What are bitters?
What do bitters do?
Are they Non-Alcoholic?
Are they Alcohol-Free?
Author: Contributor to The Sober Curator
Something divinely auspicious happened to me this fall. I was digging through my closet and planning for the onset of colder temperatures when I realized it was time to “let go and let God”. I made a giant pile of nice clothes, clothes I wore and loved, and put them in the Goodwill pile. And then I happily donated them. I am talking about real wool sweaters, vests I have worn a hundred times, jackets in shades of olive green, and even a faux Burberry print shawl I’d been holding onto for years. I realized that this November my favorite…
There’s only one thing The Sober Curator LOVES more than good recovery content. And it’s FREE good recovery content. Our goal in shining the Sober Spotlight on people making a difference and curating recovery-related podcasts, QuitLit, mocktails, music, events, and movies is to smash the stigma surrounding addiction. We want to prove that life in sobriety is fun, rewarding, and never boring. This is why we want to make sure you know about The FREE 2021 Virtual Reel Recovery Film Festival. And introduce you to its producers, Writers in Treatment. Two great resources for recovery content! Founded by Leonard Buschel,…
Inspiration is, quite literally, everywhere! We are going to the Candy Shop, @lolliandpops on this JUST A MERRY MOCKTAIL MONDAY! Don’t have a cotton candy maker at home? NBD, look at all these lovely options!! A variety in so many flavors … the possibilities to create something unique is nearly effortless!! If you’re looking for a simpler Garnish… they also carry gummy candy. Such a lovely treat on a Mocktail Pick. Makin’ a NonAlc Penicillin? Add some candied ginger! It’s a lovely treat for any festivity! Bonus, their packaging makes storage clean with a lovely aesthetic! Lolli and Pop have…
Welcome to Gratitude Month 2021! Buddha says gratitude is the open door to abundance. Recovered alcoholics say it’s a way of life. We hear people talking about it like it’s the secret sauce, the magic potion, or the genie in the bottle. Speaking from personal experience, I can say after putting the bottle down, gratitude is definitely the most direct route to happiness. But why is this? How do we get there and how does it work? There are practical steps to gratitude and we are going to show you some. So, read on friends! There is power in gratitude. Focusing on your blessings…
Introducing Farout Drinks from Trish Reynolds and Madison McCleary. These two sober babes from the land down under allow you to experience a good mood straight out of the can. With powerful plant ingredients, you can boost your energy and improve your focus or feel calmer and sleep better with their chill vibes. Check out their Crowdfunding video and see how you can show your support and be first in line to sample this new product line. How Does It Work? These Farout bevies are plant-based and science-backed! Here are some terms to help you get familiar with how they…
I’ve got some sweet little TRICKs for you (that are a real TREAT) on this Just a Merry Mocktail Monday! Wanna turn any DryBation into a spooky elixir!?! Just add a bit of activated charcoal!! Not only does it look WICKED but activated charcoal has some benefits as well! It helps detoxify the body and supports kidney function! Wanna level it up a little!? Add a pinch of edible glitter for a swirly, enchanted potion… How about a little over-the-top garnish!?! Let’s add Cotton Candy and Plastic Spiders!!! Now you have a decadent (and somewhat elaborate) Mocktail! Can we take…
Are you looking to add some creepy Halloween and easy to create garnishes to your alcohol-free beverages? We’ve got you covered!
Meet Michael Molthan, former drug addict and alcoholic, charismatic speaker, minister to The Missing Man and host of the podcast M2 the Rock.
Halloween meets Mocktail Monday with a #boozefreetiki twist!! Let’s have a little DryBation mixing fun, on this Just a Merry Mocktail Monday!! Let’s make a twist on a classic Piña Colada with a little Spooky drizzle…
I’ve always felt like I was an observant person. Since I decided to quit drinking over three years ago, I’m more aware than I’ve ever been. Not only am I more self-aware, but I also notice the things that are happening around me. Sometimes I have fun with it. Sometimes I over-analyze situations. I see my awareness as a positive attribute, but my husband might beg to differ. I can’t not notice. My family and I recently went to an event where the booze was flowing. I noticed every person who was drinking, what they were drinking, and how much.…
Is festive glassware necessary for a good holiday time? Nooooo… but it sure helps!!
I am an animal in October. And I am referring to more than just dressing up like Big Foot and gorging on Halloween candy… (although I do that too.) Let’s face it… animal print looks amazing in the backdrop of early fall. It’s the kitsch neutral. It’s the cat’s pajamas. The bee’s knees. The dog’s tuxedo. You get the picture. I love all things animal print. And there is no better time of year to rock this seemingly haphazard, caramelized mixture of brown, black, camel, and rust. I don’t discriminate on animal print, leopard, cheetah, tortoise, or snakeskin, …. bring…
Throwback to the Sober Pop Mock(tail) recipe that was created by @Tonix.Mocktails in the Spring of 2021. Nik created this clever beverage for the Sober Pop Club TV-themed night, where we discussed our favorite TV series that had addiction as an underlying storyline. We thought Sober October was the perfect time to bring this one back out of our sober archives. Sober Pop Mock of the Week: True Blood Ingredients You’ll Need: Movie Night with The Sober Curator Need some recommendations on what to watch? We’ve got you covered! Because it’s movie night and the feelings right, it’s movie night!…
Ranger Sauce, a wanderer who picked up a guitar and has been on an adventure or two. Interview + New Single “Gambler’s Road”
Mocktail Monday is BACK and complete with a simple yet dramatic garnish that will level up your presentation!
Grace Askew is a sixth-generation Memphian and a highway child. With seven studio albums and nearly a decade of touring under her belt, Askew has established herself as a relentlessly creative artist and a powerhouse of talent. She has become a festival favorite at eclectic live events and gained the attention of brands like Stetson, Wrangler, and Tecovas Boots, all of which have signed her on as a model/spokeswoman. She mostly hits the road accompanied only by her truck, Wanda. Still, she has also supported legends like Hayes Carll, Ray Wylie Hubbard, James McMurtry, Lisa Marie Presley, Marty Stuart, Paul…
In the letter to the editor, fashion icon and editor in chief Anna Wintour of Vogue magazine opens the September 2021 issue with an almost obligatory mea culpa “American designers are at the forefront of the conversation around diversity, inclusivity, gender fluidity, and body positivity.” It’s about damn time.
What the hell was I getting ready for? I look back at the foggy image of myself in my 20s “getting ready for a night out”. I imagine the song lyrics were “It’s Britney Bitch” roaring in the background while up next on the playlist was Rihanna or Fergie or even a little trance with Tiesto. Don’t judge. This was the early 2000s and spray tans and sparkly jeans were a thing. There was always a sprinkle of glitter, a dash of desperation, a layer of bronzer, and the act of soaking my entire outfit in the saccharine smell of…
Respect covers Aretha Franklin’s rise to stardom and the little known back story including challenges with alcohol addiction.
“Freeway Rick Ross,” tells a story of a kid who had dreams like any other kid. However, his dreams were stolen by a school system that failed him. Instead of becoming the next great African American tennis player, Ricky’s life would take a totally different turn.
Leah Martin-Brown is an Australian-born singer/songwriter and guitarist based in Los Angeles, CA but currently in Stockholm, Sweden. Leah started her career at age 13, playing in local pubs and clubs around Gold Coast, Queensland, where she formed her first project- Lilly Rouge. After completing her Bachelor of Popular Music at Griffith University’s Conservatorium of Music, Leah and Lilly Rouge began focusing on their professional music goals. They toured Australia, played the Gold Coast leg of the legendary Big Day Out tour, and supported international acts such as Everclear, Presidents of the United States, and homegrown favorites- The Getaway Plan.…
Here’s a fun Orange Garnish for you on this, Just a Merry Mocktail Monday! As long as you have a Cutting Board, Paring Knife, Y-Peeler, and a Large Orange, you are all set! How to Create This Clever Orange Garnish: Full transparency, I am just getting home from Tiki Oasis 2021 where I was the Presenter of the 90 Minute Mocktails & Garnishes Class and I am very very sleeeepy! Thank you for keeping up with me and thank you for understanding! Stay tuned for more awesome Tiki Oasis content! Until Next Week,To Your Health,Xoxo,-Nik Sober Curator Pro Tip: Curious…
A look at the documentary about the life and death one of the world’s greatest story tellers through the lens of addiction and recovery.
Crushin’ it on this JUST A MERRY MOCKTAIL MONDAY! Have you ever received a drink and immediately think… “Ooooo, they got that Good Ice…” or you’re looking to make a #boozefreetiki alternative to some classic Tiki Cocktails and notice it calls for Crushed Ice?? Maybe you’re like me and the mercy of the Grocery Store for your ice (with the exception of all the glorious ice cube trays…) Well, grabbing a Lewis Bag and a Mallet will make your crushed ice dreams come true as little as ONE, TWO, IT’S HAMMER TIME! There are a few other methods for achieving…
Pay it forward and learn to cook like a Celebrity Chef with Cooking at Home Through the Seasons. Proceeds benefit Dallas 24 Hour Club, sober transitional living for men and women seeking a brand new life.
Honey, You’re the bee’s knees… Simple syrups are fun and easy to make. You can have a variety of different flavors and combinations. Switch up the sweetener used to make your syrups and sometimes you may want to use Honey! On this Just a Merry Mocktail Monday, let’s have some fun making a fresh Ginger Honey Syrup!! Using a 1:1:1 ratio combine water, freshly grated organic ginger, and organic honey into a saucepan and turn on low heat. After about 10 to 15 minutes on a super low temp, remove from heat and let the ginger steep with the honey…
As seen on CBS, FOX, and NBC. POP Buchanan is the creative director, and founder of the Sober is Dope podcast company. POP Buchanan is a holistic mindset coach, lyricist, meditation expert, prayer consultant, and nutrition coach. POP’s #1 goal is to help people heal from trauma, toxic lifestyles, and harmful addictions. POP Buchanan is a 41-year-old Creative from Brooklyn, NY. He lost his father when he was 13 years old from a heart attack. POP grew up interested in music, martial arts, esoteric spirituality, poetry, God, and love. He writes poetry and considers himself an idea machine. POP struggled…
Mocktails Out In The Wild!!Let’s chat about going out and having Alcohol Free experiences!! The non-alcoholic industry is booming and that wouldn’t be happening if there was no demand for it. Companies make products people want. And we, people, want nonalcoholic drinks! Of course, making Mocktails at home is fun and creative but sometimes going out for celebratory or social purposes is a blast! Fortunately, there are places like Kindred Spirit and Ocean Beach Café that are designed and dedicated to non-alcoholic experiences! The world is catching on but it will only catch on if we ask them for it!…
Thoughts on Re:generation – A bible based, 12-step recovery program, the Director, John Elmore and his book, Freedom Starts Today.