Welcome to the family.
I rarely have any problems when I refuse a drink. I just say "no thanks" and that's that. On the odd occasion when I am questioned about not drinking, I reply, "does my not drinking bother you?" And that usually makes them stop asking/prying.
Glad you decided to get sober.
I did almost 11 yrs ago and don't regret a minute of it. And I've never woken up sober and wished I had drank the night before.