I have met some people who just go to local AA meetings, as its all over the world and most are super friendly and sometimes also have like more meetups and activities…
I am not a recovering alcoholic, so I can easily be around people who drink, I just hate being around wasted people. This advice is based on Europe. I prefer to bond over activities:
If I see someone playing chess on their phone, I ask if they want to play on my board instead? In general having one good two player game on you, is always a good idea. Even lbackgammon or something more luckbased.
In hostels: breakfasts are great, because its the beginning of the day, and then if I like someone, I ask if they want to join me for my plans?
I join source and find local volleyball amateur players. It is both to stay active, but it is also great to meet people and often you’ll end up hanging out afterwards.
Hiking, alltough a bit tricky as it rarely happens. But if I do meet people on long hikes in the mountains, I tend to chat with them and give them my number.
Dancing. Like again depends on where I am and what is available, but most salsa and locla folkdancing events, people usually dont get wasted. Also I like techno and although most do drugs, I find it much more pleassant and fun to be with and dance to, also sober.
Live radio cafés… some places in Europe have these live radio channels, with a café vibe. Its a chill vibe and pretty cool.
Free lectures and exhibitions. Many artists show there art for free with a nice crowd. Often there are different university/EU projects/workshops or lectures for free. Obviously a bit more easy to meet likeminded people, when the topic are quite specific.
Oh my, this is a genius idea! Thanks.