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December can be a pretty boozy month. Between work dos, catch-ups with friends and endless glasses of fizz at family gatherings, it sometimes feels like the whole season runs on alcohol. But if you’re taking a break, cutting back, or just want something a bit different, there are loads of great alcohol-free options out there now. You don’t have to stick to fizzy water or orange juice - there are drinks that actually feel special and festive, without the next-day regret.

Here are five of my favourites to get you through the season - all the flavour and fun, minus the hangover.

• First up, just HAS to be Twisst Caramel Cream (formally called Irish Cream, but they had to change it as it wasn't made in Ireland!).  This is basically a Bailey's dupe!  Some people say they don't think it tastes like Bailey's but it 100% does, just without the alcohol taste.  If you do want to add more of an alcoholic flavour, consider adding an AF whiskey/bourbon to it.  Disclaimer - there is loads of sugar and calories in this drink, but it's Christmas right!

 

• Next up we have BOLLE Grand Reserve Blanc de Blancs - a breakthrough in non-alcoholic winemaking as the world’s first and only lees-aged non-alcoholic wine! After Bolle's unique secondary fermentation process, the wine undergoes nine months sur lie. During this extended period, the wine develops its distinctive brioche character and luxurious creamy texture as it slowly transforms. This traditional winemaking technique, never before applied to non-alcoholic wine, creates extraordinary depth and complexity.  The result is a sparkling wine with fine and delicate bubbles, an elegant brioche bouquet, notes of apricot, nuts and a hint of citrus. On the palate the vibrant acidity meets the creamy texture creating layers of complexity and elegance with a lingering finish. Maybe I would buy this for Christmas Day, but if you don't want to spend that much - you could go for their regular Blanc de Blancs available HERE

 

• I couldn't not include a Kombucha in my festive line up, it has some many great health benefits and it's great for your gut too (my be unpasturised, so the cans on the supermarket shelves that aren't refrigerated don't have the good stuff in them!).  Then I found this LIMITED EDITION Mulled Spiced Kombucha from HOLOS - now I haven't actually tried it yet, but I have tried all their other flavours and there is not one that I don't like, so I'm sure this one will be just as delicious!

 

• The Christmas Pudding Spirit from ANON is just Christmas in a bottle - it sells out SO QUICKLY, so I'm sorry if it's already gone! Blends of complex flavours and botanicals create a warming spiced spirit with hints of dark fruits, cinnamon and ginger. Designed to be drunk on its own over ice, mixed with ginger ale or in a great mocktail.

 

• The Livener from Three Spirit may not seem particularly festive, but the colour is (it's bright red) and it's looks beautiful in a festive cocktail!  It has a sweet, juicy and fiery flavour with watermelon, guava and ginger. It also contains various adaptogens to give you a little buzz without the booze - the perfect pick me up for a Christmas Party!

 

• Jump Ship Stoker's Stout is the beer for a cosy night in front of the fire when it's snowing outside!  Jump Ship have blended roast barley and oats with cacao and vanilla to make decadent oat milk stout. With rich notes of coffee and chocolate, a hint of sweetness and a dry finish.

 

• A berry cider?  Definitely festive in my opinion - especially if you serve it warmed with extra spices!  This Berry Cider from Smashed is a good one! An uplifting purple berry cider made from Real British cider and sparkling with a fresh, fruity nose. The refreshing character playfully teases with ripe fruity sweetness and a crisp English cider astringency to finish

 

• The red wine winner from our Wine Tasting event in September!  Wednesday's Domaine Vignette Red Wine - this is one to be enjoyed with a meal! The wine enjoys a complexity that culminates in a long, dry finish. Expect overtures of dark plums and damson, with shades of spice and forest floor. Beginning with a blend of two wines - an oaked Petit Verdot and a more lively Tempranillo - from the historic La Mancha region of Central Spain, our wines are gently de-alcoholised using the latest technology before being blended with a handful of natural ingredients that lift body, flavour, aroma and length in the absence of alcohol.

 

• Okay, so Cacao Spicy Chai from Matcha & Co maybe not technically be an alcohol alternative as we know it, but it's a super festive, spiced drink that tastes amazing.  I usually have it as a latte, but I have seen some chai cocktail recipes that I'm going to give a try over the coming months!  If you've ever had the chai in Dishoom, it's similar tasting but not as sweet as they serve it.

 

And finally, I had to add a white wine into the selection - Zeno Viura White. An attractive, polished green straw appearance with pronounced, fresh aromas of citrus, passionfruit and green apple. On the palate there is a textured mouthfeel of ripe mango, passionfruit, crisp apple and zingy citrus with a light herbaceous and elderflower note on a prolonged finish.

Have you tried any of these already? Or maybe you have your own suggestion?  I'd love if you could let me know in the comments!

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