It's becoming increasingly popular to cut down on alcohol during Sober October. Whether you're ditching drinks ahead of the festive period, taking the burden off your body or making mindful modifications - choosing an alcohol free drink can be a minefield. So here are some of our healf favourites & where you can find them…
Written by Eleanor Hoath - Healf Journal Editor & Nutritional Therapist
For a taste of the British Seaside Headlands…
Pentire Adrift - Using botanicals from the Cornish headlands, Pentire creates non-alcoholic spirits that give the brand its name. All of the incredible blends are Sustainably sourced, using refreshing and restorative ingredients, which is a big win from us, the intention of the brand is to create a drink that harnesses the power, beauty and immense flavours of plants that feels like a true treat.
“In all honesty, I don’t really mind just drinking water, but a simple option when I’m out would be to opt for sparkling water with some freshly squeezed, organic lemon or lime juice” - Lestat McCree, Co-Founder of healf
For something Sparkly & Special…
Three Spirit Blurred Vines, Spark & Sharp - Looking for a champagne alternative that's full of fizz? Or for something to replace that glass of prosecco to celebrate? Designed by winemakers & plant scientists, Blurred Vines are created and infused with functional ingredients and ethically source plants. Creating an alternative option to wine, the fermentation methods have been used are full of high-grade plant adaptogens and nootropics (& you know we're a fan of nootropics here at healf).
“Blurred Vines is for anybody that wants to treat themselves to something sophisticated and special. For someone that wants to appreciate what is in the bottle and take a moment to savour great flavours and desirable functional effects. The drinks are designed to accompany celebration and food.” - Dash Lilley Co-Founder of Three Spirit & Head Alchemist
Shop Blurred Vines here
For the ‘optimal health’ option…
“I’ve often taken OHMG waters with me to social gatherings to mix with the Three Spirit Livener as it feels like I’m having an old favourite party drink and mixer. It’s also great to have a can of it in the afternoon when my to-do list seems to be piling up and I feel myself getting edgy!” - Nutritional Therapist & healf Editor Eleanor Hoath
See Eleanors recipe here
For the Gut Health Guru
Kombucha - As a fermented tea drink, kombucha has a similar sharp taste to many alcoholic drinks. As opposed to alcohol, kombucha is believed to have many health benefits, including supporting gut health. Often, it comes in single-portion cans and bottles, so you can liken it to drinking an alcoholic beverage. It also looks great in a wine glass. Brands such as Remedy Kombucha, Willys and Equinox are shaping the way to make gut health the focus over boose!
Agua De Madre Water Kefir - Dairy kefir is everywhere now; you can find it on supermarket shelves, and it has become increasingly popular in the last 18 months. Thanks to increased interest in the beverage, supermarkets have reported a 40% increase in sales over the last 18 months. In the same way as Kombucha is produced, the water based alternative to Dairy Kefir contains billions of live cultures because of fermentation. The good bacteria in the microbiome are repopulated with kefir to boost gut health.
“Alcohol is a trigger of IBS symptoms, IBS is more common in women and women are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol in general – you can see how alcohol may be particularly problematic for women who suffer from IBS as well as having knock on effect on liver health which contribute to digestion issues” - The Gut Experts
For the Nootropic Lover -
jAGA Drinks - We’re a fan of Nootropics here at healf and jAGA is on a mission to redefine the world of beverages, one nootropic sip at a time. Combining adaptogenic ingredients such as Reishi Mushroom, Cordyceps, Ashwagandha with thee calming properties of L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan and Magnesium - jAGA is providing the option to relax at home after a long day or celebrate with friends at the weekend.
Three Spirit Nightcap - think of this as your ‘end of the night’ drink. You know, just what we’re referring to. In a glass tumbler over ice. With soothing ingredients such as Valerian, Hops and Ginger, this fiery option provides an Old Fashioned woody flavour. Solidify the end of the day with adaptogenic ashwagandha that combats stress and white willow bark comforts and calms.
Shop Three Spirit Nightcap here
“The nightcap really does taste & feel like an Old Fashioned” - Three Spirit Customer
The Restaurant Option -
Wild Idol Premium Expert winemakers craft Wild Idol premium alcohol free wine from a superior blend of grapes to produce a quality sparkling champagne alternative. In addition to being vegan, gluten-free, and non-alcoholic, it has a delicate bubble flavour that is perfect for those who prefer to drink less alcohol. It's also becoming more readily available in restaurants such as The Ivy, St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar, Fallow (which is where we first discovered it) and Beaverbrook Town House.
