Whether you’ve decided to ditch alcohol for health reasons, take a break, or just explore a sober-curious lifestyle, you don’t need to sacrifice treating yourself to a classy drink.
Because let’s be real, the six-pack of fizzy just doesn’t cut it at every shindig.
If you’ve committed to going dry, whether it’s just for July or beyond, I’ve got ya covered.
Here are 4 non-alcoholic bevvies available in NZ to try:
Watermelon No-jito
I was shocked to find Lyre’s White Cane Spirit tasted like the vibes of a white rum with its mix of oak, sugar cane, marzipan, orange and coconut flavours.
But don’t let that mouthful of a concoction scare you off. I tried it in a ‘Watermelon Red Bull No-jito’ and I reckon it’s one to add to the selection for a more refreshing vibe.
Redbull Watermelon No-jito recipe:
60ml Lyre’s White Cane Spirit
15ml Fresh Lime Juice
8-10 Fresh Mint Leaves (clapped)
1x 250ml can of Red Bull Red Edition
Method:
Grab your glass
Build the first three ingredients into your glass and stir
Fill with ice, and top glass with Red Bull Red Edition
Garnish with mint and a lime wedge
‘Gin Like’&T
If you’re like me and love the bitterness of a G&T, NZ-owned booze-free biz Terps & Co have their ‘Gin Like’ spirit, which I thought smelt super similar to the real thing and packed a punch with its taste.
I've been trying to cut down on alcohol for health reasons and was stoked to find out that, other than being an option for a guilt-free sip, it's made with terpenes from the Juniper berry, which claim to have a bunch of health benefits too.
We’re talking about it being a focus enhancer, mood booster and anti-inflammatory - not what I expected to come with my non-alcoholic alternative.
I added it to their 'Unwind' blueberry mango and juniper terpene soda for a sweet vibe, and their 'InZone' lemon ginger and yuzu flavour for a bit more of a zing.
If you're after more tips and tricks for navigating no booze, check out Episode 1 of the 'Better Me (Hopefully)' podcast where Sharyn Casey chats to the hosts of 'Sober Awkward':
APERO SPRITZ
If you can't get to Europe like everyone else on your Insta feed rn, I reckon Curious AF's alcohol-free take on the Italian bevvie is the way to feel like you're living the hot gal summer while staying on top form. It's made with a special botanical called afterglow which gives you the warmness of alcohol, but without the regret of having a few too many the next day.
Speaking of getting away, Curious AF is currently giving you the chance to win a trip to the driest place on earth, Death Valley. Chuck in a sneaky entry, I am!
Non-alcoholic Espresso Martini
When I started looking for alternative options, I was determined to enjoy my favourite drink without the booze. Lyre’s gave me their recipe for a Non-alcoholic Espresso Martini and I reckon this is one I could keep flowing with no regrets!
Lyre's Espresso Martini
45 ml Lyre’s Coffee Originale
15 ml Lyre’s White Cane Spirit
45 ml Premium Cold Drip or Fresh Espresso
10 ml Premium Vanilla Syrup
Method:
Dry shake, 1/2 fill shaker with ice.
Add all ingredients
Shake hard briefly
Fine strain
Margarita Muse
We can’t always mix up drinks that require a whole trip to the supey just to make happen. Sometimes, I just want to have a few drinks I can take on-the-go for last-minute plans
Don’t get me wrong, you don’t ever need to fit in, ESPECIALLY when it comes to a setting with alcohol. But sometimes, it is nice to be settled in the decision not to drink alcohol and not make it glaringly obvious that you’re having a sober day or night.
I took a four-pack of Terps & Co’s Margarita Muse to a gals' night over the weekend and no one could tell otherwise.
With options like these, we're well set with bevvies to get us through the sober journey.
