New Job- "Wanna meet up for drinks?"

Hi everyone,

I have to admit I haven't been on here in a while. It's been over 8 months and this group was essential to me getting though my first few weeks, so thank you all for simply being here.

The last 8 months have been really transformative for me. I realized that alcohol had been holding me back from taking risks and pursuing positive change in my life. Since, I started taking classes in February, and next week I'll be starting in a completely new career. One in which I hope I can make a difference.

Here's the thing. The coworker that I will be working the closest with has asked the question above: "wanna meet up for drinks." I want to be able to get to know this person better, and to bond, and honestly I'm at the point where going to a bar with him would be totally fine for me. I know that I won't drink there, but I fear that he would respond with: "wait I thought we were getting drinks? you aren't drinking?"

So I'm asking for input and advice. Do I suggest coffee or a bite to eat instead? Just say yes and then when I get there order a seltzer and defer with "I don't really drink anymore" (my go to strategy at this point), or am I completely honest about how drinking became a problem for me?

Thank you all for you input, and I'll gladly not drink with you today.