If you know me, you know Raf and I are passionate about craft cocktails. Mixing drinks at home is more than just a fun activity for us — it’s an art form. Last year, when we launched 12 Days of Cocktails & Mocktails, it was a joy to share recipes and celebrate with you all.

But this year, I’ve noticed something different. My body isn’t tolerating alcohol the way it used to, and it got me curious. Why does alcohol suddenly feel harder to handle? 

Celebrate Without Compromise: Sip Smart, Feel Great

After doing some research and reflecting on my own experience, I learned there are science-backed reasons for this and they have everything to do with where I am in life right now: midlife and perimenopause.

This isn’t a post to tell you what you should do. It’s the opposite. My goal is to give you the knowledge you need to make the right decision. 

Because the truth is that empowerment comes from understanding what’s happening in your body and choosing what feels best for you.

Here’s what I’ve discovered, how it’s impacted my choices, and why mocktails like our 

Lords-A-Leaping Lavender Spritz has become my go-to festive drink this season.

5 Ways Alcohol Affects Women in Midlife

1. Alcohol Feels Stronger in Your System

As women, we naturally have less water in our bodies than men, and as we age, our total body water decreases even more. This matters because alcohol gets diluted in water — so less water means the same drink will hit harder.

For me, this has meant that one glass of wine now feels like two, leaving me groggy and sluggish the next day.

The Takeaway:

If you’ve noticed alcohol feeling stronger, you’re not imagining it. Hydrating between drinks can help, but knowing your limits is key. And if you’d rather skip the alcohol altogether, mocktails can be just as fun (and honestly, just as pretty!).

2. Your Metabolism Is Slower

In midlife, our metabolism naturally slows down, affecting how alcohol is processed in the body. It stays in your system longer, putting extra strain on your liver and extending that dreaded hangover feeling.

For me, this meant rethinking how often I indulge — and exploring alcohol-free options that still feel festive but don’t leave me regretting my choices the next day.

The Takeaway:

Your body is working hard to keep up with the demands of alcohol, and that can feel like a drain. If you’re celebrating, pace yourself, drink earlier in the evening, and give your body time to process. Or try a non-alcoholic option, like our Lords-A-Leaping Lavender Spritz, to wake up refreshed.

3. Alcohol Disrupts Your Sleep

We’ve all heard that a nightcap can help you fall asleep faster. But here’s the catch: alcohol disrupts the deep, restorative stages of sleep, including REM sleep. This means you might clock in enough hours but still wake up feeling exhausted.

For me, cutting back on alcohol has been a game-changer for my sleep quality — and I didn’t even realize how much it was impacting me until I stopped.

The Takeaway:

Sleep is one of the most important factors in feeling your best, and alcohol can get in the way. Choosing an alcohol-free drink, especially in the evenings, might be the simple tweak you need for better rest.

4. Hormonal Changes Can Worsen Side Effects

Alcohol can amplify some of the common symptoms of perimenopause, like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. It also disrupts the delicate balance of hormones like estrogen, making it even harder to feel like yourself.

For me, this was a big aha moment. I started noticing that even a small amount of alcohol could make me feel off-balance the next day… emotionally and physically.

The Takeaway:

If you’re in midlife, your hormones are already going through a lot. Alcohol might be adding to that stress. Knowing how it affects you can help you decide if it’s worth it or if a festive mocktail might be the better choice for your body.

5. The Add-Ons Matter, Too

It’s not just the alcohol — sugary mixers and syrups can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leaving you feeling tired and irritable. Combine that with the diuretic effects of alcohol, and you’ve got a recipe for dehydration and puffiness.

This is why I’ve gravitated toward fresh, simple ingredients that hydrate and nourish — and it’s one of the reasons I love our Lords-A-Leaping Lavender Spritz.

The Takeaway:

You can still enjoy festive drinks without the sugar overload. Look for lighter options with fresh ingredients, and focus on how they make you feel.

Why This Matters 

Everything I’ve shared here comes from a place of personal experience. When I started noticing these changes in my own body, I felt frustrated. 

But once I started digging into the research, it all made sense. This journey is what led me to become a health and nutrition coach because I want to help women like you feel empowered, informed, and in control of your health.

You don’t have to give up alcohol if it’s something you enjoy. 

But knowing how it impacts your body in midlife can help you make the best decisions for yourself.

From Last Year’s Favorite to This Year’s Go-To

Last year, Raf and I created the Lords-A-Leaping Lavender Spritz for our 12 Days of Cocktails & Mocktails program. It was for those who wanted festive options without alcohol — and it was such a hit!

Little did I know that this mocktail, originally created for others, would become my go-to drink of choice this year. Funny how life works, huh? I’m so glad we made it because it’s been the perfect way to sip and celebrate without sacrificing how I feel the next day.

Whether you’re looking for something to serve your guests or a gorgeous alcohol-free drink for yourself, this spritz has you covered. It’s light, refreshing, and oh-so-pretty. A true showstopper for the holidays.

🎥 Watch the How-To Video:

Raf and I filmed a step-by-step video so you can see how easy (and fun!) it is to make this gorgeous drink.

Let me know how that goes for you and if you’ll be trying out more mocktails this season…and beyond!

If you’re up for more midlife-friendly mocktails and a full guide with a pantry list and how to navigate the season sans alcohol, check out my other blog post HERE.

Cheers friend!