Whether you’re signed up for FebFast, DryJuly,  OcSober, are pregnant or just want to take a break from the booze, you don’t need to feel like you’re missing out or have to rely entirely of sugary drinks. I’ve bought together the best of my booze-free resources into one neat package so you never need to thirst again.

Cool drinks

Updated February 2020: drinks with this symbol * contain no added sugar.

• make your own wild soda.

• Switchel/DIY ginger shrub.

• Pineapple shrub

• * Stir 1-2 teaspoons of pomegranate molasses into a long glass of chilled soda water for a tangy, refreshing drop.

• * Fresh young coconut juice or coconut water. Very cooling on a hot day.

• * A dash of bitters in a glass of soda (skip the lime cordial) makes a great aromatic aperitif and an interesting pub drink. (Angostura bitters are technically a “cheat” as it contains 40% alcohol. However you need only 5 drops of bitters in the soda, making the actual alcohol content negligible – similar or less than non-alcoholic ginger beer).

• Chilled elderflower cordial and sparkling mineral water.

• A beautiful homemade pear and cinnamon cordial. Add 1 –2 tablespoons of syrup to a glass of soda or mineral water.

• Homemade lemonade with rosewater.

• * An iced tea with a difference, use chilled herbal tea for a change. For a jug or glass of iced chamomile tea take 2 parts chilled chamomile tea (brew a pot using 1 teaspoon of herb for each cup of boiling water) to 1 part apple juice. Cool, add ice and garnish with sprig of mint.

• Chilled lemon balm tea. Gather a big bunch of fresh lemon balm (lemon verbena or even a handful of kaffir lime leaves also taste great) and infuse with boiling water for 10 minutes in a large teapot or coffee plunger. Strain and chill, serve over ice.

• *This fruity sundowner spritz.

• * Fruit smoothies are simple using a stick blender or an old fashioned jug type blender. Use your favourite type of milk (I prefer rice or almond milk) add 1/2-1 banana as a thickener and your favourite type of fruit (mango, peaches, berries etc). A dash of pomegranate molasses gives a little extra sweetness with an acidic edge. Or use my super smoothie recipe with a few extra goodies. (No added sugar but contains naturally occurring fructose)

Strawberry smoothie

• *Water. Don’t forget to drink lots of H2O. Bubbles, a slice of fruit of herbs like mint can lift the flavour if you’re getting sick of it.

Sparkling water

Hot drinks

• *Brew a pot of peppermint tea from the garden (or organic dried peppermint leaf). This makes calming post-work drink.

• *Dried hibiscus flowers and root ginger tea. For a pot use 4 heaped teaspoons of hibiscus and 3 slices of root ginger. Cover with hot water and let steep for 10 minutes. It has a lovely ruby colour and a tangy flavour.

Hibiscus and ginger tea

• For a special bedtime brew to ensure a good night’s sleep gently simmer 1 heaped teaspoon of chamomile flowers in 1 cup of your preferred milk (cow, soy, rice etc) for 5 minutes. Then strain and add a little honey. Sip before bed.

• Mexican hot chocolate If the weather too hot for this, make a batch and refrigerate for an iced chocolate with an edge.

Juices

How much do you usually spend a month on alcohol? I bet you could buy a juicer, with change to spare, from what you’re saving this month!

• *You can’t go past a classic – apple, carrot and celery juice for a clear head and inner glow. (No added sugar but contains naturally occurring fructose)

• *Fresh tomato. Just put your freshest, ripest tomatoes through the juicer for a tomato juice like you’ve never had before. Also perfect in a Virgin Mary (recipe below).

• *Pear Zinger: 2-3 pears, 1/2 a lemon (skin and pith removed) and a thumb-sized knob of ginger. (No added sugar but contains naturally occurring fructose)

• *Fresh watermelon and strawberry, pour over ice to make a delicious, cooling juice. Watermelon, mint and a dash of rosewater makes a stunning Middle Eastern inspired variation. (No added sugar but contains naturally occurring fructose)

• *While carrot and/or apple make a great starting point for a juice, here are some other additions you might like to try: fennel tops for an aniseed/licorice flavour that goes well with beetroot or red carrots, sorrel a lemony leafy green or cucumber for a mild flavoured vegetable with a cooling edge.

Mocktails

*Virgin Mary

Take 3/4 of a glass of tomato juice, the juice of half a lemon, a shake of Worcestershire sauce and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Stir together and add salt and pepper as desired. Taste again and season further if necessary, some like it tangy, others like it mild. Pour into a long glass over ice and garnish with a celery stick.

Fruit cup (*no added sugar but is loaded with naturally occurring fructose)

There are no hard and fast rules for making a fruit cup – after all it’s basically fruit and juice, so have fun making your own combo. If looking for inspiration, use this as a starting point.
Half fill a tall glass with strawberries, pineapple and oranges, cut into small chunks. Top with chilled fruit juice. Try some freshly juiced watermelon for a cooling summer drink or orange juice with a dash of lemon.

Virgin Mojito

Mix together the juice of 1-2 limes (lemons will do at a pinch), 1 tablespoon sugar syrup, a handful of fresh mint (finely ripped or shredded) and ice. Shake together. Top with soda water. Stir. Sip slowly.

Virgin Pina Colada (*no added sugar but is loaded with naturally occurring fructose)

Combine 3 parts pineapple juice with 1 part coconut cream. Shake or blend with ice.

Something a little different

Homemade almond milk the traditional way or Heide’s novel method (another reason to buy that juicer).

Make your own popsicles

Most recipes for home made ice contain sugar syrup. These use only fruit or vegetable juice.

• *Cucumber ice blocks

• *Mango and lime ice blocks (No added sugar but contains naturally occurring fructose)

• *Watermelon and rose water iceblocks (No added sugar but contains naturally occurring fructose)

I hope you’ve enjoyed this round up of delightful tipples. You can explore more simple and delicious recipes on my website. Happy FebFast!

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