Hi, this is a bit of an off-the-wall topic, but perhaps a local or one familiar with SA culture has some insight. I'll be in SA several weeks for a work assignment, near Johannesburg. Due to personal reasons, I have to refrain from imbibing ... in restaurants is there a recommended non-alcoholic alternative when others around are enjoying their drinks? In the states I can get by with club soda or ginger ale or even bottled water and not come across as stiff or prude. I know in other cultures, you're not supposed to offend the guests so am trying to plan ahead of time for this anticipated occasion. I suppose it varies in the rural village areas vs. the cities or towns.

Thanks for any replies

Be frank and state you have to refrain from drinking alc. No problem in SA as in many countries.

All kinds of sodas are available, water, fruit juice......

Just be honest and state without a shadow of a doubt you intention!

Nowadays with a great "community" of people who are sober after a alc career it's pretty common.

For whatever reason it's your chopice and sure it will be respected - by most people. If there are ignorant folks - just ignore them ;-)

SV

You're under no obligation to have an alcoholic drink, for whatever reason, regardless where visiting... nor need to explain. As SV above, there are plenty of soft drinks, fruit juices and bottled water available.

A non-alcoholic drink that is sparkling and refreshing is Appletizer, like an apple cider. It is served on flights of South African Airlines and available in markets, so I bet that it will be on the menu in many restaurants. ZZ

South Africa has a large Muslim population, so there are often work-related and social occasions where drinkers and non-drinkers are together. It's perfectly socially acceptable to order a Coke, or Appletizer, or orange juice, or sparkling water or ginger ale, or whatever. No one will expect you to explain your choice.

Have a great time!

Celia

I agree with Zambezi - the non-alcoholic drink of choice in SA is the sparkling fruit juices - Grapetizer (the most popular), Appletizer and Peartizer. All three are very good and readily available in shops (in cans and 1.5L bottles), bars, and vending machines. Healthy too - no sugar added! We can purchase it in health food stores here in Canada. Robin