dancing cloud Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 (edited) Now I'm on medication with which drinking alcohol is not recommended, what pleasant non-alcoholic alternatives have people found? I've tried lemonade and cola, and found myself sliding back to the sauvignon blanc very quickly . Tea doesn't cut it either. I could do with finding an interesting drink to fill a glass while dinner cooks, so I don't just reach for the wine bottle. Many thanks in advance Edited April 27, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 I like an elderflower cordial - either made with still or sparkling water. Its not that sweet, and tastes quite 'grown up'! If you do succumb to a glass of wine, then I often make a spritzer, which lasts longer and is less alcoholic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 Now, don't look at me funny, but have you tried slimming world Pimms? its a double measure of balsamic vinegar ( yes - really ) a good slug of lemonade and ice. it tastes just like Pimms, but is totally alcohol and syn free there is another one too - can't remember it for a bit, but ill try and find out. Cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted March 30, 2016 Share Posted March 30, 2016 I don't drink but love my cups of tea and water ( boring I know ) but I do really like Apple and Raspberry J20. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted March 31, 2016 Author Share Posted March 31, 2016 You know, I'd forgotten my home-grown elderflower cordial . I know there's at least one bottle still in the freezer - time to dig it out and enjoy the taste of summer (if not the temperature!). I do like water and fruit juice, but they don't really feel special enough. A bit like lemonade and cola, I'd drink them and then reach for the wine. No self control. Got to try that Pimms recipe! Off to the shops at lunchtime to get some balsamic vinegar. It does sound a little , but I looked it up and everyone likes it . People seem to add their own twists - more or less balsamic, cucumber, mint, various fruits, grenadine - and it looks like I should give the basic recipe a go and then see how it evolves. A whole world of discovery while dinner cooks ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted March 31, 2016 Share Posted March 31, 2016 The Pimms does work! I have a Strawberry, apricot and blood orange balsamic vinegar which is gorgeous in sparkling water. It got me through a no alcohol stint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted March 31, 2016 Share Posted March 31, 2016 I have a Strawberry, apricot and blood orange balsamic vinegar which is gorgeous in sparkling water. unfair!!!!! you can't put that in a post and not explain where you got it from. Cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted March 31, 2016 Author Share Posted March 31, 2016 Ditto - we NEED to know! You can't just tease us with something that sounds so gorgeous . Been out and acquired balsamic vinegar, lime juice and grenadine. Already have lemonade and can try with cola or the elderflower cordial if I feel very adventurous - may be a whole new taste sensation or may be . I will report back after I've tried some of the variants. I may be gone some time ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted March 31, 2016 Share Posted March 31, 2016 (edited) Ditto - we NEED to know! You can't just tease us with something that sounds so gorgeous . Okay I will declare that I am a Consultant with this company so if this isn't allowed please delete, but these fruity vinegars are amazing to pep up sparkling water. The strawberry, apricot and blood orange is my favourite, there is also blood orange, mango and guava. Edited May 16, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted March 31, 2016 Share Posted March 31, 2016 Ooooh. I have some if their stuff. I joined when it was the £10 deal I now need more stuff. Cathy X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted March 31, 2016 Share Posted March 31, 2016 Still £10 deal and anniversary offers ending tonight so get your order in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted April 1, 2016 Author Share Posted April 1, 2016 Well, I tried a basic mix of a dessert spoon of balsamic, a dash of grenadine and a splash of lime in a large tumbler of sugar-free lemonade and it was LOVELY . I will work on refining the proportions - a bit more balsamic and lime, and a bit less grenadine - but I was well impressed I let my dad try it, without telling him what was in it, and he thought it was really nice too (I snatched it back off him!) and was very surprised to discover he was drinking vinegar . We could have a hit on our hands. Whilst one has to wonder at the sanity of the first person who tried using balsamic in a drink, I'm very glad they did and very grateful to Omleteers for recommending it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted April 10, 2016 Share Posted April 10, 2016 Sounds good Look up mocktail recipes, there are some lovely ones out there, I like the ones based on lime and ginger because they are different from most soft drinks. ( the first time I wrote this it came out as lime and finger, so no knife slip ups when slicing your limes please ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted April 27, 2016 Author Share Posted April 27, 2016 Quick update and all's going well with the alternatives . I took delivery of the flavoured balsamics that kinsk put me on to and they are a real wow. With sparkling water or with diet lemonade, you could almost persuade yourself they were a cocktail - very grown up Also refined the standard balsamic mix to my taste and have started adding tropical fruit juices as well. Add an umbrella and bit of fruit and sunshine and it would be like being on holiday with a fruit punch - well almost! As I was still slipping gently towards the wine , I took the view that I would drink up what I had and not buy any more. If I really want wine, I will buy one bottle at the weekend and no more. Thank you everyone for your great suggestions - yet again proving Omleteers have answers to everything ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted July 1, 2016 Share Posted July 1, 2016 Just read out the first alternative to Pimms to hubby - he said "really?" and I howled with laughter and said you added "yes really". So he wants to have a go. Now if anyone can come up with a good rum equivalent then I'd be really happy - can be designated driver without grumping about it! Treacle and coke? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 I took delivery of the flavoured balsamics that kinsk put me on to and they are a real wow. With sparkling water or with diet lemonade, you could almost persuade yourself they were a cocktail - very grown up So glad you like them. I'm sat here with the strawberry, apricot and blood orange one right now! Well done on staying off the wine, nothing wrong with a weekend treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...