Alcohol free drinking
My first tip is to find a nice glass to drink from, even if it's just a plain tonic water - it instantly elevates what you're drinking and makes you feel as if you’re having something special. I am really into The Vintage List at the moment, for good quality, attractive glasses and barware.
So, at the top of my list of drinks is BOTIVO which was recommended to me by a client actually. It's one of the few things I've found which doesn't leave me feeling as if I am missing out. It's delicious just with soda water and a bit of orange.
Mother Root - is a switchel based drink with lots of punchy vinegar that is super delicious, and the ginger is a great benefit for so many biochemical advantages. A great drink to have.
Next is Angostura bitters in sparkling water or tonic water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Tanqueray 0% is actually good too, with Fever Tree tonic. You get the flavour of the gin without the kick.
Then there is Trip, which is tasty without being sweet and synthetic, and is low in sugar.
These are my preferred options, and if I don't have access to these then I'll just have some water, a plain tonic or a cup of mint tea.
Below, I am sharing what my nutrition colleagues enjoy and recommend. Many of them I have tried and for personal reasons I may not chose to have them again but don't be put off because you might love them...
Kombucha with sparkling water. This is a super idea - I just have to be so super careful with caffeine and as kombucha is fermented tea, it contains a little caffeine. But this could be a good alternative to sparkling wine because it can be so fizzy if you're not making it yourself.
OHMG drinks, like Trip, is based on fruit juice with extra herbs and magnesium. The kinds of magnesium are good and there is no sugar. Just don't expect too much from extras like ashwagandha and lemon balm which will unlikely be at therapeutic levels (more marketing levels).
Seedlip is a well loved botanical mixer coming in three different flavours. Personally I find it a bit wishy washy but I'm definitely in the minority on this one.
Three Spirit Drinks are new to me and I really want to try them, they seem really interesting with complex flavours. Just watch out for the caffeine and sugar content in some of them.
Another one that is new to me is Sentia, but I also want to try them, the story behind the brand is interesting - stimulating the GABA receptors to mimic the positive effects of alcohol. Like some others, these contain a lot of herbs, so if you're on any medication, especially warfarin, please double check with your prescribing doctor that there are no concerns of any interactions.
I hope this helps to pad out your options when avoiding alcohol! And please let me know how you get on.
If you want reminding why avoiding alcohol is such a good idea, read this blog here.
Love,
Bean