Looking for the best non-alcoholic drinks for Dry January? Here are Absolutely London’s favourite booze-free tipples, plus tips from mindful drinking expert Camille Vidal on staying tee-total
By Abbie Schofield
More people than ever are taking part in Dry January 2021 (an estimated 6.5 million adults). Whether it’s for health reasons, to save money or simply for a new year’s challenge, a month of no booze doesn’t mean you should miss out on delicious drinks. These alcohol-free pours are just as tasty (if not more so) than the real deal, and with hundreds of options from zero percent bubbles to delicious botanical spirits, you’re spoiled for choice this Dry January.
What to drink in Dry January
Seedlip
Seedlip’s distilled non-alcoholic spirits are perfect for the ‘gin and tonic feeling’ sans gin. Available in three sophisticated blends – Spice 94, Garden 108 and Grove 42 – there’s something to match every palate. Spice 94 mixes rich spices, peels and bark, Garden 108 combines herbs and peas whilst Grove 42 is fruity and zesty.
£26; seedlipdrinks.com
Fluère
Created with the same distilling techniques used for gin, mezcal and rum, Fluère uses botanicals, herbs and fruits such as juniper, lime and lavender to create a refreshing and light taste. Mix Fluère Original with tonic for a gin-less G&T.
£20; amazon.co.uk
Willow
Willow is non-alcoholic spirit infused with CBD. Willow’s name comes from its source in the Lake District which produces natural willow water, and this has been combined with pineapple, cherry tomatoes, kaffir lime and blue agave – an old Victorian recipe, brought into the 21st century with a dash of CBD. It’s best served neat or with a botanical tonic water.
£30.84; thedrinkshop.com
Maria & Craig’s
Another CBD-infused drink, this non-alcoholic botanical spirit was created by a husband and wife duo to provide a sense of serenity alongside your tipple. Blended with sage, chamomile, juniper and orange blossom, serve it over ice with tonic and orange peel for a zingy, wellness-boosting mocktail.
£22.99; maria-and-craigs.com
Crossip
Award-winning bartender and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch drink expert Carl Anthony Brown has launched Crossip, a range of non-alcoholic spirits. There’s Fresh Citrus, Dandy Smoke and Pure Hibiscus, which makes an excellent No-groni. Plus, for every bottle sold, 5% of sales will go to social causes.
£22; crossipdrinks.com
Amplify
Another non-alcoholic spirit worth looking out for is Amplify, designed for those who don’t want to drink but don’t want to compromise on the fun. Distilled with fragrant botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander seeds, lemon peel and ginseng root, this punchy 0 ABV spirit is best served with tonic and a twist of orange.
St Peter’s Without
St Peter’s Brewery has relaunched its range of non alcoholic craft beer. St Peter’s Without has a 0.0% ABV and has three flavours, Without® Gold, Without® Original and Without® Elderberry & Raspberry. The new recipes have a more ‘hop-forward’ taste, with all the flavour of a rich beer without the alcohol.
£21 for 12; stpetersbrewery.co.uk
Hop & Hemp
Independent brewery Hop & Hemp has created two beers with 0.5% ABV. The Lowdown Lager is a crisp, golden pilsner-style lager whilst Easy Times IPA has a full-on taste with aromas of grapefruit and lemonade. This low ABV brew also contains 8mg of CBD so you can truly wind down and relax whilst enjoying the taste of beer.
£30 for 6 bottles, hopandhempbrewery.com
Fentimans
Fentimans has added to its delicious repertoire of botanical soft drinks with a new Light range, perfect for a healthier start to the year and avoiding a sugar hangover. Each bottle contains less than 60 calories, with Light versions available in the Rose Lemonade, Gently Sparkling Elderflower and Sparkling Raspberry.
£1.25; Sainsburys.co.uk
Vinada
Vinada’s sparkling rosé has just 23 calories per 100ml and is 0% alcohol, without compromising on flavour. A lovely gift for sober friends, or one to keep in the fridge for a Dry January treat, Vinada should be your go-to this month for a healthier bubbly option.
€9.95; vinadawines.com
Real
Real is a range of beautiful sparkling teas designed to mimic the elegant Champagne experience, without the alcohol. Fermented using similar techniques to that of a sparkling wine, Real is made from loose-leaf teas, blended to produce two drinks: Royal Flush (the Champagne of teas) and Dry Dragon (notes similar to a Sauvignon Blanc). We love that it is corked and caged for a dramatic pop, just like real bubbles.
Thomson & Scott
Amanda Thomson, Founder and CEO of Thomson & Scott, created a sparkling wine portfolio that is organic, vegan-friendly and avoids adding any unnecessary sugar to the production process. Her alcohol-free options, like this Noughty sparkling Chardonnay, are brilliant for those who enjoy the taste and experience of wine, but want to cut down on the units.
£8.99; thomsonandscott.com
5 Tips for Dry January
Here are five tips from mindful drinking expert Camille Vidal, of La Maison Wellness, on how to stick to your tee-total goals this January.
1. Learn
1. LearnDo your research – there are so many amazing non-alcoholic options from spirits to beer, wine and soft drinks. Also, research the benefits of not drinking to keep you motivated to stick to Dry January.
2. Taste and experience
There is a growing mindful drinking movement taking place in London and beyond, with plenty of ways to get you feeling creative and inspired. From non-alcoholic cocktail delivery services to virtual tastings and events, find ways to engage with drinks that don’t involve getting drunk.
3. Experiment
Cocktail creation is like cooking – experiment with the ingredients you have in your fridge, and taste as you go along. Watch La Maison Wellness’ YouTube channel for inspiration and make cocktails at home. Compromising on the alcohol doesn’t mean compromising on taste.
4. Share
4. ShareIt’s always nicer to share an experience with someone and some of your friends may want to become more mindful when it comes to drinking too. Alternatively, expand your circle and tap into a more like-minded community like we have at La Maison Wellness and you’ll find loads of mindful drinking buddies.
5. Have fun
Life is short so enjoy and celebrate life in a way that makes you feel good (as opposed to that hangover after a heavy Saturday night). Continue to socialise (albeit virtually at the moment) – Dry January doesn’t have to be boring.
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