Sometimes it’s not such a bad idea to give your body a break and go without booze for a while – or to swap in at least a few non-alcoholic drinks if you’re enjoying a catch-up.
Luckily, that doesn’t mean missing out, since non-alcoholic drinks can be fun, tasty and exciting. We’ve rounded up a few key ingredients and hacks for inspiration.
1. Make a mocktail
It’s easy to keep a clear head with so many delicious mocktail recipes to stir the senses, and they don’t need to taste sweet. The secret is to replace alcohol bitters with tea, for an alternative touch of bitterness. Simply steep your preferred tea blend in sugar syrup – the richer the syrup, the stronger the taste.
Read more: Bets budget cocktails and mocktails
2. Get creative with garnishes
Not just a gin thing, pimp up your soda water and serve something sharp with citrus wheels, spirals or dried orange wheels. Citrus peels are loaded with aromatic essential oils that can be rimmed around your glass before squeezing the juice. While dehydrated orange wheels will add depth of flavour – slow bake them yourself, and your kitchen will smell amazing.
3. Tart up your juice
Salting the rim of a glass may be the model of a margarita, but it works like a dream with fruit juice too. The salty tang will liven your taste buds and streamline the sweet. Likewise, a tomato juice laced with spice, an olive skewer and rimmed with salt is the best way to kick-start brunch.
Read more: Non-alcoholic summer drinks
4. Try a non-alcoholic wine
For instance, Jacob’s Creek is one of Australia’s most well-known wine brands and has just released its first non-alcoholic range called Jacob’s Creek Unvined.
Read more: How to host a wine tasting
5. Don’t think your best tumbler or wine glass is just for whisky or wine
We all love to drink with our eyes, and glamorous crystal ware can make all the difference to your drink. The more over the top, the more satisfaction with every sip. Job done.
Are you taking a break from alcohol? What’s your go-to non-alcoholic drink? Share your favourite recipe in the comments section below.
– With PA
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