A Month of Alcohol-Free…

This month, I decided to take time away from drinking alcohol, something I usually do around this time of year. I like to do so to allow my mind clarity to focus on how I’m feeling, and how I can better nurture myself. As always, it’s given me a deeper sense of being fully present in the small moments and conversations.

I’ve always said that not drinking alcohol is 100 x easier if you replace those rituals you enjoy most with an alcohol-free alternative. I remember the first time I ever tried to embark on a “Dry January” journey, and I essentially spent the whole month just refraining from any social events, hibernating at home. For the first couple of weeks, this plan worked well and frankly, after the December chaos, I welcomed a week of minimal social plans and less over-indulgence. However, as food and drinks are so central to how we socialise, mid-way through the month it started to become really difficult. What I realised on reflection - it was absolutely not the no alcohol rule that was proving tricky, it was the fact that I wasn’t enjoying any of my favourite social moments. From sharing a bottle of wine with a restaurant meal, to meeting a group of friends at the pub, or even inviting everyone over to indulge in a Sunday feast. All of these social occasions are fundamental to how we build, foster, and enjoy social connection: something that in itself is key for happiness and community. I missed seeing my friends, not just drinking alcohol with them.

Once you make the switch in your head and realise that you can enjoy ALL the social moments by opting for a delicious alcohol-free alternative, is when the penny drops and you realise you can have your cake AND eat it. Sometimes I feel like I’ve truly cheated the system, going out partying with my friends until the small hours, and waking up in the morning feeling completely fresh and well rested. Endorphins and other happy hormones still make their appearance when you’re in great company, drinking wonderfully delicious drinks, regardless of whether they have any ABV% or not.

Anyway, here’s what I’ve been drinking the past 6 weeks when I’ve wanted something more exciting than a soft drink.

1. Pentire Drinks canned Margarita + Paloma

When I found myself at a London day Festival earlier this month, I was faced with the classic issue of the event not offering high quality alcohol-free alternatives.

They had 1 alcohol-free beer, or Coke / Red Bull. I was so happy to have packed a couple of these Pentire 0.0% tinnies, and didn’t once feel tempted to buy a cocktail as they are SO delicious.

2. Seedlip Spice + Ginger Ale with an orange slice

Still my favourite alcohol-free highball - especially coming into this Autumnal season!

Seedlip Spice 94 is so perfectly mixed with Ginger Ale to make a highball that packs a punch, is full of flavour, and will absolutely leave you satiated without the booze. It’s got heaps of hard spices like cardamom and all spice, which truly come to life when mixed with the spicy sweetness of Ginger Ale. It also works beautifully with a lil star anise, clove, or cinnamon stick inside if you’re feeling fancy/hosting.

3. Lucky Saint on tap

I’m SO grateful that Lucky Saint have done the heavy lifting in getting alcohol-free draught beer well distributed across London. Going to the pub with your mates and being able to drink a delicious draught beer as a pint, without the alcohol, is the best! So much about ritual is enjoyment of the taste, glass, and being a part of something, not just the ABV. Kudos to team Lucky Saint.

4. Tanqueray 0.0% + Tonic with squeezed fresh lime

One of my favourite drink rituals is to enjoy a G&T whilst I’m cooking in the early evening. Music on, kitchen smelling delicious… There’s something about cracking open the bottle, pouring a double measure into a tall glass, and garnishing as you like that gives you all the instant feels: relaxation, end of the working day, start of your evening.

Again, it’s not the booze that I love about that moment, it’s the whole ritual of making the drink. Tanqueray 0.0% does the job here and means I can enjoy this ritual any time, regardless of if I’m drinking alcohol or not. Featuring in this image, what was to become some DELICIOUS homemade prawn summer rolls.

Chefs Kiss.

5. Pentire Coastal Spritz + Fever Tree Italian Blood Orange Soda

For all the Bitter Spritz’ lovers… Pentire have created a bottle that means that aperitivo hour is simple.

I love to whack 50ml in a large wine glass, loads of ice, with a cold Fever Tree Blood Orange Soda and lots of fresh orange wedges. This one really hit the spot on those early September summer sunny evenings with some juicy nocellara olives + crisps/dips.

6. Real Drinks Peony Blush

In Summer, I find there’s something about enjoying a chilled glass of wine, the ritual of opening and sharing it with friends is a beautiful moment.

Real Drinks Kombucha Rosé Peony Blush allows you to do exactly that. I’m still convinced that alcohol-free wine isn’t entirely there yet, but this sparkling tea tastes great - and gives me all the feels of cracking + sharing that full bottle ritual with close friends.

Give it a go and let me know what you think!

I’m often shocked and surprised by people’s reactions to the fact that I’m not drinking (still). So many people exclaim that “they could never do it”… Which I know is just not true. I promise, that by swapping that drink for a high quality, delicious alcohol-free alternative, you will get all the sensation you’re craving as an alcoholic drink. It’s literally a mindset shift, and once you can make that shift, it’s second nature and doesn’t even require thinking. Enjoying balance is empowering, as is knowing you can stop something at any time.

Hope you enjoyed this post + let me know if you give any of these drinks a go!