Katie Butler founded her content platform, Alcohol Free in Dally, one year after cutting out alcohol. Since going alcohol free in October 2021, Katie recognized the need for more representation of what life can look like without drinking. After years of relying on alcohol for fun in Dallas, she’s determined to show that you can live a full, exciting life doing all your favorite things—without booze. From what to order at restaurants to navigating dating and friendships as an alcohol-free woman, Katie has experienced it all in Dallas (and beyond!). Now, she’s on a mission to share her alcohol-free lifestyle with others.
Here are Katie’s current non-alc picks:
Seedlip was the first non-alcoholic spirit I tried when I stopped drinking in October 2021, and it’s been a staple in my house ever since. I love making non-alcoholic cocktails with Seedlip (especially a non-alc margarita with Grove 42!), and truly appreciate their founder, Ben Branson, for his commitment to innovating in the non-alcoholic space.
Cali Sober is my favorite functional beverage on the market. I never used THC prior to going alcohol free, but these beverages have been a huge help in my journey to cut out alcohol. The Cali Sober team is also fantastic; they have cool, retro vibes, yet provide a new twist to the non-alc space. I love sipping on one before bed as a red wine replacement while watching TV. My favorite is their Paloma!
I love a canned ready-to-drink that people mistake for the real thing. Why? Because I like holding something in my hand that looks like a hard seltzer, which people won’t question. Non-Alcoholic Loverboy helps me dodge the “Why aren’t you drinking?” questions and has a delightful, refreshing taste, perfect for everything from the pool to a pregame.
Lyre’s Classico is my go-to for everything from bachelorette weekends to work parties. I always ask my friends and family if I can bring it to those special occasions where there will inevitably be a champagne toast. It tastes like the real thing to me (though I was never much of a champagne drinker, so don’t quote me on that). I always have a bottle on hand in case of a special occasion, and I often give it as a gift!
My love of Recess goes way back, as it was one of the first ready-to-drink non-alc options I could easily find in Dallas. I love Recess for their variety of flavors, and for their on-the-go packets. Their powder blends are so easy to travel with; I’ve taken them on a bachelorette trip to Cabo and on a family trip to Hawaii. They’re my backup should I not be able to find any non-alc options wherever I’m headed.
Admittedly, I was a self-proclaimed “wine snob” when I was a drinker, with red wine being my favorite alcoholic beverage of them all. Red wine is what I miss the most, and it’s probably one of the hardest non-alcs to replicate. However, I’ve been enjoying Noughty wines and find them to be one of the best options on the market in terms of taste, particularly their red!
