Non Alcoholic ‘Grown Up’ Drinks

[GeneHuntsCowboyBoots]

I’m alcohol intolerant and I’m just after ideas of refreshing drinks, to have at bbqs, that sort of thing. I normally have a Pepsi Max can or maybe San Pellegrino but sometimes I feel like I want something a bit more exciting.

Please can you share your ideas and favourites. Thank you.

I like bottlegreens ginger cordial, mixed with lemonade or Fanta lemon.
I also like robinsons cordials, the lime and mint one mixed with some apple and elderflower juice and topped up with lemonade is very refreshing and summery.

OH doesn't drink due to medication. He has alcohol free beer, alcohol free gin, alcohol free wine etc. There's quite a selection available now and seem to be quite acceptable. I think you also get alcohol free cocktails.

I just like fizzy water with lime cordial.

For Summer BBQs and house gatherings, I bring a small water bottle (200 mls maybe) of Lyre's Italian spritz decanted from the massive big bottle. It tastes exactly the same as Aperol Spritz (so I am told!), and with fizzy water, ice and orange slices and a proper big wine glass it is just great.

I am sure others will have more ideas, but that's my favourite and it's why I bring my own supply! Saves the host trying to source it, but they provide the ice, glass etc. though....

I drink sparkling elderflower or rose lemonade

I really like AF beer, usually corona or peroni

I find flavoured syrups (strawberry, violet, lime etc) the proper kind (not sugar free!) mixed with lemonade, frozen berries / ice and a bit of mint on top really make me feel like I'm having something a bit fancy. They look cute, feel fancy and tbh it's pretty much like having a gin and lemonade without the gin.

Aple juice and elderflower cordial. I occasionally have it with a drop of gin or vodka but often just alcohol free. Lots of ice and some mint.

These all sound delicious! Thanks for the recommendations.

@bibbityboppityboo I have some Monin strawberry syrup - would that work do you think?

It’s a shame I’m in my pjs because I’d be off to Tesco for some of the suggestions. I think I’ll work my way through them.

Have a look at Pentire AF gin, different flavours, only downside is it's expensive but there's often offers on. I bought some for dry January. There's lots of choice these days 🥂

Tonic water with a dash of grapefruit juice, or squeeze some fresh grapefruit slices into it. Add a sprig of rosemary if you're feeling fancy.

Nix and kix

I recently bought some by Belvoir Farm in Sainsbury’s. Alcohol free g&t and mojito. Both lovely!

It's never really been something I've ever fancied, but a few weeks ago I tried Trip (CBD drink) and surprisingly I really like it. It gives me a slightly relaxed feeling without the downsides of alcohol (and nothing like smoking a joint, there's no TGC).

@GeneHuntsCowboyBoots definitely! I love the monin strawberry syrup. A measure of that, cold lemonade (or ginger beer!), frozen berries and ice, bit of mint and it's like an alcohol free mojito!

I love Trip the CBD drinks they are also really low calorie. I have one each evening as a treat.

I also like the Dash water range.

And if I'm in a bar I have seedlip and tonic.

Elderflower? I hate the stuff personally but I consider it as quite a "classy" non alcoholic drink iyswim

Not a drink as such, but I have massive ice cubes, and I freeze mint, basil or rosemary into them.

Fancy as fuck, and adds a lovely fresh flavour to a drink.

I’ve been drinking fizzy grape juice from Lidl. I think it’s a copy of Shloer. It’s a bit sweeter than I would choose in wine but I like it. I drink it in a wine glass. It’s loads cheaper than wine and low calorie.

Lemonade and lime cordial, with a slice of lime and ice is so refreshing and tasty...

I really like Fevertree Mexican Lime soda with added fresh lime and crushed mint to make a fake mojito.

Shloer?

Teisseire sirops with sparkling water or tonic are really nice with plenty of ice and a slice. Folkington’s do nice “gently sparkling” drinks. Belvoir Farm have nice flavours as well - I like their sparkling elderflower and rose combo.

I've been making homemade lemonade with fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, fizzy water and sprigs of mint - it's nice and doesn't taste like it's missing anything.

Presse's, or zero alcohol beer