Reading · Zero Proof Nation™️ by Laura

On July 14, 2007, I said those words again — only this time, they wound their way down into a slot inside me and clicked into place. This time, they took. I haven’t intentionally had a sip of alcohol since then.

L: the before times; R: today at 19 years sober.

6: Short but severe years of binge drinking alcohol (2001-2007). I developed what we now know is a moderate alcohol use disorder, but language for which didn’t exist at the time.

2: Hospitalizations for alcohol poisoning / monitoring – one in 2005 in Charlottesville, VA and one in 2007 in New York City; the latter was my rock bottom wake-up call.

7/14/07: The day I awoke from being passed out / blacked out in a hospital bed in New York City…

19: …Years since I’d decided enough was enough. I chose sobriety from alcohol over inebriation that day, and I’ve made that same choice every day since.

Not too long ago, there wasn’t the new sobriety that exists today. People thought in very black and white terms: it was either you could handle your booze and thus, were normal – or you couldn’t handle your liquor and were an alcoholic. A handful of Quit Lit memoirs existed then (but that term hadn’t been born yet). There weren’t podcasts, blogs, and social media handles galore devoted to getting sober / soberish in a way that worked for YOU. There really weren’t online or in-person programs, recovery coaches, or retreats that weren’t somehow affiliated with the 12 steps. And there certainly wasn’t this boom (and boon) of non-alcoholic beverage culture we’re in now (and literally the reason you’re reading my words).

⚡️ Zero Proof Nation ⚡️ would not exist without my story. I’m grateful for what I went through because it led me to create something I needed at the time and molded me into who I am today.

This infused seltzer (5mg THC) is a time travel portal to the 1950s. Eau de olde time soda shoppe. I can’t help thinking about The Cracker Barrel’s root beer 10 cent stick candy. Or Archie Comics’ Pop Tate’s. Root beer is just one of those aromas and flavors that is coded with vintage and retro, pure nostalgia. Love the amount of carbonation (if you know me, the more bubbles the better!). I definitely felt relaxed and a little silly about 30 minutes after finishing the drink; all effects wore off for me within an hour or two. Highly (pun intended) recommend if you’re looking for a tasty infused seltzer that’ll send you to 1955 in a Delorean. Just have to hit 88 mph…!

Look, I’ve never had a Hugo Spritz before, so there’s no baseline for me. But per the Internet, you get one by combining Prosecco 🥂, elderflower liqueur, lime, mint, and club soda. On first sip of Little Saints’ latest, I’m getting lime, a touch of mint, and definitely something delicately floral. Plus there’s Lion’s Mane and Reishi and Damiana, and I believe if I drink one of these every day, I may get all those benefits (focus and clarity for the former, love and expansion for the latter). I’m not being sarcastic, at all! To get the full benefits of functional beverages, you have to drink them regularly. And while I feel the same post-cocktail as I did pre, I’m definitely happier, because I just had a tasty treat for only 5 cals.

Meet Cheeky Cocktails’ most recent launch: a functional lime tonic, perfect on its or as a mixer with full proof or no proof spirits. Crafted by fitness-minded bartenders, this lower in sugar (10mg) / higher in prebiotic fiber (4mg) mixer is no fuss and all citrus. Tart yet sweet, I’m currently enjoying this one on the rocks with dehydrated lime as my garnish. Sometimes, simplicity wins. Lovely.

July 19 - 24 | Tales of the Cocktail / New Orleans, LA
August 1 | Free Spirited Festival by Generation NA / Lafayette, IN
August 15 | The Daily Pour’s Zero Proof Choice Awards / NYC
August 16 | The Daily Pour’s Water Choice Awards / NYC
September 12 | Dry Hop Fest / Denver, CO
September 16 | Drinks with Benefits Summit / NYC
September 17 | Drinks with Benefits by The Daily Pour / NYC
October 10 | Mindful Life Experience / Los Angeles, CA
October 28 - 29 | Miami Beach Food & Beverage Expo / Miami, FL