What are some alternatives that servers can offer to intoxicated customers instead of alcohol?

Offering water, soft drinks, or food options is the most appropriate response when serving intoxicated customers. Ensuring that individuals do not continue to consume alcohol is crucial for their safety and well-being. Providing non-alcoholic beverages like water or soda can help keep them hydrated and somewhat mitigate the effects of the alcohol they've already consumed. Additionally, offering food can help slow down alcohol absorption and provide sustenance.

In contrast, cocktails, shots, sparkling wine, and beer would only exacerbate the situation by further increasing the intoxication level. Energy drinks may temporarily mask the effects of alcohol, but they do not actually address the intoxication and can lead to further risky behavior by misleading the customer into thinking they are less impaired. Therefore, suggesting water, soft drinks, or food is the most responsible approach when dealing with patrons who are already intoxicated.