So what'ya drink instead?

[MissJoanne]

I tried an AF 'cider' last month at my BBQ- and promised to report on it.
I've finally managed to get a pic.

Personally, I didn't like the 'cider' at all. It tasted like pear drops and was overly sickly sweet. I'd definitely rather just drink a lemonade or apple juice.

The AF 'Bavaria' beer I tried was lovely. Only cheap at about £1.99 for 6 cans. I've still got 3 left.
It works really well as a refreshing AF shandy.

[Rachel]

I might, (but probably won't because I am lazy) try this!

http://food52.com/recipes/22819-louisa-shafia-s-watermelon-mint-and-cider-vinegar-tonic
If anyone wants to make it for me, I will defintiely try it!

[Naughty little newt]

As it's still early days and therefore I'm drinking all the time (it seems) I'm doing pints of fizzy water with a squirt of jiff lemon.

[smudge]

I love elderflower cordial and water. And I've recently bought some pomegranate and elderflower cordial which is lovely as well.

[Maddie]

I'm having a bbq this afternoon, which usually triggers me to want to have a drink. I never thought I do this, but I've bought some alcohol free Koperberg, which is really really nice. I've also got some alcohol free wine as well to try. Well it makes a change from the usual lemonade or flavoured water anyway.

[CarolP]

Ginger beer with a squidge of lime cordial - my favourite and the moment

[PB]

Find of the century. AF beer that actually tastes nice. Highly recommend it

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[MT Glass]

Tried Becks blue was not keen,however top tip add ice in the glass and its really nice

[Maddie]

I tried some alcohol free wine over the weekend, and it was really very pleasant. I've always been a bit dubious about drinking the alcohol substitutes in case it had the opposite effect and made me go and buy a bottle of wine. This hasn't happened on the couple of occasions when I had the alcohol free wine and cider, so that's good.

I've just been prescribed anti-depressants again this morning, and clearly on the label it says DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL. And apparently I'm going to have to take them for at least 2 years before they'll even consider taking me off them. On a positive note however, this means the Friday and Saturday night drinking I'm tackling at present should be made easier in the knowledge that if I drink it's going to mess my tablets up. So here's to a sober 2 years ahead!

I might look up some mocktail recipes to try, or explore the other alcohol free alternatives.

[Sheila]

Here's to the next two years then Sally It does sort of take away the should I shouldn't I debate!

I've never seen AF cider, I'd like to try it, and I've never yet found an AF wine that didn't taste of vinegar One of my favourite summer drinks is AF lager with lemonade, it makes a lovely shandy. I usually opt for lime and soda too with lots of ice and slices of fresh limes
Mostly though I luv me cuppa

[Maddie]

Here's to the next two years then Sally It does sort of take away the should I shouldn't I debate!

I've never seen AF cider, I'd like to try it, and I've never yet found an AF wine that didn't taste of vinegar One of my favourite summer drinks is AF lager with lemonade, it makes a lovely shandy. I usually opt for lime and soda too with lots of ice and slices of fresh limes
Mostly though I luv me cuppa

Thanks Sheila, it certainly does take that debate away. I've been hiding my depression from everyone of late, although it seems that several of my friends had noticed a marked change in my behaviour. It shouldn't really cause a problem for me not drinking as most of my friends are used to me not always drinking anyway when we go out, and even if they do comment I'll just say I'm on medication end of story.

I've bought AF Kopparberg, and it's really nice. I got it when I had a BBQ last weekend to try, and it didn't trigger any feeling to go and buy the real thing, so will definitely get it again. You do have to watch some of these things though, as some of them are classed as alcohol free and others are low alcohol, so it's just a case of checking the label really.

[Sheila]

I always check that what I buy is 0% and then there's no doubt

Bavaria is the one I have in the fridge for bbqs and sometimes I push a wedge of lime in the neck of the bottle for a change as it adds another flavour.
I remember my first AF Xmas, I was getting a bit panicky about not drinking, so I looked on line at the Alcohol Free Shop and got some cans of AF Bacardi and coke Disgusting The AF Bucks Fizz was good though!

AF lager/beer doesn't have the effect of making me want the real thing cos I was never a beer drinker. always hated the taste ..... Yuck!

[Maddie]

I remember my first AF Xmas, I was getting a bit panicky about not drinking, so I looked on line at the Alcohol Free Shop and got some cans of AF Bacardi and coke Disgusting The AF Bucks Fizz was good though!

AF lager/beer doesn't have the effect of making me want the real thing cos I was never a beer drinker. always hated the taste ..... Yuck!

Haha that made me laugh Sheila.

[Sandy]

Don't know I this would be any good or willbers anon and alkaline
Have a rummage guys!

[Jaxom]

I did not understand that at all Sandy! My problem.

Years ago I read about using sugar substitutes and this doctor said forget them. Wean yourself off of the sweet tooth. I did, I had to. Same with AF versions. For me it feeds the addiction monster. Plus they give me wind/gas. But horses for courses as always and whatever works.

Ginger beer, ginger beer, ginger beer, ginger beer la la!

[Sandy]

Sorry Dave
I was just bumping this thread for Willbers Anon and alkaline B who were having a discussion elsewhere on what to drink instead of booze!

[Finley]

Ice cold lime and soda with lots of ice is good - especially in the warm weather

[Jake.]

Red Bull sugar free

Orange juice and lemonade

Schloer/Appletiser

Tonic water with ice

[smudge]

Clipper have added a new tea to their sleepy tea range - and unlike the others I've tasted it is actually quite nice from the start - no need to acquire a taste for it :

http://www.clipperteashop.com/products/clipper-snore-peace-20-bag

And this tea is supposed to help people de-stress :

http://www.pukkaherbs.com/three-tulsi.html

I just stick the tulsi tea in boiling water and leave the tea bag in the mug. It isn't like ordinary tea - it doesn't get stewed or too strong.

[Maddie]

Thanks for posting this smudge. I think I shall be on the look out for both of these. I'm not sleeping great, and I struggle managing my stress levels, so I will be interested to see if these will help.