Dry January: 5 Booze-Free Ideas in LondonBy Angelica Malin
January: a time to hibernate, try to claw back any money frivolously spent on Xmas presents and yule logs, and for some people, a month to give up alcohol. If the start of the year is looking dry and a little bit sad, don’t go confining yourself to 4 weeks of orange squash and cups of tea just yet. We’ve discovered five alcohol-free ideas that’ll cheer up Dry January participants and anyone who fancies a break from the booze:
What: Mr Lyan and Doug McMaster’s Cub are offering a very special no-alcohol version of the venue’s set menu experience, making full use of technological wizardry to take all of the drinks to the next level. Typically featuring 10-12 courses – some of which are food and some of which are drinks – the menu is structured so that you’re taken on a journey with each serve leading beautifully on to the next. A long-time champion of non-alcoholic alternatives to his cocktails, Mr Lyan’s team showcases the breadth and diversity of the NA category, going beyond just alcohol-free spirits and juices with innovative sodas, shrubs, teas, ferments and alcohol-free takes on wine.
Where: 153 Hoxton St, Hoxton, London N1 6PJ
Photo Credit: Kim Lightbody
2. For a Wine Alternative: Nightjar
What: Nightjar have partnered with Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, to offer a series of non-alcoholic cocktails for free with DrinkUp.London for ‘Seedlip January’. Head Bartender Tony Pescatori has created a non-alcoholic take on Sangria through the use of Seedlip’s Garden 108 which boasts a refreshing and aromatic character, along with the rich tannin of the Aronia berry which recalls red wine. Visit here to nab a cocktail for free.
Where: 129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB
What: Nirvana Brewery produces great tasting craft beers with a difference. Nirvana decided to take on the challenge of making a great range of low/and non-alcoholic beers to change the perception that alcohol-free beers are a little bit naff. Beers from the range include: Trantra, a traditional English pale ale made with lightly roasted barley; Kosmic, not too sweet and not too bitter, this stout has a perfectly balanced roasted flavour, with deep chocolate notes and hints of vanilla; and Sutra, a classic IPA with a light amber body, lightly carbonated with the hops bringing pine, spice and floral flavours.
Where: Order online
4. For an Booze-Free Menu: FAM
What: FAM is the recently launched cocktail bar and kitchen by internationally renowned bartender Megs Miller. The bar itself has a focus on family and good vibes, whilst the menu also has a no and low alcohol section. The Live by the River combines the aromatic Seedlip Spice 94 with citrus, which is balanced out by Devon Flower Honey, whilst depth is added with sherry vinegar for a non-alcoholic drink on the rocks.
Where: 31 Duke Street, London W1U 1LG
5. For Healthy Cocktails: Cahoots
What: The mixologists at Cahoots have decided to take mindful drinking to a whole new level with their new alcohol-free menu. The three non-alcoholic cocktails pack a punch both with flavour and health benefits, featuring anti-oxidising and vitamin-rich ingredients. The No and Low drinks menu includes: Spice Land Girls with Seedlip Spice 94 topped with mandarin peel, and rosemary and peppermint soda; Sowing The Seed, a medley of Seedlip Grove 42, pineapple spiced and ginger cordial topped with ginger ale; and Garden Of England, containing Seedlip Garden 108, grapefruit, lemon and dill cordial, topped with soda.
Where: 13 Kingly St, Soho, London W1B 5PW
