still drink occasionally, but they've decided to be more intentional about when, why, and how much they drink. They might skip the weekday wine, choose sparkling water at a party, or order a fancy mocktail instead of a second cocktail. It's not about rules — it's about mindfulness.
The movement has been turbocharged by Gen Z, who drink significantly less than previous generations. According to Gallup, the percentage of Americans aged 18-34 who drink has fallen from 72% in 2001 to 62% in 2023 — the largest generational shift in drinking behavior in decades.
Why Are People Going Sober Curious?
Health & wellness
Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO. Even moderate drinking has been linked to increased cancer risk. Many sober curious people simply decide the risk-benefit calculation doesn't add up.
Mental health
Alcohol is a depressant that disrupts sleep architecture, heightens anxiety the next day, and can worsen depression over time. People removing alcohol often report dramatically better mental health.
The social pressure is fading
Social norms around drinking have shifted rapidly. Non-drinkers are no longer seen as odd or anti-social — especially among younger people and in major cities.
The NA drinks market got good
The explosion of quality alcohol-free alternatives has made it genuinely enjoyable to not drink. Five years ago, your NA options were a flat sparkling water or a watered-down near-beer. Today, you can have a Phony Negroni from St. Agrestis or a complex hemp-based spirit from Aplós.
Cost
Cutting alcohol is one of the most effective ways to reduce your spending. Even moderate drinkers can save $1,000-$3,000 per year by switching to NA options.
Where to Start: Your Sober Curious Starter Pack
The key to sober curiosity is replacing, not just removing. If you only take alcohol away without giving yourself something enjoyable in its place, you'll feel deprived. The goal is to discover drinks you genuinely look forward to.
Start with beer
Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA
If you like craft beer, this is the easiest entry point. It genuinely tastes like an IPA.
Try an aperitif
Ghia Aperitif in a spritz
Mix Ghia with sparkling water, add a lime slice. You'll look and feel like you're drinking at any bar or dinner party.
Explore spirits
Lyre's with your favorite mixer
Lyre's has NA versions of almost every spirit. Make your usual cocktail — just swap out the booze.
Get a canned option
Hiyo Social Tonic
For parties or events, having cans of Hiyo means you always have something interesting in hand.
Sober Curious vs. Sober: What's the Difference?
Sobriety — particularly in the context of recovery — typically means total abstinence from alcohol and other substances, often as part of addressing addiction. It's a serious commitment with deep personal, medical, and community dimensions.
Sober curiosity is different: it's a voluntary, lifestyle-oriented exploration of drinking less or drinking differently. Sober curious people are not necessarily in recovery and may choose to drink occasionally. There's no single right way to do it.
If you think your relationship with alcohol may be more serious than "curious" — if drinking is affecting your health, relationships, or work — the resources at Alcohol Change UK or the SAMHSA National Helpline are excellent starting points.
Find Your First NA Drink
Browse our reviews to find something you'll genuinely look forward to drinking.