What are sober parties and why is this LA trend making it to Mumbai?

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how we live, from what we consume to how we prioritise our well-being. It's no longer just a case of following trends—it’s a seismic change in lifestyle. The pandemic has firmly embedded the age-old adage "health is wealth" into our consciousness. And this paradigm shift has brought us to an increasingly popular phenomenon that has made its way to Mumbai, all the way from LA: sober parties.

The emergence of the sober curious movement, born out of a collective rethinking of our drinking habits, gained traction long before the pandemic with milestones like the Prohibition Era and Dry January campaigns laying the groundwork. However, what has truly made it a mainstream movement is a combination of factors: growing health awareness, the World Health Organization’s stark assertion that no amount of alcohol is truly safe, and a renewed focus on mindful living. The result? Sober parties: where the vibe stays high, but the drinks stay alcohol-free!

While it's true that the genesis of this trend took place on the other side of the globe in LA, Mumbai is fast catching on. The city’s nightlife, once synonymous with free-flowing alcohol, is adapting to meet the demands of a more health-conscious consumer. A burgeoning community of teetotalers, along with the availability of premium no-and-low alcohol beverages, has paved the way for alcohol-free socialising to become the norm rather than the exception.

This isn’t just about swapping your martini for a mocktail. Sober parties redefine what it means to have fun. Think kombucha cocktails, artisanal mocktails made with cold-pressed juices, and energising beverages crafted with adaptogens. Combine that with activities like group yoga under the stars, meditation circles, and even silent discos, and you’ve got a formula for recreation without the hangover.

Mumbai's food and beverage industry has taken note, with establishments crafting inclusive menus to cater to this emerging trend. The rise of homegrown beverage brands offering no-and-low alcohol options is another indicator of this shift. Notable players like Svami and Jimmy’s Cocktails have introduced sophisticated, ready-to-drink options that fit right into a sober soirée.

In a first, Nandan Coffee, known for its bold brews, is hosting a sober party this month at its Experience Centre in Mumbai. “It’s not so much about seeing a need for sober parties as it is about creating experiences that don’t centre around alcohol,” said Yahvi Mariwala, the co-founder of Nandan Coffee, to Bazaar India. “Coffee shops have always been safe spaces—‘a third place’ where culture and community thrive. With our participation at events like Soundrise, we noticed the city’s growing appetite for non-alcoholic experiences that feel inclusive and safe for people of all ages. Mumbai is buzzing with energy, and we wanted to channel that into an event that’s vibrant, fun, and completely different from the usual party scene.”

And Mumbai is ready. When the party at Nandan Coffee, free and open to all, opened up the RSVP list, it filled up in less than two days. As Mahriwala points out, “This is just the beginning! We’d love to host more events like this and continue experimenting with how coffee can be a part of unique, cultural experiences. Depending on the response, we could make it a regular feature—whether monthly or seasonally—because it’s such a natural fit for the kind of community we want to foster at our Experience Center.”

At its core, the sober party trend reflects a broader cultural shift—one where mindfulness, health, and sustainability take centre stage. For millennials and Gen Z, socialising is no longer about chasing the next round of tequila shots. Instead, it's about connection and creativity. Whether you’re a lifelong teetotaler or someone just dipping their toes in the sober curious waters, one thing is clear: this is not just a phase—it’s a movement that’s here to stay.

The party at Nandan Coffee is on November 27, and promises a vibrant atmosphere for those curious about this alcohol-free lifestyle. 

Lead image credit: Pexels 

Also read: Is email apnea catching you off guard?

Also read: Why Dior / Lindbergh at La Galerie Dior in Paris is an essential visit