> For some reason you are expected to provide a reason for why you don't drink
I grew up in a family that didn't drink - and this was always weird/uncomfortable to explain to friends.
I do drink now; but I've noticed over the years that it is becoming much more socially acceptable to not drink ..and people don't think it so strange; "I just don't like it", "religious beliefs", "trying to get healthier". So, yeah, people still ask "why?", but often out of genuine curiosity IMHO.
This is a good thing - frankly, I like to have a drink with friends, but its more about being with the friends - and if they're drinking soda I'm just as happy they're with us.
related: I wonder if there is an emerging market for craft non-alcoholic cocktails in bars similar to the emergence of low-alcohol craft beers (in the ~2% range).
It is called mocktails and every proper cocktail bar has at least as many as regular cocktails. If your cocktail bar does not, then you are overpaying for a spruced up dive bar experience.
I grew up in a family that didn't drink - and this was always weird/uncomfortable to explain to friends.
I do drink now; but I've noticed over the years that it is becoming much more socially acceptable to not drink ..and people don't think it so strange; "I just don't like it", "religious beliefs", "trying to get healthier". So, yeah, people still ask "why?", but often out of genuine curiosity IMHO.
This is a good thing - frankly, I like to have a drink with friends, but its more about being with the friends - and if they're drinking soda I'm just as happy they're with us.