Taking the pledge? Delicious no-alcohol booze alternatives for Dry January

Taking the pledge? Delicious no-alcohol booze alternatives for Dry January

Dry January. That month-long commitment to sobriety, a chance to reset, detox and perhaps even save a few pennies. However, for many, the thought of navigating social gatherings and evenings at home without the familiar comfort of a drink can feel daunting.

Fear not, abstainers! A whole world of delicious, sophisticated and surprisingly satisfying no-alcohol alternatives awaits. Forget the sugary soft drinks; these options will elevate your Dry January experience.

For the wine lover

  • De-alcoholised wine: The technology has come a long way! Modern de-alcoholised wines retain much of the original flavour and aroma profile of their alcoholic counterparts. Look for brands that utilise gentle methods to remove the alcohol without sacrificing the taste. Experiment with different varietals to find your new favourite. Reds, whites, rosés – the options are endless.
  • Seedlip Grove 42 with sparkling grape juice: Elevate a simple sparkling grape juice with a few dashes of Seedlip Grove 42, a sophisticated non-alcoholic spirit. The citrus notes of the Seedlip pair beautifully with the sweetness of the grape juice, creating a refreshing and elegant apéritif.

For the beer enthusiast

  • Craft non-alcoholic beers: The market for craft non-alcoholic beers is booming! Many breweries are producing impressive alternatives that mimic the rich flavours and textures of their alcoholic counterparts. From hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, you can find a non-alcoholic beer to suit every palate.
  • Kombucha: For a slightly more adventurous option, try a high-quality kombucha. Its effervescence and complex, subtly tangy flavours can be a satisfying replacement for beer, particularly if you choose a variety with fruit additions.

For the cocktail connoisseur

  • Seedlip or Lyre’s with your favourite mixers: Seedlip and Lyre’s are leading brands producing high-quality non-alcoholic spirits that can be used in a wide variety of cocktails. Experiment with different mixers – tonic water, soda water, juices – to create your own signature mocktails.
  • Virgin mojitos or margaritas: Classic cocktails can easily be adapted for a booze-free lifestyle. Just omit the alcohol and focus on the fresh ingredients! A muddled mint mojito or a vibrant margarita (using lime juice, agave nectar and a touch of salt) can be both refreshing and satisfying.

Beyond the bottle

Remember that Dry January isn’t just about replacing alcohol with another beverage; it’s about mindful enjoyment. Experiment with different flavour combinations, explore new ingredients and embrace the opportunity to savour the nuances of non-alcoholic options. Consider pairing your chosen drink with delicious food. Maybe even use the time to explore other aspects of your wellbeing, such as increased exercise or meditation.

This Dry January, don’t let the absence of alcohol diminish your enjoyment. With a little exploration, you’ll discover a world of delicious and sophisticated alternatives that will make your month-long commitment a rewarding and enjoyable experience. So, cheers (to the non-alcoholic kind)!

Mocha dalgona

Glass of dalgona mocha | H is for Home

Apparently, there’s a South Korean coffee drink that’s currently a social media sensation! It was only when it found its way on to the BBC website that we got to find out about it. Always late to the party, but hey… we’re here!

Dalgona mocha dry ingredients in a bowl

The beverage in question is called dalgona coffee, named after the Korean version of honeycomb toffee aka Crunchie here in the UK. My version is mocha dalgona, where I substituted half the coffee with cocoa powder.

Dalgona mocha topping on a metal balloon whisk

There are only 4 ingredients – that you’re likely to have in your post-Covid lockdown food cupboard; coffee, cocoa, sugar and milk.

The knack to the drink is in beating the hell out of the topping so it’s light and airy as a cloud and forms soft peaks.

Top of a glass of dalgona mocha

The mixture is spooned on top of hot or cold milk (or any vegan alternative). It’s sweet, rich and intense; use decaf coffee if you’re worried about it giving too much of a buzz!

It would also work really well spooned on top of an ice cream float or sundae.

Mocha dalgona recipe | H is for Home

Save the recipe to Pinterest here

Dalonga mocha
Serves 2
Ingredients
  1. 1 tbsp instant coffee/espresso powder/granules
  2. 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  3. 2 tbsps brown soft sugar
  4. 2 tbsps hot water
  5. 2 glasses of cold milk (leave 1cm/⅓" gap to rim)Dalonga mocha ingredients
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Instructions
  1. Put all the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl
  2. Pour over the hot water and begin to beat by hand using a balloon whisk - try to get as much air into the mixture as possible
  3. Mix until peaks begin to form (as much as 5 minutes... it depends how many breaks you need to give your wrist and biceps!)
  4. Spoon the mocha mixture equally over the glasses of milk
Notes
  1. This can be made with either hot or cold milk; use cows' milk or soya, almond, oat, coconut milk for a vegan option
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