We all love a big night out with friends. But mention going on a “big night out” to anyone in the UK and they’ll immediately think pints, cocktails, shots and one hell of a hangover in the morning. But these days not everyone wants to drink, for a variety of reasons. There are of course an increasing number of people who have sought help from an alcohol rehabilitation centre after struggling with booze and the big nights out, then there are the more health conscious among us, especially millenials and Gen Z who have never even started drinking. So, what’s the alternative?
Well, there are plenty, actually. A big night out doesn’t have to be boozy these days and there are some great ideas to replace the traditional night of drinking. Here are five to get the inspirational juices flowing…
Try an Escape Room Adventure
If you can’t go out, how about locking yourself in? Escape rooms are a great alternative and such good fun. They’re exciting, all about bonding and teamwork, and can test your problem solving skills too.
Fun whether with friends or family, there are escape rooms cropping up everywhere these days and getting through it can provide you with a much bigger natural high than the booze can!
Host a Mocktail Party at Home
There’s also the option to just remove the alcohol from your drinks and go 0% all the way, whether that be by having non-alcholic beer, or even hosting a mocktail party. There are some great mocktail recipes out there these days that can provide the backdrop to your evening.
They could be just there to enjoy while you have a catch-up and chat with friends, or you could set up an evening of making mocktails, enjoying a relaxed evening experimenting with various flavours.
Explore a Late-Night Activity
There are loads of activities perfect for evenings, from going to the cinema to bowling, laser quest, or even things like climbing or joining a run club. They all still provide that opportunity to catch up with friends and experience the buzz of the nightlife, just without that drinking culture. Explore what’s going on in your town and see what’s available without the pressures of alcohol. You could do backyard cinema, or a theatre show.
Go on a Foodie Adventure
Make your night out less about drinks and more about food. Food often takes a backseat on a big night out, but an alcohol-free evening can put it centre stage. Plan a night where you explore different cuisines, whether that’s a food market, a foodie walking tour, a street-food festival, or a restaurant-hopping experience where each course is in a different venue.
Pairing delicious food with interesting alcohol-free drinks, such as kombucha, botanical sodas, or premium alcohol-free wines, can feel just as indulgent as cocktails. Sharing dishes and discovering new flavours creates a sense of celebration without relying on alcohol.
Enjoy a Creative Night In
Finally, not every great night has to be spent out on the town. You could have a big night in too, bringing friends round for a themed games night, a movie marathon or even a DIY craft session.
There’s so much you can do. Think of your interests and get creative with it. It’ll be well worth it!
