 Being on-call can be a testing time for a doula, particularly if there's a special occasion coming up where you'd usually enjoy a drink (or two!) Obviously, we don't want to be arriving to a birth sloshed, so saying no to alcohol, just in case we get the call, is all part of the job. However, in my view, that doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy ourselves, or have something delicious to drink. Lucky for us doulas, as well as anyone else who would rather stay away from intoxication, the alcohol-free drinks market is currently booming. Here are some of my top picks of what to drink, when you're not drinking alcohol. Please note, these drinks contain no more than 0.5% ABV (the same amount as a ripe banana) FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE PROSECCO
FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE BEER AND LAGER  Nanny state Creating a full flavoured craft beer at 0.5% is no easy task but with Nanny State, Brewdog have achieved it. Packed with loads of Centennial, Amarillo, Columbus, Cascade and Simcoe hops, dry hopped to the brink and back and sitting at 45 IBUs, Nanny State is a force to be reckoned with. With a backbone of 8 different speciality malts, Nanny State will tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE WINE  Belvoir Without The Hangover Range The master soft drinks maker, Belvoir, developed these wine alternatives in Shiraz, Chardonnay and Rose flavours, which all have a complex and sophisticated taste and aroma. There are no artificial preservatives, colours, sweeteners and no added sugar, making this a really healthy option. Unlikesome wines that have had the alcohol removed, these carefully crafted drinks have no yeasty aftertaste.  Rawsons Retreat Cabernet Sauvignon This South Australian wine is smooth, full bodied, tastes fresh, bright and more-ish. It has the aroma of dark summer fruits and is a perfect accompaniment to big sauces and tender meats. The wine has been dealcoholised, which is usually enough to destroy the flavour, but not in this case. If you fancy something lighter, it’s also available in a Chardonnay Semillon, which is crisp, refreshing and zingy. FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE SPIRITS AND COCKTAILS  Seedlip Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirits brand, are on a mission to solve the dilemma of what-to-drink-when-you’re-not-drinking. Their drinks are made with botanicals such as allspice, grapefruit, lemon peel, cardamom, American oak and cascarilla bark, distilled in copper pots, to make delicious, complex distillates. Use one of their three flavours as a base for a cocktail, or simply mix with tonic and ice. OTHER FAVOURITES  Real Kombucha Kombucha is a fermented, slightly alcoholic (0.5% ABV), lightly effervescent, sweetened black or green tea drink commonly intended as a functional beverage for its supposed health benefits. The tea is fermented using the same processes as wine or beer, but with the alcohol naturally removed. Real Kombucha have produced three delicious flavours: Royal Flus which works as a great alternative to Prosecco, Smoke House is like an amazing scrumpy cider or real ale, and Dry Dragon is perfect as a sparkling citrus wine.  /Shrb the Prohibition soda
Inspired by Prohibition-era shrub-making, Shrb drinks are made using the centuries-old technique of steeping raw ingredients in vinegar to gently release flavour. In addition to an alcohol-like kick, one of the things you’ll notice, is the complexity and depth of the flavour bouquet – creating a genuine non-alcoholic alternative to a fine wine or craft beer. What are your favourite alcohol free drinks? |
AuthorKicki Hansard is a member of Doula UK, however any opinions expressed on this blog are personal views and not necessarily the view of Doula UK. 
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