Healthy Alternatives for Alcohol Awareness and Stress Awareness Month

Image reads "Relaxing Mocktail Recipes" and shows icions of fruits and herbs used in mocktails.

Alcohol Awareness

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which started as a public health program in April of 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Originally the intention was to target college-aged students who might be drinking to much, but it has aged into a national movement that aims to draw attention of the effects of alcoholism. It also aims to help families and communities deal with drinking problems.

In 2025, researchers estimate that each year there are more than 178,000 alcohol related deaths, making alcohol a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. On top of that there are more than 200 diseases and injury-related conditions are associated with alcohol misuse.

If you or someone you know is struggling, go to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for more resources.

Stress Awareness

Alongside Alcohol Awareness Month, April is also Stress Awareness Month. The Health Resource Network (HRN) sponsored National Stress Awareness Month in 1992 and it has taken place every April since. It’s important to acknowledge that stress impacts everyone and varies from person to person. The best way to help yourself and others is too know the signs of stress. It’s also important to understand that ignoring stress can cause significant health issues.

To learn more about Stress Awareness Month and different forms of stress, go to the Harvard Countway Library website.

Relaxing Mocktail Alternatives

If you’re looking for healthy alternatives to alcoholic beverages, a way to manage your stress, or both, then consider trying out some of these relaxing mocktails.

Tart Cherry Twilight

How this can help?

Tart cherry juice naturally contains melatonin which helps promote relaxation. The sage leaves and honey have calming effects which can help you unwind after a stressful day.

Directions

  • To a glass, add two tablespoons of hot water mixed with one tablespoon of honey. Also add:
  • 6 Fresh sage leaves (optional)
  • 1/2 Cup of pure tart cherry juice
  • 1 Tablespoon of lime juice
  • Shake with ice
  • Top it off with 3/4 cups of sparkling water

Lavender Lullaby

How this can help?

Lavender has a calming effect on our nervous systems, which can help reduce anxiety and stress.

Directions

  • Mix one tablespoon of lavender syrup with one tablespoon of lemon juice
  • Fill your glass half way with ice
  • Add 1/2 cup of sparkling water
  • Top it off with some lavender for garnish (optional)

Mint Julep Mocktail

How this can help?

Mint contains a safe form of menthol, which helps relax your muscles and can reduce tension.

Directions

  • Clap a few mint leaves together in your hands, then add it to your glass
  • Add sugar cubes or a sugar syrup to taste
  • Muddle the mint gently until the oils are released
  • Add ice
  • Top it off with ginger ale
  • Use the extra mint leaves as a garnish (optional)

Watermelon Agua Fresca

How this can help?

Watermelon is extremely hydrating and contains electrolytes that support overall body function. Proper hydration can reduce stress levels.

Directions

  • Add one cup of watermelon and one cup of water into a blender
  • Optionally add a sweeter of choice
  • Blend until combined, then strain into a glass
  • Squeeze half of a lime into your glass
  • Top it off with some fresh mint leaves

Pomegranate Faux-jito

How this can help?

Pomegranate juice is full of antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation connected to stress. Then when you pair it with the mint and lime, it can help boost your mood.

Directions

  • Add 1/4 cup of pomegranate juice to a glass
  • Add 6-8 fresh mint leaves
  • Add 1 cup of soda water or ginger ale
  • Add a lime wedge to garnish

Sources

https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/learn/alcohol

https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-abuse-statistics

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/announcement/april-alcohol-awareness-month

https://mindfulmocktail.com/pomegranate-mocktails

https://theallnaturalvegan.com/tart-cherry-sleepy-time-mocktail