How to Go Out Without Alcohol: What to Order, What to Say, Where to Go
What to order at a bar, what to say when someone asks, sober bars and bottle shops, and how to handle parties, dinners and dates.
Going out without alcohol mostly comes down to three things: knowing what you’ll order, having a short answer ready when someone asks, and choosing places that make it easy. Many bars now carry a non-alcoholic beer, many restaurants have a mocktail list, and sober bars and non-alcoholic bottle shops are opening in more cities. Here’s how to handle a night out, a dinner, a party and the question everyone asks.
Easy to bring along
- <0.5%
- Never Alcoholized
- United States
- <0.5%
- Never Alcoholized
- Australia
- 0.0%
- Never Alcoholized
- France
Before you go
- Decide what you’ll order. Check the menu online; it saves standing at the bar thinking it over.
- Eat first, and have a plan for leaving. Knowing you’ll head home at a set time makes the evening easier.
- Offer to drive. It’s a ready-made reason, and a 0.0% drink removes any doubt; see what breath tests can pick up.
- Bring a friend who knows. One ally makes the first few nights out much easier.
What to order
| Where | Ask for |
|---|---|
| Any bar | A non-alcoholic beer, or soda water with lime |
| Cocktail bar | The mocktail list, or a drink built on a non-alcoholic spirit |
| Restaurant | Non-alcoholic wine, or a sparkling drink with dinner |
| Pub or sports bar | A 0.0% beer, or ginger beer with lime |
| Coffee date | Easy: nothing to explain |
A bartender will usually make something off-menu if you name a style: “something sour and not too sweet.” Classic cocktail bitters are made with alcohol, so ask for them to be left out if you want none. New to mocktails? See what a mocktail is.
What to say when someone asks
You don’t owe anyone a reason. A short, relaxed answer usually ends the conversation:
- “I’m not drinking tonight.”
- “I’m driving.”
- “Early start tomorrow.”
- “I’m good with this, thanks.” (with a drink already in your hand)
- “I’m taking a break.”
With close friends you might want to say more, or less. If someone keeps pushing, changing the subject or getting a drink for them works better than explaining. If you’re the friend asking, here’s how to be supportive.
Sober bars and bottle shops
Sober bars
Bars that serve only non-alcoholic drinks, often full cocktail menus built on non-alcoholic spirits. Same night out, nothing to explain.
Bottle shops
Stores that sell only non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits, often with tastings so you can try before you buy.
Pop-ups and events
Alcohol-free nights, dance parties and tastings, often hosted by sober-curious groups.
To find them near you, search “sober bar” or “non-alcoholic bottle shop” with your city, and look for alcohol-free events on event and meetup sites. Many cocktail bars also have a strong non-alcoholic menu even if they serve alcohol.
Parties, dinners and dates
- House parties: bring your own; you’ll have something you like, and it’s a good gift for the host.
- BYOB restaurants: bring a non-alcoholic wine; half bottles and single-serves are easy to carry.
- Dates: suggest coffee, a walk, a gallery or brunch, or simply order what you want; most people won’t mind.
- Hosting: see how to throw an alcohol-free party.
Most non-alcoholic beer and wine is under 0.5%; here’s what the labels mean. If a night out gets hard, see what helps with cravings, and our guide to alcohol-free living.
Shop by what matters to you
Common questions
How do I go out without drinking alcohol?
Decide what you'll order before you go, have a short answer ready if someone asks, bring a friend who knows, and plan when you'll head home.
What can I order at a bar if I'm not drinking?
A non-alcoholic beer, something from the mocktail list, soda water or ginger beer with lime, or ask the bartender for something sour and not too sweet.
What do I say when someone asks why I'm not drinking?
You don't owe a reason. "I'm not drinking tonight," "I'm driving" or "I'm taking a break" usually ends the conversation.
What is a sober bar?
A bar that serves only non-alcoholic drinks, often full cocktail menus built on non-alcoholic spirits. Search "sober bar" with your city to find one.
