11 alcohol-free beverages for those curious about sobriety

Do you ever get tired of ordering the same old alcoholic beverages every time you go out? Are you looking for a refreshing change that won’t leave you feeling groggy the next day? Well, you’re in luck! I’ve compiled a list of 11 amazing alcohol-free drinks that are perfect for the sober curious.

1. Boozy Watermelon Slushie: This tantalizing drink combines the natural sweetness of watermelon with a splash of lime juice and sparkling water. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.

2. Ginger Mint Lemonade: Craving something tangy and invigorating? This zesty lemonade infused with spicy ginger and fresh mint leaves will hit the spot.

3. Cucumber Basil Refresher: This cooling and revitalizing beverage combines the crispness of cucumbers with the herbal notes of basil. It’s like a spa treatment for your taste buds.

4. Virgin Mojito: Love the taste of a classic mojito but not the alcohol? This alcohol-free version features muddled mint, lime juice, and soda water for a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.

5. Sparkling Berry Lemonade: Bursting with the flavors of ripe berries and tangy lemonade, this fizzy drink is perfect for a picnic or a day at the beach.

6. Pineapple Coconut Cooler: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this delightful concoction of pineapple juice, coconut milk, and a hint of lime. It’s like sipping sunshine through a straw.

7. Lavender Lemon Fizz: This elegant and fragrant drink combines the floral notes of lavender with zesty lemon soda. It’s a sophisticated and refreshing choice for any occasion.

8. Sparkling Cucumber Limeade: Crisp and rejuvenating, this bubbly blend of cucumbers, lime juice, and soda water will quench your thirst and leave you feeling revitalized.

9. Raspberry Lime Rickey: Treat yourself to the sweet and tangy combination of raspberries and lime in this refreshing and lively mocktail.

10. Rosemary Grapefruit Spritzer: This aromatic and tangy drink features the herbaceous taste of rosemary combined with the invigorating flavors of grapefruit and soda water.

11. Pomegranate Mint Fizz: This vibrant and refreshing beverage showcases the sweet-tartness of pomegranate paired with the coolness of fresh mint. It’s a delightful way to elevate your non-alcoholic drink game.

So there you have it – 11 alcohol-free drinks that are perfect for those who are curious about sobriety. Give them a try and discover a whole new world of refreshing and flavorful beverages. Your taste buds will thank you!

Forget about Ocsober and Dry January, how about making a permanent change to sobriety? Let’s take a moment to reflect on the growing trend of being sober curious.

It’s interesting to think that many of the famous drinkers from the past would be surprised by the current state of things. Some of the greatest writers, like Hunter S. Thompson, Tennessee Williams, Hemingway, Kerouac, Truman Capote, and James Joyce, were known for their love of alcohol. They were my personal heroes. But times have changed, and we find ourselves in a brave new world, where drinking is becoming less popular. Instead, we’re seeing the rise of trends like being “sober curious” – a term that’s gaining popularity and getting attention on social media.

Can you believe it? There’s a book called Sober Curious that talks about the trend of consciously choosing not to drink alcohol. It’s been around for six years now, and it’s fascinating to see how people are embracing this idea. You may have noticed the hashtag #mindfuldrinking popping up on social media, with all these pictures of people enjoying their nights out without alcohol.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s become socially acceptable to say no to a drink. In the past, it was almost embarrassing to admit that you don’t drink, but times are changing. Especially among young people, known as Gen Zs or TikTokers, alcohol is no longer their go-to for escapism from reality.

“Hey there! Check out this interesting post I found on Instagram by Vice magazine. They mentioned that while drugs like ketamine, weed, and mushrooms seem to be doing well, alcohol is facing some serious issues. Apparently, a survey in 2022 found that 26% of young people aged 16 to 24 in Britain are now choosing to stay completely sober. And get this, almost one-third of all pub visits are now alcohol-free! It’s not a new trend either, the market for non-alcoholic drinks has skyrocketed by over 506% since 2015. And you know what else? Google searches for “sober curious” peaked in 2021 after the pandemic hit. It makes you wonder, when was the last time you saw a TV show or heard a song that made drinking look cool like it used to? Interesting stuff, right?”

So, here’s the thing. We all know how things change as time goes by. And these days, it seems like people are really busy. Like, REALLY busy. Like, overworked and underpaid busy. And that’s just scratching the surface. Back in the day, things were different. They say peasants used to work nonstop, but maybe we shouldn’t take that too literally.

So, what does all this busyness mean? Well, apparently, it means no time for hangovers. Every free moment is filled with not one, but two or even three side hustles. It’s all about the hustle, you know?

But is there more to this sobriety trend? Is it just about being busy all the time? According to some reports, there’s a new breed of people out there. They’re all about being online and constantly connected. Plus, they’re super anxious. So, maybe staying sober is their way of coping.

But when it all comes down to it, there’s one big reason why people are choosing sobriety: it’s just not cool to get trashed anymore. Times have changed, my friend.

These days, many young folks are turning to different things, more reliable methods of dealing with their stresses and worries. But there’s also been an increase in awareness about health, fitness, and connecting with nature. This shift isn’t limited to just one generation; even middle-aged people have experienced a significant change. The pandemic played a big role in this awakening, as it made many realize how vulnerable their immune systems are.

Over a decade ago, I decided to give up drinking alcohol, and surprisingly, I stuck with that New Year’s resolution. Whenever someone asks me why, I simply reply, ‘I had my fair share of drinking in my first thirty years.’ If we subtract the first twelve years, during which I hardly touched the stuff, that means I spent a solid eighteen years investing a lot of time, money, and energy into alcohol. Eventually, I moved on and found other things that interested me.

I’m not really someone who would describe themselves as “sober.” That word is usually used for people dealing with addiction or those who used to drink heavily and are now in “recovery.”

I quit drinking as a way to take care of myself. You see, when I used to drink, I would drink a lot and do it pretty often. But in my mid-30s, I realized that abstaining from alcohol was the more responsible choice for someone like me.

I wanted to spend more of my time fully awake and less of my mornings feeling groggy and disconnected.

I decided not to drink alcohol anymore, but what could I have instead? The options seemed pretty limited. Non-alcoholic beer tasted pretty terrible back then, like flat lemonade.

It took a few years before Johannes le Roux came up with a Cape Town-based non-alcoholic botanical tonic that satisfied my cravings for a hangover-free gin and tonic.

I’m going to tell you about Le Roux, who came up with a special kind of drink called Brannas Draught. This drink was a mixture of brandy and Coke. It was really popular and Le Roux made a lot of money from it.

But then something interesting happened. Le Roux went on a trip to the Netherlands and found out about a new trend. People were starting to drink alcohol-free spirits. This gave Le Roux an idea.

Le Roux decided to create his own alcohol-free spirit. He got some help from his aunt, who was a botanist, and some food technologists. Together, they came up with a drink called The Duchess. It was the first non-alcoholic spirit to be made in South Africa.

When The Duchess launched in 2015, it was really successful. They sold a million units right away. And by 2020, the drink had become popular worldwide. The pandemic had something to do with that. People were looking for alcohol-free options because they couldn’t go out to bars or restaurants. So, the market for non-alcoholic spirits was booming.

In IWSR’s 2022 “No- and Low-Alcohol Strategic Study”, I discovered that the value of these drinks in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, Britain, the US, and South Africa has increased from $7.8 billion in 2018 to just under $10 billion in 2021. I also found out that about 43% of adults have tried beverages from this rapidly growing sector, which is believed to be growing at a rate of 8% per year.

But here’s the good news: beverage makers are now making it easier for those who choose not to drink.

Being abstinent doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun while your friends go out for drinks. Sure, water is great, and a little soda water with lime can do the trick. But what do you do when you crave something stronger? The last thing you want is some overly sweet virgin cocktail ruining your experience.

These days, bartenders in Cape Town aren’t surprised when customers request a non-alcoholic cocktail with a punch. However, the same might not be true in Kimberley.

Thanks to Seedlip, the first non-alcoholic spirit created in 2015, there’s now a growing variety of alcohol-free drinks available. Seedlip was developed by Ben Branson, who experimented in his English country kitchen using a small copper pot still and a centuries-old book called The Art of Distillation. This book contains recipes for herbal remedies that are distilled without alcohol.

In South Africa, non-alcoholic spirits have become incredibly popular. Alongside local options like VerGin, Saint, Mahala, and Ginifer Sober, there’s also been an influx of new choices. Simone Musgrave, based in Cape Town, introduced alcohol-free Inspirit to her craft gin lineup in 2021. This infusion is made with 12 rare botanicals that take inspiration from the ancient spice route of Africa. The ingredients include cardamom, juniper, African ginger, lime, and grains of paradise.

Let me clarify, these are not just any ordinary “cool drinks.” They are a far cry from the lackluster dealcoholized wines that lack personality and resemble a flat, warm Coke. These non-alcoholic spirits offer a sensory experience and a sophisticated touch that you would expect from a matured adult beverage.

Here’s the deal, it’s all about that extra oomph – that certain je ne sais quoi that gives you that “oomph” experience in your mouth – that us adults are after.

There’s someone who gets it, who knows exactly what we’re looking for in a non-alcoholic drink that packs a punch. His name is Nic Jooste, and when he created his line of alcohol-free spirits called Selati, he wanted to capture the essence of the African bush – specifically, the flavor of Kruger National Park. He named his spirits after the Ga-Selati River that flows through the park.

When I first visited Kruger in 2021, I immediately fell in love with its captivating atmosphere. The flavors, scents, sunsets, sunrises, and wild herbs completely enchanted me. It was also around this time that I started noticing the rising popularity of no- and low-alcohol beverages all around the world.

This sparked an idea in me – what if I could capture the essence of Kruger and infuse it into a non-alcoholic spirit? Determined to bring this vision to life, I assembled a team of experts in cocktails and flavors, and together, we embarked on an exciting adventure.

Timing turned out to be on my side, as I entered the market at a time when the demand for non-alcoholic drinks was skyrocketing. This beverage segment is currently the fastest-growing in the world.

When Selati launched in Europe, it caused quite a stir. Now, within just four weeks, their spirits can be found on more than 20 menus in The Netherlands. And that number keeps on growing. It seems like everybody around the world is getting excited about Selati.

In one of their captivating video ads, Selati is described as ‘Magtig, kragtig, pragtig,’ which means powerful, strong, and beautiful. These words are paired with breathtaking footage of wildebeest herds crossing rivers and majestic elephants making their way across the plains of Africa.

The message is clear: Selati is the perfect drink to quench an African thirst. Nothing else can compare.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you wake up the next morning with a sense of regret and a foggy memory of the events from the previous night? It’s not exactly the ideal scenario, is it?

Well, let’s pause for a moment and consider this: maybe it’s time to embrace a little curiosity.

Refreshing Alcohol-Free Drinks

No hangover, all the flavor – there are a few different options available under this clever local brand. Abstinence Cape Citrus offers a delightful citrus taste combined with local botanicals, including buchu, pepper, and fennel. Abstinence Epilogue X is the ideal choice for a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned, crafted from smoked, peated, and blended malts, oak, honeybush, vanilla, cassia, cardamom, clove, and impepho. Additionally, they offer two invigorating aperitifs – one with a lemon twist and the other with a burst of blood orange. Both are created using buchu, aloe, African wormwood, cinchona bark, quinine, and a blend of spices. These are perfect for crafting a refreshing spritz. abstinencespirits.com

Hey there! I’ve got some fantastic alternatives for you if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic gin option. Let me introduce you to two unique brands:

Ceder’s Alt-Gin

I want to tell you about this South African-Swedish creation that uses a juniper base blended with botanicals grown on their Cederberg farm. The distillation process happens in Sweden, where they mix it with spring water. Ceder’s Alt-Gin comes in three distinct formulations:

1. Classic: This variation incorporates juniper and coriander flavors, with delicate hints of geranium and Cape floral fynbos.

2. Crisp: If you prefer something refreshing, this combination of juniper, cucumber, and chamomile might be perfect for you.

3. Wild: For a more adventurous palate, the Wild blend combines juniper, cloves, ginger, and rooibos to create a uniquely spiced experience.

These alt-gin options offer a delightful journey for your taste buds. You can learn more about them on their website, ceders-alt-gin.com.

Ginifer Sober

From Angel Heart Distillery in Joburg, we have a marvelous option called Ginifer Sober. The makers use a traditional mix of juniper berries, coriander seeds, orris, angelica, pepper, and garden mint to create the base. To add an extra touch, they enhance it with either lime leaves or hibiscus tea, resulting in two distinct varieties:

1. Dry: This version caters to a classic gin flavor profile, allowing you to enjoy the beloved taste without the alcohol.

2. Hibiscus: For a floral twist, they incorporate hibiscus tea to create a vibrant and refreshing alternative.

If you’re looking to explore new gin-inspired horizons, Ginifer Sober might be just what you need! You can find out more about them at yuppiechef.com.

Explore these fantastic options and embark on a non-alcoholic journey filled with tantalizing flavors and aromatic botanicals. Cheers to new experiences!

John Ross Virgin Distilled Botanicals

Introducing Mahala Botanical, an exquisite non-alcoholic gin handcrafted in Paarl by the mastermind behind Barker and Quin tonics. This golden elixir is meticulously created by distilling and harmoniously blending an assortment of botanicals, before infusing it with the essence of honeybush tannin. Its enchanting taste and aroma will transport you to a world of pure indulgence. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist its allure. yuppiechef.com

Prepare to be captivated by the allure of Mahala Botanical, a remarkable brand that has taken the global market by storm with its range of non-alcoholic spirit alternatives. Just like the clever Australian bird it was named after, this brand offers an astonishing variety of spirit substitutes. From gin-like creations to tequila-esque libations, and even coffee liqueurs and aperitifs, they have it all. These delightful concoctions are meticulously crafted in the UK, with a vision to conquer the realm of booze-free cocktails. lyres.co.za

Discover the Magic of Mahala Botanical

Did you know that there’s a remarkable, triple-distilled spirit made with nine entirely natural botanicals? It’s called Musgrave Inspirit, and it’s an extraordinary beverage incorporating clove, honeybush, angelica root, buchu, cassia bark, peppercorn, orange, cardamom, and pelargonium citronella. And here’s an amazing fact: it has no alcohol, and it’s sugar-free too! You can find out more about this unique spirit at mahalabotanical.com.

Now, let me introduce you to Musgrave Inspirit, a captivating addition to the world of artisanal spirits. This delightful drink hails from Cape Town and draws its flavorful inspiration from the vibrant African spice route. Infused with the fascinating essence of rosewater, Musgrave Inspirit is a true gem in the world of crafted spirits. To discover more about this exceptional beverage, visit musgravespirits.com.

“You know, there’s this saying, ‘You can’t be halfway, can’t be sort of, or kinda, a virgin,'” says the creators of South Africa’s very first alcohol-free gin. They came up with this drink, inspired by the unique Olifants River microclimate. This gin is made by re-distilling juniper berries in small batches, and they even go as far as hand-bottling it. The best part is that it’s free of any artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Plus, it’s got zero calories! But don’t worry, it still has that same kick you get from a traditional gin and tonic. It’s like that bracing, icy bite that makes your taste buds sing. qualito.co.za

The drink was launched back in November 2015 and they offer three different versions: Spice 94, Garden 108, and Grove 42. This special drink is not just for anyone – it’s served in fancy Michelin-starred restaurants and the coolest cocktail bars, hotels, and stores. With zero kilojoules, no added sugar, no sweeteners, and natural flavors only, this is a sophisticated and classy drink that anyone can enjoy. seedlipdrinks.com

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Imagine being on a farm in the heart of Montagu and Barrydale. There, in 2022, three unique drinks were introduced to the world. Let me tell you about them.

The first one is called Pupa. It’s a special concoction that captures the essence of the prickly pear in a truly remarkable way. When you take a sip of Pupa, you’ll experience a different dimension of flavor, unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.

Next up is Morphous. This drink is also made from the prickly pear but with a twist. It’s distilled to perfection, creating a flavor that is both familiar and new. Morphous takes you on a journey, awakening your taste buds with its unique blend of botanicals.

Last but not least, we have Papillon. This drink is like a butterfly, delicate and captivating. It showcases another side of the prickly pear, revealing its hidden depths. With Papillon, you’ll experience a taste that is truly magical.

Now, let me introduce you to Vermont VerGin. It may look like gin and even be served like gin, but it’s completely alcohol-free. This means you can enjoy a virgin G&T without any additives, artificial sweeteners, or faux flavors. Vermont VerGin is made with natural botanicals, including extracts of juniper, coriander, cardamom, and angelica. These organic ingredients come from a certified farm in the Overberg.

In 2022, something incredible happened. Vermont VerGin was recognized as the “Best Global Non-Alcoholic Beverage Brand” at the prestigious Corporate Live Wire Innovation and Excellence Awards in London. This is a huge accomplishment for a drink that originated in a small village in the Overberg. It goes to show that even the smallest creations can make a big impact.

So, next time you’re looking for a unique and flavorful drink, why not try one of these remarkable creations? Pupa, Morphous, Papillon, and Vermont VerGin will take your taste buds on an extraordinary journey. Cheers to innovation and excellence!

Sources:
tahliafarm.co.za
verginsa.co.za

I love finding new destinations to explore. It’s exciting to think about all the possibilities that await when I embark on a journey. Traveling allows me to discover new cultures, experience different landscapes, and create lasting memories.

But choosing the right travel destination can be a bit overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s hard to know where to begin. How do I find a place that suits my interests and preferences? And how can I ensure that my trip will be both enjoyable and meaningful?

Well, let me share with you a few tips that can help you make the right decision. First, think about what kind of experience you’re looking for. Are you craving a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous hike in the mountains? Do you want to immerse yourself in a bustling city or unwind in a tranquil countryside? Understanding your personal preferences will guide you towards destinations that align with your desires.

Next, do some research. Find out about the local attractions, activities, and amenities that each destination has to offer. Consider the climate, local customs, and safety precautions. By gathering this information, you can better assess if a particular place meets your expectations and requirements.

It’s highly important to take into account your budget. Traveling can be expensive, so it’s crucial to plan accordingly. Consider the cost of accommodation, transportation, meals, and attractions. Will you be able to experience everything you want within your budget? Set a realistic spending limit and explore destinations that align with your financial situation.

Lastly, listen to your intuition. Sometimes, a gut feeling can guide you towards the perfect destination. Trust your instincts and choose a place that resonates with you on a deeper level. If it feels right, it probably is!

So, whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation or an exhilarating adventure, follow these tips to find the ideal travel destination for you. Happy travels!

A version of this article appeared in the January 2023 print issue of Getaway

Words by Keith Bain

Photography by Bianca Coleman

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