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Meet Mo, aka "Mocktail Mo," whose journey to alcohol-free living began not with recovery, but with a medical mystery that took years to solve. After experiencing severe illness that doctors couldn't properly diagnose, Mo discovered she had developed alcohol intolerance - a condition that completely changed her relationship with drinking and ultimately led to her calling as a non-alcoholic beverage consultant.

In this candid conversation, Mo shares how exclusion from traditional celebrations sparked her passion for creating inclusive drinking experiences, the surprising community she discovered in the alcohol-free space, and her mission to help restaurants and bars create thoughtful mocktail menus that go beyond "fancy soft drinks."

Key Topics Discussed

Mo's Medical Journey

• Years of unexplained severe illness after drinking
• Misdiagnosis and medical gaslighting
• The friend who finally helped solve the mystery
• Understanding alcohol intolerance vs. allergies

The Birth of Mocktail Mo

• Missing connection and celebration traditions
• The "wall of exclusion" that changed everything
• Learning to respect different approaches to sobriety
• Why some people prefer club soda and lime

The Alcohol-Free Industry

• Current state of restaurant mocktail offerings
• The difference between "fancy soft drinks" and true craft mocktails
• Working with establishments to improve their NA menus
• The challenge of solving problems restaurants don't know they have

Community and Connection

• The supportive alcohol-free community
• A powerful story about finding alcohol-removed wine during her mother's final days
• How restaurants can provide emotional support through inclusive menus

Memorable Quotes

"I was put in this place by fate"

"A very big wall of exclusion popped up for me of no, no, this is not for you"

"You cannot impose what you want on everybody"

"It felt like someone had thrown out a lifesaver to me personally"

"If you're interested in it, there's a reason that you are interested in it"

About Mo (Mocktail Mo)

Mo is a non-alcoholic beverage consultant and mocktail expert who became alcohol-free due to alcohol intolerance. She works with restaurants and bars to create elevated non-alcoholic drink experiences and is passionate about ensuring everyone can participate in celebration and connection, regardless of their drinking status.

Upcoming Events

Fall Into You Retreat

• Date: October (one-day event)
• Location: Chicago
• Time: Noon to 8 PM
• Partners: Heather Lowe (Ditch the Drink) and Kate Denage (Clarity Zero Proof)
• Includes: Arboretum hike, picnic lunch, workshops, mocktail demonstrations, dinner, and wellness activities
• Registration: HERE

Resources Mentioned

• Alcohol intolerance vs. alcohol allergy
• Asian flush syndrome
• Alcohol-removed wines and non-alcoholic beers
• Ditched the Drink
• Clarity Zero Proof

Connect with Mocktail Mo

Website - MocktailMo.com

Instagram - @Mocktail.mo

Youtube - Zero = More

Substack - Mo's Mocktail Diaries