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 sobriety
• The role of community and support in her sober journey
• How she navigates social events and out-and-about moments sober
• Making non-alcoholic drinks fun, creative, and satisfying
• The impact of redefining sobriety as liberation, not deprivation
• Practical tips for beginners and sober-curious listeners
• Favorite non-alcoholic brands and mocktail recipes
• The importance of processing grief without numbing
• Upcoming plans for Queen City Sober
• How sobriety opens more time and deepens life experiences

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Kristin Martinez and her sobriety journey
02:05 - Starting with community support and her role as a sober content creator
04:36 - Making her signature mocktail: The Leibner After Dark
10:04 - Kristin’s sober milestone: 603 days alcohol-free
13:05 - Addressing mommy wine culture and societal expectations
15:13 - The grief of losing her grandmother and self-medicating with wine
19:26 - Recognizing the signs that prompted her to get sober
26:46 - Grieving her grandmother sober and processing feelings authentically
30:09 - Favorite non-alcoholic brands and mocktail inspirations
31:11 - Out-and-about sober drink options for social settings
32:07 - Kristin’s message: Sobriety as liberation, not deprivation. 

Connect with Kristin:

• Instagram
• Website

Mocktail Recipe Shared by Kristin - Livener After Dark: 

1. Fill a highball glass with ice
2. 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 combine
3. 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 combine
5. Garnish with fresh lime wheel + cocktail cherry

Send me a message about the show!

Replay of the Mocktail Summit is available now!

Join the community of mocktail-loving ladies in the Mocktail Social Club.

• Instagram: @Mocktail.Mom
• Mocktail Book: The Happiest Hour
• Website: MocktailMom.com

You are loved. Big Time Cheers!