Dry January – drinks we love
Dry January – drinks we love
Forget sweet sugary sodas and opt for one of these refreshing alternatives
When you decide to stop your usual tipple for Dry January, or more permanently, it can seem as if the only alternatives are sweet sodas, juice or plain old water. Fortunately, that’s not the case and the market for sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks has soared in recent years. Not only do they go better with food or as an aperitif, but they make a drink feel more of an occasion. Here’s what’s been getting us through Dry January, plus some ideas for mocktails to mix yourself, too…
ON Beer – IPA
Wow, we absolutely loved this non-alcoholic IPA. The taste is well-structured, deep and hoppy. You wouldn’t even know it is alcohol-free. Branding is lovely too so you’d be quite happy to swig from a bottle at a party. The ingredients include guarana, a stimulant and ginseng to enhance mood.
Maharaja Drinks, Borecha
Borecha non-alcoholic cocktails include Berry Margarita and Cranberry Cosmo and some twists on traditional drinks such as Masala Cola. Our fave is the Berry Margarita, a kombucha based seltzer with 100% natural ingredients, only 1 calorie a can and ingredients such as cinnamon, fenugreek and plant-based pre-biotics. It has some sour notes, not too sweet and light sparkle.
Mola Chill Drinks
TRIP
TRIP’S Mindful Blend is a range magnesium-infused drinks, and combines Lion’s Mane, Magnesium, Ashwagandha and L-theanine. Cucumber Mint was our top choice: not too sweet and a perfect aperitif served over ice. TRIP also makes CBD infused drinks such as Peach Ginger and Raspberry Orange Blossom they have a grown-up taste to them all and make a great non-alcoholic choice.
IMPOSSIBREW
IMPOSSIBREW‘s beers feature a ‘Social Blend’, with the idea of offering the relaxing properties of natural nootropics and adaptogens (including L-Theanine and Ashwaganda). We liked the flavour of the Hazy Pale, which is low calorie and low carb. It was light, crisp and would go well with food.
Bavaria Wheat Beer
This aromatic and naturally cloudy beer has all the flavour of a Belgian or Dutch wheat beer but without the alcohol. It’s the perfect after work pick-me-up after a day staring at a screen.
Royal Flush
Produced from fragrant First Flush Darjeeling, Royal Flush is a fitting alternative to sparkling wine. It is fresh and floral and goes well with charcuterie.
Elderflower Cooler
This delicious mocktail mixes elderflower cordial with apple juice and sparkling water – mix to taste and garnish with lime and mint.
Ginger beer twist
We love a ginger beer but it can be too strong as an aperitif – so grab a cocktail glass and mix to taste with cloudy apple juice. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Seedlip G&T
The connoisseur’s choice in the world of alcohol-free tipples, these spirit alternatives pair naturally with tonic. There are three types available and there’s a great range of cocktail recipes on the website to make with them.
