Why I Quit Alcohol
2.5 years with zero alcohol and why I swapped my glass of cab for mocktails and tea
In celebration of my 40th birthday, the weather warming, and the urge to switch from tea to something fruity- here’s a new Watermelon Margarita Mocktail for you! Or should we call it a Watermelon Mockarita?
I wanted to share more about my decision to stop drinking alcohol. I’ve mentioned it briefly on Instagram or in a mocktail recipe, but many of you have asked for the full story, so here it is!
For the past 2.5 years, I've chosen to abstain from alcohol, not originally as a strict resolution, but as a response to health challenges that emerged in 2022. In October 2022, I began experiencing neurological symptoms, and after many tests and misdiagnoses, I was found to have Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). I was told it was nothing life threatening, but it can mimic some symptoms of a brain tumor, so it was certainly unsettling.
Alcohol seemed to exacerbate my symptoms (as well as an excess of sodium), which included pressure behind my eyes, throbbing headaches, and dizziness. Wanting to be fully present with my kids, I decided to cut out alcohol. Ryan joined me around December 2022, and we both were going to just stay away until I felt better, but then we ended up sticking with it. A pivotal moment was hearing a podcast by Huberman Lab and others by Mark Hyman discussing the inflammatory effects of alcohol, which resonated with my own research into autoimmune diseases.
Gaining a better understanding of how alcohol triggers stress hormones and fuels inflammation solidified my resolve to just stick with it. Also. I’m a slightly competitive person (even with myself), so even one sip would reset my “streak.” 😅
As I approach the five-year mark of remission from ulcerative colitis, my focus is on holistic healing. My goal is to wean off medication and reclaim my health through mindful choices in diet, exercise, and lifestyle. I may never get to that point, and we may decide that the benefits of the medication outweigh the possible harms, but my goal is to fight my disease from all angles.
Positive Byproducts
Since quitting alcohol, I've experienced relief from my once a month debilitating migraines, have had MUCH better sleep, can endure through heavier exercise, and have had significantly reduced stress levels. While I don’t categorize it as a "never again" situation, alcohol doesn't currently fit into my lifestyle. If we travel or celebrate a major milestone, I might indulge in a few sips of a high-quality, non-toxic wine or champagne, but for now, I’m feeling so great about this choice and feel that it aligns with my pursuit of good health.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments and answer any questions you have!
With that- who wants some NA mocktail recipes and a NEW Watermelon Mockarita?!
Mocktail Recipes
NEW! Recipe at the bottom of this email!
Smoky Watermelon Mockarita
Serves 2 to 3
TOOLS
Saucepan
Cocktail shaker
INGREDIENTS
1 cup of fresh watermelon juice (strained)
1-2 tablespoons of jalapeño honey simple syrup
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup lime sparkling water
Ice cubes
Jalapeño Simple Syrup
1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup honey
1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
Smoky Salt Rim
2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt
1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
METHOD
Jalapeño Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine water, honey, and sliced jalapeño. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the honey is dissolved. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Strain to remove the jalapeño slices.
Smoky Salt Rim
On a small plate, mix the coarse sea salt and smoked paprika. Use a slice of lime to wet the rim of your serving glasses. Dip the moistened rim into the smokey salt mixture to coat it evenly.
Mocktail
In a shaker or a mixing glass, combine the fresh watermelon juice, jalapeño simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Fill your serving glass with ice cubes. Pour the watermelon, jalapeño, and lime mixture over the ice. Top off with sparkling water and gently stir. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge or a jalapeño slice.
NOTES
Store leftover Jalapeño Simple Syrup in the refrigerator for 1 month
You can opt for store-bought watermelon juice or, for homemade, blend fresh watermelon chunks until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve.
Want more? Check out
’s Substack On The Rocks. She’s a master at incredible NA cocktails!
I love this post, but am so sorry you had to experience what you did, Danielle, with those symptoms! I had decided to go completely alcohol-free Summer of ‘21 after I started experiencing joint swelling/pain, skin rashes and even more hormone issues (Hashi’s is part of my history). It was only a one-time thing to celebrate on a trip (I hadn’t been drinking prior to that for about 2 1/2 years), but I was sold: any alcohol just no longer fit into my life if I wanted to feel my best and nail my autoimmune issues.
I love that you’ve been championing the uber-cool mocktail and NA refreshment movement, Danielle. It gives people “permission” to try it when they see someone else doing it.
I follow Olivia Noceda, too, and females, in particular, aren’t warned of how alcohol can do so much to our systems in our 30s, 40s and beyond that’s almost impossible to counteract unless the alcohol is removed.
That joint swelling completely reversed after about a year. I noticed a lot of other improvements, too, and using more herbs and fruit is always fun! I routinely share mocktails on socials and now bring them as one of my “plates” to family and friend gatherings.
Thanks for making yet another part of healthy living even more fun and celebratory. 🎉🎉🎉
Thanks for the notes at the bottom! I was wondering what the best way to get the juice from a watermelon was. 😂