LifecanbetoffWhether you’re sober, sober curious or have opted to take part in Sober October or Dry January there is an abundance of “NoLo” or alcohol free alternative drinks on the market.
I’m not a big drinker, I enjoy perhaps a G&T every now and then or the odd beer at a weekend. So, the fact that there are so many alcohol free alternatives on the market which I can make up just like my favourite G&T is definitely appealing.
Christmas is a time when I drink more alcohol than I usually should. Mostly because I feel like I should, because it’s Christmas. But this year, I was inspired to seek out non alcoholic alternatives to have during the festive period.
Back in the day, the alcholic free beers you could get were, quite frankly, bloody awful. But a lot has changed now.
Many alcohol brands offer alcohol free alternatives as part of their product range. There is also a fabulous selection of small-batch distilleries that are also producing their own range of alcohol free drinks and spirits.
What is NoLo?
According to Alcohol Change, NoLo is a term used to describe alcoholic drinks that are either alcohol free alternatives or low alcohol.
Why go NoLo?
Whatever your reason for choosing to abstain from alcohol, there are many benefits to cutting back on your alcohol intake.
You might be choosing to do it for health reasons. Cutting back on alcohol can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
Non-alcoholic alternatives can contain less calories than the alcoholic version. This could help with weight loss. Do alcohol free alternatives serve as a placebo? I think so! I’ve enjoyed trying some of the options here in my list and they definitely left me feeling as if I had enjoyed a nice beer!
It can help you sleep! See my post on establishing a bedtime routine where I mention drinking alcohol can leave you restless.
It won’t get you drunk! This means there’s no morning-after hangovers either! And you can still offer to be designated driver – if you so wished!
The benefit of NoLo drinks is that they are often very much like their alcoholic counterparts. Served in a similar way or with similar tastes, it makes them an ideal transition from alcohol. Most of all, you can still support the industry. Many pubs serve alcohol free alternatives. There is plenty of opportunities to support smaller local distillery’s or brands.
What to drink if you’re not drinking!
Here are some of my low alcohol or alcohol free alternatives. I’ve not tried all of them on the *list, but I’m sure I will!
Seedlip
Self-confessed World First in non-alcoholic spirits, Seedlip has a range of alcohol free alternatives and is seeking to change the way we drink. What I love about Seedlip is they offer carbon neutral delivery, sustainable packaging and natural ingredients.
You’ll find Seedlip for sale in an abundance of pubs, shops and restaurants.
Mockingbird Spirit
Mockingbird Spirit is a Tequila alternative, “tastes just like tequila without the hangover”.
Now I’ve never dabbled in tequila, but know a few people who love it and Mockingbird is apparently truly authentic. Made with Blue Agave straight from the source in Tequila, Mexico.
It is 100% organic.
I was gifted a bottle of Mockingbird Spirit to try. It smells delicious, doesn’t have that alcoholic sting to it. It is incredibly pleasant to drink, sweet and smooth. I definitely enjoyed this drink! Now to learn how to make margaritas!
Esmeralda Cerveza
Staying with Mockingbird Spirit, Esmeralda is a light and golden non-alcoholic beer with a touch of tequila taste. Using Mockingbird Spirit Agave to add a traditional flavour.
It is 0.5% ABV and a Medal Winner at The European Beer Challenge 2021.
I enjoyed this, but not as much as the straight Agave. I have enjoyed a bottle of an evening when I felt like I needed a beer to wind down. They are easy to drink and definitely don’t leave you with a headache! I have chosen this over a bottle of Corona, which is usually my go-to beer.
Mocktails
Mocktails is a range of ready-to-drink, non-alcoholic cocktails or mocktails. They are low in sugar and calories, made with all-natural ingredients, and vegan friendly. They are made with 99% recyclable packaging.
I was sent one of each of the four flavours in the range. I didn’t create any fancy accompaniment, I drank them straight from the bottle! My absolute favourite was the Karma Sucra Mockapolitan. My least favourite was the Vida Loca Mockarita as it was quite sharp!
I could quite imagine these served at a summer shindig!
Bowser LEAF by Conker Spirit
Conker Spirit Dorset Dry Gin is one of my favourite gins. Whenever I see it at a pub, it will be the one I request.
When I was doing my research for non-alcoholic alternatives, I was so happy to see that they have created Bowser LEAF a non-alcoholic spirit. It is 100% distilled using botanicals including mint, tarragon, patchouli, thyme and basil. It contains no calories, sugars or fats.
Conker Spirit believes that drinking less should be easier and tastier, without the stigma. They created Bowser to help you live well and explore mindful drinking.
Pentire
Pentire is a non-alcoholic spirits company inspired by the dramatic North Cornish coastline. It celebrates all that nature is and its spirits allow us to enjoy it without compromise.
As Soho House’s non-alcoholic of choice, Pentire is perfect for those who are looking for a merry yet mindful option to offer themselves and guests. There are a variety of ways to enjoy Pentire, and I particularly like the sound of their “Garden by the sea”.
Garden by the Sea
Ingredients
- 50ml Pentire Adrift
- 50ml fresh organic apple juice
- Teaspoon of raw honey
- Splash of soda water
Garnish
- Sprig of thyme, slice of apple, lemon wedge
Noughty
No list of alcohol free alternatives would be complete without a fizz! Especially not if you’re seeking something to ring in the New Year!
Noughty from Thomson & Scott, is the first top quality alcohol-free, organic, vegan, halal, low sugar sparkling. With a choice of either a Chardonnay or Rosé, these sparkling non-alcoholic wines would be great on any festive table or girls’ night companion.
Made using traditional winemaking in stainless steel vats for a further de-alcoholisation by vacuum distillation with aroma recovery. The lightly carbonated chardonnay offers clean, crisp notes of apple, while the rosé is a delicate blend of fresh summer berries.
I love a sparkling Rosé, and whilst I’ve not tried this I will be ordering a bottle for Christmas and the New Year celebrations!
In the words of Amanda Thomson, Founder “It doesn’t have to be alcohol to be rock ‘n’ roll.” I couldn’t agree more Amanda!
Which would you choose?
Now this list is very heavily dominated by spirit type drinks, because that’s what I tend to enjoy when I do choose to drink alcohol. So it’s no surprise really that it is these alternatives I’d be most drawn to.
There are so many non alcoholic alternatives out there now, from wine to beer and spirits to fizz. Whatever your tipple, I encourage you to seek out and try alternatives. They really aren’t bad and you may find you make a permanent switch.
I must admit, that they aren’t always a cheaper alternative to alcohol. However, when they offer you health benefits, I think that is worth spending that little bit more.
Peace out!
Jangles x
*This post contains gifted items, highlighted. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not a medical professional. If you need help discussing alcoholism or healthy habits, please speak with your GP.