What to drink this Dry January 🍾

Are you looking to cut back on alcohol this January? Whether you're doing Dry January or even just 'Damp' January the good news is, you don't have to give up wine entirely! The world of no alcohol wines has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, offering a fantastic selection of options for every palate.

So what is the difference between all of the no alcohol drink alternatives we have on the market?

Dealcoholised Wine: This starts as regular wine, undergoing the full fermentation process where yeast converts grape sugars into alcohol. Then, the alcohol is removed through various methods like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis. These processes aim to retain the wine's original flavour profile as much as possible, but some changes in aroma, body, and mouthfeel are often inevitable. These days, dealcoholised wines offer a close approximation to traditional wine, making them a popular choice for Dry January!

Sparkling Tea: This is a completely different beverage category. It's made by brewing tea (white, green, black, or herbal) and then carbonating it to create bubbles. Some producers may add fruit juices, herbs, or spices for extra flavour complexity. Sparkling tea is naturally low in calories and caffeine (depending on the tea used) and offers a refreshing, sophisticated alternative to alcoholic drinks. It doesn't attempt to mimic wine or spirits but provides its own unique taste experience. And we love it!

Switchels: These are traditional drinks made from a base of water, vinegar (often apple cider vinegar), and a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or ginger. They are sometimes called "haymaker's punch" due to their historical use by farmers to quench thirst and replenish electrolytes during the harvest season. Switchels have a tangy, slightly sweet, and often spicy flavour profile. While they can be enjoyed on their own, they are also gaining popularity as mixers in non-alcoholic cocktails. They are distinct from the other categories due to their vinegar base and focus on refreshment and hydration. Our favourite producer is Mother Root. 

No Alcohol Spirits and Bitters: These are crafted to mimic the flavour profiles of traditional spirits like gin, rum, or whisky, but without the alcohol. They use botanicals, spices, and other natural flavourings to achieve complex and layered tastes. Similarly, non-alcoholic bitters provide concentrated flavour extracts that add depth and complexity to drinks. These products are designed for creating sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails, offering an alternative for those who enjoy the ritual and taste of mixed drinks without the effects of alcohol. They pair extremely well with Switchels!

We are all drinking a little bit less this January so hopefully trying some of these alternatives will make the process a little bit easier!