As thousands of hospital admissions and deaths are caused by pandemic drinking, it's time to be more mindful, says Sam Wylie-Harris.
The mindful drinking movement has been gaining traction for some time now - and it turns out, getting the non-alcoholic rounds in is shaping our experience down the local.
Almost a third of pub visits are now completely alcohol-free, as the trend for moderation among drinkers continues to grow, according to new research commissioned by KAM and Lucky Saint. And it's needed, particularly now, when a new study commissioned by NHS England from the University of Sheffield reveals the pandemic-fuelled increase in drinking could lead to thousands of extra hospital admissions, deaths and cases of disease over the next 20 years.
And with an increasing number of alcohol-free spirits, aperitifs and lagers landing on drinks menus, they're sociable, satisfying and won't stop you from going out on 'dry days'.
Here are some of our favourite 0% bevvies bringing friends together...
1. Lucky Saint
Lucky Saint's award-winning alcohol-free beer is now available on tap, as well as by the bottle. And as every hop head worth one's salt knows, there's nothing like a pint poured from a tap to get just the right amount of foam, to crown those refreshing, citrusy flavours, gentle, hoppy edge and smooth finish.
2. Fever-Tree Pink Grapefruit Soda
With the aromatic essence of Florida grapefruits and perfectly-balanced bitter-sweet flavours, this fresh, fizzy pink drink served on the rocks and garnished with a pink grapefruit wedge stands alone as a great zesty, soft drink.
3. Martini Vibrante Spritz
Martini Vibrante Non-Alcoholic Aperitif is widely available in bars - and its citrusy taste works like a dream with London Essence White Peach & Jasmine Soda, with its peachy, blossomy notes. Delightfully different, if peach soda's a bit sparse, mix 50/50 with tonic to appreciate Vibrante's vibrancy.
4. Seedlip Green Garden Cooler
It's safe to say Seedlip pioneered the non-alcoholic drinks category - and with the addition of variants such as Seedlip Garden Leaf 108, these beautiful looking and tasting drinks deserve a place on your drinks trolley too. With Garden Leaf 108, this herbal floral blend - think freshly cut grass and minted peas - tastes super refreshing in their Green Garden Cooler.
Available in premium pubs and bars across the country, or make at home, using 50ml Seedlip Garden 108, 10ml apple cider vinegar, 10ml lemon juice and 25ml elderflower cordial, and add to a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a highball glass, top with soda and garnish with fresh herbs.
5. Virgin Mojito
Mocktail lists are getting longer, and you can't beat a virgin Mojito - so refreshing on a summer's day. If you're entertaining at home, muddle fresh mint leaves, lime juice and sugar; top with soda, garnish with a sprig of mint leaves - and hold the rum for a rainy day. Fragrant, minty-fresh and still tropically-inspired.
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel