^{Mixed Things}

^Health

^{Ozempic, a weight-loss drug, appears to reduce cravings for alcohol and may have potential in treating alcohol use disorder, with anecdotal reports suggesting this effect, though further research is needed to confirm its efficacy. (npr.org)} 

^{Non-alcoholic beer and bloating. (self.com)}

^{New research indicates that individuals with social anxiety disorder are uniquely at a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder, with this connection being distinctive to social anxiety and not applicable to other anxiety disorders. (psypost.org)}

^{Study challenges the concept of "beer goggles," suggesting that alcohol doesn't make people we don't find appealing seem more attractive, as a study involving 36 men found that alcohol didn't impact how participants rated attractiveness but did increase their likelihood to interact with the most attractive individuals. (yahoo.com)}

^Industry

^{When it comes to Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs that reduce cravings, the alcohol industry isn't ready---suggesting they may need to expand their health-conscious product offerings to adapt to changing consumer preferences (bloomberg.com)}

^{Diageo, the spirits company, has applied for trademarks "Don't Mind If I Don't" and "Drink Interesting," hinting at a potential marketing push for its non-alcoholic brand, Seedlip---aligning with Diageo's commitment to expanding its non-alcoholic offerings and promoting responsible drinking. (thegrocer.co.uk)}

^{Established alcohol brands are using emotion and consistent yet refreshing brand positioning to stand out in a competitive market that is introducing many novel options, focusing on three key strategies: emphasizing emotion, selecting the right emotional expression, and maintaining brand consistency. (kantar.com)}

^{Marcos Salazar, CEO of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association, discusses the economic benefits of incorporating non-alcoholic beverages into drink programs, highlighting the growth of the non-alcoholic industry, the diverse consumer base, and the need for high-quality options in social settings. (issuu.com)}

^Culture

^{Celebrities like Katy Perry, Bella Hadid, Blake Lively, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson are revolutionizing the non-alcoholic beverage industry with innovative and healthier drink options. (graziamagazine.com)}

^{These are the 20 countries with the lowest alcohol consumption per capita, ranging from 0.69 (Jordan) to 0.0 liters (Kuwait), primarily due to cultural and legal constraints on alcohol. (yahoo.com)}

^{U2's Adam Clayton reveals past struggles with alcohol and depression, urging against self-medication. (sundayworld.com)}

^{The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's director suggests the U.S. may adopt Canada's recommendation of limiting adults to two drinks per week, sparking debate on the health effects of any alcohol consumption and political controversy surrounding personal freedoms. (yahoo.com)}

^{16 tips for reducing or quitting alcohol, including finding non-alcoholic drinks, seeking support, and embracing the positive aspects of the change. (goodhousekeeping.com)}

^{Best non-alcoholic drinks to try in 2023. (buzzfeed.com)}

^{13 of the best non-alcoholic bars in the United States. (tripsavvy.com)}

^{From the Top-shelf}

^{In a world of contaminated and dangerous water supplies, alcohol truly earned the title granted it in the Middle Ages: aqua vitae, the “water of life.”}

^…

^{Alcohol today is a substance primarily of relaxation, celebration and, tragically, mass destruction. To consider it as having been a primary agent for the development of an entire culture may be jolting, even offensive to some.}

^{The Conflicted History of Alcohol in Western Civilization}

^{Lie-bation: Americano}

^{Ingredients (makes one)}

^{- 1 ½ ounce Strong Chamomile Tea (chilled)}

^{- 1 ½ ounce Bitter Orange Juice*}

^{- Club Soda}

^Instructions

^{Build directly in a highball glass on the rocks. Top with soda. Garnish with an orange slice.}

^{*To make your own bitter orange juice, combine and mix 1/2 cup each of lime juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, and white distilled vinegar.}

^{Classic and bitter. I used the Mock It extension to give me non-alcoholic alternatives to a recipe for an Americano I found online. The chamomile tea replaces the vermouth, while the bitter orange juice replaces the Campari--- making this a highly functional drink.}

^{Inspiration: Mock It}

^Subscribe

^{Come across a great cocktail recipe online? Mock It!}

^{Find alternatives to cocktail recipe ingredients with easy substitutions or non-alcoholic brands with the free Mock It Chrome extension.}

^{Install Mock It}