Beyond The Bar: A New Yorker's Life Changing Journey To Sobriety

Brand ambassador, Levi Zolman, shares the story of his journey to sobriety, reflecting on his work and lifestyle in New York’s vibrant nightlife scene, and how Do'Mo's Zero Proof Elixirs helped him reconnect and rediscover the joy of socializing while sober.

For years, alcohol wasn’t just part of Levi’s life—it was his life. From working as a New York nightclub promoter at 18 to managing bars, becoming a wine distributor, and eventually representing a tequila brand, the industry was all-consuming.

“I’ve been in the nightlife scene for a long time,” Levi says. “I loved my work and the connections and friendships I’d made in that community. But the years of overindulgence were taking their toll.”

Levi began to realize that the long nights and alcohol-driven lifestyle were affecting his mental health and sleep. “I had simply driven myself into the ground,” he recalls. This led to a life-changing decision: to step back, get sober, and reclaim his energy.

Getting the Confidence to Go Out Socializing Again

Sobriety brought unexpected challenges—not so much about being around alcohol, but more how to enjoy social situations without the "crutch" of drinking. What should he say? How could he explain his decision without it becoming heavy? How could he revisit those old relationships that had been built around alcohol?

“When I first got sober, I struggled with the feeling that I was losing my ‘bar family,’” Levi shares. “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to be part of that world anymore. I was anxious and didn’t know how I’d make conversation. I also had a lingering fear of being judged or questioned about my decision not to drink. My instinct was to shut it down before that happened or anyone could ask.”

Levi admits he hadn’t really considered the world of non-drinkers before. “I’d never thought about it,” he says. “In the alcohol industry, the experiences of non-drinkers are often ignored.” But once he started to pay attention, he discovered that there were sober and sober-curious people everywhere—some taking breaks for health or lifestyle reasons, others dealing with the consequences of drinking. “What you focus on, you find,” he adds.

Realizing You’re Not Alone

Levi is far from alone. There’s a growing trend in the U.S that shows that 55% of people are seeking to reduce or cut out alcohol altogether.

As alcohol-free lifestyles become more mainstream, and the concept of mindful drinking grows, more bars and restaurants are offering non-alcoholic alternatives, from mocktails, through craft beverages to functional Zero Proof Elexirs. Events and social spaces dedicated to non-drinkers are also on the rise, and sober socializing is no longer an outsider experience.

Levi relates to this, saying, “I’d been in the industry for so long and had no idea how vibrant and thriving the non-alcoholic scene, and nightlife, really were!”

Discovering Do’Mo

In his exploration of the sober world, Levi tried various non-alcoholic drinks and products. Many lacked appeal, feeling more like sugary sodas - “kind of pointless” and not serving any real purpose

“It wasn’t until I tried Do’Mo that I realized what I’d been missing,” Levi says. “It changed everything. It greased the social wheels in my brain in a way I hadn’t thought possible without alcohol.”

But, Do’Mo became more than just a non-alcoholic alternative for Levi—it became a conversation starter.  He wants a world that de-stigmatizes sobriety, creating positive ways to talk about it—both for those who drink and those that don’t. 

He found that instead of focusing on what wasn’t being consumed, drinking Do’Mo allowed him to shift the focus to what was: "I’m drinking Do’Mo, and here’s what it does." 

Being on Board  

Levi was so passionate about his discovery of their zero-proof elixirs that he approached Do’Mo’s founder, Philip Gladman, to become their brand ambassador in New York. His goal? To introduce them into both the traditional bars and clubs he knew so well, as well as the growing network of non-alcoholic venues emerging on scene.

“It’s been wonderful. Everyone on the team is so engaging and very knowledgeable. It’s been really cool to learn about the science behind the drinks, and to be trained by Susie, Do’Mo’s Food Scientist and Nutritionist, who can explain exactly how it works and which of the 17 functional ingredients do what,” he says. “They taste great too- my favourite is the Scrumptious Berry Bramble” 

“I’ve also spent time with Philip, introducing the product to old and new bars. I’m excited about it and grateful for it -  I’m a big fan,” he continues. “My friends are Do’Mo fans, too. I have it in the house and everyone is trying it - they’re all about the Do’Mo!”

Levi’s proudest moment came on New Year’s Day at 96 Tears, when the bar hosted a ‘Fresh Start’ event offering free tacos with a Do’Mo zero-proof elixir of choice. “A few days later, I went back and saw the bartender was drinking Do’Mo—without being prompted. That meant everything. It wasn’t just about getting the product in; it was about people genuinely choosing it.”

The Future of Sober-Socializing

Levis is seeing more and more people embrace mindful drinking, whether that means full sobriety or simply cutting back. He’s noticed his friends actively choosing to drink fewer days a week, and that more people are recognizing Do’Mo when he’s out at bars. 

“It’s becoming a movement. The shift is happening,” he says. “Recently, at Mindfest, I was fascinated by the sheer amount of people and how many different functional beverages were being represented from all over the world. 

For Do’Mo, its mission is clear - and the clue is in the name: Don’t Miss Out (on a great night out). Levi agrees, “People want choices that don’t make them feel left out of social occasions and experiences.” 

Confident and connected 

What was once an anxiety-inducing challenge—socializing in his familiar nightclubs and bars without alcohol—is now something Levi is happy to embrace. Do’Mo has helped provide a bridge back into that world without compromising his sobriety. “I feel more relaxed, happy and confident—it makes everything a little easier.”

For anyone considering a shift away from alcohol, Levi’s advice is simple: “You can be in the room. Show up and be present.” He’s learned that the relationships with his bar friends weren’t built on drinking—they were built on genuine connections. 

“It turns out, my friends still wanted to work with me, hang out, and spend time together. It was never about the tequila—it was always about the people,” he prompts. “Do’Mo has helped me to feel part of that world again, not only to continue my professional relationships, but to feel comfortable hanging out with my friends and enjoying being in those places, too.” 

For Levi, Do’Mo has helped him to reconnect, and that is what matters most, bar none.