Jump in to ‘Dry January’
It doesn’t have to be boring - there are lots of alternatives to booze!
Following a very merry Christmas, are you in the first few days of a self-imposed ‘dry’ January? In 2017 a YouGov survey showed that 5 million Britons took part in this annual event. As well as the abundance of health benefits, there's the money you'll save (which in January is always welcome), not to mention fewer wasted weekends nursing hangovers - and the sense of achievement by February 1st.
New research from Royal Free Hospital backs up just how good a month off the booze is for the body, such as improvements in concentration and sleep patterns, as well as a positive impact on blood sugar levels, blood pressure and the liver. Major pub chains have announced they are stocking more non-alcoholic beer in response to the demand from customers during ‘Dry January’.
On the wagon
Thankfully, going without the booze doesn’t mean you have to be antisocial or skip that post-shift visit to the pub. And it doesn’t mean you’re relegated to Shirley Temples and sparkling water either (though I’m not ashamed to admit that I do like a Shirley Temple from time to time . . .)
Here are some alcohol-free drink ideas to enjoy at home or which are readily available at any well stocked bar - and actually taste great!
Skip the gin! Tonic water is delicious on its own. You can find it in so many different guises, infused with numerous flavours from elderflower to pomegranate. Better yet, it’s almost guaranteed to be behind the bar. So order a tonic water with a slice of lime and enjoy!
Fentimans offer a range of superb botanical beverages. The Rose Lemonade (£2.89 for 750ml) is a excellent alternative to white wine. Gluten free and containing no artificial sweeteners, this blast of summer will keep your tastes buds tantalised!
Don’t confuse ginger beer with ginger ale (aka Canada dry). While they are similar, ginger beer has a much stronger ginger flavour and far less sugar. Admittedly, it’s still far closer to a soft drink than a beer, but it’ s more interesting than soda water and far less sugary than other soft drink options. Again, it’s delicious garnished with a wedge or lemon or lime.
Coffee and caffeine may not be what you need just before hitting the pillow, but who’s to say you can’t have a decaf coffee? I’m a huge coffee lover and have used this trick myself when I just wanted something tasty and hot on a cold night. A cupboard essential at home and chances are pretty good if you’re out, the bar or pub's going to need to brew you a pot – but hey, it’ll be fresh!
I’m embarrassed to admit that it was a very long time before I realised that Grenadine is not actually alcoholic. It’s an ingredient that you’ll find in cocktails and ‘mocktails’ alike – and for good reason! Teisseire Sirop Grenadine (£3.09 for 600ml), is made of a delicious blend of red fruits, raspberries, elderberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants and lemon. Here are some ideas for teetotal tipples with Grenadine that won’t end your dry streak:
• A ‘Sunrise’ (Tequila Sunrise without the Tequila) Orange juice, grenadine and garnish with a segment of orange.
• The ‘Suburb’" (a non-alcoholic Cosmopolitan) Replace the triple sec with orange juice, remove the vodka and add a splash of Grenadine.
• And my absolute favourite, the ‘Lime Rickey’ - cranberry juice and soda, with a splash of lime cordial or just some squeezed limes if you're worried about the sugar content of the cordial. Simple, but so good!
One month of R&R
Taking a month off to recuperate from the festive season is not a bad idea at all. Hopefully I've given you a few suggestions to keep in your back pocket so you can still enjoy those nights on the town or relaxing evenings in. After all, January is only 744 hours!
Jason Mules
Waitrose Okehampton