Tired of chugging, pouring, and quaffing? Do you want to cut down on hard liquor? Well, get sober curious by looking at your drinking habits and being mindful of your alcohol consumption. Here’s the thing: it’s totally fine! In fact, it’s trending. So don’t sweat the ‘real men drink’ notion, and listen up!
A NEW FORM OF SELF-CARE
International Wines and Spirits Record (IWSR) found that consumers worldwide are increasingly choosing non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic beverages at instead of traditional alcoholic drinks like vodka and gin. During 2022, brands that offer non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages experienced a 7% increase in sales.
So, what’s driving this trend? Well, it all comes down to people wanting to experiment with sobriety for physical and mental health reasons. Society is beginning to prioritise its wellness. As a result, people are challenging the long-standing stigma associated with sobriety. This is because you don’t have to be an alcoholic to take the sober route – even if it’s just occasionally.
Medical studies show that cutting back on alcohol will improve your sleep patterns and productivity, increase your fitness endurance and help with weight loss and overall skin health. Mixologists around the world are embracing this new wave of interest, improving their mocktail drinks menus to cater for individuals interested in unique sober experiences.
In addition, healthy ingredients are being added to cocktail concoctions, like kombucha, ginger, ashwagandha, CBD and hibiscus. These ingredients are intended to provide relief from stress and anxiety and boost our immune system. Now, you can enjoy social drinking and avoid getting sloshed and waking up with a hangover.
THE DIFFERENCE
Drinks that are labelled ‘low-alcohol’, ‘de-alcoholised’ and ‘non-alcoholic’, differ by the amount of Alcohol by Volume (ABV) in each 100ml of an alcoholic drink at 20°C:
- Low-alcohol – no more than 1.2% AB • De-alcoholised – no more than 0.5% AB • Alcohol-free ¬– no more than 0.05%ABV
UNIQUE FLAVOUR PROFILES
We have compiled a list of the coolest places to find these trendy no-alcohol drinks and to start your sober curious journey.
1. Grounded Container Bar & Café (Palmietfontein, Polokwane)
Check it out: www.grounded-container-bar-cafe. business.site
Situated in the heart of Limpopo, this scenic chill spot is where tantalising flavours and positive vibes collide. Offering an great outdoor experience for the family (with a playground for the kids), you can enjoy quality time and an absolutely lip-smacking specialty cocktails menu at the same time.
Word on the street is that Cinderella on Ice and Strawberry Smash are the most delightful mocktails on the menu.
2. Salsify at The Roundhouse (Camps Bay, Cape Town)
Check it out: www.salsify.co.za
Their new ‘Wellness Drinks Pairing’ was launched by chef Ryan Cole and has taken the Cape by storm. The selection of non-alcoholic infusions and cocktails is truly invigorating. Die-hard fans suggest the cucumber-flavoured CBD drink paired with pine-smoked trout – said to be absolutely life-changing!
3. Niks Bar (Rosebank, Johannesburg)
Check it out: www.facebook.com/niksbarjoz
Launched in 2020 to support top-tier mixologists during the nationwide lockdown, this snazzy social hotspot is known for iconic spirit-free drinks like the Cederberg Highball (Martini 0.0, jazz kombucha and grapefruit zest) and the Garden Martini (an espresso shot, caramel syrup, whey and chocolate dust with a shot of Cedars Wild).
Words by Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Pexels, Courtesy Images
