As a non-drinker I often find this time of year particularly tricky. It’s festive and in normal, less pandemic filled years, for some it’s a time to party and celebrate.
Christmas and New Year are synonymous with Buck’s Fizz, Champagne, Eggnog, and of course Mulled Wine. As a tee-totaller I love fizzy water with a splash of lime, but when it comes to toasting a birthday, Christmas, or any other religious ceremony, this never used to feel celebratory enough.
So, for those of you, like me, who’d like to raise a glass to celebrate something, but without the added hangover, here are four of my favourite non-alcoholic celebratory drinks.
Fortnum And Mason’s Fizzy Tea.
I feel like this is the pinnacle of celebratory non-alcoholic drinks. It’s dressed up like a Champagne, fizzy, and delicious, and the cork pops with a great loud bang. It’s light and tastes like a Chardonnay with not even a hint of the taste of tea, for those who are worried. It comes in a white or a rosè and I will be clinking glasses with my daughter on New Year’s Eve with a bottle of this.
Seedlip Spirits
With three sophisticated and delicious flavours, Seedlip spirits make a great alternative for your winter cocktails.
Distilled from carefully selected herbs, peels, barks, and spices, they can also boast being sugar, sweetener and allergen free. Treat them as you would a spirit and have the Garden 108 with a dash of tonic and lime; or make a CosNopolitan with the Grove 42, cranberry juice, some sugar, and lime; or an Esspresso Martini with the Spice 94 and some cold brew with sugar syrup.
I love the whole ethos of this company, and their beautiful bottles also make great gifts; check them out.
Lyre’s Spirits
For a larger range of spirits, try Lyre’s.
Founded by two Australians in the UK in 2019, they have a range of fifteen different non-alcoholic spirits.
Including absinthe, coffee, white cane, and amaretti. Perfect for making up cocktails or for drinking with a splash of a tonic. They use only natural ingredients and sugars, and most of their range are free from all allergens (though please check when you purchase).
I love that there are so many different flavours of Lyre’s to choose from. Perfect if you’re having a party with lots of discerning taste buds (in less pandemic times of course!)
Something And Nothing
For something a little quicker to prepare, try Something and Nothing’s seltzers.
With three refreshing flavours, each made with natural ingredients, low in calories, and vegan, they’re perfect for Boxing Day breakfast or New Year’s Day lunches. Choose from Cucumber, Hibiscus and Rose, or Yuzu.
Although these are a seltzer, there is nothing mundane about this fizzy water.
They’re delicious, and great to take out for picnics too, when the weather heats up enough!
