I have never been a major drinker (whatever that means), but I grew up in an Italian home and my father made his own wine (don’t be jealous - it was not that good.) So there was regular wine at dinner time and other drinks for holidays and parties. I drank socially when Hubs and I were first married, and then maybe a little more when I was a stay-at-home mom with two kids under the age of two.😬 Fast forward to peri-menopause and I started to notice how alcohol negatively impacted my sleep and how crummy I felt the next day. Now here I am in full menopause (is this TMI? We’re friends, right?) and I pretty much can’t tolerate it unless I jump through a few hurdles:
I just did dry January and admit I did sleep better. I tried a new non-alcoholic beverage by Ritual. They make Gin, Tequila, Whiskey and Rum. I tried the Gin (zero proof, zero calories) and mixed it with Fever Tree tonic water on the rocks with a squeeze of fresh lime. It was really good! I also tried the tequila with a store bought margarita mixer and it was good as well. I plan on reducing my alcoholic intake and if I feel like a drink I plan on using these. I like your suggestions as well!
Just turned 52 and alcohol does a number on me as well! I love my wine but it has turned on me! Bloat, rosacea flairs, brain fog; I get it all with just one glass. Ive also decided I like sleep better- it is SO GOOD when I don’t drink! I’m always on the hunt for a good, low sugar and calorie mocktail and cannot wait to try your recipes. Have you ever tried Aplos? It’s my new go to. It contains hemp and it gives you a very subtle relaxing feel without any side effects of alcohol. Citrusy, herby flavor too. Their website is great and they have tons of mocktail recipes. I mix it with a low cal fever tree ginger beer and it’s delightful! I plan to try your frozen ginger juice with it next. Thanks again!
I agree 100%! And, the latest research shows that drinking more than 2 drinks per month increases your risk of breast cancer. Champagne has half the alcohol of wine so I let myself have one glass of champagne per week. I can’t wait to try your mocktails! Thank you!
After breast cancer, I'm on medicine that doesn't mix with alcohol well and in menopause so I also try to limite alcohol as much as possible (but my family and all my friends drink quite a bit). I love de la Calle's tepaches, a form of kombucha, which they now sell in Target. It's 40-60 calories per can, not too sweet at all, and I love to garnish with citrus, add herbs or squeeze in lime or grapefruit. I like flavor and just a tad bit of substance (=sweetness). I love your ginger lime mocktail recipe and will give it a try. I think something like Aperol or brutto americano and sparkling water with an orange slice could be nice too since I believe those types of spirits are low-alcohol.
Thanks for all of the great mocktail recipes, Pamela! I'm in the same boat you are when it comes to alcohol. When I choose a mocktail over a cocktail I feel better. One of my favorite mocktails is tart cherry concentrate, sparkling water and fresh lime juice.
100 agree and am in the same boat. My body just can’t metabolize alcohol like it did when I was younger. The smallest amount of alcohol makes me feel horrible the next day. I started Dry January in December when a sinus infection set in and still dry in early February. Really not missing my glass of wine at all. Loving these mocktail ideas!! Thank you as always!!
I have a few that I like - LMNT is my favorite. I also have tried Liquid IV, Re-lyte, and Hydrant.
I am so curious about Aplos! Thanks for the great tip. It sounds like the perfect mocktail base. I'm going to look for it!
What electrolytes do you use?
I just did dry January and admit I did sleep better. I tried a new non-alcoholic beverage by Ritual. They make Gin, Tequila, Whiskey and Rum. I tried the Gin (zero proof, zero calories) and mixed it with Fever Tree tonic water on the rocks with a squeeze of fresh lime. It was really good! I also tried the tequila with a store bought margarita mixer and it was good as well. I plan on reducing my alcoholic intake and if I feel like a drink I plan on using these. I like your suggestions as well!
Just turned 52 and alcohol does a number on me as well! I love my wine but it has turned on me! Bloat, rosacea flairs, brain fog; I get it all with just one glass. Ive also decided I like sleep better- it is SO GOOD when I don’t drink! I’m always on the hunt for a good, low sugar and calorie mocktail and cannot wait to try your recipes. Have you ever tried Aplos? It’s my new go to. It contains hemp and it gives you a very subtle relaxing feel without any side effects of alcohol. Citrusy, herby flavor too. Their website is great and they have tons of mocktail recipes. I mix it with a low cal fever tree ginger beer and it’s delightful! I plan to try your frozen ginger juice with it next. Thanks again!
I agree 100%! And, the latest research shows that drinking more than 2 drinks per month increases your risk of breast cancer. Champagne has half the alcohol of wine so I let myself have one glass of champagne per week. I can’t wait to try your mocktails! Thank you!
After breast cancer, I'm on medicine that doesn't mix with alcohol well and in menopause so I also try to limite alcohol as much as possible (but my family and all my friends drink quite a bit). I love de la Calle's tepaches, a form of kombucha, which they now sell in Target. It's 40-60 calories per can, not too sweet at all, and I love to garnish with citrus, add herbs or squeeze in lime or grapefruit. I like flavor and just a tad bit of substance (=sweetness). I love your ginger lime mocktail recipe and will give it a try. I think something like Aperol or brutto americano and sparkling water with an orange slice could be nice too since I believe those types of spirits are low-alcohol.
Thanks for all of the great mocktail recipes, Pamela! I'm in the same boat you are when it comes to alcohol. When I choose a mocktail over a cocktail I feel better. One of my favorite mocktails is tart cherry concentrate, sparkling water and fresh lime juice.
I live in Michigan and we love our tart cherries!
100 agree and am in the same boat. My body just can’t metabolize alcohol like it did when I was younger. The smallest amount of alcohol makes me feel horrible the next day. I started Dry January in December when a sinus infection set in and still dry in early February. Really not missing my glass of wine at all. Loving these mocktail ideas!! Thank you as always!!