If you’re turning down an alcoholic tipple at New Year, we stand with you. We have some tasty alternatives so you can join in the celebrations, without putting yourself at risk.
There are so many different reasons why you might not be drinking alcohol this holiday season. From addiction and recovery, to choosing a healthier lifestyle and making better choices, there is no one reason – but we do know that there is a certain pressure around this time of year to ‘just have one’ or that ‘one won’t hurt’. For a lot of us, having one isn’t an option, so we have rounded up some tasty non-alcoholic drinks, if you want to join in the festive spirit with a drink that’s a little different.
For some people in alcohol recovery, drinking alcohol-free alternatives is positive and fun. For others, it might be triggering. Check in with yourself, peers in recovery, your therapist or sponsor, to work out what’s right for you.
Pentire Seaward
A botanical blend from the Cornish coast, Pentire is a non-alcoholic mixer that can be drunk with tonic or blended into mocktails for a refreshing taste. Seaward is one of their signature blends, noted as being botanical and bright. Pentire is plant-based, low calorie and alcohol free, so you can enjoy a spritz without having to worry about the alcohol content.
Days
Days brew both lager and pale-ale, and it is all totally alcohol-free. If you’ve tried alcohol free lagers and beers before, you will know they can be hit and miss with the taste of them, but this one is packed full of flavour, with the brand declaring that there was so much flavour that there was no room for alcohol. Perfect if you want a sober Christmas.
Fentimans soft drinks
If you’re looking for something fizzy that is slightly different to the norm, try a glass of Fentimans. There are so many different flavours to choose from, and they’re all botanically brewed. These feel like a real treat, and they’re not our everyday drink, try the pink lemonade or the curiosity cola.
Making mocktails
It is rarely the alcohol that makes the cocktail fun to drink, so creating a mocktail version is super simple. Think about the flavours you like the most and whether you want something fruity like a cosmo, or refreshing like a mojito, and set about recreating the favourites without the alcohol. You can get recipes and kits online, or you could always try creating your own signature mix.
Belvoir Mulled Winter Punch
‘Tis the season where mulled wine is warmed and ready to enjoy, and this non-alcoholic version from Belvoir is super tasty. Packed with wintery flavours and warmth, it’s perfect for the festivities and has cinnamon, clove and nutmeg extracts mixed into it.
Whether you’re making a decision not to drink to improve your lifestyle, or you’re choosing not to drink in order to continue with your recovery, that is a choice you are more than capable of making, and you shouldn’t need to explain your reasoning to anyone. If you find yourself having the conversations around why you’re not drinking, you can read our blog on this here.
Ultimately, whatever the reason you choose not to drink, at this time of the year or any other, the people around you should respect that and not push you to do anything you do not want to do.
Enjoy the festivities and remember that staying sober is your choice.
Help Me Stop
Help Me Stop offers alcohol addiction treatment in the form of Dayhab. This is a non-residential rehab that allows clients to come and go for their sessions, and they don’t stay on site overnight.
We offer face-to-face treatment in London, Winchester, and through an online programme too. There are alcohol addiction treatment plans, drug addiction plans and also detox and rehab plans for those who are seeking support.
Non-residential rehab is more affordable and accessible than traditional rehab, and we are here to support those who are seeking a new chapter and a fresh start away from addiction.
Our treatment programme centres around integrative psychotherapy, which blends a number of evidence-based therapies, including the 12 step approach to addiction treatment, person-centred therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, art therapy, recovery workshops, mindfulness, and more. We work mainly in group sessions, and every client also has a one-to-one counselling session each week with their focal counsellor.
If you are looking for support for the festive season and beyond, please get in touch with a member of the team. We’re here to listen, to help, and to offer you the tools and knowledge to move to recovery.
You can call us on 0208 191 9191 or email us on enquiries@helpmestop.org.uk. We will help you stop.
