I had a no-alcohol year the year before last, and it wasn't easy considering I moved to a culture where not drinking is pretty much considered an insult to your host-- luckily as a woman I got off the hook easier than if I were a man, but just barely.
Anyway, I think the best way to handle being offered a drink is to simply state that you don't drink, period. That way there is no leeway for people (or you, yourself) to try to persuade you to drink something. Of course with people who've already known you as a drinker you can just say, "I don't drink anymore." End of story.
I did it similar to the AA model-- I rewarded myself after 1 month of abstinence, then three months, then six months, and then 1 year. But truthfully I looked at my non-drinking anniversery on the calendar each month and it always felt good to reach it.
Good luck!