January 4th 2025.
Are you tired of completely giving up alcohol during Dry January, only to find yourself back at the boozy cupboard come February 1st? Well, there may be a solution that allows you to still enjoy a drink without going overboard. It's called 'zebra striping' and it involves alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks when you're out and about. Unlike the all-or-nothing approach of Dry January, zebra striping can be practiced throughout the year. It's perfect for those who are curious about a sober lifestyle but don't want to give up alcohol completely. Plus, it can save you money by reducing your overall alcohol intake by half.
If zebra striping doesn't appeal to you, there's another method that may be more doable. It's called bookending and it involves swapping your first and last drink of the evening for a non-alcoholic option. This allows you to still enjoy a drink, but in a more controlled and mindful way.
But don't worry, there are plenty of delicious non-alcoholic options to choose from. The UK population is catching on to the trend, with 25% of people regularly practicing zebra striping and a whopping 78% of 18 to 24-year-olds adopting this drinking rule. So, if you're looking to reduce your alcohol intake, here are some top picks recommended by Rob Buckhaven.
First up, we have the Gratien and Meyer Festillant Sparkling Sans Alcool from The Wine Society. This authentic sparkling drink is made using a process called 'vacuum distillation' which removes the alcohol while retaining the delicate fruit flavors. And at only £4.50, it's a steal!
For all the rose lovers out there, the Thomson and Scott Noughty Alcohol-Free Sparkling Rose is a great option. Made from Spanish Tempranillo grapes, it's a convincing alcohol replacement with yeasty and red berry aromatics.
If you're not looking for a wine mimic, then the Real Dry Dragon Sparkling Tea may be a perfect choice. Made from pan-roasted and fermented green tea, it's a fancy, zesty and nutty option. And for those wanting a 'cleaner' choice, the Sunny with a Chance of Flowers Chardonnay from Drinkwell.com is a great option. It's creamy, citrusy and has good texture and freshness.
For those looking for a low-alcohol wine, the Tread Softly Everything Except Rosé from the Positive Drinks Co is a lovely choice with redcurrant and cranberry flavors. And for a touch of antioxidants and less alcohol, the Plus & Minus Shiraz from the Positive Drinks Co is a great option. It's made using grape skin extract and has chocolate, vanilla and blackberry flavors with a hint of allspice.
If you're not a fan of wine, there are also some great non-alcoholic options for those who prefer a different type of drink. The Citizen Spritz Bitter Orange is a new independent British brand that offers aperitif-like flavors without the alcohol. And for a 25% gin, try the Session Spirit Made with London Dry Gin. It's been diluted down with water after the distillation process to retain its texture and botanical flavors.
And last but not least, we have the Rapscallion Soda 'Sharp as a Tack' Dry Lime & Burnt Lemon. This Scottish brand offers fresh ingredients and minimal additives, making it a great option for those looking for a flavorful and carbonated drink.
If you're interested in more expert drinks content, be sure to check out Metro's Drinks Column. It's a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life and want to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the world of drinks. From the latest and greatest supermarket wines to the best non-alcoholic options, you'll find everything you need to know about the liquid landscape. And if you have a story to share, don't hesitate to get in touch! Cheers to finding balance and enjoying a drink without going overboard.
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