Image: Photo by Karly Gomez on Unsplash
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The Festive season can be a time of indulgence for many of us – too much to eat, too many treats and all the things that taste delicious, but maybe don’t leave us feeling the best. Forget boring sparkling water and sugary soda’s – alcohol-free drinking is trendy, delicious and Instagram-worthy.
Whatever your reasons for cutting back on alcohol, we have a few tips for you. Here are some of our favourite South African alcohol alternatives
Low alcohol wines
Dealcoholised wines are all the rage this summer, as consumers search for thirst quenching – but light- wine based refreshments. We spoke all about them earlier this year, but our three favourites are Zari Sparkling, Van Loveren Almost Zero and Lautus Savvy White.
Kombucha, Iced tea and coffees
Fruity and spicy iced teas are a great alternative offering that you can make at home. Try our recipes for Watermelon iced tea or Rooibos, pomegranate and cinnamon iced tea. Potion makes a great bottled cold brew coffee if you’re looking for the caffeine hit! We also love low sugar fruit juices like the JHG Pomegranate Juice. It’s 100% pomegranate juice and filled with nutrients.
Light beers and ciders
Light and ‘zero per cent’ beers are a growing market, with many enjoying the look, feel and taste of a brew but without the calories or alcohol content. Castle Zero, Beck’s Blue and Devils Peak Zero to Hero are our picks this festive season! New on the scene is Little Wolf Virgin Cider.
Craft Sodas
Say goodbye to boring diet cola, and hello to refreshing and complex craft sodas. First developed as mixers for high-end gin and vodka, these soda’s are also great on their own with lots of ice and a fruit garnish. Try the Pink Fitch and Leedes Tonic, Fentimans Oriental Yuzu Tonic and Theonista Ginger Beer.
Virgin gin and tonics
All of the refreshment, with none of the alcohol! The Duchess non-alcoholic gin and tonic beverage has been joined by other herbal distilled ‘virgin gins’: try Vergin or John Ross Virgin Gin.
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