The Sober Girl’s Guide to a #HotGirlSummer in Dallas

If you’re spending your summer alcohol-free - either by choice, lifestyle, or simply because you want to experiment - you’re not alone, and you’re DEF not missing out. I’ve been enjoying a sober-curious lifestyle for a while now, and can say it’s the best I’ve felt. However, I know Dallas is a city that does have most social activities revolving around eating and drinking. This makes the idea of being sober in the city a bit daunting, and it's easy to get FOMO and get scared of not being a part of fun social outings.

However, there’s honestly so many things you can enjoy in Dallas that don’t have a drop of alcohol involved - so whether you’re sober curious, cutting back, or fully committed to the dry life, here’s my curated guide to making the most of a sober summer in the city, sans-booze:

Sober Girl Summer Essentials:

• Kin Euphorics: If you still love a fancy sip, these adaptogen-packed non-alc beverages are chic, functional, and give you a little vibe without the side effects that come with drinking (aka, no accidental drunk texts.)

  
  

• CaliSober: My fave mocktail EVER. They're alcohol-free seltzers that contain about 0.3% THC levels (hence the name; LOL.) The low percentage gives you that relaxed vibe, sans-alcohol.

  
  

• De Soi: They have some incredible takes on Spicy margs, Italian spritz, and more - all adaptogen-rich, and alcohol-free. You really can't go wrong no matter which sparkling aperitif you choose from them!

  
  

• A #DGAF Attitude: Okay this one may just be for jokes, but it's hard to let loose and have a good time if you're constantly thinking about how much everyone around you is judging you for not drinking. I promise you, truly no one cares that you're skipping out on alcohol. You are not silently being judged and ostracized for opting for a mocktail, a crisp Diet Coke, or a Topo Chico with lime (my signature party trick 😜) And if anyone IS giving you shit for it... that really says more about them than you. Like really, you're gonna pressure someone to drink? You're passing judgement for someone prioritizing their health and listening to their own mind + body? That flag could not be MORE red 🚩

Best Mocktails in Dallas

• Beverley’s: Their zero-proof section is small but curated. The "Cherry on Top" is a personal fave (for obvious reasons.)

  
  

• The Kava Bar: Kava (piper methysticum) is a small shrub with a root used to make a non-alcoholic beverage, and is the star of the show at this vibrant & community-driven social lounge. Serving natural euphoric teas and elixirs, The Kava Bar is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a more relaxed side of Dallas nightlife. You can visit their location off Preston Rd. or Oak Cliff!

  
  

• The Mexican (Uptown): Order the Beso de Verano ("A Kiss of Summer) and thank me later.

  
  

• José on Lovers Lane: The guava pink mocktail is a must - just trust me on this one.

  
  

• Paradiso in Bishop Arts: While you can tell some establishments phone in their non-alcoholic drink menu for the sake of having something to offer, Paradiso certainly doesn't cut corners. Their mocktail menu is curated, eclectic - and absolutely delicious. These feel like true indulgences worthy of another round.

  
  

• The Henry: I don't miss regular cocktails when I go here. The Sparkling Matcha Latte is so crisp with the pineapple, and the Honeydew Highball is the refreshing summer mocktail you need in your life.

Wellness Services I Can’t Get Enough of:

• Breathe Meditation Studio: Their guided breathwork & sound bath sessions are exactly what you didn't know you needed. I can say with full confidence that incorporating these sessions has changed how I feel. I'm more grounded, I have more mental clarity, and overall have felt my energy is more positive. I'll forever be a client; Dallas, this is a must.

  
  

• The Sculpt Fairy: Get sculpted + snatched this summer at The Sculpt Fairy. Let expert (& my bestie gal) Miku work her magic to leave you feeling & looking your very best. She offers body sculpting, manual lymphatic drainage, HIEMT, & more!

  
  

• The Brow Project (literally DUH!): The brows, lips & clear skin of your dreams so you can feel put-together even bare-faced.

  
  

• Alive + Well: From massages & acupuncture to cold plunges & IV therapy, there's not much they don't offer here! The space is off the Katy Trail and drop-dead gorgeous - so grab the girls and plan the perfect spa day here! Bonus - O2 is right below for a pre-spa workout.

Outdoor Booze-Free Activities

• The Coffee Shop Rave: Swap the booze for beans and the club for a café - coffee shop raves & DJ sets are taking over Dallas, and for good reason! These events don't sacrifice any of the fun of going to a live DJ at a nightclub - you won't even miss the alc, promise!!

  
  

• Dallas Farmers Market: Fresh fruit, local goods - and A+ people-watching. Grab a friend, order cold-pressed juice from one of many friendly vendors and explore! Plus, if you're scared of being victim to the Texas heat for that long, there's an indoor section of the market with strong AC 🙏

  
  

• Toyota Music Factory Events: Did you know they do more than just concerts? They have a pretty stacked summer lineup, including Goat Yoga, pop-up parties, group fitness classes, and more - plus a lot of them are free!

  
  

• World Springs: This outdoor mineral hot springs located in The Colony features over 40 different hot springs for you to explore + enjoy. The springs are inspired by 9 unique global destinations with the goal of recreating the experiences by matching the minerality + delivering the same healing benefits. You can either book a 3-hour or 6-hour soak - so grab the girls and spend a day here!

• Katy Trail HGW: Listen... I am well aware this isn't a revolutionary concept, okay? Not niche, not a hidden gem - but still worthy of a shoutout IMO. The Rose Cafe just opened in the Terminal off the trail, and its the perfect place to either grab a matcha to sip during your walk OR the place to grab post-HGW brunch and enjoy their patio overlooking the trail. If you're looking for an option to accompany your trail walk, it's matcha @ Rose > drinks @ the Ice House all day for me.

My Go-to @ Home Mocktail Recipe

(Lip) Blush Cherry Adaptogen Cooler | dreamy + functional, this mocktail pairs calming herbs with cherry for a pink sliver of paradise.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup tart cherry juice (recovery + sleep support)

• 1/4 cup pink coconut water (hydrating & naturally pink!)

• 1 tsp rosewater

• 1/2 tsp ashwagandha powder (stress relief)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional but will balance the tartness)

• Sparkling hibiscus or rose-flavored water (I love La Croix or Aura Bora)

• Crushed ice

• Garnish: dried rose petals, mint, and/or a cherry

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 | In a shaker or small jar, whisk together cherry juice, pink coconut water, lemon juice, rosewater, sweetener, and your adaptogen of choice until well combined.

2 | Fill a glass with crushed ice and pour in the blend.

3 | Top with hibiscus or rose sparkling water to create a fizzy ombré effect.

4 | Gently stir, then garnish with something sweet - dried petals, a cherry, or a mint sprig.

Optional: If you really want to up the whimsy factor, stir in a pinch of edible glitter to really create something magical ✨

- - -

The TL;DR? Don't let anyone tell you that you need alcohol to have a full, vibrant, exciting summer - and if you’re enjoying the sober or sober-curious life, you’re not boring; if anything you’re ahead of the curve. I personally don't enjoy the feeling consuming alcohol gives me. I'm also not here to yuck anyone's yum and tell people what they have to do, so if you're consuming alcohol in moderation and love it and don't want to give it up completely - that's your prerogative and I love that for you! But I know it can be daunting, especially in Dallas where drinking feels engrained into a lot of the social culture, to not drink. That's why I wanted to show you that A. you're not alone, and B. there are options!!

Cheers to a Dallas #sobergirlsummer that’s full of fun, spontaneity, laughter - and the kind of memories that don’t blur the day after.