How to fake it, and make it from home
HOW TO FAKE IT, AND MAKE IT, ALL AT HOME
LIGHT-BULB MOMENT
For me, drinking something "soft" with my meals usually equated to mildly sweet and from a can, or perhaps water if out and I was the designated driver, either way, filled me with horror. (Dramatic much?!).
Let me elaborate. Psychologically, drinking Just water or a soft drink was more for children in my books, or just for a different part of the day to be more fair. Particularly when working with wine, my mind is always switched on as to which wine would pair well and why and meals in particular are an occasion to be marked (even if it's a ready made pizza).
This all changed rather recently. Luckily for people like me, (who need to be tricked into thinking they are drinking something a little more than tap water to be excited) the zero and low alcohol market is BOOMING which means there are more and more ways to make your mealtimes or alcohol free days a little more interesting.
Low to no alcohol drinks grew 7% across 22 global key markets in 2022, according to data collected by the IWSR Drinks Analysis, and this is only expected to rise in 2023. These can include anything from low or no alcohol beers, wine and spirits, and it's quite simply fascinating.
Compared to somewhere like the UK or more abundant markets, the offering in Spain is somewhat slim, but it still exists, and there are several options to try. Here are some of my favourites:
"Every new find, can become a new friend, and every new friend is a new adventure"
The Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company
SPARKLING TEA
For something sparkling in your glass, these guys are fab. Producing sparkling tea (not to be confused with Kombucha) this is high quality blends that aren't fermented. They make wonderful aperitifs as well as combine super well with desserts and canapes depending on which you choose! I love the BLA for its slightly sweet spice and gingeryness. Serve in a Champagne glass and you'll feel uber sophisticated. Click here
NON ALCOHOLIC GIN
In the US? Click here
I LOVE this as a non-alcoholic spirit replacement. Slightly aromatic, citrus, it's delicious! The key here is to dress it as you would your normal g and t (or more if so desired). For me lemonlime slices, oodles of ice and a squeeze of citrus around the rim are perfect Topped with slimline tonic (I prefer the taste to average tonic) and you could be drinking a "proper" gin. They have Vodka, Tequila and Rum too. Pair with some green olives, or your canape of choice and enjoy!
NON- ALCOHOLIC BITTERS
It’s as simple as choosing a flavour your like and adding to sparkling water/ tonic / a drink of your choice! I love tonic and lemon thyme, but the options are endless! Looking to spice up classic mixer? You can also add in a few drops for an extra zing to your drink!
Traditionally a neutral alcoholic spirit infused with different botanicals to give a semblance of flavour.
When I was in Lebanon this Autumn/Winter I bought a few bottles from a fabulous new business called Dry and Raw. specialising in artisan Lebanese produce. They are small, specialist and well worth checking out for all the delicious delicatessen they have on offer!
In the US and looking for something closer to home? Click here.
WANT TO TASTE? Use discount code TASTINGWITHAMY at checkout for 10% off
I’ve found this awesome company run by two ex-sommeliers who were finding it frustrating to find non alcoholic and tasty alternatives to classic cocktails. They produce bitters; organic, made from raw botanicals, with no added sugars, flavourings or extracts, gluten free, and their ethos is about creating a classic tasting drink, with all the health benefits of a bitter (did you know they used to be prescribed to help with various illnesses?) and without the alcohol, or indeed to be added to your alcohol of choice for an extra buzz of taste. Visit their shop here to check their products, all about International shipping and out and learn more about them!
The market for no and low alcoholic drinks is HUGE. I’d love to know which non-alocholic drinks you prefer!
