Hi Guys!
I have been keto for 11 months with overall success. However, it is now time to say goodbye to my last demon, ALCOHOL!
It seemed easy to abstain in the beginning, then I allowed a few social drinks to creep back in. I believed I was in total control, but over time I have increased my tolerance again and it has got to go!
I read Clare Pooley’s book The Sober Diaries and it has had a profound effect on me, as I can relate to many of her experiences.
At present I am 8 days into sobriety! I have the right headspace and feel determined - a bit like when I started Keto and I just ‘knew’.
The hardest time of day , however, is 6.30pm. Vodkaoclock! Dinner is cooking and I was in the habit of sitting down with a few olives, pork scratchings or nuts and a large, and I mean large, vodka and slimline tonic with plently of ice and a slice!
I like this time of day and I want some ideas of a ‘special’ non-alcoholic mocktail/drink that I can transfer my enjoyment too. At present I am drinking just slimline tonic with ice and lemon, and frankly it is just tasting a bit 'bleurgh!
Any help guys?
Mocktails And Non-alcoholic drinks! Tonight I will be drinking .
Congratulations on your choice of sobriety! Personally, I prefer lime flavored sparkling water, but then I’ve been sober for 30 years and don’t crave alcohol anymore. Hang in there, it does get better 
My buddy tried all kinds of infused water, diet soda spritzers, etc when he was trying to quit. Maybe take it in another direction and get way into different flavored teas and make it a tea time instead.
You may be right. But I also want a drink that looks like alcohol for when I’m entertaining, or when I go out, which is something I do quite regularly.
I know it might sound stupid, but I’m not really ready to ‘come out’. I don’t want to draw attention to myself not drinking! I have always been a party girl and I don’t want anyone around me to feel a) uncomfortable with me not drinking or b)think I’m turning into a bore! Sad I know!
I understand. When I go out to bars I order virgin bloody mary. I know it has carbs but I used to love them and I nurse that thing for hours!
It’s also useful because if you aren’t drinking beer nobody drops off your next beer because they saw you were getting low. I make a point to say something like, I ordered this extra spicy or something indicating nobody could possibly duplicate my preferences, so don’t try to buy me anything. 
One thing I’ve discovered is that the longer I go without alcohol, the easier it gets. You have to learn how to deal with all the situations you’d normally have it, and PRACTICE that…and with practice, you start to find your new normal.
I drink my weight in tea most days. I find I’m having fun/enjoying all the different flavors of herbal teas.
I also know that “coming out” feeling. It’s been a secret I’ve kept and still keep with all but a very few people. It’s super sad to me it has to be that way, but no matter what a good talk people might talk these days, I’d never in a million years open myself up to that stigma. I also find that treating it as this huge, need to see a shrink, ruling my life and thinking about it 24/7 big deal is very counter productive for me. I don’t drink every day anymore. Big deal. That works much better for me.
Tonight I am drinking sugar free ginger beer (I know, alcohol first then sweetners can go), with the juice of half a lime and a few drops of peppermint extract and a sprig of mint! Not bad!
I love ginger beer that has a kick to it, but often find them quite bland, even ones called ‘fiery’. I love the sound of lime in it. Not so sure about the peppermint, but I’ll give it a go.
I had this about a month ago. It was tasty but very gingery! I could only drink it down to the word FREE if I didn’t want to be chewing whole ginger.
That looks awesome @PetaMarie.
I’ll have a look but guessing I won’t be able to get it this side of the pond.
Helen, it sounds like a reason to make your own, with real sliced ginger. I’ll bet home made would be so good!
I was wondering about that. Just not sure about replacing sugar.
I’ll have to investigate.
I’ll let you know what happens
Had a quick search and none of the Brooklyn Crafted over here yet, as far as I can tell.
Possible Option here as well
I also like the Zevia Ginger root beer…tasty😄
Good Luck
I have been enjoying my “Slow Glenn Fizz”. Mocktail of Kombucha, Zevia Ginger Ale and soda water with a lime wedge. It does get easier and I feel a lot better.
Thank you. I am finding it easier each day. The Vodka Demon getting weaker but its early days.
That sounds real nice. I have been thinking of making kombucha as it is super expensive. I love the idea of sweetener free ginger but I can’t get Zevia in the UK! Shame.