If game day usually equals drinking day, you’re not alone. The stats don’t lie: Americans consume around 325 million gallons of beer on Super Bowl Sunday alone. That’s enough to fill up 493 Olympic-sized swimming pools. But here’s the good news: you can have something fun in your hand and keep your plans. No white-knuckling required.
Super Bowl Sunday can feel like a setup. Friends? Check. Wings? Obviously. Commercials? Can’t wait. “You want a drink?” And suddenly you’re looking for the nearest exit. To some people, this day holds more importance than Christmas, birthdays, or wedding anniversaries. It’s a time-honored tradition that dates back to childhood. And maybe for you, it’s starting to feel like a day you’ll never be able to fully enjoy. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Here are my favorite non-alcoholic drinks for game day, plus a simple, no-cringe plan for how not to drink at a Super Bowl party.
TL;DR: Your Game Day Game Plan
- 4 NA drinks that feel “game day special,” not sad or juvenile
- A quick playbook for declining alcohol without awkward explanations
- Scripts + exit ramps for cravings and social pressure
- Join the Freedom Foundations Challenge (Feb 16–20) for extra support
Jump to What You Need
The 4 Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Game Day
Game Day Strategy
The 4 Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Game Day
Not drinking beer or booze on game day doesn’t mean you need to stick to soda or juice boxes. You’re more sophisticated than that. Let’s elevate your drink choices while staying true to the spirit of the game.
The Last Word Mocktail (Seattle Seahawks Edition)
The Last Word is a drink that has become synonymous with Seattle. You can still show a nod to the Seahawks without getting bogged down by booze. This drink actually has its roots in Detroit, but was revived by a Seattle bartender in the ’90s. Now we’re giving it an NA glow-up in 2026.
What You’ll Need (all commonly available)
- 1 oz non-alcoholic gin (e.g., Ritual Gin Alternative, Seedlip Grove 42, Monday Gin)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz herbal “green” liqueur substitute:
- Giffard Sirop Menthe (mint syrup) or
- Monin Green Mint syrup
(This is your “green Chartreuse” stand-in: minty/herbal + green color.)
- 1 oz maraschino substitute:
- Luxardo maraschino cherry syrup (from the jar) or
- Toschi Amarena syrup (or another premium cherry syrup)
Optional (but really helps it taste more “cocktail-y”)
- 1–2 dashes aromatic bitters (if you’re okay with trace alcohol), or non-alcoholic bitters
- Tiny pinch of salt (seriously, makes flavors pop)
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add: 1 oz NA gin, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz green mint syrup, 1 oz cherry syrup, optional bitters + tiny pinch of salt.
- Shake hard for 10–15 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe (or strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass).
- Garnish with a lime wheel or one good cherry.
Notes to Nail the “Last Word” Balance
- If it’s too sweet (common with syrups): add ¼ oz more lime.
- If it’s too sharp/tart: add ¼ oz more cherry syrup.
- If you want it more herbal and less minty: use Seedlip Grove 42 (citrus/herbal) and add 2 dashes bitters.
Pairs Best With:
Wings (buffalo or lemon pepper), nachos with guac + jalapeños, buffalo chicken dip + celery/chips, sliders, brownie bites or key lime bars.
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The Washington Apple Mocktail
Did you know that the state of Washington is the top apple producer in the US? Yep, they grow between 10–12 billion apples per year. What a sweet gig! Those apples also make a fine drink that will leave you wondering why you ever thought you needed alcohol to fire up your taste buds. This Washington Apple mocktail is crisp, refined, and one you’ll want to drink on repeat. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and this drink makes those apples go down easy.
Ingredients
- 2 oz unsweetened cranberry juice (100% cranberry)
- 1½ oz tart apple juice or cold-pressed green apple juice (if you see it)
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- 2–3 oz chilled club soda (or plain sparkling water)
- Optional: 2 dashes bitters (aromatic or orange) or NA bitters
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add cranberry, apple, and lemon (plus bitters if using).
- Shake hard 10–12 seconds.
- Strain into a highball over fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and a quick stir.
- Garnish with thin apple slices or a lemon peel.
“Adult” Tweaks (pick one)
- More bite: add 2 oz ginger beer instead of club soda.
- More dry: use plain seltzer + swap ½ oz apple juice for unsweetened iced green tea.
- More aromatic: add a squeeze of orange peel over the glass (just twist it).
Pairs Best With:
Salty, savory, smoky, fried, and spicy Super Bowl foods. Anything rich that needs a refreshing cut. Think Nashville hot tenders, BBQ meatballs (sweet heat works especially well), quesadillas, or salt & vinegar chips.
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The Ward 8 Mocktail (Boston Edition)
The drink most synonymous with Boston is the Ward 8. It’s usually a rye-based drink with citrus and grenadine. The drink was created in honor of political figure Martin “The Mahatma” Lomasney (a teetotaler!)’s win in the 1898 election and is named after the district he represented. You can still show your Boston pride and your own teetotaler status with this version!
What you’ll need:
- 2 oz non-alcoholic whiskey (Ritual Whiskey Alternative, Lyre’s American Malt, Spiritless Kentucky 74, etc.)
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz orange juice (fresh is best, but carton works)
- ½ oz grenadine (store-bought: Rose’s, Liber & Co, Monin, etc.)
- Ice
Optional (for a more “adult” finish):
- 1–2 oz club soda (lightens it and makes it less sweet)
- 2 dashes bitters or NA bitters (only if you’re okay with trace alcohol)
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add NA whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice, and grenadine.
- Shake hard for 10–12 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- (Optional) Top with club soda and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish with an orange slice (or orange peel twist) and/or a cherry.
Easy Tweaks to Nail the Balance
- Want it less sweet / more grown-up? Use ¼ oz grenadine instead of ½ oz, and/or add club soda.
- Want it brighter? Increase lemon to 1 oz.
- Want it more whiskey-forward? Reduce orange juice to ½ oz.
Pairs Best With:
Soft pretzel bites + mustard flight, Reuben dip + rye chips, brine board (pickles/olives/artichokes), shrimp cocktail, orange slices + dark chocolate for dessert.
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Maple Coffee Mocktail (New England Edition)
If there is one thing New England is known for, it’s coffee. Yeah, we know it was the Boston Tea Party, but Dunkin’ Donuts saw its start here a full 21 years before Seattle launched its own little coffee shop. So New England is getting the win with this Maple Coffee Mocktail based on longevity alone!
Ingredients (1 drink)
- 2 oz cold brew coffee (store-bought bottled or from a carton)
- 1 oz maple syrup (real maple syrup)
- 1 oz half-and-half or oat milk (for a creamy version)
Optional: skip dairy and use 2 oz club soda for a crisp, “coffee tonic” style - ½ oz fresh lemon juice (optional but tiny amount, it brightens the coffee like a cocktail)
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters or non-alcoholic bitters (optional, but makes it taste like a cocktail)
- Ice
Garnish (optional)
- Orange peel (best) or a light dusting of cinnamon
- Pinch of flaky salt (tiny but a big upgrade)
Instructions
- Add maple syrup to a shaker (or jar).
- Pour in cold brew and (optional) bitters + lemon juice.
- Add ice and shake 8–10 seconds to chill and foam slightly.
- Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
- For creamy: gently stir in half-and-half/oat milk. For crisp: top with club soda instead (coffee tonic style).
- Garnish with an orange peel (twist over the top). Add a tiny pinch of salt if you want it extra “bar-quality.”
Easy Dial-Ins
- Less sweet / more adult: use ½ oz maple syrup instead of 1 oz.
- Stronger coffee: use 3 oz cold brew and keep maple at ½–¾ oz.
- More “dessert-y”: add ¼ tsp vanilla extract (store-bought) or use vanilla oat milk.
Dessert Upgrade: Maple Coffee Ice Cream Float
Make the mocktail as written, but use the crisp version (club soda) or a lighter creamy version so it doesn’t get too heavy.
What You’ll Add:
- 1–2 scoops vanilla ice cream (or coffee ice cream for extra intensity)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon, crushed toffee bits, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of maple syrup
How to Build It (best method)
- Fill a tall glass halfway with ice (optional: skip ice if you want it extra thick).
- Pour in: 2 oz cold brew, ½ oz maple syrup (I recommend less sweetness since ice cream adds a lot), 2–3 oz club soda (for a fizzy float) or 2 oz milk/oat milk (for a milkshake vibe).
- Add 1–2 scoops ice cream on top.
- Finish with a tiny pinch of salt + cinnamon (optional), and a straw/spoon combo.
Pairs Best With:
Bacon-wrapped dates, aged cheddar + toasted pecans, truffle popcorn.
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Bonus Drinks: The Traditionalist’s Pick
Are you a traditionalist when it comes to game day brews? You’re in luck because the NA beer market is booming. From Athletic Brewing and Heineken to Guinness, Sam Adams, and so many others, you can pop a cold one without any misgivings at all. The best part? Most of these taste shockingly close to the real thing, and you won’t wake up with regret (or a hangover) the next morning.
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How Not to Drink at a Super Bowl Party: Your Simple Playbook
Okay, you’ve got your drinks lined up. Now let’s talk strategy. Because deciding not to drink is one thing. Actually executing that plan when you’re surrounded by beer commercials, coolers full of Bud Light, and your buddy Dave doing shots? That’s a whole other ballgame.
Here’s your actionable, no-BS plan for navigating game day without alcohol (and without feeling like you’re missing out).
Step 1: Decide Your “Why” in One Sentence (Quietly)
You don’t need to announce this to the room. You don’t even need to write it down. But before you walk into that party, get clear on your reason for not drinking today. It doesn’t have to be profound or permanent. It just has to be yours.
Examples:
- “I want to wake up clear tomorrow.”
- “I’m running an experiment tonight.”
- “I want to be present for my kids.”
- “I’m tired of feeling like crap on Mondays.”
- “I want to prove to myself I can do this.”
This isn’t about willpower or being “strong enough.” It’s about having a reason that matters to you when the moment gets tricky. And trust me, it will get tricky.
Step 2: Bring Your Own “Default Drink” (or Host the Party Yourself)
Here’s the deal: if your hands are full, fewer people offer you alcohol.
Bring one of the four drinks from above, or grab your favorite NA beer before you even start mingling. Make it your signature move. Walk in with that drink like you own the place. Because guess what? You do.
Hosting the party yourself is an even better power move. You control the drink menu, the vibe, and the timeline. Plus, nobody questions the host’s drink choice. You’re too busy making sure everyone else is having a good time.
Step 3: Use a One-Line Script (No Speeches Required)
You don’t owe anyone an explanation. You don’t need to justify your choices or go into your life story. A simple, confident one-liner will shut down 99% of drink offers without making it weird.
Pick the one that feels most “you”:
- “Thanks, I’m good for now.”
- “Not drinking today. Need to drive home safe.”
- “Big day at work tomorrow. I need a clear head.”
- “Filling up on all this killer food instead. Can I get this recipe?”
- “Feeling dehydrated. I’ll stick to water.”
- “Nah, I’m pacing myself tonight.”
- “I’m taking a break this month.”
- “Already had one earlier. I’m tapped out.”
Notice how none of these are apologetic or over-explained? That’s intentional. Confidence is your best defense.
Step 4: Run the Game Clock (Give Yourself an Out)
Look, you don’t have to stay for the entire game. Seriously. If you know that sticking around for four quarters plus overtime is going to test your limits, plan your exit before you even arrive.
Set your own clock:
- “I need to leave by halftime.” (Want to beat traffic, get to bed, whatever.)
- “I’m just here for the first half.” (Totally valid.)
- “I’ll catch the highlights later.” (Also valid.)
And here’s the truth: you can choose to skip the festivities altogether. No one is judging if it’s you in your jammies with a large pizza and wings, watching from your couch. In fact, that sounds pretty perfect to us. Sometimes the best game plan is the one that keeps you comfortable, safe, and in control. Home field advantage, baby.
Step 5: Prepare for the Predictable Moments
Game day has a rhythm. And if you know the rhythm, you can anticipate the pressure points and plan ahead.
The “Kickoff” Moment (first offer)
This is when everyone’s grabbing drinks and the energy is high. The easiest way to sidestep this? Pour your NA drink before you start socializing. Walk in with it already in hand. Problem solved.
The “Halftime” Moment (cravings spike)
Halftime is when the adrenaline dips, the snacks are half-gone, and your brain starts whispering, “One drink wouldn’t hurt…” This is your most vulnerable window.
Action plan:
- Load up on food and hydration (hunger + dehydration = cravings)
- Change your location (move to a different room, step outside, hit the bathroom)
- Text a friend who gets it, or pop into the This Naked Mind Companion App for support
The “Post-Game” Moment (emotional surge)
Whether your team wins or loses, emotions run high. And high emotions can trigger the urge to “celebrate” or “cope” with a drink.
Action plan:
- Quick reset: bathroom break + three deep breaths
- Remind yourself of your “why” from Step 1
- If you’re feeling shaky, it’s okay to leave early. You’re not being rude. You’re being smart.
Step 6: Make Pressure Less Personal
Here’s the thing: when someone keeps offering you a drink, it usually has nothing to do with you. They’re not trying to sabotage your goals or test your resolve. They’re often just:
- On autopilot (offering drinks is what they do at parties)
- Feeling self-conscious about their own drinking
- Trying to be a good host
This isn’t about willpower. It’s about cues, habit loops, and what you’ve practiced. The more you practice saying no, the easier it gets. And the more you show up with your own drink, the less people even notice.
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Join the Freedom Foundations Challenge (Feb 16–20)
If you’re tired of white-knuckling weekends, feeling like you have to “start over” every Monday, or that your game plan only leads to L’s, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
Join us February 16–20 for the free Freedom Foundations Challenge.
Over five days, you’ll get:
- Super Bowl-caliber coaching from This Naked Mind Certified Coaches
- Tools to navigate cravings, social pressure, and habit loops
- A community of people who get it (built-in cheering section!)
- Real strategies for making alcohol irrelevant in your life
This is about rewiring the way you think about alcohol so you can show up fully for the moments that matter.
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What to Do If You Slip (or Change Your Mind Mid-Game)
Let’s get real for a second: a slip isn’t a moral failure. It’s data.
If you have a drink (or three) at the Super Bowl party, it doesn’t erase your progress. It doesn’t mean you “failed” or that you have to wait until next Monday (or next year) to try again. It just means you’re human.
Here’s your three-step reset:
1. Stop the Spiral
Drink water. Eat something. The worst thing you can do is keep drinking because you feel like you’ve already “blown it.” You haven’t. One drink is just one drink. It doesn’t have to turn into five.
2. Get Curious (Not Critical)
Ask yourself: What was the moment? Was it a specific person, a certain time of night, a feeling you weren’t expecting? This isn’t about shame. It’s about learning. The more you understand your triggers, the better you can prepare next time.
3. Choose Your Next Move
You have options:
- Switch back to your NA drink
- Leave the party early (no shame in this)
- Call a friend for a reset conversation
- Go to bed and start fresh tomorrow
The power is in what you do next, not what you did five minutes ago.
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Make Game Day Easier Next Time: Micro-Habits That Work
You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a few small moves that stack in your favor.
- Eat before you arrive. Hunger + alcohol triggers = bad combo. Show up satisfied.
- Hold a drink you actually like. If you’re sipping something good, you’re less likely to swap it for beer.
- Stand near the snacks, not the bar. Physical proximity matters more than you think.
- Have a “leave time” planned. Knowing you can bail at 9 p.m. takes the pressure off.
- Drive yourself / have a ride plan. If you drove, you have a built-in reason to stay away from the booze.
- Buddy system. Text someone who gets it. Even a quick “I’m at the party and doing good” can keep you grounded.
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FAQs: Non-Alcoholic Drinks for Game Day
What are the best non-alcoholic drinks for game day?
The best non-alcoholic drinks for game day are ones that feel elevated and special, not sad or juvenile. Try mocktails like The Last Word (Seattle-inspired with NA gin, lime, mint syrup, and cherry), The Washington Apple (cranberry, tart apple, lemon, and soda), The Ward 8 (NA whiskey with citrus and grenadine), or a Maple Coffee Mocktail (cold brew, maple syrup, and optional cream). You can also grab high-quality NA beers from brands like Athletic Brewing, Heineken 0.0, or Guinness 0.0.
How do I not drink at a Super Bowl party without making it awkward?
The key is confidence and simplicity. Bring your own non-alcoholic drink so your hands are already full when people offer you alcohol. Use a one-line script like “Thanks, I’m good for now” or “Not drinking today. Big day tomorrow.” You don’t owe anyone an explanation. Most people won’t even notice, and the ones who do will move on quickly if you stay calm and casual.
What if my friends keep offering me alcohol?
If someone keeps pushing, it’s usually not about you. It’s about them feeling self-conscious about their own drinking or just being on autopilot. Stay firm but friendly: “I appreciate it, but I’m sticking with this tonight.” If they keep pressing, you can redirect: “I’m more focused on these wings right now. Have you tried them?” Or simply excuse yourself to grab food or use the bathroom. You’re not being rude. You’re protecting your boundaries.
What do I do when cravings hit during halftime?
Halftime is a vulnerable window because the adrenaline dips and your brain might start bargaining. Combat cravings with action: eat something substantial, drink water (hunger and dehydration amplify cravings), and change your environment. Step outside, move to another room, or text a friend who supports your goals. Physical movement and connection are surprisingly effective at breaking the spell.
Is non-alcoholic beer okay if I’m taking a break from alcohol?
This is a personal decision, and only you can answer it. For some people, NA beer is a helpful tool. It satisfies the ritual and taste without the alcohol. For others, it can trigger old habits or cravings. Pay attention to how it makes you feel. If drinking NA beer makes you feel more in control and helps you navigate social situations, great. If it makes you feel like you’re “faking it” or increases your urge to drink the real thing, skip it. Trust your gut.
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Final Whistle: You’ve Got This
Game day doesn’t have to be a test of willpower. It can be exactly what it’s supposed to be: fun, loud, full of good food, and totally yours to enjoy (alcohol or no alcohol).
You’re not missing out by not drinking. You’re showing up fully. You’re choosing clarity over fog, presence over regret, and confidence over cravings. And that’s a win worth celebrating.
So grab one of these drinks, fire up the grill, and settle in for the game. You’ve got this.
And if you want extra support? Join us for the Freedom Foundations Challenge starting February 16. Five days. Zero pressure. Just tools, community, and a better way forward.
About Annie Grace
Annie Grace is the author and founder of This Naked Mind and creator of The Alcohol Experiment. Her work blends neuroscience, psychology, and compassionate habit change to help people transform their relationship with alcohol and, more importantly, with themselves. This Naked Mind is not here to shame your choices—we’re here to help you get curious about the beliefs behind them so you can build a life you don’t need to numb.
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. This Naked Mind and all associated materials are protected intellectual property. The information provided here is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.