When Someone Gives You a Bottle of Alcohol but You Don't Drink: What to Do

Saying no thank you to a bottle of alcohol isn't simple, especially when you're the only abstainer at a gathering. Here's a guide on how to handle such situations with grace and consideration.

Declining the Gift Politely

When someone is kind enough to offer you a bottle of alcohol, the first step is to decline politely. You can say, "No, thank you, I don't drink, but I'm sure my friends will enjoy it," or, "Thank you, I appreciate the thought, but I don't drink."

Alcohol and Social Etiquette

There are several reasons why you might choose to decline alcohol as a gift or offer. First, functioning alcoholism is real. Your partner or a close friend might be struggling with this issue, and gifting alcohol can exacerbate the problem. Second, health considerations dictate that drinking is not advisable for everyone. Third, from a religious perspective, not all individuals are comfortable with drinking, and you want to avoid accidentally offending someone.

Finally, the idea of regifting alcohol, especially if you've received multiple bottles, can be embarrassing, and the bottles might be corked or past their prime. This makes it less of an attractive option.

Handling the Gift of Alcohol after Declining

Once you decline, you can handle the bottle in several ways:

Placing it for others: If you're at a dinner party, bring the bottle along with something you will drink, and serve it to others. Regifting: If you're in a situation where you can’t open it, regifting is a viable option. Include a Post-it note to remind the recipient where it came from. Using in cooking: Use the alcohol in recipes where it can add a flavorful touch. This is especially useful with red and white wines. Charity: Send the bottle for tombola prizes at events like school fundraisers. Opening for guests: If you have guests over who do drink, open the bottle and share it with them.

For Those Who Don't Drink

Many abstainers can find themselves in this situation. Here are some tips:

Offer to open it: Suggest to your guests, "Would you like to open this bottle for us?" This can help ease the tension and allow the giver to feel included. Keep the bottle: Accept the bottle and thank the giver. You can regift it later, with a reminder.
"Thank you for these, I'll regift them later." Enjoy the spirit: While you don't drink, you can still find value in the gift by sharing it with friends who enjoy alcohol or using it in a different way.

For Those Who Drink

If you're a social drinker and find yourself receiving gifts, consider the following:

Share the bottle: Pour the tiniest glass possible and enjoy it with your friends. Social bonding: Bottles are symbols of shared enjoyment and inclusiveness. Treat it like a club symbol, where everyone is welcome.

No matter your stance on alcohol, finding a way to handle such gifts with grace can help maintain positive relationships and respect your personal boundaries.