Being the Non-drinker - How to Party Without Alcohol

Enjoying a party without alcohol is easy! That said, drinking is heavily ingrained in Australian culture. Indeed, many social activities revolve around consuming a drink or two, which can make it tricky for those trying to party without alcohol.

Socialising is important for building and maintaining our positive mental wellbeing, and when you’re not drinking, this can be challenging. However, as more and more people join the sober curious movement and adopt healthier lifestyle choices, staying connected while abstaining from alcohol has become less isolating.

Are you trying to cut down your drinking at parties? We’ve curated this fantastic guide on how to have fun without alcohol at a party. Follow these practical, powerful tips and you’ll be partying all night long (and waking up fresh the next day!).

1) Plan Your Night

Being a non-drinker shouldn’t be viewed as an obstacle to a fun night. With some planning, you can have just as enjoyable an evening as everyone else!

Be prepared for questions around why you’re not drinking. The answer might be: 

• You’re abstaining from drinking for health reasons 

• You don’t enjoy the taste of alcohol

• You don’t drink for religious reasons 

• You have to work or get up early the next day 

• You’re driving home 

• You’re pregnant 

• You want to lose weight 

👍... Or, don’t provide an answer! There is no need to justify your decision; this might just be a personal choice that should be respected.

If you’re feeling uncomfortable or pressured to drink, then it’s okay to leave the party. Having an exit excuse ready can be helpful.

2) Stay Busy and Keep Yourself Entertained

Want to know how to have fun at a party without alcohol? Get chatting! Don’t be afraid to socialise. Just because you’re not drinking alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t talk to people and have fun. If alcohol has typically provided you with Dutch courage, keep busy. Getting involved in other activities can remove anxieties often associated with social events when not drinking. In fact, you may find that socialising without alcohol leads to more engaging conversations and establishes deeper connections with others. 

• Take on other activities at the party, such as volunteering to be the DJ? 

• Mix up some impressive mocktails for guests 

• Assist the hosts with the catering 

  

  Loulou Became the Unofficial Party Photographer 

  Loulou had decided to abstain from alcohol for one month as part of a fundraiser. However, her best mate’s housewarming party just happened to be in the middle of Loulou’s dry month. Rather than missing out on the fun, she became the unofficial photographer for the night. She met way more people than she would have and turned the shots into a great photo album as a housewarming present for her friend.

3) BYO Beverages Without Alcohol 

With so many alcohol-free drinks available on the market, there’s no need to get stuck drinking tap water, juice or soft drinks at your next event. If you’re attending a house party, offer to bring a non-alcoholic beverage such as one of Edenvale’s premium wines that can be enjoyed by drinkers and non-drinkers alike. All the taste and aromas of a traditional wine without the hangover effects. 

Why not get some quality drinks flowing with these fabulous party-starters? 

Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Cuvee A crisp and fresh Sparkling Cuvee with delicious rich fruit flavours, and subtle yet fragrant aromas of ripe apples, subdued tropical fruit and citrus. It is clean and refreshing on the palate with rich fruit flavours balanced by zesty acidity.

Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé A fresh and lively Sparkling Rosé with rich fruit flavours, and delightful aromas of rose petals, redcurrant and berry fruits. Clean and refreshing on the palate, this wine is the perfect accompaniment to any celebration.

Non-Alcoholic Premium Reserve Sparklilng Shiraz Classically Australian, this Premium Reserve Sparkling Shiraz has tantalising blackberry and currant fruit aromas, with hints of oak and smoky exotic spice. Rich dark fruit flavours and chocolate notes make for a luscious indulgence. Persistent rich spicy flavours, yet finishing crisp and clean.

 

Shop All Non-Alcoholic Wine.

 

Mocktails at Parties 

If you’re feeling creative, you can try your hand at making some delicious mocktails for a fun, fancy drink – nothing says that you’re up for a party quite like walking in with your own cocktail shaker!

4) Remember Your ‘Why’

Reconnecting with your reasons for going alcohol-free helps remove peer pressure and any discomfort about being a non-drinker at social gatherings. Keep returning to your ‘why’ if you want to remember how to party without drinking. Doing so will keep you on the path to achieving your personal health goals.

5) Be the designated driver

If you’re out with friends and you’re the designated driver, there’s no need to explain why you’re not drinking. Just enjoy the night and know you’re responsible by ensuring everyone gets home safely. Additionally, you may find yourself making a few new friends for the evening as they try to persuade you to give them a lift home too!

❗If you’re on your P or L plates, remember your blood-alcohol count (BAC) is NOT 0.05 as is the case for full-license drivers. It’s zero. 

6) Pair Up with a Non-drinking Buddy

If you’re feeling pressured to drink alcohol at a party, try to seek out a fellow non-drinking buddy. Alternatively, bring a support person who is also happy to abstain from alcohol at the event. It’s easier to stick to a commitment when you have the support of another individual.

7) Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

Not drinking at a party can be hard, especially when everyone around you is. No one wants to feel like an outsider. But it’s important to remember that you don’t need alcohol to have a good time. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy yourself, and you don’t have to change your personal non-drinking plans to do so. Don’t feel obliged to drink just because everyone else is.

8) Have a Great Time

 By following these practical tips, you can survive being the non-drinker at a party, and your social life will thrive too. So next time you’re at a party or event where alcohol is being served, learn to make the best of the situation and discover just how great a time you can have! 

Looking for a non-alcoholic beverage for your next event? Edenvale’s extensive range of non-alcoholic wine can be purchased from your local supermarket, bottle shop or online.

FAQs

How to Not Drink at a Party? 

There are many ways to avoid alcohol at a party. 

• BYO non-alcoholic wine

• Mix mocktails 

• Have a mini meal before you go to the party so you’re full 

• Come with a mate who is also abstaining 

How to Enjoy a Party Without Drinking? 

Remember why you cut out alcohol in the first place, and be in the moment. A more mindful attitude will see you having a fantastic time. Remember - stay positive. This isn’t about you missing out, it’s about you making the most of celebrations! 

What Are the Best Edenvale Wines for a Party? 

We recommend any award-winning Edenvale non-alcoholic sparkling wine because bubbles bring the good times! If it’s the festive season, why not pop open a bottle of Edenvale mulled wine?  Partying without drinking doesn’t get any tastier!