There’s a cultural and lifestyle movement, especially among Generation Z, called “sober curious”, in which people are choosing to drink less, or even abstain entirely, for health and wellness reasons. According to the Statistics Canada 2023 Canadian Community Health Survey¹, 54 per cent of people aged 18 and older reported not drinking any alcohol in the preceding seven days, with a higher proportion of younger Canadians aged 18 to 22 (67 per cent) saying they didn’t touch a drink.

This wellness trend has a strong presence on social media. TikTok, for example, pushes alcohol-free nights. The hashtag #sobercurious is among the most popular on the platform, where creators share personal stories, mocktail tips and motivational messages, with physical, mental and spiritual health foremost in mind. 

The risks of alcohol consumption

There are numerous health studies that have shone a bright spotlight on the negative health impacts of alcohol. According to the Canadian Cancer Society², drinking alcohol raises your risk of developing certain cancers.  Drinking alcohol is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers; higher consumption significantly raises that risk. 

The risks extend beyond long-term health. When someone who has been drinking gets behind the wheel, they endanger themselves, passengers and innocent people on the road. Impaired driving can lead to tragic accidents as well as heavy financial consequences: legal fees, court fines, civil lawsuits, increased insurance premiums, licence suspensions, and even possible jail time. 

Why mocktails are the smart choice this Holiday season

During the winter holiday season, when there are many events at home and work at which alcoholic drinks are served, many people are looking for options that are a little more festive than water or soda. That’s where mocktails shine: colourful, flavourful, and celebratory, without the risks of alcohol. 

With so many distractions during the holidays, choosing an alcohol-free beverage is a thoughtful way to stay safe and fully enjoy the moment. A Léger survey for Allstate Canada found that a significant portion of drivers also struggle with internal factors like fatigue, distraction, and stress. Over half (52%) of survey participants said they feel that their driving is more affected by distractions during the holiday season. This reinforces the idea that Canadians should be looking for safer, healthier alternatives that keep them clear-headed during this busy period of the year.

Inspiration for your celebrations

To spark creativity for your next gathering, Allstate has partnered with content creator Rose Simard from 1 ou 2 cocktails  to bring you festive, alcohol-free drink recipes that your guests will love.

Ingredients
For 1 glass

• 4 slices of ginger
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz honey syrup
• Peach & mango kombucha (Rise Kombucha)
• 1 fresh cranberry
• 1 sprig of rosemary

Steps

1. Muddle the ginger slices with a muddler at the bottom of the shaker.
2. Pour all the ingredients into the shaker, except the kombucha.
3. Add ice, then shake vigorously
4. Double-strain using a fine strainer into a chilled glass.
5. Top with kombucha, then stir with a bar spoon.
6. Garnish with the cranberry and rosemary sprig.

For even more inspiration, a quick search of popular recipe sites on the internet, just like Rose’s blog, reveals hundreds more options for holiday mocktails. And, by including alcohol-free options at holiday events, you are not just jumping on a wellness trend. You’re helping ensure that you and your loved ones get home safely this season.

Here are some other tips to adjust to the season:

• Plan ahead to reduce stress. Check road and weather conditions before you leave, and allow extra travel time so you don’t feel rushed.
• Minimize distractions. Put your phone on “do not disturb” and use hands-free features only, assign a passenger to handle music, and pull over safely if you must adjust settings.
• Rest before you drive. Fatigue affects reaction time and focus; on long drives, stop every 2 to 3 hours to take a break.
• Adjust for winter conditions. Slow down and increase your following distance on snow or ice.
• Stay calm. Holiday traffic can be stressful. Focus on arriving safely, not quickly.
• Make sure your vehicle is ready. Check tires, windshield wipers, fluids and battery. Keep an emergency kit handy.
• Don’t drive impaired. Mocktails are a great option for those choosing not to drink alcohol, but always plan ahead for a safe ride if you do consume alcohol.

This holiday season, raise your glass to celebration and safety. Mocktails bring the sparkle without the risks.

These tips are for general information only and do not replace official road safety laws or regulations. In order to reach survey objectives, an online survey was conducted with 1,626 Canadians, aged 18 and older, who could express themselves in English or French, from October 31 to November 2, 2025. This information has been provided for your convenience only and should not be construed as providing legal or insurance advice.

1. A snapshot of alcohol consumption levels in Canada: Half of Canadian adults reported not drinking any alcohol in the past seven days, 2023, Statistics Canada
2. Some sobering facts about alcohol and cancer risk, Canadian Cancer Society