I am by no means an expert TV navigating the world of drinking establishments as a non-drinker.

I’ve only been sober for nearly six months now.

But I’ve learned some things along the way – and have some ideas as to how to not be “that” non-drinking weirdo in the bar when you want to hang around in bars with your partners or friends!

First off, sobriety is trendy right now, and the smart producers of alcoholic beverages are adapting accordingly. They’re making zero proof and non-alcoholic offerings. There is a difference between the two things.

“Zero-proof” means zero alcohol. Period. Zero percent. Like a LaCroix. Like your morning coffee before you’ve added a couple of fingers of bourbon that you’ve stashed in a desk drawer or hidden in the toilet tank  😂

“Non-alcoholic” means the alcoholic content is minimal enough to qualify (usually about a half percent ABV per drink). You could still find yourself on a wagon again if you drink a whole case of Labatt NA! You’d have to drink it pretty fast (seriously don’t do this)!

Funny, Labatt’s NA beer is actually… decent! I like it better than Heineken and Stella’s NA offerings. I think Heineken’s is actually zero.

There are lots of choices of NA and even zero proof beers available now. The trick is learning where you can actually score ’em!

Some stores and bars will be more friendly to the non-drinking folks than others. Even the alcoholic’s superstore Total Wine and More has zero proof and NA offerings! And I’m sure the highly trained staff won’t laugh at you for asking where to find them!

Recently Michigan passed a law that allows breweries to stock NA beers from other breweries for customers. And some of them are actually doing it!

Two that I can name for sure are Original Gravity in Milan and Cheboygan Brewing Company in Cheboygan.

I’ve read that the process of making beer non-alcoholic can be costly. Might not be a viable option for smaller operations.

Another option that has become trendy is “hop water.” A brewery near me – Arbor Brewing Company, which has tap rooms in Ann Arbor, Ypsianti and Plymouth, makes its own zero proof “hop soda.” I don’t know whether the Plymouth or Ann Arbor locations have it, but Ypsi’s bar does have it.

I’ve heard that even drinkers are ordering it to lighten up – and mix with their alcoholic beer!

I’ve also heard about drinkers having NA beers to stay more clear headed while they’re out at the bar, too. A friend told me recently that he tried a Guinness Zero on St. Patrick’s Day.

I tried Founders Brewing Company’s “Nonetheless” NA recently. I was impressed! It has all of the body, mouth feel and taste of a beer flavored beer. It ranks right up there with offerings by NA beer makers Athletic Brewing and Untitled Art. And it’s made in Michigan! Buying and drinking local is a huge deal for Michiganders.

Speaking of Michigan breweries, Michigan Shorts Brewing Company makes a hop water called “Thirst Mutilator.” It’s…fantastic! 😋

A friend who usually buys me some booze for my birthday bought a six pack of this for me on my recent birthday.

The flavors are really good! The grape flavor tastes just like grape soda. My husband tried a taste, and acted like he didn’t want to give me back my can! The cherry vanilla tastes like Dr. Pepper if it wasn’t actually… gross 😂 Yeah I’m not a Dr. Pepper fan girl, but this is a tasty dupe for it!

With zero calories, zero alcohol, carbs and sugar – even the pickiest non- drinkers will likely enjoy this! Even drinkers may try to Bogart your can 😆

I’ve also heard that the California brewer Lagunitas’ hop water is good, too (I have not tried it yet).

I’d love to see Bell’s Brewing Company make a NA version of their popular seasonal Oberon beer. Miller-Coors makes a NA version of their Blue Moon beer, which is similar in style to Oberon. But they have not gotten on board with NA or zero-proof offerings yet. I’ll definitely try them when – and if – they do!

If beer or hop waters aren’t your thing, you could try non- alcoholic canned mocktails or even alcohol free spirits. I have not ventured into trying those things yet.

Some fancier bars and restaurants might offer a list of house mocktails for non drinkers. They do tend to be tasty, but they may be high in sugar, so if you’re watching that, be careful. Like with actual drinks, moderation is key!

I’m considering trying some AF gin for an upcoming camping trip and mixing with some sparkling water. The best sparking water brands I’ve tried so far are Waterloo and Spindrift. Spindrift is more costly – and may not be totally sugar or calorie free, so if you’re watching those, be aware.

I’ve been keeping Waterloo sparking water in the house for myself since day one of my sobriety. Its flavors keep things interesting! They’ve only been in the game for about nine years now, but I think they are onto something good!

LaCroix is the most widely sparkling available and has the most market share, so if you’re traveling and want to be able to return your cans anywhere, it’s a decent choice.

Returning cans for deposit money is a Michigan thing! Though I’m hearing that it might be going away. I hope not! 😞

Lastly, club soda with a splash of grenadine is a great way to have a “pretend” drink on a bar with friends that actually looks like a real drink. Minimal sugar, and you probably won’t get charged anything for it, especially if you’re with a drinker.

I call these “Skinny Shirley Temples.”

I’m going to be continuing to navigate the options available for non-drinkers, especially with camping season coming and warmer weather!