What Soft Sober Means to Me

Soft Sober: Why Alcohol Is the Exception, Not the Default in My Life

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how we talk about alcohol. You're either a drinker or you're sober, right? For me, that binary never quite fit. I still want to enjoy a glass of champagne at my best friend’s wedding. I like to savour a local red when I’m travelling through a wine region. But day-to-day? The default is no alcohol. I recently came across a term that feels like it finally clicks: soft sober.

What Is “Soft Sober”?

Soft sober isn’t about strict rules or permanent labels. It’s a mindset. It’s for people who’ve taken a step back from regular drinking - not because they have to, but because they want to. People who might go weeks or months alcohol-free, but still enjoy a drink on occasion, when it really means something.

How It Works for Me

For me, alcohol is no longer the reflex. I don’t reach for it when I’m stressed, sad, or celebrating a Friday night. That’s a big shift from how things used to be. Now, I gravitate toward alcohol-free alternatives like Higher Taste, because I’m not chasing a buzz - I’m craving a ritual, a flavour, a moment of pause.

I still enjoy a celebratory toast here and there. But it’s intentional. It’s rare. And it’s not the crutch it once was. In fact, when I’m going through something difficult or emotionally heavy, I actively avoid alcohol because I know it worsens my anxiety and clouds my headspace.

Why This Works for Me (But Might Not for Everyone)

Soft sobriety works for me because it’s not black and white. I’ve always pushed back against rigid boundaries - because when I do have that one glass, I’m not “failing” at being sober. I’m just living in a way that feels aligned, intuitive, and true to myself.

This may not be the right fit for everyone, especially those for whom full sobriety is essential. But for people like me - who wanted to reset their relationship with alcohol without cutting it out completely - soft sober has been a liberating, sustainable approach.

Why I Created Higher Taste

Higher Taste was born from this mindset. I wanted something that felt grown-up, delicious, and celebratory - without the alcohol. Because whether it’s a Tuesday night, a stressful week, or just a moment where I want to mark the end of the day, I wanted to reach for something that honoured the ritual but respected the boundary I’ve chosen for myself.

If you’re soft sober, sober curious, or just rethinking the role of alcohol in your life, I see you. And I hope Higher Taste gives you a better option for the moments that matter ✨