I recently had my annual checkup and my doctor told me that with my family history and risk factors, my chance of getting breast cancer was about 14%. Not too shabby right? I like those odds. However, she then told me that for every 3 alcoholic drinks I consume per week, my risk goes up 10%. Which is…. BANANAS. I mean, I can easily have a glass of wine while I cook dinner and another with my meal – which is 2 in a single day! To say I panicked a bit is an understatement.
Most people know that excessive drinking can cause liver damage. But did you also know that even moderate drinking increases your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, pancreatitis, mouth, throat, breast, esophagus, colon and liver cancers? Making the decision to cut alcohol almost completely out of my life has been a pretty easy one after what I’ve learned.
I made this change at the beginning of the holiday season, right when most people’s alcohol consumption ramps up due to all the social events this time of year. I still wanted to go out to all the holiday parties, special dinners, etc. and not look awkward sipping a bottle of water while everyone else partakes. So here’s what I order when I’m out and the bartender asks, “What are you drinking?”
Non-Alcoholic Drinks To Order At A Bar
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Club Soda with Lime Juice: Served over ice in a highball or a rocks glass, this looks exactly the same as a gin and tonic or vodka soda.
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Cranberry and Orange or Pineapple Juice in a martini glass: I wouldn’t be mad at a sugar rim either. This looks like a cosmo or a tequila sunrise.
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Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer with Lime: Also served in a rocks glass or a copper mule tumbler, this looks like a moscow mule or a gin and tonic.
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Kombucha: If it’s on the menu, ask for one in a wine glass or champagne flute.
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Shirley Temple: There’s a reason this was our go-to as a kid! It’s delicious, and if you like a darker-looking drink, opt for a Roy Rogers.
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Virgin Mojito: It’s just as good without the rum.
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Virgin Bloody Mary: Perfect for brunches, it still has all the flavors – there’s so much going on there you won’t even miss the vodka.
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Virgin Tom Collins: A fancy twist on lemonade.
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Virgin Signature Drink: At a bougie bar? I’m betting they have their own in house infused syrups or homemade mixers – ask for whatever is their signature item, with club soda or Sprite instead of alcohol.
What are your favorite non-alcoholic drinks to order at a bar or party? Let us know in the comments!
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