Refreshing swaps that hit the spot
Swaps work best when they feel like a treat.

Non-alcoholic beer or wine.
Look for dry-style, low sugar varieties — heaps are now brewed locally.

Bitters + soda + citrus.
Refreshing, grown-up, easy to make at home or order at a bar.

Fancy soda in a fancy glass.
Think sparkling water with a squeeze of citrus or a yuzu soda with mint — make it feel special.

Kombucha with a twist.
Pour over ice, add a slice of citrus or fresh herbs — it’s tangy, refreshing, and feels like a treat.
Pre-stock your fridge so the good options are already there when the craving hits.
Cutting back can still taste good — and feel even better.
These days, you’ve got endless choices beyond alcohol — tasty, refreshing, and just as satisfying.
You don’t have to fake fun with a flat lemonade. Find your go-to. Make it yours.
Explore more satisfying swaps.
You’re not alone
“My favourite non-alcoholic is a pistachio matcha — or, if I’m feeling cheeky, a piña colada mocktail.”
Geda, Gungahlin

Still thinking about it?
Change can feel subtle at first. It might be quiet, but it’s real — here’s what to notice.
Here’s what people often notice first:
- Better sleep. Even just one less can change how you wind down — and how you wake up.
- Less fog. Your brain might feel a bit sharper. Less clunky mid-afternoon.
- More awareness. That moment of “Do I actually want this?” — that’s a shift.
Still not sure? That’s normal too. But you’re not where you were last week.
Cutting back isn’t all-or-nothing — you call the shots. It’s about choosing less when it feels right.
- Set limits. Pick numbers that work for you.
- Pick moments. Choose when to skip, when to say yes.
- Stay flexible. You call the shots.
Cutting back isn’t about perfection. It’s about trying, learning, and adjusting. When nights don’t go to plan, here’s how to reset.
- Reframe. One night doesn’t undo your efforts.
- Reflect. What triggered it?
- Reset. Tomorrow is another choice.
Up next
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Read more: “I’m just taking it easy tonight.”
“I’m just taking it easy tonight.”
A simple line that does a lot of heavy lifting.
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Read more: A few drinks fewer, a lot more energy
A few drinks fewer, a lot more energy
Cut back a little — feel it a lot.
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Read more: Dealing with triggers before they catch you
Dealing with triggers before they catch you
Spot the patterns early and set yourself up to feel good.
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Read more: Dodging drink pressure without awkwardness
Dodging drink pressure without awkwardness
When friends ask, here’s how to keep it light.
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Read more: How to design your own dry(ish) weekend
How to design your own dry(ish) weekend
Plan your weekend so it feels fun — and leaves you clearer.
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Read more: Making Friday nights feel different
Making Friday nights feel different
Reward yourself with the gift of a weekend free from hangovers.
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Read more: Making new habits that support what you want
Making new habits that support what you want
Adding new routines helps change stick.
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Read more: Refreshing swaps that hit the spot
Refreshing swaps that hit the spot
Swaps work best when they feel like a treat.
-
Read more: Soft ways to explain when you’re not sure
Soft ways to explain when you’re not sure
Keep your answer short, true, and easy to say.
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Read more: Tiny wins that stack up fast
Tiny wins that stack up fast
Progress adds up, even when it’s quiet.


