DRY JANUARY

After the indulgences of the festive season, our thoughts turn to healthier options.

Why Dry?

I always think it a shame that January has been deemed the ideal month to cut back on booze – it’s by far the worst month of the year in my opinion, so the last thing one should do is cut back on one of life’s enjoyments!

But here are some suggestions for some alcohol alternatives if you’re wanting to cut back.

Gin Essence

If you just want to cut back, rather than cut out, your gin and tonic, Cotswolds Dry Gin Essence is a full strength gin designed to reduce the amount of product, and thus alcohol required in a G&T while retaining the intensity of flavour.

It’s made using ten times the botanical concentration of their award-winning Cotswolds Dry Gin, which is already ten times more botanically intense than most premium gins.

The result is a lighter and deliciously refreshing G&T, with all the taste and 90% less alcohol than the standard 50 ml serve. Between 5 mls to 10 mls of Cotswolds Dry Gin Essence is the recommended amount for one serve (one to two teaspoonfuls). Cotswolds Dry Gin Essence contains 14 calories per 5ml per serve and just 0.23 units of alcohol, making it the perfect option if looking for a low alcohol alternative.

RRP: £18.50 for 100ml (20 serves). ABV: 46%. Available from www.cotswoldsdistillery.com Master of Malt and Spirits Kiosk

Great Fizz

A special occasion still deserves a good glass of fizz.

Codorníu is a superb cava and Codorniu Zero starts with selected wines (Xarel·lo, Chardonnay), the alcohol is removed by an innovative vacuum distillation system at low temperature, respecting the wine and minimising the loss of its characteristics.

With fine bubbles, fresh citrus flavours and a fruity character, it pairs well with any occasion when you need an enjoyable alternative. Also available as a rosé, it’s less than 0.5% ABV, suitable for vegans, gluten free and just 78 calories per 250ml glass. It’s a good aperitif, or to pair with a light meal, such as fish.

From £5.50 a bottle at Ocado, Amazon or Wise Bartender

Good ‘Spirits’

If you’re more of a spirit person, I’ve got a tip for you: CleanCo.

Since its inception in 2019 it has spearheaded the no and low market and now has a full suite of alcohol free alternatives to all major full-strength spirits. As it’s January, I’d recommend a cocktail or snifter of the whiskey CleanCo, or a non alco margarita with the CleanCo Tequila.

Gin, Rum, Rhubarb Gin and Vodka are also available at all leading supermarkets as well as online at www.clean.co.

It’s also in a new bottle, still the iconic hexagonal shape, but significantly lighter in weight, helping the environment. Add to this the fact that it’s low calorie, has no sugar or artificial sweeteners, uses all natural flavourings and is made here in the UK…it’s a no brainer!

Around £16 a bottle.

Moderate with Moderato

Award-winning alcohol-free French wine brand Moderato is now available at Majestic, as well as online – through Majestic’s partnership with leading no and low alcohol movement, Club Soda.

Moderato has been created with the expertise of French wine making and technological strides in 0.0% ABV wines. Where wine lovers have been let down in the past from unfermented grape juices or only partially de-alcoholised wine, Moderato has a unique process of de-alcoholisation. Starting with a vinted wine, either natural wine aromas or aromas from the original wine are re-introduced after de-alcoholisation.

One of Club Soda’s best-selling brands, it’s already available through some top restaurants as well as no and low retailers. Try the red (Moderato Cuvee Revolutionaire Colombard) or white (Moderato Revolutionaire Merlot Tannat) at Majestic £13.99 per bottle or £11.99 for a mix of any six

Still Good from Nozeco

Nozeco Still Merlot & Nozeco Still Rosé have recently been launched by the alcohol-free sparkling wine brand. They join Nozeco Classic, Nozeco Sparkling Rosé, Nozeco Sparkling Peach Bellini, Nozeco Buck’s Fizz, Nozeco Spritz.

Nozeco Still Merlot has a deep garnet red colour; on the nose intense flavours of red fruits dominated by plum, and on the palate, it’s round and velvety, with notes of red berries, strawberries and plums. It pairs well with lighter meats, cheese boards, and desserts. Nozeco Still Rosé is pink in colour, with a nose full of red berries and floral notes. It’s lively and well-balanced on the palate, with notes of strawberry and berries, and an accompanying floral aroma. It can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif accompanied by canapés such as cream cheese with prosciutto and strawberry, and camembert with cranberry sauce.

Around £4 a bottle from Ocado, Morrisons and Amazon.