Hey bartender, pour me a glass – but this time, let’s make it a mocktail. That’s right, as the sober curious movement ramps up, non-alcoholic beverage sales are up 29%, with some predicting the NA market to grow 18% every year through 2028. Why? The health benefits of quitting drinking are becoming more and more enticing to a growing number of people, especially those in Gen Z.

So, if you’re a sober curious Memphian, you’re in for a treat. Here’s our pitch for switching to a zero-proof lifestyle and a list of our favorite Memphis mocktails to get you started.

A Brief History of the Sober Curious Movement

If you’re picturing a sudden influx of serious faces at your favorite bar, don’t worry—the sober curious movement didn’t just appear overnight. It quietly gained momentum around 2018 when wellness author Ruby Warrington helped popularize the term, inviting people to reconsider their drinking habits without feeling the pressure to commit to lifelong abstinence. Importantly, exploring sobriety isn’t limited to those who struggle with alcohol dependence—it’s also for anyone looking to improve their health and clarity.

Fast forward to today, and “Dry January” and “Sober October” have practically become national pastimes. Whether driven by genuine health concerns, curiosity about personal wellness, or simply wanting a break from the social drinking cycle, more Americans are thoughtfully reevaluating their relationship with alcohol, and for good reasons.

Health Benefits of Quitting Drinking

While the social perks of sobriety might be appealing, the real draw is undeniably the health benefits. Giving up alcohol, even temporarily, can lead to significant improvements in your physical and mental health.

Better Sleep

Alcohol may initially seem like it helps you fall asleep faster, but it actually disrupts REM sleep, the restful sleep stage that’s so critical for memory consolidation and mood regulation. Switching to your favorite Memphis mocktail typically results in deeper, uninterrupted sleep cycles, allowing you to wake up feeling genuinely refreshed and energized.

Improved Mood & Mental Health

Regular alcohol consumption is linked to anxiety, depression, and heightened stress levels. By removing alcohol, many people experience less anxiety, more emotional stability, and improved overall mental health. You’ll likely find it easier to manage stress without leaning on alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Enhanced Physical Performance

Alcohol negatively impacts athletic performance by dehydrating your body and reducing muscle recovery efficiency. Quitting drinking can improve hydration levels, boost stamina, and enhance your body’s ability to recover after workouts, leading to better athletic performance and overall physical resilience.

Weight Management & Nutritional Health

Alcoholic drinks are calorie-dense but nutritionally empty, which often leads to unwanted weight gain. Drinking alcohol can also trigger unhealthy food choices. Eliminating alcohol helps stabilize your appetite, promotes better eating habits, and supports healthier weight management.

Improved Cognitive Function

Alcohol impairs cognitive abilities, including memory, concentration, and decision-making. Regular heavy drinking can even lead to permanent cognitive decline. Quitting alcohol often results in clearer thinking, improved memory, and better focus, significantly enhancing daily productivity and mental clarity.

Stronger Immune System

Alcohol weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. When you quit drinking, your immune system becomes stronger, helping you fight off colds, flu, and other common illnesses more effectively.

Healthier Heart and Liver

Chronic alcohol use is a significant risk factor for liver disease and cardiovascular conditions. Even moderate drinking over time can strain your liver and heart. Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake significantly lowers your risk of liver damage, high blood pressure, and heart disease, contributing to long-term health benefits.

Reduced Cancer Risk

Alcohol consumption has been linked to various types of cancers, including breast, liver, throat, and colorectal cancers. Even moderate drinkers face an increased risk. Abstaining from alcohol considerably reduces your cancer risk, offering long-term protection and peace of mind.

The body has an incredible ability to recover and restore itself, and sobriety provides the perfect conditions for this regeneration to occur. Whether your motivation is short-term wellness or long-term health, reducing or eliminating alcohol is a powerful step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Our Favorite Memphis Mocktails

Now, when you’re looking for practical applications for your new zero-proof lifestyle, it’s good to have a list of mocktails in Memphis to look forward to. After a hard day’s work, we recommend the following non-alcoholic beverages at some of your favorite places in town.

Apollo Spritz at Bari Ristoranti

If you love the tasting notes of a classic Aperol Spritz without the hangover the next day, Bari Ristoranti’s Apollo Spritz is your new best friend. The subtle notes of orange and the satisfyingly dry aftertaste mimic the sweet heat of the real liquor without the alcohol.

NA Mai Tai at Mary’s B.O.T.E.

Who doesn’t love a tiki bar? At Mary’s B.O.T.E., you don’t have to give up your tropical 5 o’clock stress reliever: you’ve got a Mai Tai to look forward to. This Memphis mocktail ranks high on our list of favorites for its considerable semblance of a traditional alcoholic Mai Tai, down to the mixture of the light and dark non-alcoholic “rum.”

Figgy Stardust at Art Bar (with or without Delta 9)

“No booze, baby” reads the menu – and no booze needed. We love Art Bar’s “Figgy Stardust” made with house-made non-alcoholic rum, balsamic fig shrub, and peppercorn rosemary sparkling water. We haven’t tested it with the Delta 9 infusion – but if that’s your thing, why not take it up a notch?

The Fruit Tea at Libro

If you know, you know. Though technically not branded as a mocktail, Libro’s fruit tea is a refreshing replacement for other alcoholic options. The light and sweet flavor complements any item on Libro’s menu quite nicely, and you’ll love

Hiyo Canned Mocktails at Sprouts

You don’t always have to hit up a local bar for a Memphis mocktail to get you wild and crazy. You could just drive up to the Sprouts on Poplar for a Hiyo social tonic. These drinks come packed with adaptogens – ashwagandha, L-theanine, lion’s mane, and more – that give you a lift in mood they call the “float.” With five flavors to choose from, you’re in for a real treat even if you don’t leave your house.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks at ZüpMed

It’s not often your doctor sells liquor—and we don’t. But we do offer a selection of Curious Elixirs and Joyus NA Wine that provide all the herbs and adaptogens you need to replace your buzz. Choose from several unique flavors so you don’t have to lose your favorite after-hours treat right here in our lobby.

Other Good Alternatives to Alcohol

While finding your next mocktail in the Memphis bar scene is fun, you might be wondering about other alternatives to alcoholic drinks. When you’re ditching the drink, we recommend finding options that mimic the taste or feel of your favorite cocktail while also providing the experience element that we all know and love. Try amping up the experience with a heavy glass and fresh garnish – you can even keep the “rocks.”*

You might also want to try options like:

Sparkling water or club soda
CBD drinks (you can find these in our Züp shop!)
Sparkling tea (try Trader Joe’s)
Kombucha

*For those experiencing alcohol dependency, please consult with your healthcare provider at ZüpMed before trying these tips.

Can Going Sober Boost Your Health?

As you explore your sober curious journey, remember you don’t have to navigate it alone. At ZüpMed, we’re passionate about supporting your wellness goals, whether that means cutting back on alcohol or eliminating it altogether. With a team dedicated to your well-being and resources available right here in our Züp shop, we’re ready to help you cheers to your health—mocktail in hand.

Posted by ZüpMed

Memphis Mocktails for the Sober-Curious