From Sober Curious to Sober Serious: Interview with Mocktail Mixologist Derick Santiago

On the show today is Derick Santiago, a tech professional from the Philippines who experienced a significant lifestyle change after moving to California’s tech hub. Initially a rare drinker, he found himself drinking daily to fit in with the happy hour culture and to cope with anxiety and the grief of losing his mother during the pandemic. He shares how he changed his beliefs about alcohol and dived into mocktails as a substitute for alcoholic drinks, allowing him to continue fitting in and participating in happy hour. By allowing himself to go from sober curious to sober serious he’s now proudly 2 years alcohol free.

In addition to his day tech job, is the author of the recipe book “The Mocktail Club” and the newly-released recipe deck “Make it a Mocktail.” He is also the creator of @MocktailWiz, an Instagram page and website dedicated to craft mocktails, non-alcoholic cocktail recipes, and mindful mixology techniques.

We chat about:

• What drinking culture was like growing up in the Philippines
• Moving to the US in 2013 and being thrown into the tech sector’s happy hour culture
• Learning to use alcohol to fit in, sleep, and cope with anxiety and grief
• How “hate listening” to the book This Naked Mind shifted his beliefs on alcohol
• What work happy hour is like now that he’s alcohol-free
• How starting MocktailWiz contributed to ongoing sobriety and supported the sober curious movement
• And more!

Find Derek:
Website: mocktailwiz.com Instagram/Tiktok/Youtube: mocktailwiz

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