8 Alcohol

This Christmas, I’m opting for an alcohol-free celebration. My commitment to sobriety began back in September, and after all the effort and success I’ve experienced, I feel fantastic—there’s no way I’m going to revert to old habits just because the holiday season is upon us. Admittedly, the thought of navigating these usually alcohol-filled festivities is intimidating, but thankfully, there are resources available, like the Sunflower Sober sobriety tracker, to help people stay committed. With so many events surrounding Christmas—from the days leading up to it to the New Year’s Eve countdown—temptations abound, and I know I’ll need to be vigilant.

To bolster my resolve, I’ve taken steps to prepare. This preparation includes exploring enjoyable drink alternatives that not only taste great but also keep me feeling included. I’ve conducted some taste tests and compiled a list of excellent non-alcoholic beverages to substitute for my traditional holiday favorites.

Here are the eight alcohol-free drink alternatives I plan to enjoy this Christmas:

Christmas Day Morning

• Swap This – Bucks Fizz
• For This – Sparkling Mead

On Christmas morning in our home, we embrace a cherished routine. The children wake early with their stockings, and as we sip coffee, the excitement builds. While we usually share our first festive drink during the present unwrapping ceremony, I’ve discovered a delightful non-alcoholic option: the sparkling mead range from Bemuse, which offers a wonderful substitute for the traditional Bucks Fizz. With flavors like Ginger & Cardamom, Wild Raspberry, and Original Hops available, I can indulge without the sugar overload often found in mead. My personal favorite is the Wild Raspberry, but each flavor is a delight.

These Bemuse sparkling meads allow me to stick with my customary Christmas morning ritual without feeling deprived. I can still toast with my special glasses while enjoying a refreshing drink that fits my new lifestyle perfectly.

Festive Family Gatherings

• Swap This – Mulled Wine
• For This – Mulled Cider

Mulled wine is often considered the essence of Christmas, but rather than attempting to create a non-alcoholic version that might not do justice to the original, I’m opting for mulled cider instead. Maiden Mill, a cider maker from Somerset, provides a medium dry cider that has a 0.5% ABV—technically low alcohol rather than alcohol-free. In the UK, beverages must contain less than 0.5% ABV to be classified as alcohol-free, but in Europe and the US, the threshold is higher. Regardless, this cider won’t get you tipsy, and its refreshing taste is enhanced with festive spices.

Here’s my favorite recipe for mulled cider:

• 1 bottle of Maiden Mill cider
• 4 Cloves
• 2 Star Anise
• Grated Nutmeg
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 50ml Orange juice
• 50ml Pomegranate Juice
• 1 teaspoon Caster Sugar

Simply combine all the ingredients in a saucepan, heat gently (avoiding boiling), and serve in your favorite heatproof glasses, garnished with a cinnamon stick.

Winter Walks

• Swap This – Lager
• For This – Alcohol free beer

I relish our Christmas morning walks, especially since we now live near a scenic forest. With our dog in tow and my kids decked out in festive hats, the walk feels magical and serene. Afterward, it’s comforting to sit outside and enjoy a refreshing drink.

Although I’m not keen on beer, I’ve discovered ERDINGER Alkoholfrei, a product designed with sports enthusiasts in mind. With an alcohol content under 0.5%, this beer boasts isotonic properties, hydrating post-walk while providing vitamins B9 and B12. This malty, light, and refreshing beer is perfect for celebrating the spirit of the season without any unpleasant aftertaste.

Drinks With Friends

• Swap This – G&T
• For This – Alcohol free gin

As a gin lover, finding an appealing alcohol-free alternative has been essential for my holiday celebrations. Clean Co’s alcohol-free gin offers a flavorful mix of juniper and botanical ingredients, making it a solid substitute for my favorites like a gin and tonic or rhubarb gin cocktail. The appealing taste makes me feel like I’m having a genuine drink without the negative effects of alcohol.

Clean Co also offers a delightful Clean G Rhubarb, which serves as a fantastic alternative to my beloved rhubarb ginger ale, allowing me to enjoy my favorite flavors while remaining alcohol-free throughout the festivities.

Christmas Hot Tub Dip

• Swap This – Beer
• For This – Alcohol Free IPA

A hot tub dip is a delightful Christmas treat, even in chilly weather. Instead of my usual mixed drink, I’ll be reaching for Poolside IPA by Big Drop Brewing Co, a zesty, alcohol-free IPA that’s light and refreshing. Its name perfectly fits the hot tub vibe during the holidays!

Big Drop offers a diverse range of beers, from stouts to lagers, making sure there’s a delicious option for everyone. Their unique depth of flavor, developed through a mix of grains, showcases the effort put into crafting enjoyable non-alcoholic drinks, appealing not just to non-drinkers but to anyone who appreciates good taste.

After Dinner Drinks

• Swap This – Irish Coffee
• For This – Alcohol-Free Rum Hot Toddy

An intriguing find for me has been Clean Co’s Clean R, an impressive alcohol-free rum. Its warm, caramel notes combined with a hint of spice make it a perfect choice for creating a cozy hot toddy after dinner. This versatile option can also be enjoyed in cocktails or even paired with cola.

Here are some creative ways to use this delightful rum:

1. Mince Pies – Add Clean R to your home-made mincemeat for a rich, non-alcoholic flavor boost.
2. Egg Nog – Combine egg yolks, sugar, cream, and Clean R for a festive classic.
3. Hot Buttered Rum – Mix spices and Clean R with warm water and serve in a cozy glass.
4. Rum Cream – Create a spirited alternative to traditional brandy butter.

Christmas Dinner

• Swap This – Prosecco
• For This – Sparkling Tea

A friend introduced me to the concept of non-alcoholic sparkling teas, primarily produced by Real Drinks. Their sparkling tea selection—including the Royal Flush variety—has wowed me with its unique flavor profile, derived from naturally fermented loose leaf teas. I appreciate that this option isn’t attempting to mimic champagne but offers its own delightful taste, featuring notes of rhubarb and white peach. It truly feels special and deserves to be part of my holiday celebrations.

While it doesn’t replace my beloved prosecco, Royal Flush delivers a refreshing and fruity alternative that stands on its own, capturing the holiday spirit beautifully.

New Year’s Eve

• Swap This – Champagne
• For This – Wild Idol

New Year’s Eve is often the toughest night to abstain from alcohol, as societal expectations can be intense. However, you can still enjoy a festive experience with a fantastic alternative like Wild Idol. This non-alcoholic beverage boasts a premium appearance and taste, providing a celebratory option without the intoxicating effects. Unlike many alcohol-free wines, Wild Idol is crafted to offer a genuinely enjoyable experience without any residual sweetness, making it perfect for ringing in the new year.

At just under £30 per bottle, it’s on the higher end for an alcohol-free drink, but it is an excellent choice to elevate the New Year celebration.

Final Thoughts

I anticipate challenges during this alcohol-free Christmas. Breaking ingrained habits around drinking, particularly during the holiday season, won’t be easy. However, I’m feeling optimistic and no longer view my choice as a burden. I remain the same person—I’ve just opted to let go of alcohol.

By choosing these festive non-alcoholic drinks, I hope to experience all the joys of the season without feeling deprived, and of course, avoiding any hangovers!

If you’re curious to learn more about my journey to sobriety and the reasons behind my decision, I invite you to read my article:

Why Being Sober Curious Isn’t Just For Dry January