EP 135 | Liberation Not Deprivation in Sobriety with Kristin Martinez of Queen City Sober

An episode to remind you that sobriety is not about deprivation but about choosing freedom and fuller living.My guest today is Kristin Martinez, a passionate sober content creator and founder of Queen City Sober. Kristin shares her personal journey through grief, motherhood, and reclaiming joy without alcohol, highlighting how community and creative non-alcoholic drinks transformed her life. Discover practical tips, heartfelt stories, and a delicious adaptogenic mocktail recipe that celebrates sobriety as an empowering and liberating path.In this episode:Kristin’s story: overcoming grief and mommy wine culture to embrace sobrietyThe role of community and support in her sober journeyHow she navigates social events and out-and-about moments soberMaking non-alcoholic drinks fun, creative, and satisfyingThe impact of redefining sobriety as liberation, not deprivationPractical tips for beginners and sober-curious listenersFavorite non-alcoholic brands and mocktail recipesThe importance of processing grief without numbingUpcoming plans for Queen City SoberHow sobriety opens more time and deepens life experiencesTimestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Kristin Martinez and her sobriety journey02:05 - Starting with community support and her role as a sober content creator04:36 - Making her signature mocktail: The Leibner After Dark10:04 - Kristin’s sober milestone: 603 days alcohol-free13:05 - Addressing mommy wine culture and societal expectations15:13 - The grief of losing her grandmother and self-medicating with wine19:26 - Recognizing the signs that prompted her to get sober26:46 - Grieving her grandmother sober and processing feelings authentically30:09 - Favorite non-alcoholic brands and mocktail inspirations31:11 - Out-and-about sober drink options for social settings32:07 - Kristin’s message: Sobriety as liberation, not deprivation. Connect with Kristin:InstagramWebsiteMocktail Recipe Shared by Kristin - Livener After Dark: 1. Fill a highball glass with ice2. Add 2.5 oz Three Spirit Livener, 0.75 oz lime juice, 2-3 bar spoons cocktail cherry syrup to glass, and 3 dashes New Orleans-style bitters, we used All The Bitter. Code MOCKTAILMOM for a discount  3. Stir well to combine3. Gently top with Blueberry Hibiscus Topo Chico sparkling water, pouring down the bar spoon (any hibiscus, dark cherry, or berry sparkling water works—or even plain sparkling water in a pinch)4. Gently stir to combine5. Garnish with fresh lime wheel + cocktail cherrySend me a message about the show! Join the community of mocktail-loving ladies in the Mocktail Social Club. Instagram: @Mocktail.MomMocktail Book: The Happiest HourWebsite: MocktailMom.com        You are loved. Big Time Cheers!