Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with nonalcoholic

How to become a non-drinker?

Anonymous — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:46:35 -0800

I just started a long-term medication (bupropion, for ADD) that interacts very, very badly with alcohol. I don't miss the booze itself, but not being able to drink throws all sorts of monkey wrenches into my social life. I need advice on how to be a non-drinker in the drinkingest town in the United States, New York City... where the default activity for any occaision is going out for a drink.

What do I tell people? I've tried being vague ("I'm taking some medication... it's a long story.") but people always ask what I'm taking. You might say that's rude, but telling every new friend or date that they're rude isn't a viable option. How can I handle the question while hopefully communicating these points:
- I'm not judging you for drinking. I wish I could drink, too!
- It's not because I have a terrible secret. It's not because I'm "crazy". It's not because I'm uptight.
- I don't want to get into too many details.

What are some non-alcoholic drinks that won't draw undue attention to themselves?

I often hear things like, "I must seem so drunk to you!" or, "You must think we're all so drunk and sloppy!" How can I put people at ease?

Bonus question: I'm on the fence about attending Burning Man for the first time this year. If you've been, how much would being stone-cold sober affect my experience?

Non-alcoholic guest gift ideas?

Riki tiki — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:42:52 -0800

Non-alcoholic travel-friendly Thanksgiving gift ideas? I'm joining some friends in San Diego for Thanksgiving this year. I know guests are traditionally supposed to bring a gift, and a good bottle of wine is the standard, but both these friends are recovering alcoholics which makes that a no-go.

What would be a good alternative that's:

in around the same price range as good wine,
would be air travel-friendly,
and is non-alcoholic?

I'm more looking for something that would fit a "traditional Thanksgiving" vibe, but I'd be open to something more esoteric if it's really brilliant.

Thanks!

Club soda is a drink, too, isn't it?

Elmo Oxygen — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 10:49:18 -0800

Due to health reasons, I cannot drink alcohol. However, I still want to ask girls out for drinks because it's a good first date. What to do? Typically, when I go out, I'll drink club soda and lime. If anyone asks me what I'm drinking, I tell them that it's club soda. Otherwise, I won't bring it up. Is this acceptable conduct for a date? Or do I need to go out of my way to let the girl know that I'm not drinking alcohol?

If I don't go out of my way to tell the girl that I'm drinking club soda, do you think she'll be freaked out when she finds out that I'm not drinking alcohol? I figure that there's a good chance that she'll find out, since she may hear me ordering.

I'm not embarrassed that I can't drink alcohol. It's just kind of an awkward subject. All of my friends and previous girlfriends drink, so I'm very accustomed to hanging out at bars with people drinking.

Drink, drank, but not yet drunk

Ogre Lawless — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 12:26:25 -0800

Its sparkling or perhaps plain water, its fruit and sometimes flowers, its mighty tasty, lightly so, and occasionally seen at art galleries by me on show days, but what the hell is it -called-?

DIY Summer Drinks

The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 02:18:40 -0800

Help me find some awesome DIY-able summer drinks (non-alcoholic) That Lemonade sidebar, plus the hot and humid Florida summer has me a mean hankering to make some cool, large-batch drinks as a weekend/afternoon project. My shortlist includes trying my hand at some Lemonade (via the sidebar recipe), Ginger Beer, Iced Teas, and Root Beer. I'm looking for nonalcoholic drinks, so most of the previous threads that are similar don't help me much.

Your tips, recipes (esp. for the Ginger Beer), recommendations, and anything else germane are welcomed and encouraged.

Bonus points for anyone who can point to general or specific places in the Tampa Bay Area (or online, if it's really cheap) to get dried hibiscus(jamaica) flowers for brewing.

What's your favorite little-known soda pop?

Bookhouse — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:50:13 -0800

What's your favorite regional or "indie" soda pop on bottled non-alcoholic beverage (available in New York City or online, preferably)? Like many a drinker before me, I'm lookng to cut my quantity of consumption in favor of quality. What are some of your favorite obscure bottled non-alcoholic beverages? I'm already a big fan of Boylans, Blenheim spicy ginger ale, D&G Ginger Beer, and of course Jones. I'm particularly interested in regional brews.

I'm in New York, so things available online or in specialty stores are best, although I'm interested either way.

Applicious Drinks

thomcatspike — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 12:46:09 -0800

Drink filter – Apple Juice Base Non-Alcoholic Recipes for Hot & Cold Consumption
These would make Dean Martin proud.

Non-Alcoholic Beer

repoman — Thu, 04 Mar 2004 10:36:29 -0800

Without having to go out and buy and try all brands, could I bother the community for a general consensus on what you think is the best non-alcoholic brand of beer? Import or domestic. (no fun in trying all brands of this stuff)....Thanks in advance.