Tag: drinking

Dreaming of an alcohol-free Christmas? Here are your options

Dreaming of an alcohol-free Christmas? Here are your options

Considering a festive season without alcohol? These days, there are plenty of enjoyable alternatives to try. From sparkling non-alcoholic wines to creative mocktails, you can craft a celebratory mood that everyone can enjoy. Embrace the spirit of the holidays with drink options that not only satisfy your taste buds but also promote a healthier lifestyle.

This December, you can make unforgettable memories and strengthen connections while enjoying an alcohol-free Christmas, proving that merriment and celebration can take many forms. Let’s raise a glass – of something equally festive but alcohol-free!

Selection of Zeno non-alcoholic wines

1. Sparkling, non-alcoholic wines & champagne

Who says you need alcohol for a toast? Non-alcoholic sparkling wines and champagnes offer the same celebratory pop – minus the buzz. Brands like Nozeco, Scavi & Ray and Zeno craft elegant, alcohol-free bubbly that mimics the real deal.

Another alternative to the usual fizz is sparkling tea. It’s the next big thing in non- and low-alcohol beverages.

  • Perfect for toasting – Serve in champagne flutes for a luxurious touch.
  • Great with food – Pairs beautifully with holiday dishes like roast turkey, cheese platters and desserts. Add a splash of orange juice for a virgin bucks fizz.
  • Zero guilt – Enjoy the sophistication without the morning-after regret… or hangover.

Fruit-based mocktail

2. Festive mocktails: elevate your sip game

Mocktails are where creativity shines! With no-alcohol gin, vodka or rum, aromatic herbs, fresh juices and fizzy mixers, you can craft drinks that look and feel just as special as cocktails – just minus the booze!

Winter spice mojito (non-alcoholic)

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 oz white cane spirit
    • ½ cup sparkling water
    • 1 oz lime juice
    • 1 oz spiced simple syrup (simmer cinnamon, cloves and brown sugar in water)
    • Fresh mint leaves
    • Crushed ice
  • How to make it: Muddle mint, lime and sugar syrup. Add white cane spirit, ice, top with sparkling water and garnish with cinnamon sticks.

Cranberry rosemary fizz

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 oz cranberry juice
    • ½ oz apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice for a twist)
    • 2 oz sparkling apple cider
    • Fresh rosemary sprig
  • How to make it: Shake cranberry juice with apple cider vinegar, pour over ice, top with sparkling cider and garnish with rosemary.

The key to great mocktails? Presentation! Use stylish glassware, reusable straws, garnishes and even edible glitter for that extra festive flair.

Ceramic mug of golden milk with cinnamon stick

3. Warming non-alcoholic winter drinks

Cosy drinks are a holiday staple. Swap spiked eggnog or hot toddies for these comforting alternatives:

  • Golden milk turmeric latte – Warm, spiced and packed with health benefits.
  • Slow-cooked mulled cider – Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks, orange slices and star anise for a fragrant holiday drink.
  • Alcohol-free eggnog – It’s quick & easy to make your own delicious homemade eggnog or even a plant-based nog.

Non-alcoholic Christmastime drinks trolley

4. DIY zero-proof tasting bar

Hosting a gathering? Set up a non-alcoholic drink station where guests can mix their own creations.

  • Offer a selection of bitters, flavoured syrups, herbs, fresh fruits and sparkling mixers.
  • Include extra details like sugar rims, edible flowers or flavoured ice cubes.
  • Label each ingredient for inspiration – your guests will love the interactive element!

Christmas games night

5. Mindful moments: celebrating beyond drinks

A truly memorable holiday season isn’t just about what’s in your glass – it’s about the moments you share and the people with whom you share them. Here are more ways to embrace the spirit of the season:

  • Host a cookie decorating party – A fun, hands-on activity that brings people together.
  • Game night extravaganza – Share a 6-pack of alcohol-free beer, cider or 0% Guinness while playing cards, board games, charades or a holiday movie marathon to keep the energy levels high.
  • Gratitude reflection – Take a moment with loved ones to share favourite moments of the year.

Making Christmas memories

Final thoughts: a celebration redefined

This holiday season, you don’t need alcohol to create magic. Whether you’re sipping a beautifully crafted mocktail, indulging in a cosy spiced cider or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, joy comes in many forms.

By choosing alcohol-free alternatives, you’re not missing out – you’re opening up the door to new traditions, better connections and a truly present celebration.

So go ahead – pour yourself something delicious, raise your glass and toast to a holiday filled with warmth, flavour and unforgettable memories.

Cheers to a happy, healthy and teetotal festive season! ✨

Would you try an alcohol-free Christmas? What’s your favourite festive drink? Share with us in the comments below!

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)!

Get their look: Ultimate bar cart

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by | & (@daises.and.swallows)

Covid forced us all to stay at home, many folks tried to make the most of it by bringing ‘going out’ indoors. Miss going to the pictures? Invest in a large-screen TV and a Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription. You can make your own popcorn for a fraction of the price of the stuff from a multiplex.

Miss going to the pub? Stock up on a variety of bottles of booze from your local offie, buy yourself a bar cart, some bar tools and a range of glassware and create your very own chill out room.

That’s just what Stefanie has done in a corner of her dining room. There’s even a Les Paul electric guitar to bang out some impromptu tunes!

What would be some of the essentials on your ultimate bar cart?

Get their look

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Prices & links correct at time of publication.

SKURUP floor uplighter
SKURUP floor uplighter
Palma yellow wine glasses, set of four
Palma yellow wine glasses, set of four
Wooden star base bar tools set
Wooden star base bar tools set
Gisela juicer jug
Gisela juicer jug
Bar neon sign
Bar neon sign
Percy wine rack
Percy wine rack
Rice cocktail cart, gold
Rice cocktail cart, gold
SKURUP floor uplighter
SKURUP floor uplighter
Palma yellow wine glasses, set of four
Palma yellow wine glasses, set of four
Wooden star base bar tools set
Wooden star base bar tools set
Gisela juicer jug
Gisela juicer jug
Bar neon sign
Bar neon sign
Percy wine rack
Percy wine rack
Rice cocktail cart, gold
Rice cocktail cart, gold

Review: Crozier Drinks

Crozier Drinks mango, lime & cayenne margarita in a glass

Crozier Drinks is a brand new company, launching only last week. They offer a home delivery service of pre-mixed, luxury cocktails using the best-quality fresh ingredients. You can make one off purchases or set up a regular subscription. It makes a lovely treat for yourself or an amazing gift for someone else.

Crozier Drinks box that came through the post

All the packaging is recyclable – we’ve kept the box to send items sold on our web shop and the inner cardboard filler has gone on to our compost heap. The very nice aluminium bottle is totally re-usable for storing & carrying other liquids – or displaying a few cut flowers, perhaps.

Inside of Crozier Drinks unboxing

We opted to try the Mango Lime & Cayenne Pepper Margarita. The beautifully labelled bottle contains gold tequila, mango juice, lime juice, sugar syrup and cayenne pepper – suitable for vegetarians and vegans. This mixture 14% ABV.

Some of the other mixes in their range include marmalade & ginger daiquiri, kiwi & lime mojito, bakewell sour and apple pie martini.

Mango, lime & cayenne margarita

The margarita is very quaffable; the delicious fruitiness of the sweet mango is balanced with a tangy sourness of lime. The cayenne pepper adds a depth of flavour & spicy warmth. Truly delicious!!

Included in the package is an info sheet containing useful garnish ideas and serving suggestions for their whole range of cocktails.

Mango, lime & cayenne margarita with salt & cayenne rim

Each Crozier Drinks bottle holds a 500ml amount of cocktail. The number of cocktails you get will depend on the size of your glass. Somewhere between two and four… or one whopping big one if you’re feeling particularly thirsty!!