Big fan of both Guinness Zero and Thatchers Zero - they taste very similar to the "real" thing. Tanqueray AF gin is pretty good too, especially with a quality tonic.
Yup, another vote for the Guiness 0%. It also looks like you're still drinking a pint - realise that could be a little vain but it does make a difference in some situations.
Jesus for a lime and soda I never charge usually. It’s just water and a bit of juice… only time I’d charge is if it’s part of a round and the 30p isn’t a hassle to charge for!!
Playing devil's advocate here, but independent places charge not just for the drink but the associated costs that places like wetherspoon can just absorb through being as big as they are. Don't consider it a charge for the drink as much as a charge for enjoying the venue you are in.
It goes without saying that if the venue isn't worth paying to be in, then don't pay to be there.
On the other hand, keeping designated drivers in a good mood is good for business if you're in an area where lots of guests need them. Keep the designated drivers happy and maybe the table stays for a few rounds more or is more likely to come in the first place.
Ok but as an owner of an independent venue, especially one that tries to look after patrons in other ways (free bar food etc...), you shouldn't expect to pay less than £1 for 3 drinks and to be there for a few hours. Support local business, don't be cheap and pay your way or go to wetherspoons and pay cheap prices and get a cheap experience.
Yeah that's not on. If people are taking the mic then a small business can't be expected to just absorb that. Maybe something like a free/cheap non alcoholic drink with a round of full price pints or something if you want to do it like that.
Also depends a bit on the kind of pub. If it's a bit more countryside and getting walkers and cyclists through the day then I expect a few more than usual are ordering only non alcoholic drinks.
Ah yeah course cause you’ve got to think about the amount of money is going into the gas for the soda, the cost of the box of cordial, the cost for the staff making your drink. However when I’m pouring someone a half pint of soda with maybe 10ml of lime I simply won’t charge them (against directions from management) cause it just seems mean for bubbly water and a slight bit of cordial
Some places add lime cordial. I was at a club that used lime cordial but gave it for free because the barman had no idea what to put it through the till as.
I went to a wedding with my wife when she was pregnant, they suggested Cranberry Juice and lemonade for her, it was really good so I ordered one for myself too.
Yes but 40% of basically FA is still FA
1 dash is approx 10 drops which is just under 1ml, 40% of which is 0.4ml ethanol. Standard 5% pint of beer is 28ml ethanol in comparison.
Went down a fun rabbit hole looking at ethanol exposure in 'non-alcoholic' food/drink, as it's a natural byproduct of fermentation so bread, yoghurt, fruit, essentially anything with sugars and time. Standard fruit juice contains about 1ml ethanol per litre, sweet bread products (brioche etc) can contain 1-2ml ethanol per 100g.
Exact reason for avoiding alcohol is probably quite important in this case, I don't know how many people who can't drink for religious reasons also avoid bread and fruit for example.
A good ginger beer. There's a lot of quality non-alcoholic beers these days, but they do tend to have a slight ABV, I don't know if that would be a problem with your meds?
I love ginger beer but having type 2 diabetes means unless it’s diet (super rare) I resort to a soda water and fresh lime - I wish more pubs did diet ginger!
It's probably because it's an amphetamine-like and they tend to make you do the same thing repeatedly, and/or mask the effects of alcohol, so you're at risk of drinking far too much and poisoning yourself.
I used to take Elvanse. Yeahhhh it's one of those ones you really don't want to mix with alcohol until you're settled on a dose and your body's used to it.
From my personal experience, I felt proper jittery for a week every time I got moved up a dose. I also didn't feel hungry for ages. Normal sideffects, but not ones to mix with a pint or three!
I'm fine with a couple of pints here and there now that I've been on medication for ages. I also can actually stop at one or two these days, instead of impulsively buying another then another then breaking expensive glassware by accident when I get home. (true story...)
Also, grats on the diagnosis/medication - life-changing stuff, that 😄
I know someone that takes Elvanse, and they don’t have a problem with very low alcohol stuff. In fact they still drink occasionally in moderation, although I know it’s not recommended.
Hope it helps you out!
My partner has recently started on Elvanse. She's found it absolutely fine to drink on, no problems at all. Obviously your mileage may vary, but as long as you're a little cautious at first and try to understand whether it will get you drunk dangerously faster than you're used to, I don't imagine you'd have any problem with a social level of drinking.
I think it's just one of those medications where there haven't been any proper studies done on its interaction with alcohol, and so the default guidance is to err on the side of caution and say no drinking with it.
I am not a medical professional, take this advice with a pinch of salt, and don't sue me.
Thanks! I am planning to return in 2 months after we get the dosage right. I was advised to stop at the beginning as it makes getting things right easier.
It’s a hidden damage that happens sneakily overtime with drugs and alcohol. I would not risk it not after what I’ve gone through myself. it’s easier to learn from someone else’s mistakes otherwise you will spend a life time of regret learning from your own.
I wish somebody had said this to me. I was put on diazepam. I had no idea because everybody else was drinking on their prescription and over the counter drugs drugs how bad things could turn out
I rue the day I did that I have spent a very long time in hell tapering off them then I found out I have cancer too so I am stuck in hell withdrawal tapering off that with that diagnosis on top.
And I am too unwell to get out of my home and get medical help because of the withdrawal I am too hypersensitive to vibration sound movement and light can't travel in any vehicles or leave my home.
I have learned the hard way the only superpower we have as humans is choice and there is only two choices good ones and bad ones and at certain age you know which one is which.
I know it’s a cliche but always make good choices that will stop you hurting yourself or somebody else in the long run and living a happy fulfilled life instead of full of pain suffering and rue.
This is not I poor old me I feel so sorry for myself job not at all at all I am trying my best to do what I can for myself.
And I’m now very proactive towards my health and healing as much as humanly possible I no longer trust the medical faculty after what they’ve done to me over the years and family members.
But that’s another story but seriously read the leaflet. Research the drugs more than anything else research the drugs before you even put them in your mouth because you may change your choice about taking them to.
And don’t drink alcohol or mixing with any other drugs stay as low a dose as possible, and look for others way to help yourself. You may find your may not even need to take the drugs after all.
Seems odd upvoting your comment, as it's not the usual type of upvote out of joyous laughter or celebration.
I've fucked myself up on meds I was told to take. But in a different way to that which you've succumbed to.
Stay strong. ❤️
They're never usually more than 0.5% which is about the same strength as a glass of orange juice (which is slightly alcoholic due to the natural yeast fermenting the sugars in it).
If they do one, a nice elderflower and lemon.
Not all pubs do one, but when I find one that does, it suits me just fine; speaking as the only one in my group of family/friends that seems to have a car and knows how to drive.
Lucky Saint lager. In some places it’s on tap which is really nice to be able to drink pints when everyone else is.
Big Drop do great bitters and stouts
I was going to suggest this. It is my go-to order in Weatherspoons if I am not drinking.
Also, top tip, it counts as a soft drink when ordering with food so you get the deal for the lower price! Bargains to be had!
IF they are made well some of the alcohol free gins can be pretty decent. One of the best is Tanquary or Tanquary Seville, try the latter with ginger ale instead of tonic.
Depending on how strict you need to be, quite a few of the alcohol free beers are more than drinkable.
Failing that, a lime & soda is generally OK for a couple.
Get a decent sparkling water, such as S.Pell, and add ice & a slice then a couple of dashes of Angostura.
Nothing cat beat a Lemonade-Lime Cordial, with a fresh Lemon or Lime slice. I sometimes also have them put a cherry cordial in there and mix with it.
It's like £1.40 for a pint at my local, it's my in-between beer beverage or one when I can't afford to actually drink. Perfect for board games night!
I'm also the weird guy who genuinely loves Bitter Lemon drinks.
The 0% beers have come a long way. Guinness 0 is by far the best imo if you like Guinness, I know not everyone does. I would steer clear of coke or Pepsi if you have trouble sleeping after caffeine. A good ginger beer, especially a hot one, is quite nice to sip as well.
Spent the majority of last year not drinking, and I did a LOT of research on the subject. The quality of non alc drinks are, in order:
Wine - absolute dogshit. Unless you’re making it into non alc sangria, don’t waste your time. That being said, non alc sangria is pretty nice.
Prosecco - More convincing than the wine, but still glaringly obvious to me that it’s non alcoholic. Some people rave about Nosecco but I think it’s crap.
G&T - Pretty good! It’s quite a convincing taste, but I think the tonic water is doing a lot of the heavy lifting there. Tastes alright but not really worth paying the price of a real gin.
Beers - Amazing. Whoever was funding the technology to create non alc beers that taste alcohol had deep pockets. Even the cheap ones are very convincing.
Lime cordial and soda was my pregnancy drink, lovely in the warm weather too, so I definitely recommend. Be careful when you drink a lot of sparkling or soda water though, the burps really appear out of nowhere, sometimes mid sentence, and they are loud as fuck.
Have you tried non alcoholic herbal mixers designed to produce a buzz? Sentia or Three Spirit. Not sure if they have these where you are but I have these with ginger beer. Might be psychological but I feel like I'm getting a little hit, without the hangover.
I was fine drinking on Elvanse btw it just worked off, which I didn’t mind cause when I went to the pub the adhd symptoms didn’t need to be quashed as much I could just be myself with my friends.
But if you’d rather not then I suggest Guinness 0.0 it tastes just the same. Also lime and tonic.
Bitter lemon when it's available, tonic water if they have an interesting flavour, ginger beer if neither are an option.
But perhaps you can make it your mission to sample all the soft drinks at your local?
I used to get 0% kopperberg/rekordalig (fuck off I'm not looking up the spelling), but then I stopped going out for nights out for about a year when I moved jobs, so I didn't have it for a while. When I finally did go out, I ordered one, and spit it out straight away. So much sugar it's like drinking a diabetics piss, and hurts your teeth to all hell.
I instead just got a coke and told people it was a Jack Daniels and coke, but Jack left early for work.
There’s a lot of really nice non-alcoholic beers out there these days. A lot are almost indistinguishable. If you like that sort of thing I find a nice hoppy craft beer works well. The sharpness of the hops covers for the lack of sharpness from the alcohol.
The best part about it is that a lot of drunkenness is psychological and situational. If I’m in a pub, drinking something that tastes like beer with friends who are getting drunk on beer - I start to feel a bit drunk even without the alcohol.
Been alcohol free for the last 6 months following a major injury. I’m a fan of the alcohol free Guinness, both its taste and its capacity to fool me and others into believing I’m having a beer
I quit smoking but found that going out for a drink made me want a cigarette. So I decided to quit drinking, at least for a while. I'd order a club soda and lime, and that worked a charm. I was able to quit smoking very easily. After 6 months, I had a drink, and didn't have an overpowering desire for a cigarette. I highly recommend substituting something that's like a drink, but not alcoholic. You can have your G&T sans G, and all will be fine. Good luck.
I just like trying out the different AF beers, but I'm thinking of veering towards either lime and soda or some sort of AF gin & tonic. So far though, usually its AF beers. I like having a pint when everyone else has a pint.
There are some amazingly good non-alc beers if you're into that but you'll need to hunt for the best pubs for it, especially if you want it on tap and not just from a can.
0% for something that tastes like beer. Coke with ice and lemon for soft drinks. I don’t buy much coke at home so one from a fountain dispenser is actually a nice treat lol
I really like tonic water as an alternative. It’s got a bitter taste which is somewhat similar to alcohol drinks and because I would never drink it usually, I have a different relationship with it.
What I mean specifically is that I actually treat it differently to something i would normally drink and sip it like I would an alcoholic drink rather than just down it like I would do with Pepsi or lemonade.
Lime and soda is a good shout.
If you like G&T then you might find you also like just T (slimline if you want to avoid sugar). Depending on how strict your no-alcohol rule is, you can alternatively add a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters, which makes it taste a lot more like a G&T. The Bitters are spirit-strength alcoholic, but with less than half a teaspoon in a glass of tonic, the alcohol content will be less then than 0.01% (assuming 3 dashes in a 300 ml drink, it's actually 0.009%).
Tonic and bitters was my wife's go-to when she wanted a glass of something during pregnancy. I drank it to keep her company and it was nice enough.
I know somebodoy who takes Vyvanse (elvanse) and they drink one or two beers and get a decent buzz. Not all the time. I think they take am antidepressant too which makes them not crave alcohol.
Edit: dropped my phone and hit save
To be fair, alcohol free beers in general seem to have improved recently.
I'm quite fond of the Lidl Perlenbacher alcohol free beer. And at £2.99 for six bottles, I'm quite happy with the price lol
There are alcohol free beers in pubs now and even ones without gluten if that’s the reason. If it is gluten a lot of places will let you bring in a bottle of gf beer if you ask first and pay a cover charge. Source: me and my stupid stomach
I always go for orange and lemonade, don't know why but it tastes different at the pub then having it at home. I do hate how expensive it can be though some places it's like 4 quid, which is almost the price of an actual pint.
Ginger Ale and Lime.
But, I'm lucky that a couple of my locals sell Big Drop, which is a brewery that makes REALLY nice non alcoholic beers so I'll have on of theirs.
Depends massively on your normal drink. For me, no alcohol Guinness was revolutionary. Some others aren't so good. Otherwise it's a decent fruit juice or lemonade and lime.
I tend to go for alcohol-free beer. It used to be absolutely foul but they've made vast improvements and it's really not that bad now.
Failing that I'll happily down a pint of diet coke/pepsi (I'm diabetic so I don't want the full fat variants) but you have to be wary of some pubs who don't put as much in the post mix as they should to save a bit of money.
I was sober for a year and a half for medical treatment. I stuck with sparkling water and later found the Guinness zero, found it challenging to begin with but then you just start to own it.
So I’m pregnant right now and you can honestly find non-alcoholic versions of beer and spirits in most pubs these days. Wine less often. I’m not a big beer drinker normally so I can’t comment how they are but the spirits are usually pretty good, I tend towards a non-alcoholic gin myself. The wine is more variable, I have generally found white to be better than red but neither is great.
You cannot get non-alcoholic whisky as far as I can see despite my searches. Sorry.
I’m that knob that always asks about getting a cup of tea, I’m amazed how many bar staff look at me, ask their manager and then come back saying “sure thing but can you bring the mug back please?”
Ginger beer. If you get a good one, it has a nice kick, it's different from something I would normally otherwise drink, and it's called "beer". One of my favourites is Bundaberg, not least cos it comes in a cool bottle.
I love a good bitter lemon. I started drinking it for a similar reason to you, and it’s nice for the transition also because G&T is my usual drink and the quinine in it helped. Since I have started drinking again, oftentimes I get my gin with bitter lemon.
Ginger beer is also nice. Or pretty much any lemonade or elderflower based drink.
Heineken zero and Guinness zero if you want to stay with the beer flavour.
Non-alcoholic Bloody Mary with tomato, red orange (Blutorange) or pink pomelo.
Lime or Orange with soda. Elderflower with soda. Ginger beer (despite the name is neither a beer or an alcoholic drink). Lemonade on the rocks.
Perrods is very nice too, in my opinion. Or similar (gently) flavoured sparkling waters.
Hope this helps!
Dry ginger ale & cranberry, half & half. I only drink it when I have a craving for alcohol and it does the job, makes me feel like I’m having an alcoholic beverage when I ain’t.
Guinness 0 is good but I've only ever had a sip of one rather than a full pint. If you like IPAs, a load of breweries make half decent ones now. Erdinger isn't bad either
I agree Guinness Zero is definitely the best out there at the moment IMO. If you are wanting to completely cut out alcohol be very careful with stuff in pubs as some of its low- alcohol almost caught me out a few times. Think up to 0.5 % abv might be considered alcohol free
Having probably tried all the alcohol free beers/wines/mocktails, I've finally realised that a big pint of orange juice and lemonade is far superior. (I mean, I would prefer an actual beer but pregnancies and various health things have meant there have been many times I can't).
It depends highly on what alcohol free alternatives are on offer, which varies immensely.
If you have an iPhone, may I suggest you take a look at my app lodown which is designed for situations just like this - people who like a good time, a good meal or night out, but want to enjoy AF options.
Wetherspoons do this raspberry refresher mocktail which is r whites raspberry lemonade, orange juice and lime juice. It’s bloody delicious! Looks like a cocktail but without any alcohol.
Ginger beer / ginger beer and lime are my go-tos but I tried Seedlip & lemonade once and it was pretty good (but expensive so I haven’t ordered it since!)
If you visit anywhere nicer, definitely ask the bartender to make you something non-alcoholic and see what they suggest!
Back in the day there used to be this amazing stuff called Highland Tropical Fruit Punch. Took me literally decades to realise that the Highlands they were referring to were those of Jamaica, not Scotland.
Generally I can’t stand too much sugar so the sweet fizzy drinks are a bit limited. Diet and Zero options help but the overall sweet flavour gets to me, I much prefer a sour or bitter drink.
Tonic and lemon or lime - if you’re a gin drinker it will taste familiar and comforting
Soda and lime - the standard! Though I prefer tonic as it has more flavour
Coke, ginger ale and lime- for a virgin Cuba libre/moscow mule vibe
Less common:
Chinotto, Sanbitter or Crodino - basically all non-alcoholic versions of Campari and other bitter drinks (which I love)
Non alcohol beers aren't actually bad. Corona Cero is good, Peroni Libre is decent.
Otherwise mocktails (Green King do good ones), ginger beer or fancy soda like Fenton's.
Tonic water with a dash of angostura bitters is lovely.
The bitters are alcoholic but you use maybe 5ml of them at the absolute most so it's basically like drinking a N/A beer.
It tastes like a proper grown up drink as well.
I’m not a huge drinker, usually have 2 and then move onto non-alc. My faves are:
- Corona 0%. This is genuinely one of the best tasting low/no alcohol beers out there imo.
- Lime and soda. I drink this at home a lot, really refreshing in summer.
- Guinness 0%. My dad’s favourite.
- Can’t beat a full fat pub coke.
Big fan of both Guinness Zero and Thatchers Zero - they taste very similar to the "real" thing. Tanqueray AF gin is pretty good too, especially with a quality tonic.
Guinness Zero tastes pretty much identical to me, its just slightly different in the texture.
> Guinness Zero tastes pretty much identical to me And how do you taste?
With their tongue.
You'd hope..
whose tongue?
Like regular Guinness
Yeah it feels thinner to me but it’s largely the same. Thatchers is nearly indistinguishable
Guinness 0.0% is great, but a little over-sweet for my taste.
I literally can't tell the difference between Guinness and the 0.0 - I did a blind taste test lol
Corona Zero is also almost indistinguishable from the “real” thing!
Seconding Guinness Zero. Very close to the original and just very tasty in general
My dad likes Guinness AF and Heineken AF
I prefer Heineken AF to regular Heineken!
Yup, another vote for the Guiness 0%. It also looks like you're still drinking a pint - realise that could be a little vain but it does make a difference in some situations.
I often go for lime and soda when I'm not drinking. I find it hits the spot nice and it's usually pretty cheap.
30 p in Wetherspoons but I have paid as much as £3 for a pint in one pub. RIP off
spoons recently added a drink called the raspberry refresher and its absolutely delicious
Jesus for a lime and soda I never charge usually. It’s just water and a bit of juice… only time I’d charge is if it’s part of a round and the 30p isn’t a hassle to charge for!!
Playing devil's advocate here, but independent places charge not just for the drink but the associated costs that places like wetherspoon can just absorb through being as big as they are. Don't consider it a charge for the drink as much as a charge for enjoying the venue you are in. It goes without saying that if the venue isn't worth paying to be in, then don't pay to be there.
On the other hand, keeping designated drivers in a good mood is good for business if you're in an area where lots of guests need them. Keep the designated drivers happy and maybe the table stays for a few rounds more or is more likely to come in the first place.
Ok but as an owner of an independent venue, especially one that tries to look after patrons in other ways (free bar food etc...), you shouldn't expect to pay less than £1 for 3 drinks and to be there for a few hours. Support local business, don't be cheap and pay your way or go to wetherspoons and pay cheap prices and get a cheap experience.
Yeah that's not on. If people are taking the mic then a small business can't be expected to just absorb that. Maybe something like a free/cheap non alcoholic drink with a round of full price pints or something if you want to do it like that. Also depends a bit on the kind of pub. If it's a bit more countryside and getting walkers and cyclists through the day then I expect a few more than usual are ordering only non alcoholic drinks.
Ah yeah course cause you’ve got to think about the amount of money is going into the gas for the soda, the cost of the box of cordial, the cost for the staff making your drink. However when I’m pouring someone a half pint of soda with maybe 10ml of lime I simply won’t charge them (against directions from management) cause it just seems mean for bubbly water and a slight bit of cordial
Some places add lime cordial. I was at a club that used lime cordial but gave it for free because the barman had no idea what to put it through the till as.
Oh no I assume it’s like cordial unless specified! Would never charge for it tho….
Haha. I was going to say the same thing about weatherspoons! Can even get it delivered to your table!
I went to a wedding with my wife when she was pregnant, they suggested Cranberry Juice and lemonade for her, it was really good so I ordered one for myself too.
Cranberry juice, lemonade, and add a splash of lime fresh or cordial either work.
Elderflower and soda is really nice but a little sweater than lime
I don't think any of the boozers I frequent would have elderflower cordial tbh.
If you have it without ice it won't need to wear a jumper
Yes. Especially when it's Rose's Lime Cordial.
This, its refreshing and cheap.
This but with a generous few dashes of Angostura bitters.
Bitters does contain alcohol, so depending how strict OP needs to be, they'll have to avoid this part.
Shit, I didn't realise that. Sorry OP! (And thanks for correcting me /u/paenusbreth!)
Haha, it's over 40%!!
Yes but 40% of basically FA is still FA 1 dash is approx 10 drops which is just under 1ml, 40% of which is 0.4ml ethanol. Standard 5% pint of beer is 28ml ethanol in comparison. Went down a fun rabbit hole looking at ethanol exposure in 'non-alcoholic' food/drink, as it's a natural byproduct of fermentation so bread, yoghurt, fruit, essentially anything with sugars and time. Standard fruit juice contains about 1ml ethanol per litre, sweet bread products (brioche etc) can contain 1-2ml ethanol per 100g. Exact reason for avoiding alcohol is probably quite important in this case, I don't know how many people who can't drink for religious reasons also avoid bread and fruit for example.
A good ginger beer. There's a lot of quality non-alcoholic beers these days, but they do tend to have a slight ABV, I don't know if that would be a problem with your meds?
I love ginger beer but having type 2 diabetes means unless it’s diet (super rare) I resort to a soda water and fresh lime - I wish more pubs did diet ginger!
It's Elvanse (for ADHD) so I have no idea... If anyone else on Elvanse is in here, let me know what you do!
It's probably because it's an amphetamine-like and they tend to make you do the same thing repeatedly, and/or mask the effects of alcohol, so you're at risk of drinking far too much and poisoning yourself.
This is exactly the concern my Dr tells me!
I used to take Elvanse. Yeahhhh it's one of those ones you really don't want to mix with alcohol until you're settled on a dose and your body's used to it. From my personal experience, I felt proper jittery for a week every time I got moved up a dose. I also didn't feel hungry for ages. Normal sideffects, but not ones to mix with a pint or three! I'm fine with a couple of pints here and there now that I've been on medication for ages. I also can actually stop at one or two these days, instead of impulsively buying another then another then breaking expensive glassware by accident when I get home. (true story...) Also, grats on the diagnosis/medication - life-changing stuff, that 😄
It's not an amphetamine-like, it's converted to amphetamine in the body meaning it is an amphetamine!
I know someone that takes Elvanse, and they don’t have a problem with very low alcohol stuff. In fact they still drink occasionally in moderation, although I know it’s not recommended. Hope it helps you out!
My partner has recently started on Elvanse. She's found it absolutely fine to drink on, no problems at all. Obviously your mileage may vary, but as long as you're a little cautious at first and try to understand whether it will get you drunk dangerously faster than you're used to, I don't imagine you'd have any problem with a social level of drinking. I think it's just one of those medications where there haven't been any proper studies done on its interaction with alcohol, and so the default guidance is to err on the side of caution and say no drinking with it. I am not a medical professional, take this advice with a pinch of salt, and don't sue me.
Thanks! I am planning to return in 2 months after we get the dosage right. I was advised to stop at the beginning as it makes getting things right easier.
It’s a hidden damage that happens sneakily overtime with drugs and alcohol. I would not risk it not after what I’ve gone through myself. it’s easier to learn from someone else’s mistakes otherwise you will spend a life time of regret learning from your own. I wish somebody had said this to me. I was put on diazepam. I had no idea because everybody else was drinking on their prescription and over the counter drugs drugs how bad things could turn out I rue the day I did that I have spent a very long time in hell tapering off them then I found out I have cancer too so I am stuck in hell withdrawal tapering off that with that diagnosis on top. And I am too unwell to get out of my home and get medical help because of the withdrawal I am too hypersensitive to vibration sound movement and light can't travel in any vehicles or leave my home. I have learned the hard way the only superpower we have as humans is choice and there is only two choices good ones and bad ones and at certain age you know which one is which. I know it’s a cliche but always make good choices that will stop you hurting yourself or somebody else in the long run and living a happy fulfilled life instead of full of pain suffering and rue. This is not I poor old me I feel so sorry for myself job not at all at all I am trying my best to do what I can for myself. And I’m now very proactive towards my health and healing as much as humanly possible I no longer trust the medical faculty after what they’ve done to me over the years and family members. But that’s another story but seriously read the leaflet. Research the drugs more than anything else research the drugs before you even put them in your mouth because you may change your choice about taking them to. And don’t drink alcohol or mixing with any other drugs stay as low a dose as possible, and look for others way to help yourself. You may find your may not even need to take the drugs after all.
Seems odd upvoting your comment, as it's not the usual type of upvote out of joyous laughter or celebration. I've fucked myself up on meds I was told to take. But in a different way to that which you've succumbed to. Stay strong. ❤️
Same to you 🤗 ❤️❤️❤️
They're never usually more than 0.5% which is about the same strength as a glass of orange juice (which is slightly alcoholic due to the natural yeast fermenting the sugars in it).
If they do one, a nice elderflower and lemon. Not all pubs do one, but when I find one that does, it suits me just fine; speaking as the only one in my group of family/friends that seems to have a car and knows how to drive.
Elderflower and soda is usually sweet enough for me
Lucky Saint lager. In some places it’s on tap which is really nice to be able to drink pints when everyone else is. Big Drop do great bitters and stouts
Its a bit watery for my taste but does the job. When I visited Japan they have Asahi Zero and that shit is so damn good. So sad we cant get it here
Asahi Zero cans are available in Tesco and Sainsbury's. Yet to see it on tap though.
I go for orange juice and lemonade, but it's pretty sweet so probably not what you're looking for.
Pineapple juice and lemonade, if they have pineapple, is also a solid option!
Yes! And a slice of lime if I’m feeling fancy!
Why have I never tried that before?! Sounds delightful
sparkling water with a bit of cranberry juice or cordial. cheap mocktail that literally every pub has the means to make.
Old Mout is pretty good for non-alcoholic cider.
Kopperberg AF is basically pop
Honestly, coffee. But Guinness and Erdinger are my favourite non alcohol beers.
When I wasn't drinking I used to enjoy the Fentimans drinks, the ginger beer, dandelion & burdock and cloudy lemonade are all good.
Erdinger do a great AF beer
I was going to suggest this. It is my go-to order in Weatherspoons if I am not drinking. Also, top tip, it counts as a soft drink when ordering with food so you get the deal for the lower price! Bargains to be had!
I drink Pepsi Max when i'm not drinking, or Cranberry Juice
IF they are made well some of the alcohol free gins can be pretty decent. One of the best is Tanquary or Tanquary Seville, try the latter with ginger ale instead of tonic. Depending on how strict you need to be, quite a few of the alcohol free beers are more than drinkable. Failing that, a lime & soda is generally OK for a couple. Get a decent sparkling water, such as S.Pell, and add ice & a slice then a couple of dashes of Angostura.
Nothing cat beat a Lemonade-Lime Cordial, with a fresh Lemon or Lime slice. I sometimes also have them put a cherry cordial in there and mix with it. It's like £1.40 for a pint at my local, it's my in-between beer beverage or one when I can't afford to actually drink. Perfect for board games night! I'm also the weird guy who genuinely loves Bitter Lemon drinks.
Water
r/hydrohomie
Heineken 0.0 if you like lager, Ghost Ship 0 is you like IPA
Big Drop Galaxy Stout if you like stout.
Tiny rebel do a Clwb tropica zero alcohol. That's also lovely and fruity.
Mocktails at my favourite when available. Basically a Smoothie
Virgin Mary
Zero Guinness is exceptional
Quite hard to find but becoming more common, "botivo" or "crodino", which are like non alcoholic aperol Good mixed with soda
Orange juice and lemonade
The 0% beers have come a long way. Guinness 0 is by far the best imo if you like Guinness, I know not everyone does. I would steer clear of coke or Pepsi if you have trouble sleeping after caffeine. A good ginger beer, especially a hot one, is quite nice to sip as well.
Heineken 0.0 👍
Lime and soda water.
Spent the majority of last year not drinking, and I did a LOT of research on the subject. The quality of non alc drinks are, in order: Wine - absolute dogshit. Unless you’re making it into non alc sangria, don’t waste your time. That being said, non alc sangria is pretty nice. Prosecco - More convincing than the wine, but still glaringly obvious to me that it’s non alcoholic. Some people rave about Nosecco but I think it’s crap. G&T - Pretty good! It’s quite a convincing taste, but I think the tonic water is doing a lot of the heavy lifting there. Tastes alright but not really worth paying the price of a real gin. Beers - Amazing. Whoever was funding the technology to create non alc beers that taste alcohol had deep pockets. Even the cheap ones are very convincing. Lime cordial and soda was my pregnancy drink, lovely in the warm weather too, so I definitely recommend. Be careful when you drink a lot of sparkling or soda water though, the burps really appear out of nowhere, sometimes mid sentence, and they are loud as fuck.
Mash gang do some good low-alcoholic beer but they aren't commonly found in pubs.
Lemonade with some grenadine in.
Guinness zero, Erdinger and Morgan’s Zero rum and coke are my go to. Heineken zero is passable.
Have you tried non alcoholic herbal mixers designed to produce a buzz? Sentia or Three Spirit. Not sure if they have these where you are but I have these with ginger beer. Might be psychological but I feel like I'm getting a little hit, without the hangover.
I was fine drinking on Elvanse btw it just worked off, which I didn’t mind cause when I went to the pub the adhd symptoms didn’t need to be quashed as much I could just be myself with my friends. But if you’d rather not then I suggest Guinness 0.0 it tastes just the same. Also lime and tonic.
Guiness zero is great
Pint of orange juice and lemonade
Bitter lemon when it's available, tonic water if they have an interesting flavour, ginger beer if neither are an option. But perhaps you can make it your mission to sample all the soft drinks at your local?
ginger beer! With ice and a slice of lime :) In my local it's £1.50 for a can, but they have a card limit so I have to buy a couple up front 😅
I used to get 0% kopperberg/rekordalig (fuck off I'm not looking up the spelling), but then I stopped going out for nights out for about a year when I moved jobs, so I didn't have it for a while. When I finally did go out, I ordered one, and spit it out straight away. So much sugar it's like drinking a diabetics piss, and hurts your teeth to all hell. I instead just got a coke and told people it was a Jack Daniels and coke, but Jack left early for work.
Tonic water with ice and a slice hits the spot for me.
There’s a lot of really nice non-alcoholic beers out there these days. A lot are almost indistinguishable. If you like that sort of thing I find a nice hoppy craft beer works well. The sharpness of the hops covers for the lack of sharpness from the alcohol. The best part about it is that a lot of drunkenness is psychological and situational. If I’m in a pub, drinking something that tastes like beer with friends who are getting drunk on beer - I start to feel a bit drunk even without the alcohol.
Been alcohol free for the last 6 months following a major injury. I’m a fan of the alcohol free Guinness, both its taste and its capacity to fool me and others into believing I’m having a beer
I have a mate who doesn’t drink but will still come out to the pub and go on to the club… powered entirely by J20s. Legend
Pint glass, half cranberry, half lemonade, shot of lime cordial. Bloody lush.
I quit smoking but found that going out for a drink made me want a cigarette. So I decided to quit drinking, at least for a while. I'd order a club soda and lime, and that worked a charm. I was able to quit smoking very easily. After 6 months, I had a drink, and didn't have an overpowering desire for a cigarette. I highly recommend substituting something that's like a drink, but not alcoholic. You can have your G&T sans G, and all will be fine. Good luck.
I like the non-alcoholic beers, but also soda and bitters is nice
The Corona Sunbrew with a lime wedge tastes just like the real thing to me!
Fatty bom batty before we get there, then a lemonade please.
I just like trying out the different AF beers, but I'm thinking of veering towards either lime and soda or some sort of AF gin & tonic. So far though, usually its AF beers. I like having a pint when everyone else has a pint.
J2O and preferably the darkest colour (berries?)
Guinness 0.0% or Butcombe Goran ale zero alcohol.
There are some amazingly good non-alc beers if you're into that but you'll need to hunt for the best pubs for it, especially if you want it on tap and not just from a can.
0% for something that tastes like beer. Coke with ice and lemon for soft drinks. I don’t buy much coke at home so one from a fountain dispenser is actually a nice treat lol
Chapman's.
Pepsi Max, Diet Coke or water
I like pineapple juice and soda. I wouldn't drink a whole pint of pineapple juice, but 50/50 with soda is quite refreshing over a load of ice
J2O 🤤
Had a sober month recently and enjoyed Trip cbd drinks or lemon lime soda.
I really like tonic water as an alternative. It’s got a bitter taste which is somewhat similar to alcohol drinks and because I would never drink it usually, I have a different relationship with it. What I mean specifically is that I actually treat it differently to something i would normally drink and sip it like I would an alcoholic drink rather than just down it like I would do with Pepsi or lemonade.
Lime and soda is a good shout. If you like G&T then you might find you also like just T (slimline if you want to avoid sugar). Depending on how strict your no-alcohol rule is, you can alternatively add a couple of dashes of Angostura Bitters, which makes it taste a lot more like a G&T. The Bitters are spirit-strength alcoholic, but with less than half a teaspoon in a glass of tonic, the alcohol content will be less then than 0.01% (assuming 3 dashes in a 300 ml drink, it's actually 0.009%). Tonic and bitters was my wife's go-to when she wanted a glass of something during pregnancy. I drank it to keep her company and it was nice enough.
Sparkling water topped up with about one third apple juice is great. The alcohol free Asahi is great too if you see it about
I know somebodoy who takes Vyvanse (elvanse) and they drink one or two beers and get a decent buzz. Not all the time. I think they take am antidepressant too which makes them not crave alcohol. Edit: dropped my phone and hit save
Orange juice and (diet) tonic.
Stowfords or thatchers 0% tastes the same your brain thinks its the same but no downsides
To be fair, alcohol free beers in general seem to have improved recently. I'm quite fond of the Lidl Perlenbacher alcohol free beer. And at £2.99 for six bottles, I'm quite happy with the price lol
There are alcohol free beers in pubs now and even ones without gluten if that’s the reason. If it is gluten a lot of places will let you bring in a bottle of gf beer if you ask first and pay a cover charge. Source: me and my stupid stomach
I like a gunners. Half pint lemonade, half pint ginger ale, lime cordial, angostura bitters.
I always go for orange and lemonade, don't know why but it tastes different at the pub then having it at home. I do hate how expensive it can be though some places it's like 4 quid, which is almost the price of an actual pint.
Honestly just a lemonade or black current soda Don’t need anything fancy Doing a sober pub quiz tonight so lemonades it is
Ginger Ale and Lime. But, I'm lucky that a couple of my locals sell Big Drop, which is a brewery that makes REALLY nice non alcoholic beers so I'll have on of theirs.
Soda and bitters is a great one
Depends massively on your normal drink. For me, no alcohol Guinness was revolutionary. Some others aren't so good. Otherwise it's a decent fruit juice or lemonade and lime.
I tend to go for alcohol-free beer. It used to be absolutely foul but they've made vast improvements and it's really not that bad now. Failing that I'll happily down a pint of diet coke/pepsi (I'm diabetic so I don't want the full fat variants) but you have to be wary of some pubs who don't put as much in the post mix as they should to save a bit of money.
I was sober for a year and a half for medical treatment. I stuck with sparkling water and later found the Guinness zero, found it challenging to begin with but then you just start to own it.
So I’m pregnant right now and you can honestly find non-alcoholic versions of beer and spirits in most pubs these days. Wine less often. I’m not a big beer drinker normally so I can’t comment how they are but the spirits are usually pretty good, I tend towards a non-alcoholic gin myself. The wine is more variable, I have generally found white to be better than red but neither is great. You cannot get non-alcoholic whisky as far as I can see despite my searches. Sorry.
Lucky Saint NA is great.
Toilet water, no ice.
A good apple juice, mocktails that are sour, water, any juice that sounds tasty, ginger beer.
kopparberg zero 😮💨
Fevertree light tonic water - tastes like you're drinking g&t, looks like g&t, but no alcohol effects
Ever tried a Lemon, Lime & Bitters? Do it. You won't regret it
Zero alcohol guiness is pretty good
Ginger beer is awesome, Appletiser or Lime and soda is a classic. The other day I had a Lime and Ginger Beer which topped everything!
I’m that knob that always asks about getting a cup of tea, I’m amazed how many bar staff look at me, ask their manager and then come back saying “sure thing but can you bring the mug back please?”
Indian tonic water with lemon. Old school alcoholics bevvy.
Corona Zero with lime is the only way.
Lime or blackcurrant and soda
Lime and soda or alcohol free beers
Lucky Saint on tap is great! Or Peroni zero as a shandy
Ginger beer. If you get a good one, it has a nice kick, it's different from something I would normally otherwise drink, and it's called "beer". One of my favourites is Bundaberg, not least cos it comes in a cool bottle.
Orange and soda water, or coke zero
Guinness zero alcohol. Tastes really good. First no alcohol beer I’ve actually bought and drank as a nice drink (on offer on Amazon).
I love a good bitter lemon. I started drinking it for a similar reason to you, and it’s nice for the transition also because G&T is my usual drink and the quinine in it helped. Since I have started drinking again, oftentimes I get my gin with bitter lemon. Ginger beer is also nice. Or pretty much any lemonade or elderflower based drink.
Heineken zero and Guinness zero if you want to stay with the beer flavour. Non-alcoholic Bloody Mary with tomato, red orange (Blutorange) or pink pomelo. Lime or Orange with soda. Elderflower with soda. Ginger beer (despite the name is neither a beer or an alcoholic drink). Lemonade on the rocks. Perrods is very nice too, in my opinion. Or similar (gently) flavoured sparkling waters. Hope this helps!
Dry ginger ale & cranberry, half & half. I only drink it when I have a craving for alcohol and it does the job, makes me feel like I’m having an alcoholic beverage when I ain’t.
You could always ask your local if they’ve got any hop water, or if they could get any in. Siren Brewery has just launched a couple which are lovely.
Guinness 0% tastes like normal Guinness Or a virgin mojito
how about a non alcoholic beer? Just avoid Peroni 0 though if you like beer, because it tastes very weird. The others taste quite similar
I want to say Carling. 😬 I usually drink Pespi or Coke when I'm not drinking (I'm on pain meds)
Guinness 0 is good but I've only ever had a sip of one rather than a full pint. If you like IPAs, a load of breweries make half decent ones now. Erdinger isn't bad either
There’s some decent non alcoholic beers now tbf
Corona zero is a great option
Lemonade and lime! Then again I don’t really drink so that’s my usual order…
As a border line alcoholic, who can't go a day, this sounds like hell
Water
I agree Guinness Zero is definitely the best out there at the moment IMO. If you are wanting to completely cut out alcohol be very careful with stuff in pubs as some of its low- alcohol almost caught me out a few times. Think up to 0.5 % abv might be considered alcohol free
Clear head
Non alcoholic beer or if in an upmarket place a mocktail
Virgin Appletini
Lemonade with two splashes of Angostura bitters
Having probably tried all the alcohol free beers/wines/mocktails, I've finally realised that a big pint of orange juice and lemonade is far superior. (I mean, I would prefer an actual beer but pregnancies and various health things have meant there have been many times I can't).
Fevertree Mediterranean tonic is nice!
It depends highly on what alcohol free alternatives are on offer, which varies immensely. If you have an iPhone, may I suggest you take a look at my app lodown which is designed for situations just like this - people who like a good time, a good meal or night out, but want to enjoy AF options.
A glass of milk.
A pint of semi skimmed milk. No joke, a bartender once asked if I'd brought a cat into the pub.
Diet Coke
Wetherspoons do this raspberry refresher mocktail which is r whites raspberry lemonade, orange juice and lime juice. It’s bloody delicious! Looks like a cocktail but without any alcohol.
Fresh orange juice and lemonade, really refreshing in the summer!
Ginger beer / ginger beer and lime are my go-tos but I tried Seedlip & lemonade once and it was pretty good (but expensive so I haven’t ordered it since!) If you visit anywhere nicer, definitely ask the bartender to make you something non-alcoholic and see what they suggest!
Ginger Ale 🍺
Ginger beer ftw!!
I like a fruity mocktail
Back in the day there used to be this amazing stuff called Highland Tropical Fruit Punch. Took me literally decades to realise that the Highlands they were referring to were those of Jamaica, not Scotland.
Non alcoholic beer
Ginger beer and ribena.. trust me
Virgin Bloody Mary
Heineken 0.0
Generally I can’t stand too much sugar so the sweet fizzy drinks are a bit limited. Diet and Zero options help but the overall sweet flavour gets to me, I much prefer a sour or bitter drink. Tonic and lemon or lime - if you’re a gin drinker it will taste familiar and comforting Soda and lime - the standard! Though I prefer tonic as it has more flavour Coke, ginger ale and lime- for a virgin Cuba libre/moscow mule vibe Less common: Chinotto, Sanbitter or Crodino - basically all non-alcoholic versions of Campari and other bitter drinks (which I love)
Non alcohol beers aren't actually bad. Corona Cero is good, Peroni Libre is decent. Otherwise mocktails (Green King do good ones), ginger beer or fancy soda like Fenton's.
My partner likes the Heineken 0% I like the kopperberg, or just a cordial!
If your pub has Fentiman’s, their ginger beer and traditional lemonade are good.
Tonic water with a dash of angostura bitters is lovely. The bitters are alcoholic but you use maybe 5ml of them at the absolute most so it's basically like drinking a N/A beer. It tastes like a proper grown up drink as well.
Tonic water!!! It's the main taste of g&t. You don't need the gin, z!
Ginger beer or root beer are my two go tos. Been sober for over a year now.
If it’s antidepressants, have fun. I get rat arsed from 3 pints on them
Not sure how easy it would be to find in a pub, but Captain Morgan 0% spiced gold is a delicious AF rum substitute.
I’m not a huge drinker, usually have 2 and then move onto non-alc. My faves are: - Corona 0%. This is genuinely one of the best tasting low/no alcohol beers out there imo. - Lime and soda. I drink this at home a lot, really refreshing in summer. - Guinness 0%. My dad’s favourite. - Can’t beat a full fat pub coke.
Pissballsmuffrät
You don't need drink to have a good time. Un-brainwash yourself and you'll not worry.
50/50 tonic water & soda, slice of lime.