Lucy Palmer
Drinking alcohol is a common way for people to unwind at the end of a long day, but it's not the only option. If you're looking for alternatives to drinking beer, there are plenty of options to explore. Non-alcoholic beers, for instance, are becoming increasingly popular, with many major brands offering alcohol-free versions of their drinks. You could also try kombucha, a fermented green tea that has numerous health benefits and a similar fizz to beer. If you're looking for something simpler, you could opt for infused water with fruit or herbs, or try a variety of teas, both herbal and matcha. For something a little more indulgent, you could try an alcohol-free cocktail or a mocktail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Tea, Fruit and herb-infused water, Coffee, Club soda with flavoured syrup, Spiced apple cider, Soda water and herbs, Water with fruity ice cubes, Non-alcoholic beer, Kombucha, Malta, Sparkling water, Fruit juice and lime, Non-alcoholic wine, Coconut water, Alcohol-free spirits, Drinking vinegars, Mocktails |
| Activities | Meditation, Breathing exercises, Light exercise, Socialising, Dancing, Listening to music, Cooking |
Try non-alcoholic beer
If you're looking for a beer-drinking experience without the alcohol, non-alcoholic beer is a great option. It's not just a watered-down version of the real thing; when carefully crafted, non-alcoholic beer can have all the rich, full-bodied flavours and mouthfeel of regular beer.
Non-alcoholic beer also has some impressive health benefits. It's a good source of essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, including B vitamins, calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium, and iron. Here are some of the specific benefits of drinking non-alcoholic beer:
Hydration
Non-alcoholic beer is an excellent drink to support hydration. In fact, it may be even better at hydrating the body than water. Studies have shown that drinking non-alcoholic beer before exercise can maintain hydration better than water, making it a great option for athletes.
Bone Density
Non-alcoholic beer contains high amounts of silicon, which is essential for boosting collagen production in the body. This, in turn, leads to healthier bones, blood vessels, hair, skin, and nails. Drinking non-alcoholic beer may, therefore, play a role in preventing osteoporosis.
Sleep
While alcohol can negatively impact sleep, non-alcoholic beer can have the opposite effect. Studies have shown that moderate consumption of non-alcoholic beer before bed can improve sleep quality by helping you fall into a deep and restful slumber.
Stress Relief
Sipping on a non-alcoholic beer can help reduce stress and anxiety. Research has shown that drinking non-alcoholic beer for two weeks can help lower stress levels. So, if you're feeling a bit frazzled, a non-alcoholic brew might be just what you need to unwind.
Cardiovascular Health
Non-alcoholic beer is also beneficial for your heart health. It can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering the risk of atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries.
Post-Exercise Recovery
The sodium, fluids, and carbohydrates in non-alcoholic beer make it an excellent drink for post-exercise recovery. It can help your body replenish lost fluids and refuel your muscles after a strenuous workout.
Breast Milk Production
For breastfeeding mothers, non-alcoholic beer may have the added benefit of stimulating breast milk production. The barley in beer contains a polysaccharide that boosts milk flow, and the beer may also increase antioxidants in breast milk.
Copper Metabolism
Another benefit of non-alcoholic beer is improved copper metabolism. Copper deficiency can lead to joint pain, anaemia, and weak bones, so the presence of copper in non-alcoholic beer can help reduce these risks.
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Drink tea
Drinking tea is a great alternative to drinking beer. Tea is a nutritious beverage that can improve your health and wellbeing, and it can be a ritual, a social or cultural event, or even a spiritual practice. Here are some reasons why you should consider drinking tea instead of beer:
Health Benefits
Tea is a healthier alternative to beer as it helps you avoid liver disease. Alcohol is a diuretic, whereas tea can keep you hydrated. Caffeine-free teas can also calm you down and help you rest well, improving your sleep quality.
Cost-Effective
Drinking tea will also save you money. Tea is generally less expensive than beer, so you'll save money by choosing tea over beer.
Variety of Options
There are numerous varieties of tea to choose from, allowing you to select the perfect one to match your meal or mood. Whether you prefer herbal, green, or black tea, there is a flavour for everyone.
Ritual and Relaxation
Tea can become a ritual, helping you unwind at the end of the day, just like a beer. The process of making tea can be deeply soothing, and it can be paired with different foods, just like beer.
Socialising
Tea is a great alternative to beer when socialising. At gatherings, tea can be a perfect substitute for a cocktail or beer, and it can easily be spruced up into an aesthetic mocktail.
So, if you're looking for a delicious and refreshing beverage to replace beer, consider tea! It offers a variety of flavours, health benefits, and can become a relaxing ritual.
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Take up meditation
If you're looking for an alternative to drinking beer, you might want to consider taking up meditation.
Meditation is a powerful tool that can help you build a gap between a stimulus and a response. In other words, it gives you the time and space to make a conscious decision rather than reacting instantly to a trigger. For example, if you're trying to cut down on drinking, meditation can help you pause and reflect before reaching for a beer.
Here's a beginner's guide to meditation:
Observing Your Thoughts
The goal of meditation is not to clear your mind of all thoughts but to observe them without judgement. Think of your thoughts as balloons floating in the sky. Notice each thought as it enters your mind, and then let it go, rather than getting caught up in it. It's normal for new thoughts to keep popping up; simply acknowledge them and let them drift away. With practice, you may find that you become less attached to your thoughts and experience longer periods of calm and clarity.
Anchors
If you find it challenging to stay focused, you can use an anchor to help you stay present. An anchor is something you can focus your attention on when you notice your mind wandering. This could be your breath, a mantra, music, or even a body scan meditation, where you scan your body and notice physical sensations without judgement. Experiment with different types of meditation and find what works best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; the right style will depend on your preferences and personality.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any new skill, meditation takes practice. As you repeat the process of observing and letting go of thoughts, you'll build new neural pathways in your brain. This will make it easier to slow down, step back, and observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them. Ultimately, meditation will help you respond to life's challenges instead of simply reacting to them.
In addition to meditation, there are other alternatives to drinking beer, such as exercise, non-alcoholic drinks, and social activities that don't revolve around alcohol. However, if you're specifically looking for a mindful practice to replace drinking, meditation is an excellent option to consider. It can provide you with a sense of calm, improve your focus, and enhance your overall well-being.
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Exercise
Go for a Walk or a Jog
Walking or jogging are simple and accessible forms of exercise that can help you clear your mind and get some fresh air. You can explore your neighbourhood, discover new places, and maybe even make some new friends at a local walking or running club.
Try a High-Intensity Workout Class
If you're looking for a more intense form of exercise, consider taking a high-intensity workout class, such as a spin class, HIIT class, or boot camp. These classes can help you release stress and tension while also improving your cardiovascular health and strength.
Dance
Dancing is a fun and joyful way to get some exercise. You can put on your favourite music and dance around your room by yourself, or join a dance class to learn some new moves and meet new people. Dancing releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical that can boost your mood and make you feel happy.
Go for a Bike Ride
Biking is another great option for cardio exercise that can be both fun and functional. You can explore your city or local trails, get some fresh air, and improve your fitness level. If you're looking for a social activity, you can join a cycling group or invite a friend to ride with you.
Try Yoga or Stretching
Yoga and stretching are excellent ways to move your body, improve flexibility, and calm your mind. There are many different styles of yoga to explore, from gentle and restorative practices to more intense and challenging flows. You can find online yoga classes or look for a local studio to get started.
Incorporating exercise into your routine can be a healthy and rewarding alternative to drinking beer. It can improve your physical and mental well-being, and provide you with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Remember to consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have any health concerns or injuries.
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Try mocktails
Mocktails are a great way to enjoy a drink without the alcohol. They can be just as exciting and refreshing as cocktails and are perfect for those who don't want to consume alcohol but still want to join in the fun. Mocktails can be made with a variety of ingredients such as juices, sodas, syrups, and even eggs! Here are some delicious mocktail recipes to try:
Virgin Mojito
A refreshing mocktail with the familiar flavours of a mojito without the rum. This drink is quick and simple to make, with fresh lime juice, mint leaves, honey syrup, and club soda. It's perfect for summer barbecues and can be easily made into a pitcher for a group.
Non-Alcoholic Piña Colada
This mocktail is a tropical treat, made with just three ingredients: pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and ice. Simply blend everything together for a fabulous virgin Piña Colada that's even better than the store-bought mixes.
Cinderella
The Cinderella is a sweet and fruity mocktail with a unique flavour. It combines equal parts of lemon, orange, and pineapple juices with grenadine for sweetness, and is topped with ginger ale for a little sparkle.
Dark 'n Stormy Mocktail
A cool and crisp mocktail that's not too sweet. This drink maintains the iconic layers and classic rum flavour of the original Dark 'n Stormy, thanks to a rich simple syrup.
Lemon Lavender Mocktail
This mocktail is floral with a bright citrus twist. With just four ingredients, it's a simple yet tasty drink to whip up.
Coconut, Cucumber, Lime, and Mint Cooler
A refreshing mocktail that's perfect for a hot day. This drink combines coconut water, thinly sliced cucumbers, lime juice, sugar, and mint leaves. Chill for 1-2 hours before serving to let the flavours meld together.
Zero Proof Margarita
A trio of citrus juices gives this mocktail a bright, lively taste that rivals the original margarita. It's an excellent choice for hot summer days, but it can also be enjoyed all year round.
Apple Pie Moscow Mule
This mocktail puts a tasty twist on the classic Moscow Mule by adding apple and ginger beer. It's a great way to enjoy the familiar flavours of a Moscow Mule without the alcohol.
Raspberry Mint Limeade Mocktail
This mocktail is a low-sugar, refreshing drink. With soda water as the main ingredient, it's a light and bubbly treat.
Spicy Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca
A unique mocktail with a kick! This drink combines cold water, watermelon, sugar, lime juice, mint leaves, and jalapeño for a spicy and sweet treat. Puree the ingredients until smooth, then strain and chill before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many fun social activities you can do with friends that don't involve drinking. You could organise a games night, go for a walk, run or bike ride, attend an art or language class, or try a new restaurant or bar that serves non-alcoholic drinks.
There are many non-alcoholic drinks that can be a great alternative to beer. You could try non-alcoholic beer, kombucha, ginger beer or ale, mocktails, matcha tea, sparkling water with fruit, coconut water, adaptogen blends, alcohol-free spirits, drinking vinegars, or fruit-infused water.
There are many relaxing activities that can be a great alternative to drinking beer. You could try meditation, breathing exercises, light exercise, reading, writing or drawing, listening to music, taking a bath, or cooking a meal from scratch.
