You’ve likely heard of dry January, but have you heard of sober October?
Last year, over 75,000 people reportedly signed up for an alcohol-free October, raising over £5million pounds for Macmillan!1https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/sep/17/alcohol-free-months-are-all-the-rage-but-will-a-sober-october-lead-to-long-term-health-benefits
We all know that taking a break from alcohol can have positive effects on our health. With alcohol-free months like dry January and sober October increasing in popularity, there are more alcohol-free drink options available nowadays than ever before! Whether you’re looking to cut down on alcohol or go sober this October, read on for some mocktail inspiration.
Elderflower, cucumber & lime mocktail
With this zesty mocktail, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything! If you’re feeling fancy, why not substitute the elderflower for alcohol-free prosecco?
Ingredients: (serves 2-4)
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- A small handful of fresh mint + extra for garnishing
- 500ml sparkling elderflower
- Juice of 2 limes
- Ice (for serving)
- Stevia (to sweeten – optional)
Method:
Place the cucumber, mint, lime juice and a big splash of (tap) water into a blender and blitz until smooth. You’ll need enough water for the ingredients to blend well, but not too much to make it too runny. Sieve the mixture into a jug, pressing those last bits through with the back of a spoon. Add the sparkling elderflower to taste and stir. Pour into your glass of choice, adding an ice cube or two and mint to garnish.
Blackberry & apple ‘lemonade‘
If – like us – you’ve been foraging for blackberries recently, this recipe is a great way to use up your surplus and add to your 5 (ahem, 10-) fruit and veg a day!
Ingredients: (serves 4)
- 500g blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 apple, cored & diced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 300ml tonic water or lemonade
- Ice (for serving)
Method:
Place the blackberries, diced apple (no need to peel), lemon juice and a big splash of (tap) water into a blender and blitz until smooth. You’ll need enough water for the ingredients to blend well, but not too much to make it too runny. Strain through a sieve into a serving jug, add in the tonic water and stir to combine. Serve over ice. Top tip – save the pulp and add it to your yoghurt or cereal as a fruity topper the next morning!
Side note: any berries will work! Read more about the health benefits of fresh vs frozen foods here.
(Alcohol-free!) Bloody Mary
Did you know that there are numerous health benefits to a Bloody Mary? This alcohol-free version is a meal unto itself and is rich in nutrients such as fibre, vitamins and antioxidants.2https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326252704_Tomato_juice_nutritional_profile
Ingredients: (serves 2- 4)
- 200ml tomato juice
- 5 splashes of Tobasco sauce (adjust to suit)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- Juice of 1/2 a lime
- 1 stick of celery (to garnish)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Half a lime, cut into wedges + salt (for a salt rim – optional)
Method:
Cut the lime into two and chop one half into wedges. If you’re feeling fancy, moisten the rim of your serving glass(es) with 1 of the lime wedges and dip it in salt to create a salt rim. Combine the ingredients into a jug, stir and pour into your serving glasses. Garnish with celery, a wedge of lime and tuck in!
Long-Island Ice Tea
Research suggests that tea may be beneficial for your gut health by improving the composition of your gut microbiota!3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32208932/ Not to mention apple cider vinegar may also help improve blood sugar regulation, weight loss, lower cholesterol and more!4https://draxe.com/nutrition/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits/
Ingredients: (serves 4)
- 3 English breakfast tea bags (or your tea of choice!)
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 500ml ginger ale/beer
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 large orange (or 2 small!)
- Mint sprigs, orange & lemon slices to garnish (optional)
Method:
Boil 3 cups of water and steep the 3 tea bags for 5-10 minutes. Discard the tea bags and leave the tea to cool. Once chilled, add the ACV, lemon juice and orange juice. Top with ginger ale or ginger beer and give it a stir. Serve with ice, orange/lemon slices and a few sprigs of mint.
Want to know more about the benefits of fermented food? Click here!
Click here to find out why we suggest sweetening with stevia Instead of sugar and for more gut-healthy drinks, check out a week’s worth of super supper smoothies for gut health
References
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