Imagine date-night on Valentine’s Day. Cozy restaurant, fancy pasta menu, and a couple of glasses of red wine. But if you’re a recovering alcoholic, a fancy date night can mean a dilemma. But it doesn’t have to be so hard. You can have an alcohol-free Valentine’s Date that is romantic if you just get creative. Take your love out for an ice-cream date. Or take advantage of the winter weather and play in the snow. If you plan to cook a meal together at your house, you can control the menu. Or if you have the time and means, go for a mini-vacation! Valentines Day doesn’t have to break your sobriety, and your sweetie will appreciate the effort you put into these alcohol-free date ideas.
Alcohol-Free Valentine’s Date Ideas: Get Creative
Go for an Ice-Cream Date
If you’re looking for an easy and low-pressure alcohol-free Valentine’s date, look no further than the closest ice cream parlor. The sugar in alcohol is often what makes it so addicting for recovering alcoholics. Therefore, the sugar in ice-cream can sometimes replace that feeling. Besides, sharing ice-cream is a classic romantic date setting! It’s perfect for the newer couple that doesn’t want the pressure of the fancy sit-down dinner.
Play in the Snow
Another great alcohol-free Valentine’s date is to take advantage of February’s cold weather. Build a snowman together or create side-by-side snow angels. Snuggle up together on a sled, or try out tubing. Even if you don’t live where it’s snowy, perhaps it’s just a short drive away. And don’t forget, playing in the snow all day gives you the perfect excuse to snuggle up close by a warm fire later.
Cook Dinner Together
Cooking dinner together is the perfect alcohol-free Valentine’s date. You get to decide the menu, right down to the drinking pairings. If you don’t feel like sharing your struggles with alcoholism, you could always cook lunch instead. Alcohol isn’t as expected during the daytime. If your date is aware that you’re cutting out alcohol, find some fun mocktails to try making together. Non-alcoholic beer and champagnes are always an option too. Just don’t forget your fancy glasses!
Go on a Vacation
If you and your Valentine’s love are in a serious relationship, maybe it’s time to go for a mini-vacation together. You can plan a trip that is the perfect alcohol-free Valentine’s date. Try going on a road trip and exploring scenic areas around you. Stay in a cozy rental or Airbnb. You could cook by the fire and go camping. Or stay in a hotel and take advantage of couples’ massages and amenities like a pool or hot tub.
Valentines Day doesn’t have to present a bump in the road for your sobriety. There are plenty of alcohol-free Valentine’s date ideas out there that are just as romantic as sharing a bottle of wine. For example, try sharing an ice cream cone together. Or play in the snow and snuggle up by a warm fire. You could always cook a romantic meal together. And a mini-vacation might just be the perfect next step in your relationship. You don’t need to be fancy to be romantic, just get creative.
