In today’s culture, it has become a trend for many college students to over consume alcohol to on a weekly basis. However, at most college campuses, many students are underage and not legally able to drink alcohol. Northern Michigan University’s (NMU) Wellbeing Group hosted a Sip Smart event on Tuesday, March 11, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Founders Room of the Northern Center.
This event was intended to be an educational evening where students could enjoy handcrafted, delicious mocktails prepared by two bartenders. The first activity of the evening was the “Know Your Pour” event. Students were given a beer, wine, and shot glass, each filled with water to the level that represented a standard amount of alcohol for each type of drink.
“We threw this event with St. Patrick’s Day in mind because that is a major partying event. I think events like this are important because we know students are going to party, and as wellbeing educators, our role is to make sure students drink responsibly and, especially, legally,” said Emma Wargin, an NMU Wellbeing. representative.
The main activity of the evening was a Kahoot game featuring 25 questions about alcohol. The trivia questions included topics such as the meaning of ABC (Alcohol by Content) and which alcohol has the highest ABV (Alcohol by Volume).
“I learned some new facts today—everyone sobers up at the same pace. That was something I didn’t know before, and it was interesting to me,” said student Breanna Lowery.
Educating students on the importance of safe drinking and the negative consequences associated with alcohol is a key goal of the NMU Wellbeing Group.
“If you go partying one night and find that partying isn’t for you, mocktails are still awesome,” Wargin said.
Mocktails offer a flavorful and sophisticated alternative to alcoholic beverages, providing the same social and sensory experience without the adverse effects of alcohol.
As it is now more common for individuals to seek healthier lifestyles and mindful drinking habits, the demand for alcohol-free options has surged. By incorporating fresh ingredients, herbal infusions and creative mixology techniques, mocktails deliver a sophisticated drinking experience that aligns with contemporary wellness trends.
Educated drinking is a crucial approach to fostering responsible alcohol consumption, raising awareness of its effects and promoting safer drinking behaviors. By understanding alcohol’s impact on health, decision-making and social interactions, individuals can make informed choices that support their well-being and lifestyle.
As the culture around alcohol continues to shift, embracing educated drinking ensures that individuals can engage in social settings with mindfulness, moderation and a focus on long-term health.
NMU Wellbeing and NMU PD are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about drinking and alcohol. NMU Wellbeing regularly hosts fun events like this one, providing students with opportunities to be social and meet new people. Students can find more information on the NMU Hub.
