How to start trying alcohol safely? What drink should I start with?

[tvorbook]

I grew up in a household where for many reasons, nobody drank alcohol. I have also never drunk alcohol. I would like to try it, but I have no idea where to start. I'm a bit afraid to try something and end up really drunk. I live alone so don't have anyone to try it with whenever I do. What would you recommend? What percentage is a low alcohol content? I went to the alcohol aisle today (which is a big achievement for me as I always avoid it) and saw "low alcohol" and "alcohol free" options which were 0.5%. I might start with those but would like to build up to something with slightly more alcohol content as I read that 0.5% is similar to the alcohol content naturally in orange juice!

Usually I like apple juice, orange juice, berry smoothies, passionfruit mocktails. I like fruity drinks. Any ideas?

Well yes, there is no point in drinking 0.5% to try alcohol. You might as well eat ripe fruit. I wouldn’t bother going down the road of starting to drink alone. Maybe next time you go out somewhere try one drink.

Try alcohol the way many families introduce it to children, a small glass with a meal.

Choose a red, white or rose wine (red for heavy meats like beef, white or rose for lighter meals with or without chicken/fish etc) and have a small glass. Alternate with water.

We also used to be allowed a Babysham at Christmas. As others have said, Bucks Fizz is a light way to enjoy wine. Also g&t.

A spritzer is nice in this weather- white wine with soda water or lemonade.

Do you have friends who aren't tea-total? Alcoholic drinks are sociable so if you're with them then you could share their wine/beer and if you don't like it you're not wasting the rest.

Remember that there are different flavour profiles for wines- sweet wines, dry wines etc so if you don't like dry, you might like sweet.

To those asking why bother? Well, why not? Its not an issue of alcoholism so she's not being irresponsible. Plenty of us are able to enjoy the odd glass of something without losing control and an alcoholic drink is enjoyable. The op feels she's missed out - nothing wrong in trying.

If you can carry on not drinking alcohol then that would be my recommendation.

But to answer your question, I would suggest starting on wine, cider or lager, rather than spirits.

You can buy small bottles of wine, equivalent to one glass really. Not the most cost effective way of buying it, but still cheaper than a whole bottle.

Lager and cider can be purchased in individual cans.

There are some very nice fruity ciders.

It can all be diluted with some lemonade if needed.

Why do you want to start drinking alcohol? It’s associated with serious health problems.

I also wish I had never started. If you are happy as you are then I would stay that way.

Just don't start, this is as someone who hated alcohol until mid 20's, barely drank. I then developed an alcohol dependency in my early 30's, up to 2 bottles of wine per night, I am now sober but will always be in 'recovery'.

There are so many alcohol free options to stick to.

Several questions for @tvorbook

1. how old are you? If you are under 18 then you are too young so don't drink
2. why did nobody in your household growing up not drink alcohol? If it's because there is a history of addiction just don't drink alcohol
3. If you are planning on drinking at home alone just don't
4. Assuming you are an adult and there's no history of alcoholism and you want an alcoholic drink to have when out with friends then ask them what they are having and have a single glass of that when with them

But really, just don't start.

No sign of the OP. Hope she’s not lying in the gutter somewhere in a drunken stupor

If you’ve always been happy not drinking then I wouldn’t bother. I’m not a drinker and happy with Diet Coke at events/ nights out. If you’re adamant you need to drink then could you add a shot to whatever your favourite soft drink is? I’ve had JD in my Coke before and quite like that. Although the bartender raised an eyebrow when I asked for a shot in a pint of Diet Coke! 🤣

Why bother? Isn't a law to say you should have it.. just like smoking.. it's still a drug.
I never bothered.. nor did my parents. Ive got to age 68 without it.. plenty of other drinks.

Alcohol is actually a poison and your body has to work hard to get it out of you ASAP.

Don't even start. Your life will not be improved in any way by drinking it.

I'd have a can of the pre mixed Pimms and lemonade. Chill, serve with ice and mint sprigs! A few sips slowly throughout the afternoon will be lovely.

Also struggling to understand why you would bother trying alcohol as an adult if you have not tried it before.

I’m not going to say there are no benefits to it but the downsides outweigh the upsides and if you have managed to avoid it up until now I would leave it.

Bottle of white lightening in the park like the rest of us. Down it quick

LOL

Why? It isn’t a prerequisite for life.

But, you certainly have a guide here, also suitable for any teenager.

As there is no safe intake of alcohol, and alcohol is a known carcinogen, why would you want to start trying alcohol? It's quite unnecessary.

I don't drink alcohol and I've never been curious about trying it either!

So my advice is DON'T! It's an expensive habit no.1 and 2. you have no idea how you will react to it.

However, if you are keen to try it, go ahead, you will like it or hate it I suppose. Plenty of suggestions already.