What Do Most People Drink But You Don’t?

Have you ever wondered about the beverages that are commonly enjoyed by others but are off the table for you for personal reasons? From avoiding alcohol due to past experiences to having a singular preference for certain drinks, there are various reasons why one might abstain from certain liquid delights.

Alcoholic Beverages: A Personal Choice

My personal journey in abstaining from alcoholic beverages is an interesting one. I practically don’t drink any alcoholic beverages, and the reasons behind this choice can be traced back to my own experiences. If I had to choose, I fit into the second category described – those who have seen the harmful effects of alcohol close to them, especially during their childhood.

Since then, I have refrained from consuming various types of alcoholic drinks:

Beer Liquor of any kind, including whiskey, gin, and rum Distilled alcoholic drinks (also known as hard liquors) Even bottoming a wine glass is a rare treat for me

Interestingly, while I don’t drink alcoholic beverages, I do enjoy coffee-flavored foods like coffee ice cream, tiramisu, or egg yolks, despite not drinking coffee itself. I occasionally splurge on diet sodas but often find them too high in sugar for my liking. My hydration preference often lies with water – lots of it – and occasionally with sparkling water for an extra fizz.

Exploring Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

While I might occasionally take the bottom of a wine glass or enjoy a diet soda, there are a few common beverages that I simply don’t consume:

Milk: I don’t like its taste and tend to consume it only for cooking or as a base for cold chocolate milk. However, I love eating Frosted Flakes straight from the box, though I stop once the cereal softens, as I fear it might sour quickly. Mass Market American Lager Beer: I tend to avoid the mass-produced beers from Anheuser-Busch InBev and MillerCoors, finding them sour and watery. Fortunately, my city offers a wide array of craft brewed stouts and IPAs available on tap and packaged, and I find that the darker varieties often taste better. Coffee: The taste of coffee doesn’t appeal to me, and I have tried to change my mind every couple of years, but alas, it remains a no-go for me. Instead, I opt for coffee-flavored foods, which I find more enjoyable. Californian Zinfandel: This particular wine is something I cannot stand, owing to its thickness, sweetness, and high alcohol content. I have a similar aversion to Brunello, although to a lesser extent compared to the rest of the world.

Tips for Navigating Your Own Preferences

Understanding your own preferences and avoiding beverages that make you uncomfortable or sick can significantly enhance your quality of life. Whether it's abstaining from alcohol due to personal beliefs or avoiding specific types of drinks due to past experiences, it’s crucial to listen to your body and prioritize your health.

Experiment with different water brands, find coffee-flavored snacks that satisfy your cravings, and explore a variety of beer styles beyond the mass-produced options. By being mindful of your choices, you can cultivate a more enjoyable and healthier relationship with the beverages you consume.