When people hear that I almost always order a vodka soda, they usually assume it’s a healthy thing. Or that I really love vodka. Or that I’m trying to be low maintenance.

The truth?

It’s mostly strategic!

This January, my wife and I have decided to do a modified Whole30. If you’re familiar with Whole30, you know the rules are pretty strict: meat, vegetables, fruit, and nuts only. No dairy, no legumes, no added sugar—and definitely no alcohol. Our “modified” version allowed yogurt and legumes as alternative protein sources, but we stayed firm on the no-added-sugar and no-alcohol part.

That decision was made easier by the fact that last year, while recovering from a thyroid condition, I barely drank at all. I went almost the entire first half of the year without alcohol. But when I drink, especially in social settings, my go-to has been the same for years – a vodka soda.

Not because it’s exciting, or because it’s trendy. But because it works for me!

I’m a social drinker. I don’t really drink at home or by myself. Drinking, for me, usually happens at weddings, parties, conferences, dinners – places where people are talking, laughing, or moving (if you don’t know, I’m quite a dancer!) And in most of these cases, people are holding glasses in their hands, and in close proximity to each other. 

And because of that, I’m often concerned about a lot of things like, where is my drink in relation to other people, or how close I’m to the table edge and of course, am I about to bump into someone! Because the last thing I want to do is spill my drink on someone’s clean white shirt!

That’s where my vodka soda shines!

First, it’s clear. If I accidentally bump into someone or knock over a glass, I’m not leaving a bright red wine stain or a dark beer mark behind. No stains means no awkward apologies, no scrambling for napkins, and no moment that turns  me into the center of attention – I’m okay if it’s because of my fancy foot work, but it’s a different story if I ruin someone’s night because I pour a drink on them!

Another thing that my vodka soda has going for is the fact that club soda is often used to help remove stains from fabric! So even if something does spill, I’ve unintentionally chosen the most forgiving drink in the room!

Then there’s the olive. This just might be the real secret to it all!

People laugh when I say this, but the olive is functional too! You see, when hors d’oeuvres are being passed around or snacks are sitting on a table, I usually have no idea what’s available – or whether I’ll successfully grab something without knocking over a plate or someone else’s drink. That’s when the olive comes to my rescue – It’s a guaranteed snack!  A tiny, but tasty source of sustenance I can always count on!

This might sound like overthinking a cocktail, but that’s kind of the point.

As someone who is blind, I’m constantly thinking a few steps ahead in public spaces. Not because I’m anxious, but rather I’m trying to move through the world as smoothly, respectfully, and independently as I can! The vodka soda isn’t just a drink to me, but It’s a small tool that helps me do that.

And yes, January will soon come to an end, and I’ll be celebrating my dear friends Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans (the founders of 321 Coffee) at their wedding, and  I’m pretty sure a few vodka sodas will make an appearance as we cut loose on the dance floor! The other thing I’m sure about – I won’t leave a stain from pouring my drink on anyone!

Ask the Blind Guy for Directions on how to Pour a Vodka Soda 

If you are curious, this is how I pour a vodka soda!

1. Fill a tall glass with ice (I’m quite generous with the ice.) ice also gives an audible cue as liquid hits it, helping to track how full the glass is.
2. Pour the vodka slowly. I usually go with Tito’s or Grey Goose myself! I will also usually count to number two, for a standard pour.
3. Add club soda until you hear the pitch change. As the glass fills, the sound shifts. That’s one signal to stop before overflowing. The other back up signal you can use is to put one finger in the glass (I learned this technique years ago before I was even diagnosed with my eye condition from an episode on the television show Smallville!)
4. Drop in an olive (or two) And if you are really feeling dirty, a little olive juice as well!

Now that’s what I call simple, clean, and effective! 

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! This post isn’t really about alcohol. It’s about perspective, and the quiet calculations many blind people make every time they step into public spaces. If you’re new to vision loss, I hope this gives you a practical tip or two, and if you’re sighted, I hope it offered a small window into what might be happening in the mind of the blind guy standing next to you at the bar.

I’d love to hear from you, and what your thoughts are about choice, and if you have any other best practices that could help others navigate social settings!