Life’s a party for actor Neil Patrick Harris and chef David Burtka — but the two celebrate in different ways.
Harris, 51, is an avid cocktail enthusiast while Burtka, 49, has been in sobriety for eight years.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE tied to the reveal of their forthcoming cocktail and mocktail book Both Sides of the Glass, the couple opened up about how they navigate the social and personal challenges of having one partner who is a drinker and one who is not.
Related: Neil Patrick Harris Credits Husband David Burtka’s ‘Incredible Taste’ in New Cocktail and Mocktail Book — See the Cover! (Exclusive)
“I think a lot of self respect and respect for the other person is integral to any relationship. And so if it’s important for David that I don’t drink, I won’t,” Harris says. “And he’s proven that it’s okay if I were to have a drink if he’s not going to. I think being able to honor each other, regardless of the social situation, is always helpful.”
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Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka Attend Midsummer Night Drinks
Harris and Burtka first went public with their relationship in 2007 and were officially married in a private ceremony in Italy in September 2014.
Burtka celebrated eight years sober on Instagram on September 13, 2024.
Related: Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka’s Relationship Timeline
“Maybe in the beginning it was a little rough because, you know, [Neil] lost his drinking buddy, so it was a little difficult,” Burtka says. “But after time tells, it’s great.”
He joked with a laugh, “In fact, I love a lunchtime where I can push alcohol on [Neil] so we can go shopping afterwards. He’s more inclined to buy me things. So I’m like ‘You should have another glass, your second glass of wine!’”
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Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka at the Tod’s Hamptons Summer Celebration
There’s no shortage of joking between the pair, with Burtka crediting their knack for humor as one of his favorite parts of the couple’s marriage.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about laughter for me,” Burtka says. “We really do have fun.”
The couple, shares twins Harper Grace and Gideon Scott, 14, which they welcomed via surrogacy in 2010.
Bruce Glikas/WireImage
David Burtka, Harper Grace Burtka-Harris, Neil Patrick Harris, Gideon Burtka-Harris
“You hope as kids get older that they want to share more with you, and are willing to tell you when things are happening as opposed to just keeping you qout of the loop. Harris told PEOPLE of the being a dad in a February 2024 interview. “But I think it’s imperative that they learn things and come to you when they have questions, as opposed to you feeling like you need to shape them in ways that you see fit.”
Read the original article on People
