Anyone on here given up alcohol. What did you substute it with ?

[Dave7]

I have drunk since I was 17 and I'm 78 now.
After 8 days in hospital I have been told I must cut it completely, which won't be easy.
I am/was a whisky drinker (with lemonade).
I have tried various alcohol free beers but not found one I like.
My son recommends lime and soda.
Any other thoughts ?

 

[king of the mole hills]

Cup of tea a dry herb vape with a pinch of weed in it and a pack of biscuits

 

[Pduk]

I'm currently just over 7 months sober (last time I drank anything alcoholic was 27/10/24) and have the similar thing with finding a non alcoholic alternative drink for an evening.
I found fruit smoothies were a good replacement, tasty, healthy and something different.
In the early days / weeks of quitting, I knew just having water or cordial wouldn't cut it.
Still on the search for some else to try.

 

[Tenkaykev]

On a more serious note, there are some excellent alcohol free beers available now, a far cry from the chemical tasting crap that used to be on offer. I would particularly recommend Guinness Zero, I have been a Guinness drinker for decades and they've nailed it with the Zero.
I wish you every luck👍

 

[ianrauk]

How about alcohol free gin? Both Gordons and Tanqueray make decent drops.
Also check NonAlcoholic online shop who have a range of Whiskeys.

 

[PeteXXX]

4 years alcohol free after over 50 years of imbibing.. 🍻
At home, I drink tea in the morning, coffee until the afternoon then a glass of milk in the evening.
When in a hostelry, I generally have an orange juice & lemonade or, occasionally, a J2O.

 

[markemark]

Don’t substitute it with anything. Just no longer drink alcohol. If you substitute you will compare and nothing will in your mind. If you’re out there’s always lots of soft drink options. Various juices etc. see what you fancy or get the place to recommend.

 

[BrumJim]

Cheese.

I'm not talking about blocks of Sainsbury's Mild Cheddar. I'm talking small amounts of cheese of many types and countries of origin, enjoyed with appropriate biscuits and other accompanyments.

Why?

Alcoholic drinks can be used as a social lubricant or an ability to relax and celebrate, and nothing can do that other than intoxicating substances. However the preservative nature of alcohol allows variations and flavours to develop in a way that is not achieved through Orange Tango or even yet another J20. So if the purpose of the alcholic drink is sitting back in your favourite chair, relaxing and appreciating the quality and variety of what you are consuming, only cheese can offer this.

 

[Gwylan]

Good luck and keep it up. A step too far for me.

Guinness 0 is good, my opinion

After that it's a struggle with the amount of sugar they put in drinks. Or, worse still the weird chemicals used.

 

[Electric_Andy]

Haven't drunk alcohol since NYE. On my 6th month now. Haven't missed it at all. I now drink more tea, but haven't felt the need to try any alcohol free substitutes. Occasionally I like a diet cola or elderflower with lemonade

 

[BoldonLad]

I haven't given up alcohol, but, another vote for Guinness Zero.

My wife has had to stop drinking alcohol, because it potentially conflict with her medication, J2O, and zero alcohol Rose Wine are her tipples now.

Before the sun is over the yard arm, we drink tea or coffee. 😂

 

[BigSid]

I find Guinness 0.0 is good. I still like alcohol but drink alcohol free when I want something refreshing but not sweet.

 

[PaulSB]

I have drunk since I was 17 and I'm 78 now.
After 8 days in hospital I have been told I must cut it completely, which won't be easy.
I am/was a whisky drinker (with lemonade).
I have tried various alcohol beers but not found one I like.
My son recommends lime and soda.
Any other thoughts ?

As a fellow whisky drinker I feel your pain. A few tips from me. Lucky Saint, available on draught and in cans is good. Guinness have nailed it with their alcohol free drink! Very good. I have half a dozen cans in the cooler. For a G&T substitute make up in the same proportions you would normally use but substitute gin with Clean alcohol free spirits or Non-alcoholic Martini The Clean you can get in Tesco/Sainsbury. The Martini we've only found online, Amazon etc. There are many good quality alcohol free cavas. My go to because it's easily available is Friexnet I've drunk this all Christmas Day as a substitute and didn't feel I was missing out at all.

Another good trick is to "dress up" a drink. If you ask for a tonic water what do you get? A boring glass with some tonic. Tell the person making the drink you want it treating like a decent G&T. Loads of ice, quality tonic, squeeze of lemon or lime plus a slice etc. etc. The look of a drink can do a lot to make on feel less left out when everyone else is drinking.

We often judge a bar, restaurant etc. by the standard of its non-alcoholic drinks. Mrs P and I get really pissed off with the places offering coke or tonic.

 

[Dave7]

How about alcohol free gin? Both Gordons and Tanqueray make decent drops.
Also check NonAlcoholic online shop who have a range of Whiskeys.

Never thought of them, thanks.

 

[Dave7]

How about alcohol free gin? Both Gordons and Tanqueray make decent drops.
Also check NonAlcoholic online shop who have a range of Whiskeys.

Never thought of them, thanks.