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How to enjoy New Year's without alcohol

Know your guest’s preferences before offering alcohol.

File photo Otis Gowens/Dayton Daily News

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By Ria Megnin, Contributing Writer Updated 12:48 PM Friday, December 30, 2011

Most holidays offer an occasion to enjoy alcohol in one form or another, but few hold such an iconic role as the New Year’s champagne toast.

Those who don’t drink for health, spiritual or addiction recovery reasons can still enjoy the celebration.

If you’re hosting an event, it’s good to check whether attendees would prefer non-alcoholic beverages rather than ones with alcohol. This can also be an opportunity to ask about any food allergies.

Supporting needs

Above all, don’t try to pressure someone into drinking if they don’t want to.

“It’s extremely important,” says Kenny V., a spokesman for Dayton’s Alcoholics Anonymous Central Office. “I’ve never had a drink in my life that didn’t lead to another. I would tell myself ‘I’m only going to take one drink. Maybe two.’ But I’d be lying. The real truth of the matter is if I’m an alcoholic, the reaction to alcohol is all the same, whether I’ve been two years sober or 30 years sober.”

It’s helpful to talk with a newly sober guest before the event and ask what will help them enjoy themselves safely, whether it’s knowing they can quickly leave if things get “loud and sloppy,” as Kenny V. says, or having a fully alcohol-free gathering.

Non-alcoholic New Year’s alternatives can include special punches, coffees and sodas.

Jeff Blumer, who owns the Moraine-based Bellyfire Catering, says religious and health organizations throughout the Miami Valley often request alcohol-free options for their events.

“We do a really great punch that has diced-up strawberries, pineapple, lemonade and orange juice, with a little Sprite,” Blumer says. “We also do Italian sodas – kiwi, cherry, and of course, combinations: cherry vanilla, chocolate hazelnut. And all sorts of coffee drinks.”

As for the traditional New Year’s toast, “bubbly apple cider is always fun,” he says.

Sparkling juices that are carbonated like champagne are available in many different flavors today, ranging from apple and white grape to pear and blood orange.

Check with your local grocery and specialty food shops to find out what’s in stock this year.

Contact contributing writer Ria Megnin at ria@riamegnin.com.

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