Embracing the Alcohol-Free Revolution: How a Sober, Social, and Smart Lifestyle is Transforming Lives

In recent years, many people have chosen to embrace a non-alcoholic lifestyle. This shift has led bars and restaurants to offer more non-alcoholic options like NA beers, mocktails, and low-alcohol wines.

In Sun Peaks, this trend is catching on. Morrisey’s offers a delightful mocktail menu, featuring Nancy Greene’s signature drink, LooksLike Wine, made with blueberry juice and ginger ale. Other favorites include Hibiscus Mo, a refreshing mix of mint, lime, and hibiscus, and the Virgin Paloma, which combines grapefruit juice and soda served with a salted rim.

Other local spots like Mantles and Cahilty Creek Kitchen and Taproom are also on board with mocktails and NA beer options. At Five Forty Cantina, you can find a mix of flavors, including matcha and chai varieties. Meanwhile, Silvia Erler, the general manager at Sun Peaks Lodge, notes that Erdinger’s alcohol-free beer is a hit with guests.

Edna’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Company from Vancouver even sponsored the Sun Peaks Sip, Savour and Ski Festival last March. They offer a range of NA cocktails that mimic traditional spirits like tequila and rum. Nick Devine, the founder, believes this sober movement isn’t just a trend but a significant cultural shift. People are rethinking their relationship with alcohol, especially with the warnings about its health risks gaining traction.

A recent study found that almost half of Canadians aged 18 to 34 are drinking less than before. Millennials and Gen Z are especially linked to this sober curious movement. Many are choosing healthier lifestyles after realizing the negative impact alcohol can have. Health concerns, such as those related to brain health, are prompting people to rethink their drinking habits.

Nancy Critchley, a photographer in Sun Peaks, shared her own journey after seeing health changes linked to alcohol consumption. After cutting out wine, she not only saw improvements in her triglyceride levels but also better sleep and overall health. However, she noted that her decision was often met with surprise and judgment from friends.

Despite these challenges, Critchley enjoys a vibrant social life without alcohol, even enjoying the quirks of being a designated driver. She’s pleased to see the increasing availability of non-alcoholic options on menus, although they often come with a similar price tag to alcoholic drinks.

Drinking at high altitudes presents unique challenges, too. People may feel the effects of alcohol more quickly due to lower oxygen levels, and it can take longer for the body to metabolize it. The dry mountain air and alcohol’s diuretic effects increase dehydration risks, leading to hangovers and altitude sickness. This makes the sober movement especially relevant for those in Sun Peaks who want to stay active and healthy.