Cheers to Change: The Best Non-Alcoholic Options for a Sober-ish 2025

WWMD – What would Margaret drink?

Margaret Pearman is a certified sommelier under the Court of Master Sommeliers and curates the award-winning wine list at Charlie’s Coastal Bistro. Here are her sipping suggestions for January:

Cutting back on alcohol has never been easier or more exciting

Every new year brings the motivation for a lifestyle reset, and for me, cutting back on alcohol — or rethinking how I enjoy it — always tops the list. Those nightly glasses of wine seem to refill themselves, don’t they? But 2025 feels like the perfect time for a change. Why? Because it’s never been easier — or more exciting — not to drink. Thanks to the health-conscious Gen Z crowd’s driving trends, the beverage industry is stepping up its game with high-quality, non-alcoholic (NA) options.

Locally, Nicky Geoffrey, sommelier at Roller’s Wine and Spirits, has noticed the shop’s NA section growing rapidly to meet demand. “There’s something for everyone,” she says, highlighting the surge in creative alternatives that deliver on flavor and experience.

Take Leitz Winery in Germany’s Rheingau region, for instance. Its “Eins Zwei Zero” line leads the pack in NA wines, offering riesling, Chardonnay and pinot noir, along with sparkling riesling. The secret? A meticulous, slow dealcoholization process that preserves the wine’s complex flavors and aromas while maintaining its unique terroir. These aren’t just substitutes — they’re wines in their own right, designed for those who value both health and sophistication.

If your 2025 resolutions include cutting back, going dry in January or simply staying part of the celebration, Roller’s has you covered. Prima Pavé sparkling wines are customer favorites for good reason, delivering the festive fizz without the booze.

Not into wine? Burnt Church Distillery’s Amethyst line of distilled botanicals is making waves, offering flavor-packed alternatives that shine in cocktails. Try the Lemon Cucumber Serrano in a spicy margarita or the Blueberry Ginger Mint in a refreshing spritzer or cosmopolitan.

For something unique, my personal favorite is the Phony Negroni from Brooklyn’s St. Agrestis Distillery. With its perfectly balanced blend of herbs, spices and fruit, it tastes just like the real thing.

Here’s to a healthier, happier, and maybe even a sober-ish 2025 — cheers!