AITA for not explicitly stating my punch is non-a**oholic?

At a work potluck, things got surprisingly messy over a beverage. I (25F) brought my signature punch—a refreshing mix of gingerale, 7up, orange juice, and a can of juice concentrate—that’s always been a hit at previous events. Since our office includes coworkers who don’t drink alcohol, I never spiked it, assuming everyone would understand it was alcohol-free.

However, when coworker Sandy (42F) started acting outrageously drunk—despite the punch’s non-alcoholic recipe—she publicly accused me of “spiking” the drink. Her dramatic reaction, including a fall off her chair and a barrage of angry texts, has left me wondering: Am I the ahole for not explicitly stating that my punch was non-aoholic? Let’s dive into the details.

‘AITA for not explicitly stating my punch is non-a**oholic?’

Family and workplace dynamics can be as tricky as deciphering a cocktail recipe. Dr. Eleanor Briggs, a workplace behavior specialist, notes that “assumptions in a professional setting can lead to miscommunications, especially when the context of an event is mixed.” In this case, the host’s party was casual, with alcohol available elsewhere, so my decision to serve a non-alcoholic punch was entirely reasonable.

The fact that some guests may choose to add alcohol themselves only underscores that my recipe was meant to cater to all preferences. Dr. Briggs explains that “when someone misinterprets a clearly defined option, it’s usually due to their own biases or expectations.” Adding to this, relationship expert Marcus Lee observes that individuals sometimes experience a placebo effect when they believe they’re consuming alcohol—even when they aren’t.

“The mind can trigger a physical response if it’s convinced a drink is alcoholic,” he says. Sandy’s dramatic behavior might have been influenced by her own preconceptions about what an “adult beverage” should do to her, rather than the actual contents of the punch. Such psychological phenomena aren’t uncommon, yet they can create unnecessary drama in a workplace setting. Moreover, workplace mediator Carla Nguyen highlights that maintaining clear communication at work events is crucial.

“If someone’s going to get visibly affected—especially in a public setting—it might help to have a small label or announcement clarifying the drink’s contents.” However, she also emphasizes that the responsibility isn’t solely on the host. “If an individual misreads the situation, it’s more about their interpretation than an error on the part of the person providing the refreshment,” Nguyen adds. Lastly, sociologist Anita Roberts reminds us that overprotectiveness and drama often lead to disproportionate reactions.

Sandy’s behavior—embarrassing herself by publicly accusing a coworker—reveals more about her inability to moderate her own actions than it does about any mistake on my part. Roberts advises that setting boundaries in such cases is essential. “If a coworker continues to create a hostile work environment based on unfounded assumptions, it may be necessary to involve HR,” she concludes.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

The Reddit community largely agrees: NTA. Users noted that Sandy’s dramatic “placebo effect” is something seen when people believe they’re drinking alcohol, even when they’re not. One comment humorously pointed out that it’s better not to let someone mistakenly think your drink is “a**oholic” and risk their own embarrassment.

Others advised that if Sandy continues her hostile behavior at work, it might be time to have a mediated conversation with HR. The overall consensus is that my decision not to explicitly label the punch was reasonable, and Sandy’s reaction is all on her.

Clearly, I’m not the a**hole here. My punch was crafted to suit a diverse group, and the assumption that non-drinkers would understand it’s non-alcoholic is perfectly valid in a casual work setting. Sandy’s overreaction and subsequent public outburst are disproportionate—and her dramatic behavior only highlights her own issues.

While some may argue that a simple label could have avoided the drama, it’s hard to fault someone for not turning every minor detail into a full-blown announcement. How would you handle a situation where assumptions lead to workplace chaos? Share your thoughts below!