Some consider January the most depressing month, associated with grey sky, cold weather, gym sessions and endless plates of kale and broccoli. But it doesn’t have to be.
Even those who choose to stick to healthily mantras and Dry January’s goal can enjoy some very exciting alcohol free drinks. Foodepedia is here to toast our favourites.
Wow Cacao
Wow Cacao is the UK’s first cacao water. This innovative beverage, made from the pulp of a cacao fruit, offers a naturally refreshing and nutrient-packed alternative to traditional hydration drinks.
Each 275ml glass bottle of Wow Cacao contains the goodness of approximately five cacao pods, with absolutely no added flavours, sugars, or sweeteners.
Available in both still and sparkling varieties, it has a unique tropical taste, at once mild but zesty (£3.75).
The juice comes from Ecuador, the birthplace of cacao, where more than 5000 years ago its special properties were recognised by Andean tribes and widely used in ancient rituals and ceremonies. Hence its botanical name – “theobroma” – food of the Gods.
It’s low in calories and naturally rich in vitamin C, potassium and a source of magnesium, manganese and polyphenols.
Wow Cacao is not only good for your body but is an upcycled product. Cacao juice has typically been discarded in the process of fermenting beans to make chocolate.
Wow Cacao is collecting and preserving the pulp and juice and finding new ways to utilise them.
Mocktails Uniquely Crafted®
Mocktails Uniquely Crafted® is a collection of ready-to-serve, premium mocktails.
Available in five delicious flavours, the award-winning mocktails are crafted with the quality ingredients, spices, and botanicals sourced from around the world.
The Mocktails are naturally sourced, vegan, GMO free and gluten free. They also contain no preservatives or additives, non-carbonated, no high-fructose corn syrup and no artificial colours.
They are very easy to make at home just simply grab a shaker, add ice, pour, shake briefly, and savour in your favourite cocktail glass.
Choose between Espresso% Martini, Mockarita, Mockapolitan, Mockscow Mule and Sansgria. Available here and Sainsburys.
NOOH
NOOH White Sparkling is the latest addition to Château La Coste’s premium non-alcoholic wine range. Crafted with the same precision and organic winemaking expertise that the Provence-based winery is renowned for, NOOH White Sparkling offers the elegance of a traditional sparkling wine, with zero alcohol and only 3.5g of residual sugar.
The name NOOH (pronounced N-OO-H) reflects the French word ‘Nous,’ meaning ‘us’ or ‘we’ – a nod to its communal spirit and suitability for gatherings, even in a Dry January setting.
With tasting notes of fresh peach and Granny Smith apple and lemon and elderflower on the nose.
It’s a bright and refreshing alternative to classic bubbles and pairs beautifully with everything from white fish ceviche to lemon meringue pie.
This unique de-alcoholised wine is expertly crafted by Château La Coste’s winemakers using Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown at the estate.
The de-alcoholisation process is achieved through vacuum distillation, ensuring evaporation within the range of 35-40°C to preserve the character and flavour profiles of the wine. Available from 13th January here at £35 per bottle.
The REAL Co
The REAL Co. has recently launched its Small-Batch Collection, featuring two stunning new alcohol-free drinks: REAL Brut and REAL Noir.
REAL Noir, as a still red much likened to a Burgundy, is a new departure for REAL. Fermented from earthy Puerh tea and grape skins over toasted oak.
It’s beautifully balanced with fruity notes, a medium body, and a lingering tannin finish that is as satisfying as it is indulgent.
REAL’s innovative and unique fermentation methods deliver the depth, complexity, and elegance that wine lovers crave, without the alcohol at just 0.5% ABV.
REAL Brut is a fresh, complex sparkling, as effortlessly sophisticated as any high quality Champagne. Its delicate flavours are created through blending loose leaf Oolong tea and grape seed, then slowly fermenting over French oak.
The Small-Batch Collection is available in luxury retailer Jeroboams and from REAL’s website.