Meet Sarah Mitchell from Sydney – a self-proclaimed social butterfly who loved her wine nights and weekend parties. Recently, Sarah decided to press pause on her drinking habits and committed to going alcohol-free for 30 days (that’s alcohol-free April). Not only did she complete the challenge, but she’s also still going strong. Her story was just too good not to share!
“Okay, so I was like the ringleader of my friend circle,” Sarah laughs. “Alcohol was always part of the plan whenever we caught up. And yes, I was always the last one to leave the party!”
But everything changed after one particularly wild Saturday night—and an even worse Sunday morning. “That hangover hit differently. I knew it was time for a break,” she admitted.
We’ve captured Sarah’s honest and uplifting journey in this blog, where she reveals exactly what she drank instead of alcohol, discovering some seriously delicious alternatives along the way. And spoiler alert: she actually enjoyed the experience. Curious to know how she did it? Read on to find out what made her alcohol-free month not just doable, but downright delightful.
Week 1: “My New Kind of Friday Night”
“Friday night is always sorted at my home – pizza, a movie, and a big glass of red,” Sarah smiles. “It was my weekly reward after hustling work, household chores, and everything in between.”
But this time was different. Clinched to stick to her 30-day alcohol-free goal, Sarah swapped her usual red drop for something new:
Next Destination Barossa Valley Shiraz
“Honestly, I was nervous. But this red drop I have heard a lot. And trust me it's not just me but my husband was also impressed. It had that bold, peppery richness I crave in a Shiraz, the kind that lingers on your tongue and makes you want to sip slowly. It felt indulgent and didn't seem like I had been missing out on anything.“
She paired it with a grilled lamb - “very rustic, very me” and kicked back with her husband to watch a movie. “It felt like the perfect night. “I had two glasses, felt totally relaxed, and the best thing was that I woke up Saturday morning feeling like a million bucks. No headache, just energy and without feeling guilty!”
Week 2: The Social Test
Here comes the social anxiety, "my sister's birthday dinner was more like a real challenge," Sarah admits. "Nothing says celebration like popping a bottle, right? I came prepared with this sparkling alternative I found at Sans Drinks.”
Pernelle Cuvée Genesis
“When everyone else was clinking glasses of champagne, I poured this beauty into my flute. The gorgeous bubbles and pale straw colour looked exactly like the fine Champagne. The taste? A lovely balance of crisp citrus, a touch of brioche, and proper dryness that made it feel special enough for a toast.”
With a smile, she adds, "Can I try that?' asked my sister, eyebrows raised suspiciously. One sip later: 'Wait, there's no alcohol in this? Are you serious?' Half the table ended up trying it, and my brother-in-law even asked where he could buy some for his pregnant wife."
"Later that week, when my friend Kelly came over for a midweek catchup over beers (normally involving an esky filled with brews), I introduced her to:
Heaps Normal Another Lager
Sarah mimics her friend's sceptical expression before continuing, "This literally feels like a real thing" Kelly admitted, reaching for a second. The malty flavours with soft floral and spice notes, a crisp mouthfeel and a refreshing finish – it ticked all the boxes followed by no blurry-headed mornings.
Week 3: Weekend Wind-Downs
By week three, the novelty had worn off and real life was in full swing again, ”Sarah admits. “Work stress, housework, endless to-dos… I was craving that Friday arvo pick-me-up. Not just any drink, though—something fun, fresh, and refreshing.”
That’s when she reached for:
Lyre’s Italian Spritz
“Usually, I’d crack open a bottle of Prosecco and sit outside to toast the weekend. This time, I mixed Lyre’s Italian Spritz with soda, threw in a slice of orange, and it looked absolutely stunning in the glass like a sunset in a cup.That first sip? Zesty, complex, and refreshingly dry. I didn’t feel like I was missing out at all.
Instead of a night out, Sarah spent the evening with her feet up on the deck, music playing softly in the background, watching the sky fade into gold. “I realised it wasn’t the alcohol I was craving; it was the ritual. Something just for me.”
And when Saturday rolled around?
Ms Sans Twist & Shout Citrus Gin Substitute
“With the afternoon chores finally done, I was craving something crisp and citrusy. I poured a glass of this gin substitute over ice, topped it with tonic, and added a few slices of orange. It was bright citrus from orange, lemon and grapefruit with a fresh herbal kick and honestly, it tasted just like a real gin and tonic. Clean, zesty and super refreshing.
I had a couple of glasses, breezed through three episodes of my favourite show, and still made it to the supermarket the next morning feeling fresh!”
Week 4: The Finish Line
“By the final week, I wasn’t even counting down anymore. I was sleeping better, my skin looked clearer and I wasn’t dodging my bank account. Honestly, it all felt good just like I’d unlocked this new level of balance.”
To mark the moment, she decided it was time for something a little special.
Next Destination Langhorne Creek Blanc de Blanc
“This one wasn’t just a drink, it felt like a very different experience,” Sarah says. “It’s not pretending to be a classic sparkling wine. It’s doing its own sophisticated thing. Think dry profile, aromas of lemon curd and citrus and a crisp palate with flavours of toasted brioche, fresh blossom and green apple. It tasted like a traditional Blanc de Blanc you’d slowly sip on at a fancy dinner.”
She poured herself a glass, plated up her favourite creamy pasta, and toasted the final week of her 30-day journey. “It felt amazing, it felt grown-up—and for under $25, it delivered everything I look for in a ‘treat myself’ moment.”
But the real test? A final girls’ night — the kind that usually ended with group texts the next morning and someone cancelling brunch plans or yoga classes.
Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Rosé
“There was no way I was showing up empty-handed,” Sarah grins. “I brought a bottle of Noughty Sparkling Rosé – it’s a gorgeous blush colour, dry, with just a hint of berry. We poured it into champagne flutes and clinked glasses like we always do, only this time there was no buzz in the morning.”
The girls were impressed and truly proud. “It tasted just as celebratory as the real thing and a couple of them said they’d keep a bottle in the fridge for nights when they didn’t feel like drinking but still wanted something fun.”
“It was more than just a break from alcohol…”
As our chat with Sarah came to a close, we had one final and important question: what were the biggest changes she noticed in her lifestyle after going alcohol-free for 30 days?
"Turns out, 30 days without alcohol wasn't about just giving up – it was about what I actually gained," she reflects thoughtfully. "Better sleep. More energy. Clearer skin. No 'hangxiety' scrolling through my phone trying to figure out what I'd said the night before.
I genuinely enjoyed the drinks I had, and I’d absolutely like to try more. None of them felt like a compromise or some sugary mocktail. They were sophisticated, complex, and truly satisfying in their own right."
And what about going back to alcohol we asked?
Sarah pauses. "Probably but not in the same way. This experience has changed how I approach drinking. Now I know I can celebrate, socialise, and relax without alcohol if I choose. And thanks to having amazing options in the fridge from Sans Drinks, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing anymore.”
Kudos to Sans Drinks for bringing non-alc into the spotlight…
From bold reds to sparkling rosés, vibrant alc-free cocktails to refreshing gin alternatives, Sarah’s 30-day challenge was powered by the exceptional range at Sans Drinks. With premium non-alcoholic options at surprisingly amazing prices, she never felt like she was missing out — just making better choices.
If you’re thinking about taking a break, or simply want great alcohol-free options for any occasion, Sarah couldn’t recommend it enough. “Honestly,” she says, “this experience changed how I think about drinking and that’s worth raising a glass to, alcoholic or not.”
Ready to try your own 30-day challenge? Jump onto Sans Drinks’ collection of non-alcoholic wines, beers, spirits and RTDs. Your body, mind, and next-day self will thank you.
