If you’ve ever said “I think I might just not drink tonight” and meant it, welcome – you might just be sober curious. This gentle, go-with-the-flow lifestyle shift has been gaining popularity for a few years, and it’s a perfect fit for the ‘soft girl life’ trend. You know the one: slow mornings, matcha lattes, skincare, yoga, journalling and saying no to things that make you feel rubbish.
Cutting down on alcohol – or giving it up completely – is something more and more people are doing, especially younger generations. According to Alcohol Change UK, alcohol consumption in the UK peaked in the mid-2000s and has been on the decline since then. Today, 20% of the population doesn’t drink at all – and that figure is rising steadily, particularly among under 30s.
Luckily, we’re not short of interesting drinks these days. Gone are the days of making do with a Diet Coke at the pub. Whether you want something chic and complex to sip from a wine glass, a sparkling botanical drink to pair with dinner, or a fizzy, fruity pick-me-up in the afternoon, there’s something for you. Here are a few of our current favourites to try if you’re exploring the sober curious lifestyle.
Juno Bamboo Water
Yes, bamboo. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Juno Bamboo Water is a light, sparkling drink made with—you guessed it—bamboo extract, which is rich in antioxidants and minerals. It’s known for supporting collagen production and giving your body a bit of a detox, but mostly it just tastes clean and refreshing. There are three flavours: Passion Fruit, Zesty Yuzu, and Juicy Mango. All are subtle, summery, and pair beautifully with slow afternoons in the garden or a post-yoga cool-down. It’s made in the UK too, which is a bonus.
Fibe
Fibe is what you’d get if a nostalgic fizzy drink had a glow-up. The flavours are classic — think childhood favourites — but with zero sugar, no weird ingredients, and actual benefits like 5g of fibre and a vitamin C boost. It’s a great option if you’re trying to cut out fizzy drinks but still want something fun, fizzy and a little bit sweet. Also: gut health. Tick.
Remedy Kombucha
Remedy is a kombucha you’ve probably spotted before — it’s everywhere these days, and for good reason. It’s fizzy, sharp in a good way, and completely sugar free (unlike some supermarket kombuchas). There are loads of flavours to choose from — Raspberry Lemonade is a fan favourite — and the slow 30-day brewing process means it’s packed with organic acids and antioxidants. It’s a brilliant option for anyone who wants to cut back on sweeteners but still wants a bit of a kick.
https://www.remedydrinks.co.uk/
Nuisance
If you’re into botanicals or like your drinks to come with a story, you’ll love Nuisance. Born in the Cotswolds, it all started with a homemade nettle cordial and grew into a small range of premium, botanical soft drinks made with foraged ingredients. The whole idea is to celebrate nature and offer a grown-up, alcohol-free drink that’s a bit more exciting than a lime soda. The branding’s gorgeous, and it makes a lovely option for dinner parties or date nights.
Jukes
If you miss the ritual of opening a bottle of wine but don’t actually want the wine bit, Jukes is the one to try. Created by wine expert Matthew Jukes, these are sophisticated, vinegar-based drinks inspired by 17th century Haymaker’s Punch (don’t worry, they taste much better than they sound). The flavours are layered and complex, designed to sip slowly from a wine glass. Jukes 1 is a fresh, crisp white; Jukes 6 is a rich red; and Jukes 8 is a dry, elegant rosé. All are low in calories and sugar-free — and they’re not pretending to be wine, they’re something else entirely.
Going booze-free for good? Or just dabbling here and there? The sober curious lifestyle has never looked – or tasted – so good. And if anyone questions why you’re not drinking, just hand them a Jukes and tell them to catch up.
