Cutting down the amount of alcohol you consume can have lots of health benefits, both physically and mentally. It can be tricky, especially when we’re made to feel like a drink can only be special if it’s alcoholic! 

But of course, that’s not the case. There are lots of delicious and healthy non-alcoholic drinks that can feel like a treat, whether you’re trying out a new drink brand or you’re making a fancy mocktail. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to appreciate alcohol free drinks with some tasty recommendations and recipes. First, let’s take a look at how beneficial drinking less alcohol can be…

What are the benefits of drinking less alcohol?

Many of us are all too familiar with the short term effects of drinking alcohol, because the next day, we often feel as bad as our bank balance looks. So of course, choosing not to drink has instant benefits. 

But did you know that cutting down on alcohol can have lots of long term benefits too? According to the NHS, reducing the amount of alcohol you consume can:

- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol

- Improve mood, memory and quality of sleep

- Help with weight management 

Cutting down alcohol is a great way to feel better when we’re not 100%, whether we’re feeling sluggish, our skin is looking duller, or we need to feel happier. 

Tips to drink less alcohol

It can often feel like drinking alcohol at a special event is a necessity. We toast fizz to celebrate, we consume a constant stream of drinks when we’re at a birthday party, and we have wine when it’s a romantic occasion. 

But why can’t we attend these events and enjoy alcohol free drinks instead? We must first get into the mindset that this is ok. Here are some tips to drink less alcohol:

 

Romanticise alcohol free drinks 
Start serving non-alcoholic drinks the same way you would champagne or cocktails and it’s bound to feel like a similar special treat. Romanticising soft drinks is a huge trend on TikTok too, so have a scroll when you need some inspiration.

 

Give yourself a budget
Allocate a specific budget each month to spend on alcohol - that way you’ll drink less and save.

 

Tell your friends
Tell your friends about your plan to drink less alcohol so that they can support your plan.

 

Join alcohol-free conversations
Listen to sober-curious podcasts, read inspirational books and take a look at sober influencers’ social media accounts. Getting a full understanding of why you’re cutting down alcohol can help you feel more committed. 

 

Ease it out
Just drinking less has its benefits, so you don’t have to go cold turkey. Instead, choose the occasional event to drink solely alcoholic-free drinks, or limit yourself to just one alcoholic. 

 

Keep trying new alcohol-free drinks 
There are a huge range of non-alcoholic drinks brands out there, as well as lots of delicious mocktail recipes, so try to find enjoyment in giving them a try. 

 

The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks 

Cutting out alcohol doesn’t mean your drink options need to be limited. Whether it’s a simple soft drink to order at a bar or it’s a special Friday night treat you’re after, there are so many tasty non-alcoholic drinks to try. 

Best Soft Drinks 

 

Rather than turn to drinks that taste like alcohol but aren’t, it’s a good idea to find fun soft drinks that are delicious in their own way. Soft drinks are also a lot easier to find when you’re out and about too, so try to find a favourite that you can grab from a supermarket or bar. 

 

Pressé

Light but rich in flavour, pressé is a posh fizzy drink that’s made from carbonated water, pressed juice and sugar. Many supermarkets offer their own versions, from classic flavours such as elderflower or raspberry to quirky combinations like lemon and mint. Discovering your favourite can be lots of fun too. 

 

Kombucha 

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink, so it has a similar sharp kick like many alcoholic drinks do. Unlike alcohol however, kombucha is thought to have many health benefits such as digestion aid. It often comes in single portion cans and bottles too, so it can have a similar feel to an alcoholic drink - plus it’s a perfect soft drink to serve in a wine glass.

 

Flavoured Sparkling Water 

Flavoured sparkling water is a great soft drink to turn to when you’re looking to replace alcohol because it’s healthy enough to keep sipping continuously, so long as there’s no sugar. Opt for natural ingredients and no calories - like DASH’s sparkling water which is naturally infused with wonky fruit - for a healthy and super hydrating option. 

 

Cordials 

When you think of cordial, you probably think of the orange and blackcurrant squash you had as a kid. But actually, there are many different flavours of cordial that feel like much more of a treat. Many supermarkets and bars offer cordials such as elderflower or pomegranate, which are delicious served with still or soda water over ice. 

 

Tonic Water  

Thanks to the big gin craze, many bars now offer a wide variety of tonic waters, from grapefruit to cucumber, so you’ll always find plenty to take your pick from. Tonics taste delicious with fruit garnishes too, so it’s always worth asking what your bartender can pop in. A slice of grapefruit is delicious with any flavour! 

 

Best Non-Alcoholic Spirits & Wines

If you are looking for an alternative where you really can’t tell it’s alcohol free, there are always lots of non-alcoholic spirits and wines to choose from. Plus many bars are starting to offer these too!

 

Feragaia 

Feragaia is an alcohol free spirit that’s made from sustainably sourced Scottish botanicals. It’s a delicious replacement to clear spirits and can be paired with a range of mixers like soda water and tonics. 

Everleaf

Everleaf is a non-alcoholic aperitif that’s served as a spritz, so it’s topped with sparkling water, soda or tonic. This one is perfect as a pre-dinner drink or as a treat on a summer’s day because it’s so light and refreshing. 

Clean Co. 

Clean Co. offers simple alcohol free alternatives to gin, whiskey, rum and tequila so you never feel like you have to miss out on a certain cocktail. Their most popular non-alcoholic drink is gin and when it’s mixed with tonic, ice and garnish, you really can’t tell the difference. 

 

Best Mocktails 

 

Cutting out alcohol can be a great excuse to try out different mocktail recipes. Not only do mocktails taste like a treat, but they’re also really fun to make with friends. 

 

Cucumber & Mint Mocktail

This super refreshing mocktail is as hydrating and healthy as it is delicious. Made with DASH cucumber sparkling water, it only uses natural ingredients, making it one of the healthiest non-alcoholic drinks. 

 

Raspberry and Rosemary Spritzer

Mouthwateringly rich and fruity, this raspberry and rosemary spritzer makes an indulgent date night drink that is still surprisingly healthy. The sprig of rosemary adds an extra special touch, while adding a cosy, wintery taste. 

 

Strawberry Mojito

A mojito is always a crowd pleaser and a strawberry mojito mocktail is even more so. Mixed with lime slices, strawberry slices and mint leaves, this mojito looks so impressive and is a great party drink to make in bulk. 

 

Cucumber and Grapefruit Spritzer 

For a quick but sophisticated cocktail, this cucumber and grapefruit spritzer is a must. The refreshing cucumber pairs with the tangy grapefruit to make a tasty non-alcoholic drink that’s great to wind down with after a long day. 

 

There are countless non-alcoholic drinks to make cutting out alcohol a little easier. Order your box of DASH sparkling water so that you always have a tasty alcohol-free drink to hand.