The Rise of Mindful Drinking: Finding Joy in the Middle Ground

Change is brewing 

There’s a quiet revolution happening across pubs, parties, and dinner tables - and it’s not about going dry, it’s about drinking differently.

Over the last few years, the non-alcoholic drinks space has exploded. In the UK, the market for low- and no-alcohol beverages more than doubled between 2019 and 2024, reaching a value of £380 million. No-alcohol beer now accounts for over 2% of all alcohol sales - a stat that would’ve sounded wild just a decade ago. Ireland’s catching up fast too, with non-alcoholic beer production up 50% in 2023 in response to consumer demand.

But this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about a shift in how we feel about drinking.

What is Mindful Drinking?

Mindful drinking isn’t about cutting alcohol out completely - unless you want to. It’s about tuning in, not opting out. It’s about asking yourself, do I actually want this drink right now? And if not - what else could satisfy that same craving for connection, ritual, or winding down?

At its core, it’s about intention. And it can look like:

• Noticing your habits - the “why” behind your go-to glass of wine or evening pint.
• Trying something new - a complex alcohol-free drink that’s every bit as satisfying as its boozy counterpart.
  
• Setting your own pace - whether that’s drink-free weekdays, alternating drinks on a night out, or just having more options on hand.
  
  

Mindful Drinking, Made Easy

What makes this shift possible? Options. Good ones.

Gone are the days of being stuck with a sugary soda or warm orange juice while everyone else clinks glasses. Today, you can show up to a party with alcohol-free drinks you’re genuinely excited about - bold, refreshing, and full of flavour.

Whether you're:

• Hosting friends and want to make sure everyone feels included,
  
• Heading out to a restaurant or bar that actually stocks grown-up non-alcoholic options,
  
• Or just enjoying a quiet evening at home with something that marks the moment without the after-effects…
  
  

...there’s a whole world of drinks that let you stay present and savour the moment.

Why More People Are Choosing to Drink Mindfully

It’s not just a trend. It’s a recalibration.

Choosing to drink mindfully can lead to:

• Better sleep, better focus, and brighter mornings
  
• Deeper social connections (when you’re not half-distracted or nursing a hangover)
  
• More intentional spending - because let’s face it, rounds add up
  
  

But most of all, it gives you choice. The freedom to say yes, no, or not right now - and have a delicious option in your hand either way.

At Higher Taste, we believe the best moments deserve to be marked - whether or not alcohol’s involved. That’s why we’re all in on creating non-alcoholic drinks that taste like a celebration, not a compromise.

Mindful drinking isn’t about giving something up. It’s about discovering something better ✨