“I can’t find a picture of a picnic or dinner party without an alcoholic beverage appearing,” I thought to myself.

I always provide a photo from a free online collection in case editors want to use it with this column. I didn’t want to give the impression that I was promoting alcohol by featuring photos of family gatherings with bottles of wine and cocktails.

Historically, alcohol has been woven into many cultures. In parts of Europe, for example, children were once given small amounts of wine as a way to teach responsible drinking, according to some historians. In fact, until the practice was banned in the mid-1950s, some French schools served alcohol to children. You read that correctly.

When I was a child, I remember my dad giving me about one-fourth cup of beer one evening while we were watching TV. I took a sip and wondered, “How could anyone drink this stuff?” I handed it right back. If he was trying to convince me never to drink beer, it certainly worked.

So, what is the relationship between alcohol and our health?

Unfortunately, alcohol of any kind or in any amount does not promote good health.

Previous editions of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans set limits of up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. One “drink” is typically defined as a 12-ounce beer (5% alcohol by volume), a 5-ounce glass of wine (12% alcohol by volume) or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% alcohol by volume). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classified this level as “moderate drinking.”

However, the latest Dietary Guidelines, released in January 2026, do not specify numerical limits. Instead, they state that people should “consume less alcohol for better overall health.” Some health experts view this change as less clear guidance because the term “less” is open to interpretation.

Alcohol consumption is linked to numerous injuries, including motor vehicle crashes, falls and other accidents. Alcohol consumed with certain drugs can be fatal. Alcohol use during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Long-term alcohol use can affect many parts of the body. Alcohol consumption is associated with increased risks of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, colon, liver, stomach, pancreas, breast and prostate.

Drinking alcohol also raises the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, digestive problems and a weakened immune system. Excessive alcohol use can contribute to depression, anxiety and memory problems.  

Many adults appear to be reconsidering their alcohol use. According to a 2025 Gallup poll, about 54% of U.S. adults report consuming alcohol, the lowest level recorded in nearly 90 years.

Even so, excessive alcohol use remains a significant public health concern. An estimated 488 deaths per day in the U.S. are linked to excessive alcohol consumption.

What can you do if you decide to cut back?

Social situations can be challenging. You may feel pressure to imbibe at a party, barbecue or gathering with friends. Consider bringing your own nonalcoholic beverage or keeping a glass of sparkling water, fruit juice or soda over ice in your hand. Hosts can make guests feel welcome by offering appealing nonalcoholic options alongside alcoholic beverages.

Although my first taste of beer set me on a path away from alcohol, I occasionally enjoy a mango margarita or a Moscow mule at a restaurant. Truthfully, I could just as easily enjoy a fruit smoothie or a glass of ginger ale.

We recently created a handout (“3 Steps to Making Mocktails”) featuring several “mocktails,” including a nonalcoholic aloe spritz, a nonalcoholic Bloody Mary and this refreshing drink featuring fresh mint.

Nonalcoholic Peach Mint Julep

2 limes, rinsed, halved and cut into wedges
1 cup fresh or canned peaches (in water), muddled
24 mint leaves
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
Ice as desired
1 ½ cups unflavored or flavored sparkling water

In a small bowl, add the lime, and muddle using a muddler or the back of the spoon. Muddle (stir) until the pulp and juice are extracted from the lime. Remove the lime wedges and add peaches, mint and granulated sugar to the bowl. Muddle again until a puree consistency. The mint leaves won’t break down completely. Add 1 cup of sparkling water and the rest of the contents into a shaker (or other covered container) with ice and shake for 30 seconds. Pour contents into glasses and top with remaining sparkling water.

Makes four servings. Each serving has 41 calories, 0.1 g fat, 0.5 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber and 22 mg sodium.

(Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.)

NDSU Agriculture Communication – July 2, 2026

Source: Julie Garden-Robinson, 701-231-7187, julie.garden-robinson@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu