Motherhood changes everything. The moment I became a mom to twin boys, my priorities shifted in ways I never imagined. Suddenly, life wasn’t just about me anymore—it was about showing up for these two little humans who relied on me completely.
And let’s be honest, showing up for twins means you’re already running on empty most of the time. Nights of interrupted sleep, mornings that start way before the sun comes up, and endless days of toddler chaos quickly taught me one thing: waking up foggy or hungover just wasn’t an option anymore.
From “Cheers” to Choices
Before kids, I never thought twice about pouring a drink to unwind or celebrating a Friday night with a cocktail or two. It was just part of the rhythm of my life. After the twins were born, though, those rhythms started to feel... off.
It wasn’t that I swore off alcohol entirely—I didn’t. But I started to notice how even one or two glasses of wine could leave me feeling sluggish and less than my best the next morning. And when your wake-up call comes at 5:30 a.m. (or earlier!), you can’t afford to be anything less than 100%.
For me, learning how moms can drink mindfully became a game-changer. Some nights, I’d skip alcohol altogether and sip on a non-alcoholic wine instead. Other times, I’d alternate between an alcoholic drink and something alcohol-free. I even tried going “halfsies”—watering down a cocktail or making a lighter version. It wasn’t about following some hard-and-fast rule; it was about finding what worked for me in the moment.
The Beauty of Balance
What I discovered was a new kind of balance—one that let me enjoy the ritual of a drink without feeling like I had to commit to an all-or-nothing approach. Some nights, I’d go all-in on non-alcoholic options, especially if I knew the next day would be a whirlwind of school drop-offs, meetings, and snack-packing. Other times, I’d have a glass of wine, savor it, and then switch to a zero-proof cocktail for the rest of the night.
This approach helped me feel confident in balancing motherhood and social drinking. Whether it’s a family barbecue or a night out with friends, I found ways to celebrate that didn’t leave me regretting it the next morning.
Redefining What Celebration Means
Motherhood made me rethink what it means to celebrate. I realized it’s not about what’s in your glass; it’s about the people around you and the moments you’re sharing. And honestly, I still love the ritual of holding a beautifully crafted drink. That hasn’t changed.
What has changed is the way I approach those moments. Now, it’s about being intentional with my choices. Whether it’s a sparkling non-alcoholic wine at a family barbecue or a single cocktail followed by a non-alc spritz on a night out with friends, I’ve found ways to celebrate that don’t leave me feeling foggy the next day.
The Mom Hack I Didn’t See Coming
Here’s the thing: motherhood is hard. There’s no way around that. But mindful drinking became this little life hack I didn’t see coming. It gave me the freedom to enjoy the experience of drinking without the downside. It let me wake up clear-headed, ready for all the chaos (and magic) that comes with raising twins.
And it’s not just for moms, either. This kind of balance works for anyone looking to enjoy the moment without paying for it later. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just trying to be kind to yourself, finding what works for you is what matters most.
Practical Tips for Mindful Moms
- Alternate Your Drinks: Start with an alcoholic drink, then switch to a non-alcoholic option. It stretches the night without overdoing it.
- Find Your Non-Alcoholic Favorites: Experiment with sparkling wines, alcohol-free spirits, or mocktails. (Check out our best-sellers for ideas!)
- Prep for Social Events: Bring your own non-alcoholic options to gatherings. It ensures you have something you actually enjoy.
- Go Half-and-Half: Water down your cocktail or mix half a serving with a zero-proof version. It’s a simple way to cut back without feeling like you’re missing out.
A Movement of Options
This journey to balance is what inspired me to start The Mindful Drinking Co.. I wanted to create a space where people could find amazing parenting and alcohol alternatives that fit into their lives, no matter their mood or mindset. It’s not about being sober or giving up alcohol completely—it’s about having choices.
Some nights, you might want a little buzz. Other nights, you might want to wake up refreshed and ready to go. Either way, you can still enjoy the ritual, the connection, and the celebration—without compromise.
Cheers to Whatever Feels Right
At the end of the day, mindful drinking isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself and the people you love in a way that feels good. For me, that means having the freedom to choose what’s in my glass based on how I want to feel tomorrow.
So here’s to the early wake-ups, the sleepless nights, and the little moments that make it all worth it. Whether you’re sipping on a cocktail, a non-alcoholic wine, or something in between, I hope you’ll join me in raising a glass—to balance, to options, and to living fully present.
Explore our collection of non-alcoholic beverages and discover your new favorite way to celebrate—on your terms.