The surprising social power of drinking together

Drinking socially is a big part of cultures all around the world. Whether it be having a glass of wine in Italy, enjoying a beer at a pub with friends in Ireland, or girls getting together for bottomless mimosas with brunch in the United States, these activities often foster deeper friendships than one might expect. Despite the growing trend of consuming mocktails and reducing alcohol intake as part of the health and wellness movement, it’s clear that there are significant social benefits to gathering for drinks with friends.

There was an interesting study conducted by researchers at Oxford. They explored the link between social drinking and social cohesion. This study was divided into three parts: a questionnaire for pub patrons, observations of conversations within pubs, and a national survey by the Campaign for Real Ale. The researchers aimed to determine if the type of bars people frequent or how often they visit them had an impact on their social lives.

The findings revealed that individuals who regularly visit a local pub tend to have more vibrant social lives. They engage in small group conversations that foster a sense of community, something that is often more challenging to find in larger, more impersonal city-center bars. Being part of a group where everyone feels heard can significantly enhance one’s sense of belonging and community.

While meeting for mimosas with the girls on a Sunday morning might not be the same as heading to a bar, it plays a similar role in building community. There’s nothing quite like the dynamic of a group of women sharing a meal and a pitcher of mimosas, laughing and chatting about everything from relationships to personal anecdotes. As an adult, finding such a group can be rare, and as someone who values these gatherings, I believe that if brunch with mimosas makes maintaining these friendships easier, it’s absolutely worth it.

Building community and friendships is one of the greatest benefits of social drinking. As a bartender, one of my favorite sights is watching how people form bonds at the bar. Regulars greet each other, celebrate birthdays, and create an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. They might be loud and boisterous, but they’re also having a great time and adding a unique vibrancy to the bar.

So, it turns out, Oxford was right: enjoying a drink with friends can indeed enrich one’s social life. Whether it’s sharing a few laughs over drinks at the bar or sipping mimosas at brunch, these moments are more than just social gatherings—they are vital to the fabric of our friendships. So if brunch with the girls is your chosen way to connect, don’t feel guilty about it, because it’s a more important part of your friendship than you might think!