What to Drink When You Are Not Drinking

Whether you are doing a dry month, cutting back for health reasons, pregnant, in recovery, or simply deciding that alcohol just is not for you right now, one of the most common questions people ask me is: but what do I actually drink? The good news is that the world of alcohol-free options has changed dramatically in recent years, and there is genuinely something for every occasion, preference, and taste.

OR you just look like you're 'drinking' and no one asks the question... welcome to my life. Life and soul of the party, often sober!

[Instagram will make you think I drink a lot.. wrong!]

Why It Matters What You Drink

Choosing a drink you actually enjoy is one of the most underrated factors in maintaining an alcohol-free(lighter) lifestyle. If you feel like you are missing out or stuck with a glass of tap water at every social occasion, it becomes much harder to stay motivated. But when you have a drink in hand that you genuinely like, the experience shifts entirely.

The alcohol-free category has exploded in recent years, with brands investing seriously in taste, variety, and presentation. You no longer have to compromise.

Sparkling Water and Soft Drinks: The Classics Done Well

Do not underestimate a well-chosen sparkling water. Brands like Fever-Tree, Schweppes, and Dash Water offer sophisticated options far beyond the plain fizzy water of old. Add a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint, or some frozen berries and you have something that looks and feels like a proper drink. 

For something with more flavour, premium soft drinks like Fentimans, Belvoir Fruit Farms, and Dalston's offer grown-up alternatives that sit well in any setting, from a dinner party to a pub garden.

Ask for this in a gin glass add garnish and AWAY WE GO!

Alcohol-Free Beer, Wine, and Spirits

The big shift in recent years has been in alcohol-free alternatives to traditional drinks. Brands like Lucky Saint (alcohol-free lager), Erdinger Alkoholfrei (wheat beer), and Big Drop Brewing Co. have made serious strides in creating beers that taste like the real thing. If you are a wine drinker, Torres Natureo and Eisberg both produce credible alcohol-free options in red, white, and rose.

For spirits, Seedlip was arguably the pioneer and remains a firm favourite. Mix it with tonic for a sophisticated gin-style drink without the alcohol. Lyre's also produces a wide range of spirit alternatives, including whisky, rum, and amaretto-style options, opening up a whole world of cocktail possibilities.

(Not alcohol-free, by a gluten-free beer you should try if you're in the market for something fresh is a Jubel beer. Dangerously refreshing and my go-to if I am drinking. Ok back to the alternatives blog haha)

Kombucha, Kefir, and Functional Drinks

If you want your drink to do something good for your gut at the same time, kombucha is worth exploring (love these) It is a fermented, lightly sparkling tea with a tangy flavour that divides opinion but has a loyal following. Brands like Jarr Kombucha and Nexba are widely available and come in a range of flavours. Also K-Tea in the Channel Islands is my fave.

Functional drinks that include adaptogens, botanicals, or nootropics are also growing in popularity. Brands like Fungtn (mushroom-based) and Impossible Brewing tap into wellness trends while giving you something interesting to sip and in addition to these my friend has started a mushroom-based alternative called Monty's you should try that too.

Mocktails: Make It an Event! 

There is no reason your alcohol-free drink cannot be just as exciting as a cocktail. A simple mocktail using fruit juices, soda water, fresh herbs, and syrups can be genuinely impressive. A virgin mojito with fresh mint, lime, sugar syrup, and soda water is a crowd-pleaser. A sparkling elderflower and cucumber cooler feels elegant at any occasion.

If you are eating out, more and more restaurants now offer dedicated mocktail menus. Do not be afraid to ask.

A Quick Cheat Sheet Summary

Social occasion: alcohol-free beer or wine, or a premium soft drink. Pub: Lucky Saint, Erdinger, or ask for a mocktail. Dinner party: Torres Natureo wine or Seedlip and tonic. Fitness or recovery: coconut water, kombucha, or an electrolyte drink. Just fancy something nice: sparkling water with fruit, Fentimans, or Belvoir.

Going alcohol-free does not mean going without. It just means choosing differently, and there has never been a better time to explore what that looks like for you! 

I often don't drink alcohol because I can wake up fresh the next day and smash my to do list... I have world domination to complete! 

PS my actual faves:
1.  Appletiser in a processco glass (processco) 
2. Tonic water in a gin glass + garnish (gin + tonic)
3. Soda water + blackcurrant in a pint glass (cidre)

Ok bye, see you soon! 

Meg x