What to Drink When You Are Not Drinking.
Or Alcohol free grown up drinks as I call them.
For the first time ever I am quite excited about the range of alcohol free drinks on offer.
Maybe they have been there all the time and it’s just me living in a cave in Devon. But it seems like the world is getting the idea.
Some of us don’t want to drink alcohol, well actually more of us all the time. How exciting is that.
But as we know, the range of alcohol free drinks has been a little bit poor , even terrible if you are not sugar mad. Let’s face it pretty much all soft drinks are very sugary. Which I am not a fan of. After a while your mouth gets a bit furry.
I hear rumours though that some of these aren’t too sweet and taste like they may be suitable for grown-ups.
Purchasing them in your local supermarket may still be an issue. But the fact that they are there means someone has thought about us, it’s a step in the right direction. And we can buy it off the internet. Actually, if you like one, pester your supermarket to stock it.
These seem to be some of the best on offer at the mo:
Botonique
I was very excited about this one. It makes a serious promise and I thought it could be the one. http://botonique.com/
Apparently its healthy as well. OMG seriously this is too much for me a non-alcohol drink that isn’t full of sugar! Just 17 calories in a Champagne flute (jeesus what is it air and a grape?) added Prelixir, (I have no idea what that is, I know it comes before the lixir though) nutrients and botanicals. It’s an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, alkalising, detoxifying, hydrating, digestive.
That’s big promise people. However its not for me. I found it very herby, a really strong taste, perfumey and fennelly. I asked around, some people cant stand it and others like it and mix it up to create exciting alcohol free cocktails.
Its not for me.
I have to say I prefer Purdeys.
Seedlip
The world’s first non-alcoholic spirit is causing a bit of a buzz. https://www.seedlipdrinks.com/
The thing with this is it looks grown up. The design, the labels, super trendy. It’s also quite expensive, I have no idea why that makes it more grown up but it does. No more than a good bottle of gin though. It appears that it is Marmite, not literally, that would be just silly.
The flavours sound like an up to date version of a white witch’s tincture from a long time ago. Aromatic earthy and woody; very pagan.
I have heard mixed reviews; some people love it, some don’t get it.
One of my friends described it as “A little emperor’s new clothes”.
Someone else told me “its great for cocktails but must be mixed with a decent tonic.”
Eisberb
The non-alcohol sparkling wine for those of you that miss your Prosecco. http://www.eisberg.co.uk/our-wine/sparkling-blanc/ is getting some good reviews in the alcohol-free world.
“Not too sweet and only 31 calories”
DIY
If you can though I still love a home-made alcohol free drink.
My 2 favourites at the mo are the Jamie Oliver Ginger Beer
I am a sucker for a ginger beer that’s not too sweet. You can put a lot less sugar in this recipe and it tastes amazing. Ginger is so good for you. However, my friend that eats quite a bit of sugar made a funny face.
Then there is the Fake Pimms
Ingredients
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 litres of diet lemonade, or sparkling water.
Apple
Cucumber
Mint
Lemon
Orange
Strawberries
Method
Chop fruit and add it to a jug with the two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
Leave to soak for 30 minutes or more.
When ready to serve, add ice & diet lemonade or sparkling water. Pour into glasses & enjoy!
I would love to know what your favourite alcohol-free tipples are.
Let me know on my Facebook and Twitter pages.
Ladies if you need some support, or you want to take a break from booze join our Women who dont drink Facebook group.
Stephanie Chivers is a habit, addiction specialist and author of There is no Magic Button, loads of practical tips to change your life today.
Check out https://www.ichange21.com/ for more information about coaching and support.
