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Sober October: the perks of a post-summer reset
By Tempus | 4 October 2023 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle
After a few hazy months filled with rose days, after-work summer spritz, seaside escapes and sundowners, Sober October comes at the perfect time
Sober October is a 31-day challenge to spend the month entirely alcohol-free, in a bid to raise money for charity Macmillan Cancer Support and reevaluate relationships with alcohol ahead of the festive fray. At a basic level, the physical benefits of going ABV-free could include clearer skin, more energy, and better sleep. However it’s possibly the reported social and psychological impact that holds the most appeal.
From a lack of morning-after “hangxiety”, to an increased sense of achievement throughout the month, participants often report boosted confidence and heightened self-esteem. Skipping the shots for a few short weeks are also thought to make social interactions more meaningful, as you spend time with loved ones for the social, rather than the alcohol, high.
So, with a new generation of low or no ABV drinks on the market suited to the modern reveller, which do we recommend to see you through the month? Read on for our favourite alcohol-free tipples…
Plus & Minus
One of Australia’s most dynamic modern wineries, Plus & Minus has developed a new range of wines for the modern, mindful drinker. Crafted by hand, their wines feature the addition of grape skin extract (GSE) during the winemaking process, rich in naturally occurring antioxidants and a big ‘plus’ for mindful drinkers.
Created in Australia using high-quality grapes from premium, dry-grown South Australian vineyards, the wines are vibrant and full-flavoured. We particularly love the sparkling blanc de blancs and sparkling rose blanc de noirs. Bubbly and fresh, these unexpected wines give all the celebratory Friday feels without the fuzzy head.
Brulo
Founded in Edinburgh, this home-grown beer brand focuses on flavour and fun branding, offering beers from a traditional lager in the popular Highway to Hell, to the 5 Fruit Gose, a tropical sour packed with mango, passionfruit, guava, apricot and orange peel.
From the varied selection, the dry hopped stout is a unique standout. More-ish and deep, classic chocolate and coffee notes are overlain with unexpected pine and citrus flavours. Where many alcohol-free fall down on mouthfeel – struggling to replicate the weight that ABV brings – Brulo delivers, resulting in a more-ish, deep stout, and thoroughly enjoyable drinking experience.
Pentire
For those seeking a gin alternative without the alcohol, Pentire provides a near-perfect match. The range of coastal-inspired spirits are developed and made on Cornwall’s rugged shores, with a range of unique plants native to the area. The two core spirits – herbaceous Adrift and crisp and zesty Seaward – are delicious served with tonic, ice and a slice, and also come pre-prepared in cans for those on the go.
Alternatively, for tequila lovers, the Pentire Margarita offers zesty lime, agave and chilli notes, alongside Pentire’s coastal botanicals, for a fresh and drinkable riff on the classic.