Picking up on last weeks ideas for New Years resolutions , I thought those of you who have taken the plunge into a Dry January  might be in need of some ideas if not support. It probably seemed like a good idea on January 1st, but a week in, and maybe your resolution to go dry for the month is slipping.  As part of Stirring Stuff’s Recipe for success I have gathered  information , supportive tips, and ideas for drinks to encourage you in your very worthwhile endeavour.

And, you will be gladdened to hear I hope, that going dry has never been easier or tastier. One exciting by product of the new wave artisan distilling boom is an ever increasing choice of  classy non alcoholic spirit mixers.  Try these for size, Thomas and Evans, Seedlipdrinks, both make interesting distilled herbal mixers for adult pallates.

Tip 1. Share your resolution commitment– it’s easier to keep your promise to yourself if  you share, or do it with someone else – or maybe commit to raise money for your favourite charity  sign up to the Dry January community.

Tip 2. Reach for a healthy snack and make sure you eat regularly – you could be mistaking hunger and a blood sugar dip for that ‘I want a drink feeling’.

Tip 3. Create a ritual.  Pouring a drink is often the line in the sand that says work is finished and now it’s time for me to relax. That’s powerful stuff, it’s also the moment when people are likely to ‘fall off the wagon’. Creating a new ritual like soaking in  a warm scented bath and lighting a few candles before making yourself a really delicious alcohol free drink can support you in feeling warm and cared for.  Have a Japanese tea ceremony,  jasmine tea and white tea go particularly well with food, and the Japanese flower teas are simply beautiful.

Chose a drink that you really enjoy, and don’t forget that  when it’s cold and dark outside  something  warm might be a better option.

Tip 4. Above all have fun and enjoy what you are drinking.  Get creative.

Drinks Selection:

So, what should I drink? – I don’t want added sugar and now even low calorie drinks are an issue. Water – well somehow it doesn’t seem that enticing, does it?

Bottled and canned drinks and The One to Three Rule

Just because it comes ready to drink doesn’t mean it must be drunk that way. In fact, most ready to drink preparations taste better, are better for you, and cheaper, if you use the 1-3 rule (1 part juice or drink to 3 parts water).

Ginger Beer refresher – ½ lemon, thinly sliced, 3 -4 sprigs thyme or lemon thyme, 100ml ginger beer of your choice 3-400mlssparkling water. Crushed ice if you like.

Orange sparkler – ½ an orange, cut into three piece lengthways and then sliced thinly into small triangles, 3 sprigs fresh mint or rosemary, 100ml fizzy orange drink 3-400 ml sparkling water or soda water.

Flavoured waters

They look so vibrant they simply have to be good for you. Easy to make and very delicious, . ….. has some fabulous and colourful ideas.  for inspiration Search for fruitwaters on Instagram  or click the link and search on Amy Pogue ‘s inspirational blog Infused Waters

For Something Hot:

Try these warming recipes from Stirring Stuff  – Treat yourself and ‘take the ginger’.

Make yourself something comforting before bed:

 

Masala Milk or Chai Tea

 Serves 4

4 pepper corns

3 cloves

3 cardamom pods

1 cinnamon stick

1 ginger tea bag

2 decaffeinated tea bags

250ml milk or milk substitute

1-2 teaspoons sugar or honey

Put the peppercorns, cloves and cardamom pods into a mortar and very lightly crush

Put the spices, tea and milk into a saucepan with 1 litre of water and bring to the boil. Infuse for 3 minutes, add the sugar and stir.

Strain the dregs and pour the tea into a jug. Have another jug handy and pour from a height the tea from one jug to the other in a steady stream. Repeat until the tea begins to froth. Serve in your favourite mug.

Share your favourite non alcohol drinks with us here.