3 non-alcoholic drinks for summer

Posted on 28 January 2014

Celebrating Summer the sober way? Whip up some of these non-alcoholic drinks this summer.

It’s summer – the weather’s warm, the days love us long time, and the we’re all in a good mood. We eat, we laugh, we drink and make merry, but sometimes there is a time to go dry. Maybe it’s the waistline that needs a little attention, or maybe you’re in a general cleanse / detox state of mind or, for the ladies out there, maybe you’ve got a circle marked on the calendar nine months from now.

If you’ve opted for a dry spell, chances are you’re feeling pretty good about yourself right now. But when social occasions arise you can be assured the FOMO beast will be in attendance, along with her best friend Peer Pressure. This is the part where our Temporary Teetotaler status totally sucks.

The trick is not to suffer – why not pour yourself a sober tipple that looks so good and refreshing, you’ll have everyone trying to jump on your bandwagon?

 

Bubbles

Le Domaine Non-Alcoholic and La Fleurette Non-Alcoholic, The House of J.C. Le Roux

J. C. Le Roux, non-alcoholic

Contrary to what you might think, this is not just fancy bottled grape juice. This is wine, sans the alcohol – prepared by J.C. Le Roux, who make all sorts of bubbly – exclusively (so they are the experts). It must be noted that both Le Domaine and La Fleurette are on the fruitier, sweeter side of the spectrum, both with a refreshing crisp finish. So choose a classy glass, pour and celebrate knowing you won’t be the one with a hangover tomorrow.

 

Beer

Clausthaler Alcohol-free Lager

clausthaler, non-alcoholic beer,

Imported from Germany where the art of beer-making was invented many, many, many moons ago – Clausthaler Lager is brewed with only water, barley (malt) and hops in strict accordance with the German Beer Purity Decree of 1516. Best part? This bottled wonder actually tastes like BEER. It’s got body, and a refreshing finish- and only 32 calories per 100ml. You have to taste it to believe it. Serve it extra cold (but don’t push boundaries by leaving it in the freezer for as long as ‘regular’ beer – the lack of alcohol means it will freeze faster and you’ll be left with a not-so-nice clumpy pour). Think of it as the six-pack that doesn’t stand in the way of yours.

 

Mocktails

Iced tea with attitude

Image by FinePlaces

Choose your favorite tea – green mint, berry infused, ginger spiced, or any kind that rocks your world. Woolworths offers some great fruit infusions, like “Pick me Up” Cranberry, Cinnamon and Apple Tea, and I especially love the organic Pukka range of teas. Pukka offer many unique herbal combinations, blended to balance your mood (Refresh, Revitalise, Cleanse, and more). Throw a few teabags into a large pitcher and let it steep until cool, then put it in the fridge to chill (if you are taking this along to a function, be sure to prepare a day ahead of time). Serve over crushed ice with a splash of soda water and a wedge of lemon. It’s refreshingly simple.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list – do you have any of your own favorites to add? I’d love to hear them.






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