Looking for a fun night out on the town with friends sans the morning hangover? You’re not alone.
The growing “sober curious” trend has more people occasionally forgoing traditional cocktails, wine and beer in an attempt to lead a healthier lifestyle. The idea is to give up the alcohol, but not the social perks of meeting pals at the bar.
Non-alcoholic bars and events are popping up across the country, but you don’t have to leave the North Fork to attend. The Giving Room in Southold is hosting weekly Sober Juice Socials, putting a twist on the national trend with great tasting, locally sourced mocktails.
“The North Fork is so well represented with vineyards and breweries, it feels like it’s time to bring that type of creativity to a non-alcohol environment,” said owner Paula DiDonato. “There are a number of people who are saying, ‘I want to feel great and not hung over in the morning’ and there are people who have made a commitment to live their life entirely without alcohol. It is a place were people can gather without feeling like they’re missing out socially.”
DiDonato said it was a no-brainer for the yoga studio and organic juice bar to moonlight as a dry bar. Founded in 2010, the Main Road studio began offering juices and smoothies in 2013, selling made-to-order farm fresh blends.
The Giving Room staff had been discussing the idea long before it became trendy, whipping up special pre-made organic mixers around the holidays, which were intended for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
“It was a natural evolution,” DiDonato said. “In many ways, it is just a continuation of creating things that are delicious and support wellness. It feels like an organic way to bolster what we’ve already been offering.”
The first Sober Juice Social is today, Friday, June 7 at 5 p.m. The menu includes non-alcoholic replicas of traditional summertime cocktails, such as piña coladas and mojitos to more adventurous concoctions made with fresh lemon, ginger and dandelions from KK’s the Farm in Southold.
It’s not just drinks, either. The yoga studio in the back offers “experiences” during the socials, featuring everything from yoga classes to workshops on essentials oils and crystals.
Checkout The Giving Room’s Facebook page for more dates.
The Giving Room is located at 56215 Main Road, Southold.
