A Confession: I Don't Drink

Yes, when you speak up about living alcohol-free, it does feel like a full-on confession — minus the priest and the dramatic organ music.

First, people look at you like you just declared you moonlight as an alien: “Seriously?!” / “You don’t drink?!” / “Wait… how come?!” And then the assumptions start flying. Most assume you’re pregnant — though, interestingly, that particular suspicion seems to skip male non-drinkers (go figure). And if they’re not silently diagnosing you as a recovering addict, they just sit there, wide-eyed, clearly waiting for your TED Talk on why the hell you’ve made this life choice.

Well, here it is: I haven’t touched alcohol for four years. And let me tell you, God knows I loved it. The first six months were pure agony — I missed it like a teenager misses their first summer fling.

It was a great party back when ‘party like a Russian’ actually meant something. And yes, that is an ice sculpture of some weird character from Alice in Wonderland. And yes, this picture made me very popular on dating apps at the time.

But eventually, I got used to sipping water at events, dates, parties — you name it. Over time, it even became my thing. Yes, new friendships are possible after 30 (surprise!), and all of mine were built on alcohol-free foundations. I even had a boyfriend who probably would’ve offered up his annual salary just to see me tipsy, never mind drunk.

Notice how I’ve never once used the word “sober.” Because honestly, this isn’t about some mind-altering transformation or spiritual awakening. Sure, you could call my lifestyle sober, but really, it’s about choosing an alcohol-free life over an eternal battle with my own metabolism. A couple of glasses of rosé with friends might’ve cost me hours of extra workouts and days of battling a bloated belly. No, thanks.

Over time, I realized the only thing I actually missed about drinking was the aesthetics: the delicate glass in hand, the bubbles, the beautifully designed bottles, the sparkly cocktails at chic bistros, and let’s not forget — those absolutely unnecessary but gorgeous bar cabinets.

The king of bar cabinets, which worth over 1M$ is François-Xavier Lalanne’s Grand Chat polymorphe (1998/2008), made in brass, bronze with stainless steel pin

To feel remotely adult (Coke and sugary drinks are so not my vibe), I began torturing every bartender in Tel Aviv with demands for something virgin, sour, and actually drinkable. The success rate? Tragically low. Alcohol-free beer was my fallback — but honestly, when am I ever pairing a beer with red satin shoes?

Then, a revelation: a few months ago, I discovered alcohol-free wine. Believe me, I was skeptical as hell. I expected it to taste like expired apple juice with a splash of soda. So imagine my delight when I found out it tasted just like real wine — minus one tiny ingredient: alcohol. I was so excited I swear I even felt a little tipsy (thanks, placebo effect).

Me posing with glasses but 100% sober

And, as you can probably guess, I immediately fell down the research rabbit hole. I deep-dived into the market (hey, they say you should fall in love with the problem, not the solution), and since I’m into wines, bundles became my go-to.

This bundle is available at The Zero Proof

If you’re into cocktails or spirits — good news. Turns out there are non-alcoholic whiskeys, mezcals, tequilas, margaritas, liqueurs — all beautifully bottled and ready to impress.

Odd Birds is doing the best job in bubbles (I mean Blanc de Blanc!). Pentire makes an assortment with spritz. Ghia is responsible for aperitifs. Cut Above went far with ‘stronger’ drinks that you’d prefer to put on the rocks. Gnista prepares great cocktails already set for you. Gimber is a an amazing piece if you like in Nordic countries and love ginger.

And yes, the pièce de résistance: the bar accessories. The most beautiful and utterly unnecessary home objects? Bar cabinets. There aren’t many truly special ones out there, but don’t worry — I’ve managed to hunt down six exquisite pieces. Stay tuned.

1. Goose Crystal collection of colored glasses; 2. Sophie Lou Jacobsen x Ghia Totem set-of-two borosilicate-glass cocktail glasses; 3. Marques classic bubble glasses; 4. Les Ottomans hand painted crystal glasses; 5. GARANCE VALLEE X MONOPRIX collection of cocktail glasses; 6. Natalia Criado tequila shots; 7. Bitossi Home set 6 of champagne bowls; 8. Goose Crystal crystal martini glasses; 9. Vintage Pineapple Ice Bucket by Mauro Manetti, 1960s; 10. Royal Doulton decanter crystal cut set

1. Fernando Laposse Agave leaves bar cabinet; 2. Carmen Bar Cabinet by Comité de Proyectos ; 3. Danish Bar Cabinet in Solid Oak; 4. Solid Mahogany, Copper Leaf Veneer & Lacquer Bar Cabinet; 5. Late 19th Century English Bar Cabinet; 6. Danish Rosewood and Formica Bar Cabinet by Johannes Andersen for Dyrlund, 1960s

So here I am — four years in, sipping my fancy alcohol-free wine, surrounded by beautiful bottles and bar cabinets, fully committed to the aesthetic without the hangover. And honestly? That’s so cool. Because in a world where everyone thinks rebellion comes in a glass, there’s something deliciously defiant about raising your sparkling water and saying, “Cheers — I’m doing just fine without it.”

Meantime, I’ve started watching new season of Nine Perfect Strangers (even though Nicole Kidman is completely not my type) and can’t wait for the release of The Better Sister this week. If you haven’t watched Bad Boy on Netflix - I highly recommend you! It’s crazy how good it is! I will not list all the podcast I’ve listened to this week, just because I’m preparing the whole dispatch about it.

Have fun this week!

Yours,

Miri