Sober Curious? Check Out NH's First Alcohol-Free Bottle Shop

The sober curious culture seems to be on the rise over the last few years. If you are unfamiliar with the term, to be sober curious means to be questioning your relationship with alcohol, according to VeryWellMind.com.

Maybe drinking excessively isn't as fun as it used to be. Or perhaps your hangovers are simply getting the best of you. Ever since I turned 30, I wake up with a marching band in my cranium after a few drinks. I can't help but ask myself, "Is it worth it?"

In the early 2000s when I went to college, binge drinking was all the rage. Now, it seems like the younger generation values their mental and physical health a little more than we did, and I love that for them! Don't get me wrong, I know college students still drink. But I also see them finding different ways to go out and have a good time without alcohol, and I tip my hat to them.

When I was pregnant and (obviously) not drinking, I noticed that restaurants were really stepping up their mocktail game! The Wilder in Portsmouth had a delicious ginger mocktail I loved, and Jumpin Jay's also has an excellent mocktail selection with a cucumber concoction I enjoyed. If you order a drink sans booze, it doesn't mean it has to be sans fun or flavor!

Did you know there is an entire bottle shop dedicated to alcohol-free options in downtown Portsmouth? I am not sure how long it has been in business, but I just learned of its existence from the Seacoast Eats Facebook group.

A member named Jordan was raving about the selection and service!

She said Dry Cellar has over 350 non-alcoholic beverage and alcohol replacement choices! The owner is extremely knowledgeable about her products, and took the time to explain how different drinks would taste compared to alcohol, and the benefits of a cool section of drinks meant to boost your mood and calm you down!

Jordan Strater via Facebook

Jordan goes on to explain that she is not sober, but was looking for something fun for weekdays when she wants something to sip on after work that wasn't alcohol. At the time of this posting, she was drinking a delicious lavender “margarita” that is amazing! A great part about this store is that the owner stocks single cans/bottles of various options, so you can taste it before buying a full pack.

Regardless of whether you’re a drinker, you’ll find something tasty at Dry Cellar in Portsmouth. Pop in next time you are downtown, and see what it's all about!