One aspect of the festive season that inspires a little reflection come January is our alcohol intake. There’s certainly the issue of the particularly British penchant for a tipple any time the occasion even partially calls for it. But Christmas and New Year seem to be a perfect storm for having one too many, and January can leave us feeling the need to cut back – hence dry January. So as to not feel like one has to totally abandon the booze – which can be especially tricky when surrounded by others drinking – here are a couple of guilt-free cocktail ideas from some purveyors of fine, alcohol-free and low-calorie drinks that won’t have you feeling left out.”¯
Black”¯Cow”¯Vodka”¯”¯
Whey is an undervalued by-product of the cheese-making process, and one that dairy farmer Jason Barber was familiar with when, in 2012, he decided to make premium vodka from it. Made purely from the milk of grass-fed cows in West Dorset, Black Cow is ‘the world’s smoothest vodka’ and was the recipient of a Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2015. Its clean, mineral-free composition makes it ideal for sipping, with food or mixed in cocktails. Try this Orange and Star Anise concoction below, which comes in at an astoundingly low 55 calories.”¯
25ml Black Cow Vodka”¯”¯
Soda water”¯”¯
Dash Angostura”¯bitters”¯”¯
Twist”¯orange”¯”¯
Star anise, steeped in a little Black Cow”¯”¯
Pour Black Cow over ice in a rocks glass and top up with soda water. Twist the orange zest”¯then”¯run”¯it”¯round”¯the rim.”¯Garnish with a couple of star”¯anise and a dash of Angostura bitters.”¯
Eisberg”¯Alcohol-Free Wine”¯
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These alcohol-free and low-calorie wines are made in the same way as regular wine before having the alcohol removed at the end. The result is not only a remarkable substitute, but a refreshing, well-balanced and delicious alternative. Try this fruity cocktail using our favourite from the”¯Eisberg”¯range, their sparkling roseÌ.”¯”¯
15ml lemon juice”¯
125ml”¯Eisberg”¯alcohol-free sparkling roseÌ”¯wine”¯”¯
For the cherry syrup reduction
1 tbsp cherry jam”¯
1 tbsp water”¯
First make the cherry syrup reduction. Add the cherry jam and the water to a small saucepan and mix. Bring it to the boil – stirring constantly until smooth. Allow to cool. Add the lemon juice,”¯rosé and the cherry syrup reduction to a glass mixer (keeping a small amount aside to garnish) and shake well. Strain the mixture into a tall flute glass. Garnish with cherry syrup soaked fresh cherries on a skewer.”¯
