I've struggled with sobriety since I was a teenager, and not having adult-ish non-alcoholic drinks added to the difficulty. I'm now 40, 6 years sober, launched a weekly n/a drinks column on @thetakeout 3 weeks ago, and now have emails from SEVEN MILLION BEVERAGE COMPANIES.

Note that this isn't a complaint--I'm ecstatic, but angry it took so long. In both my careers, in the food industry and now in food media, I've literally been laughed at when bringing up the topic. But how does it make sense the ONLY liquid that can go with food is wine?

I'm sorry, but if you're a chef/somm/whatever, your job is understanding flavor, and having an imagination. Out of the countless thousands of liquids fit for human consumption, only the alcoholic ones could be on restaurant menus for like 100 years. C'mon.

I still can't believe how ridiculous that sort of thinking is, and how it was so commonly accepted. How could people think of nothing else to drink with meals besides fermented grape juice? Even if you enjoy alcohol, there's other fruits besides grapes! Other drinks beside wine!

Related to this rant: if restaurants ever open again and you see me at one, please don't send over a bottle of wine or offer a glass of something nice "on the house." I'm fine admitting to (and joking about) my sobriety, but it always gets really weird for everyone else. (cont)

I am so appreciative for your thoughtfulness and generosity, and then I have to reject it and bring up my alcoholism. It's a cornucopia of cringe. If you ever want to send something to another table, send garlic bread. Everyone loves garlic bread.

And related to THAT rant: if we're ever allowed to go to other people's houses again, don't bring a bottle of wine unless you're sure they drink. I graciously accept & will use it for cooking, but some people don't want it in the house at all. Bring snacks, cheese, or chocolate

Anyway, if you want recommendation for good non-alcoholic drinks, my column drops every Thursday on @theTakeout. I also post tons of info/reviews on my IG stories, so follow me there at AllisonRobicelli. I'm not doing Fleets. I already do enough. https://thetakeout.com/non-alcoholic-drink-of-the-week-spirity-cocktails-negr-1846242911