ProblemDrinker

Just a thought...I'm finding it pretty easy so far 3 weeks in, no mad cravings and I can handle the social situation fine with a coke..I just don't stay out as long as I used to, which is a huge plus point too! The conversations I have I remember and engage in completely, much better at listening than I used to (when I was wrapped up in my own drunken false ego).

But, one thing has been niggling away at me. I'm taking my beautiful wife out tomorrow evening for her birthday for a nice meal in a really nice restaurant.. they do the best steaks on the island. Now, I love a good steak but am used to enjoying a nice glass or two of red (normally a nice Cab), but as I no longer drink alcohol, how do people on here find they replace such drinks associated with food?

Do you have favourite replacements, just drink water, is there anything that goes well with a nice steak soft drink wise that complements the food?

Thanks

instant

Sparkling water- I now love the stuff.

Dee74

I find sparkling water complements most meals - especially steak...you actually get more of the flavour that way, without the overpowering red wine

have a great time

D

suki44883

I almost always order iced tea when I am eating out at restaurants. Sparkling water is good, but I don't care much for carbonated beverages.

ProblemDrinker

Thanks for the quick replies I never really gave sparkling water much thought - do you just ask for a bottle of it and keep filling your own glass up - maybe with a slice of lemon and some ice?

Dee74

Well thats what I do here in Australia - not sure what the protocol is elsewhere

D

ProblemDrinker

Iced tea..hmm I do like Iced tea, never really thought of having it in a restaurant.

Great I'm getting some ammunition to fire at the sommelier!!



Bring them on!

IslandGirl1203

Diet citrus green ice tea/raspberry ice tea or peach ice tea. Those are definitely my new favorite drinks. Congratulations on 3 weeks

hypochondriac

I'm on sparkling water too, or green tea if it's eastern food x

least

root beer. goes with anything

Retread59

Sparkling or plain water works for me. I am like you, I have very strong, pleasant associations between good food and good wine, which has been one of the hardest parts for me. But the longer I go, the easier it becomes. Hope you and your wife have a lovely dinner!

Change4good

When I was pregnant, we went to a great restaurant that would make me "mocktails" before dinner when everyone else had a martini, etc. It was sparkling soda, grapefruit juice, and a splash of grenadine.

When the meal came, I always had sparkling water in a wine glass. I happen to think that wine makes food taste better, but I had to get over it. And I did.

Your dinner sounds lovely. Hope you and your wife have a wonderful time!

SOBERINNEPA

Mocktails are great, if you feel a little self-conscious. Lemonade or iced tea are my favorites, when I'm out. And I am a stone connoisseur of the finest root beers.

heath480

another vote for sparkling water.

Anna

Sparkling water for me too, love it.

Enjoy your night out.

MarylandRick

Sparkling water or club soda with lemon, lime or both. If that is too plan add a splash of cranberry (although that may not compliment a steak very well).

Spawn

Pepsi with lime wedge

NewBeginning010

San Pellegrino water in an ice bucket (ice cubes water it down & make it less fizzy ;-) OK, it also make it feel a little more special, nice glasses are a bonus.

flutter

Water here

sugarbear1

water with a slice of lemon or sparkling water with a slice of lemon.