Sober-Curious? Here's Why Gen Z Is Drinking Less Than Ever

Gen Z & Alcohol: Why More Young People Are Saying 'No Thanks'

Wait… Gen Z Isn't Drinking?

If you think every 20-something is out there doing tequila shots and regretting it the next day, think again. Gen Z is rewriting the rulebook on alcohol, and the message is clear: drinking just isn’t the flex it used to be.

Surveys show that Gen Z is consuming less alcohol than any previous generation, with many choosing to go completely sober or embrace a “sober-curious” lifestyle. Instead of getting wasted, young people are opting for mental clarity, wellness, and alternative ways to socialize.

So, what’s behind this shift? Let’s break it down.

1. Mental Health First, Booze Second

Gen Z is the most mental health-conscious generation ever. Therapy talk is mainstream, self-care is a priority, and anything that disrupts mental well-being? Yeah, not the vibe.

Alcohol, with its hangovers, anxiety spikes (hello, “hangxiety”), and depressive effects, doesn’t fit into the picture of a generation that values mindfulness and mental clarity.

According to a study by Berenberg Research, over a quarter of 16-24-year-olds in the U.S. are completely sober, and even those who do drink are cutting back significantly compared to Millennials.

“I used to drink every weekend, but then I realized it just made my anxiety worse,” says Maya, 22, from New York. “Now, I stick to mocktails, and honestly, I feel so much better.”

2. Wellness & The Clean Girl Aesthetic

Health-conscious living is booming, and Gen Z is all about gut health, skincare, and longevity hacks. With alcohol’s link to inflammation, poor sleep, and brain fog, it makes sense that more young people are choosing kombucha over cocktails.

Social media trends like the "clean girl aesthetic" and "that girl" lifestyle promote routines focused on hydration, movement, and balance. And guess what? Alcohol doesn’t exactly fit into a wellness-oriented, glow-up lifestyle.

Instead, mocktails, adaptogenic drinks, and functional beverages (think: drinks with vitamins, herbs, and mood-boosting ingredients) are taking over. Brands like Kin Euphorics and Recess are leading the charge, offering non-alcoholic alternatives that promise relaxation and social ease—without the next-day regret.

3. Sober Curiosity: It's Not All or Nothing

Unlike past generations, where sobriety often meant you either drank or you didn’t, Gen Z is embracing a more flexible approach. The sober-curious movement allows people to question their relationship with alcohol without fully committing to a lifetime of sobriety.

This means:
✅ Drinking less, but not quitting completely
✅ Choosing mocktails or alcohol-free options when out
✅ Being mindful about when and why they drink

There’s less pressure to drink just to fit in, and more encouragement to make choices that align with personal well-being.

“I still drink occasionally, but only when I actually want to—not just because everyone else is,” says Jayden, 24, from Chicago. “It’s nice to feel like I have a choice instead of just going along with it.”

4. The Rise of Alcohol-Free Bars & Mocktail Culture

Just because people are drinking less doesn’t mean they’re staying home. The alcohol-free bar scene is growing fast, with spots popping up in major cities worldwide.

These venues offer craft mocktails, zero-proof wines, and sober-friendly social experiences that feel just as fun—without the downsides of alcohol.

Some of the trendiest alcohol-free bars include:
🍹 Listen Bar (NYC) – A completely booze-free bar with live music and creative mocktails
🍹 Sans Bar (Austin, TX) – One of the first alcohol-free pop-up bars in the U.S.
🍹 The Virgin Mary Bar (Dublin, Ireland) – A stylish, full-scale sober bar in Europe

The fact that these places even exist proves that drinking isn’t the default social activity anymore.

5. Financial Freedom > Expensive Bar Tabs

Let’s be real—alcohol is expensive. Between overpriced cocktails, cover charges, and late-night Uber rides home, drinking can drain your wallet fast.

Gen Z, known for being financially savvy, isn’t about that life. Instead, many are choosing to cut back on alcohol to save money for travel, investing, or experiences that actually matter.

“I realized I was spending $150+ a weekend on drinking,” says Bella, 23, from LA. “Now, I put that money toward my savings, and I don’t even miss it.”

With inflation and financial uncertainty in the mix, Gen Z is making smart money moves—and skipping rounds of shots is one of them.

6. Social Media & The Shift in Drinking Culture

Social media has played a huge role in changing attitudes toward alcohol. Unlike previous generations, where drinking culture was glorified, Gen Z’s feeds are filled with sober influencers, wellness creators, and personal stories about the benefits of cutting back.

On TikTok, hashtags like #SoberCurious and #MindfulDrinking have millions of views, proving that people are actively interested in alternative ways to socialize.

Celebs and influencers are also joining the movement:
🚫 Bella Hadid launched Kin Euphorics, a non-alcoholic wellness drink brand
🚫 Kourtney Kardashian promotes alcohol-free lifestyle choices on Poosh
🚫 Zac Efron and Miley Cyrus have spoken openly about choosing sobriety for mental clarity

With less social pressure and more options, it’s no wonder Gen Z is redefining the drinking culture.

So… Is This the End of Party Culture?

Not necessarily. Gen Z still knows how to have a good time—but it’s on their own terms. Whether it’s sipping on a creative mocktail, enjoying an alcohol-free festival, or simply drinking less, the key shift is mindfulness.

It’s no longer about getting drunk just for the sake of it. Instead, Gen Z is choosing social experiences that don’t rely on alcohol to be fun. And honestly? That’s a flex.

Cheers to the Future (With or Without Booze)

Whether you’re all-in on sobriety or just exploring mindful drinking, one thing is clear: Gen Z is changing the game. With mental health, wellness, and financial freedom at the forefront, the traditional drinking culture is being replaced by something fresher, healthier, and way more intentional.

So, will the future be alcohol-free? Not entirely. But one thing’s for sure—drinking is no longer the default. And that’s a vibe.

Stay tapped into Gen Z’s biggest trends at Woke Waves Magazine!

#GenZ #SoberCurious #MindfulDrinking #MocktailCulture #Wellness

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