When The Real Margaret Josephs tells you she’s “always been the designated driver—and the life of the party,” you know she means it. Alongside her best friend and business partner Lexi Barbuto, she’s rewriting what it means to celebrate with Soirée—a luxury non-alcoholic drink brand that’s part beverage, part movement.
Soirée isn’t just a pretty can—it’s a vibe. Vintage prints, glamorous design, and flavor profiles that whisper Palm Springs and confidence. Think cucumber-mint lychee, watermelon-basil, or the new Café Spritz launching for Dry January. Each sip says: you belong here, no explanations needed.
For Margaret, the inspiration came from watching her mother’s complicated relationship with alcohol and realizing early on that fun doesn’t need a chaser. “There’s no stigma in not drinking,” she says. “You can still have a great time—and a great drink.”
That mindset drives Soirée’s mission: to end the awkwardness. No more whispering “what are you drinking?” at parties. No more soda water in plastic cups. With Soirée, everyone’s glass looks elevated, everyone feels included, and no one misses out.
Beyond the fashion and fizz, the women behind Soirée are focused on impact. They dream of bringing their brand to college campuses, giving young women an alternative to blackout culture. “We want a Soirée Society,” Margaret says, “where confidence is the buzz and safety is the standard.”
Their movement is also cultural. With Caesar’s Palace bringing Soirée to its Las Vegas venues just in time for BravoCon, it’s a sign of the times: even in Sin City, sober is in. “The party girls and the party boys deserve options,” Lexi says. “It’s not about restriction—it’s about freedom.”
By the end of the interview, it’s clear: Soirée isn’t selling drinks. It’s selling permission—to shine, to show up, to feel glamorous without the glass of regret.
As Alysse Bryson puts it: “The best kind of buzz is the one you remember.”
Hosted by Alysse Bryson & Tamar Routly, and produced by Podcast Impact Studio, The Sober Curator Podcast brings sober lifestyle, pop culture, & recovery to the mic. Alongside Alysse & Tamar, rotating global contributors join as co-hosts to explore zero-proof drinks, sober travel, quit lit, entertainment, & mental health. This is sober media with personality, perspective, & a glitter bomb of honesty. Sober-curious or living alcohol-free, we’ve got you! We’re not here to help you get sober. We’re here to help you live sober: and love it.
Why do so many films glorify binge drinking?
In this episode, Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly dive into how media impacts our perceptions of alcohol, aided by insights from Professor Ted Mandell. They explore how movies and TV shows depict alcohol consumption, often glamorizing binge drinking while ignoring the dangers. With a mix of nostalgia, frustration, and hope, the discussion uncovers the powerful but sometimes harmful narratives ingrained in our culture.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Films often portray binge drinking as glamorous and without consequence.
Media can influence and normalize unhealthy drinking habits.
Cultural and media narratives surrounding alcohol are often unrealistic.
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About the Show: Sobriety isn't the end of the party — it's just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson (media executive, 20 years sober, sobriety's ultimate hype woman) and co-host + producer Tamar Routly, The Sober Curator Podcast delivers bold convos, pop culture deep dives, and zero-proof living that doesn't suck. Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just looking for good vibes without the hangover — you're in the right place. Subscribe now. Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.
The Sober Curator Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living. Some topics may be sensitive for certain listeners. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please take care while listening and seek support from trusted professionals as needed.
Follow along with Margaret & Lexi in all of social places and digital spaces:
- Website drinksoiree.com
- Website margaretjosephs.com
- On the ‘Gram: @drinksoiree @therealmargaretjosephs @thelifeofmrsb
HAPPY EVERY HOUR: Soirée: Elevate Your Alcohol-Free Party with Vibrant, Delicious Beverages (2024)
SOBER ENTERTAINMENT: Pop Culture Meets Sobriety: The Real Housewives Drama Analyzed
SOBER POP CULTURE: 40 Real Housewives-Inspired Taglines for the Sober and Fabulous
SOBER POP CULTURE: Dear Andy Cohen: It’s Time to “Bravo, Bravo, Fing Bravo” a New Drinking Narrative by Anne Marie Cribbin
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