Top tipples for Dry January 2021

With more than 6.5 million adults planning to participate in Dry January 2021, according to Alcohol Change UK, we list some top tipples for those cutting back this month.

The after-effects of New Year’s Eve are always convincing of a need for a fresh start and a clean break. According to charity Alcohol Change UK, which launched the Dry January campaign in 2013, one in five UK adults plan participate in the challenge this month.

But, by day five, the prospect of alcohol seems less terrifying and actually quite pleasant, and people tend to waver.

But perhaps we’ve all been doing it wrong – sparkling water isn’t going to cut it. With 20% of adults in the UK now not drinking, the NOLO (no- and low-alcohol) drinks business has soared. A recent poll commissioned by alcohol watchdog the Portman Group found that 62.5% of UK adults have tried low- and no-alcohol products.

Producers aim to imitate alcohol in both its textures and complex flavours, while ensuring no alcohol is actually involved.

In the UK, low-alcohol drinks are classified as having an ABV of up to 1.2%. For a drink to label itself alcohol-free or non-alcoholic it must have an ABV of 0.05% or lower

If you just want to lower your consumption of alcohol or cut it out for the month, here are some delicious options for the challenge to be an unnoticeable adjustment to the start of your year.

Spirit alternatives

Seedlip

Grove 42 from Seedlip at £26 a bottle is the way to go if you favour a sweeter taste, this zesty blend will do the trick. Served with a crisp tonic and maybe even some orange peel and you’re in for a classy night.

CleanCo

CleanCo, made by Made in Chelsea legend Spencer Matthews, aims to let you enjoy the pleasures of alcohol without the pains of the hangover the next day. The classic CleanRum, (pictured above) currently discounted at £16, just about classifies as a low-alcoholic drink at 1.2% and is said to taste and look just like the real deal. With a mix of warming spice, golden caramel and cayenne pepper, you’re good to go.

Stryyk

Missing delicious passion fruit cocktails in swanky London bars but not the headache? Stryyk is the way to go with the Stryyk Not Vodka (£18.99) and their passion fruit Martini mixer, all you need is ice.

Three Spirit

If a more bitter drink is your thing, the Three Spirit Nightcap has complex notes of wood and bright spice made from tree saps and aromatic plants.

Pentire

Pentire gives the taste of the Cornwall coastline with ADRIFT for just £24.99, providing crisp and fresh textures that go perfectly with an Indian tonic and some ice.

Beers

Two classics are the NOLO versions of Heineken, Heineken 00, and Becks, Becks Blue. Here are some alternatives…

Nirvana

Starting traditionally, Nirvana’s Pale Ale (£22.50 for 12 bottles) is a great way to ease off the stress of the day with all but 0% ABV, and a balanced and crisp hoppy flavour. Brewed in London, this could be the fix to your January beer cravings!

Big Drop

Big Drop, available in most supermarkets, will help you pretend your sofa is actually a sun lounger and it’s 30 degrees as you crack open its Poolside IPA, filled with a tropical mix of pineapple, citrus and mango. Big Drop promises their drinks are never more than 0.5% ABV.

Lowlander

Lowlander makes Dry Jan experimenting easy with its dry pack, five beers in three exciting flavours all under 0.3% ABV.

BrewDog

BrewDog also makes life easier with its alcohol-free mixed pack starting at £17.25, which includes two IPAs, a lager and an ale. Something for everyone to enjoy! This pack is actually on offer at the moment so get it cheaper while you can! Your bank balance and liver will be grateful.

Ready to drink

Highball

Highball is providing all our cocktail needs in ready to go tins (£1.99), with all the favourites you can think of, just without the alcohol. Choices include Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Italian Spritz and a Pink G&T.

Punchy

Described as premium soft drinks, Punchy is best straight from the fridge and Holiday Romance (£12 for 6 cans) will provide a fruity feeling of peach, hot ginger and chai.