by Bailey Bowerman
Spokane and Coeur d’Alene are packed with unforgettable experiences that don’t involve alcohol—and spoiler alert: they’re just as fun (if not more). There’s no shortage of ways to soak up the sun, the vibes, and everything our city has to offer. Let’s redefine what it means to have a good time—without sacrificing your health, your wallet, or your sleep schedule. And spoiler: the mocktail menus, non-alcoholic beer tastings, and kombucha slushies around town are thriving right now.
I am pretty open about the fact that I have been sober for several years. While I’m not here to advocate for sobriety, I am thrilled to take this opportunity to advocate for reframing the decision to abstain from alcohol–whether it be for a night, a month, or more. When I finally made this mindset shift, my life became a lot more fun. Here are just a few of the benefits I started to experience:
* I get fewer invites to wild nights out and boozy brunches, but I get plenty of invites to tea dates, spa days, and yoga classes.
* I did lose some friends, but I gained more authentic connections.
* I experience far less anxiety, and that’s not only because I wake up every morning knowing exactly what happened the night before. I’m not forcing my body to constantly detox, so I feel calmer and less anxious overall.
* I feel much more connected to my body and its cues for hunger and rest, because I stopped numbing my emotions and my body’s cues. I may have lost the luxury of alcohol as a social lubricant, but I also quieted the noise drowning out the oft quiet voice of my greatest ally. Now, I can hear when my body speaks to me, and I can meet its needs rather than reaching for a greyhound to make me feel artificially confident, warm, and fuzzy.
* My confidence increased as I learned to navigate social settings sober. Because I was forced to be fully present in all situations, from parties and awkward family gatherings to runway shows and networking events, I showed myself that I could handle a lot more than I thought I could.
* I started liking myself because I gave myself space to feel instead of masking emotion with a buzz, and I started doing what I said I’d do, and I started thinking for myself.
With all of this in mind, here are my favorite ways to navigate your foray into sobriety this month!
Best Mocktails in the Northwest
Looking for the best cocktails in Spokane? We have got you. I get such a thrill when I find a mocktail section on a menu or in a beverage cooler! Here are some of my favorite mocktail sources to get together with friends and make the most of your time together, sans hangover.
Adapt Elixirs – if you’re entertaining, Adapt Elixirs is the perfect mocktail vendor! Whether you’re having a game night, a dinner party, or a large celebration, Adapt Elixirs always delivers drinks that are delicious, beautiful, and made with the highest quality ingredients!
Lunarium – if you’re looking for a late night spot without booze, you’ve got to check out Lunarium! With an extensive beverage and treat menu, and hours from 3pm until midnight Wednesday-Saturday, this is the perfect happy hour and after hours venue. Beverages offered include tea by the pot, iced tea, vietnamese coffee, french press coffee, cold brew coffee, and craft sodas. There are regular events, so follow @lunarium.spokane to stay in the know!
The Goat Lounge– This popular Coeur d’Alene night life spot is known for its award winning craft cocktails, but you don’t have to drink to enjoy the ambiance and good company. The Goat also serves up a delicious mocktail!
Garnet Cafe – With their scratch-made breakfast items, duck eggs (a boon to foodies and health enthusiasts alike), addictive lemon curd, and creative items like breakfast spaghetti, Garnet’s menu can please even the pickiest palates. The Garnet drink menu doesn’t disappoint either! You don’t have to be left out of fun brunch beverages; you can order fun mocktails with your breakfast!
Emma Rue’s – this swanky spot offers a beverage option for everyone! You can order coffee, tea, beer, wine, cocktails, and beautiful mocktails!
Canned Mocktails – My favorite canned mocktails are Apothekary, Curious Elixirs, Kin Euphorics, Little Saints, and Recess. All are available online, but I like to purchase mine locally. I pick up Curious, Kin, and Recess at Pilgrim’s Market and Apothekary and Little Saints at Copow Foods.
And for the trail blazers – If you feel bold, I also encourage you to ask resident bar tenders and mixologists at venues without a mocktail menu to make a mocktail. Worst case scenario, you get an eyeroll and stick with soda water, but you might be surprised and find that the beautiful soul behind the bar is excited to be creative. This brave request helps to normalize mocktails and to signal to the industry that mocktails are in demand.
Have A Night In
This may not sound very exciting to the extroverts among us, but January is the perfect time to indulge in a little restful hibernation. While the past few years have proven that sobriety (whether for a month or a night or a lifetime) does not necessitate isolation and boredom, a break from drinking lends itself to time in rest and reflection. If you are so inclined, luxuriate in a few nights at home. Watch a movie, reflect, make a beautiful meal, and enjoy your rent/mortgage with a clear head!
Go on a Fancy Tea Date
Tea is no longer just the drink of the ill and the elderly. It is an art; it is a healer; it is an indulgence; it is a sweet and oh-so-satisfying ritual. Check out my favorite tea shops here!
Take A Relaxing Fitness Class
I love to meet friends for a walk or a workout class. Instead of happy hour, get your happy hormones going with some movement on a walk or in a pilates, yoga, or breathwork class. Your mind and body will thank you, and you’ll enter your evening grounded and ready to relax. Check out my favorite pilates studios here, my favorite local gyms here, and yoga/mindfulness resources here!
Get a Fabulous Blowout
DryBar Coeur d’Alene is not only a convenient resource for self care and party prep, but it’s an ideal venue to catch up with friends after work, on a weekend afternoon, or anytime! They offer coffee and a wide variety of teas to enjoy while you’re pampered!
You can also get a super-affordable blowout if you’re on a budget. Paul Mitchell The School in Spokane Valley has the best deal in the area, and you get the bonus of helping students learn crucial skills for their craft.
Spas that offer Mocktails
There’s nothing quite like a lovely beverage enjoyed pre- or post- treatment from a fluffy robe. You don’t need to miss out on this simple pleasure this month!
* Highlands – Not only does Highlands Day Spa sell Ritual non-alcoholic spirits for you to take home as gifts or to level-up your mocktail game, you can order craft mocktails while you enjoy the lounge before and after your service. They also always offer creative mocktails at their monthly Nocturne events!
* Selfcare Spa and Lounge – after your luxury scalp treatment, you end your experience in the zen room where you can sip on complimentary tea or you have the option of purchasing a mocktail! Khuyen also sells French Bloom, premium alcohol-free sparkling cuvees. I love to pick up bottles as gifts, and to bring along to parties.
From paddleboarding the Spokane River and hiking at sunset to live music in the park, art walks, farmer’s markets, and epic ice cream crawls—this season is all about saying yes to feeling good. Think rooftop yoga, picnic dates, moonlit movie nights, cold brew on tap, and late-night drives with the windows down and your favorite playlist blasting. Choosing sober summer fun in Spokane means you wake up refreshed, remember every moment, and still have the energy to say “yes” to tomorrow’s adventure.
xoxo, Bailey