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Three alternatives for a "Dry January"

Simon Balissat
4.1.2023
Translation: machine translated

Not drinking alcohol in January - it's all the rage. Non-alcoholic alternatives to wine, beer and gin are vying for a supposedly willing buyer. I think: if you're going to drink dry, then do it consistently.

For years, friends have been telling me that there are finally alcohol-free beers that are enjoyable. Again and again I have tried them and again and again I have been disappointed. For me, nothing has changed in the last 20 years. Back then, a dry alcoholic told me that "Jever Fun" is the only alternative to real beer. I fully agree with that. All other alternatives to alcoholic beverages are useless because they are too sweet or lack taste for my liking.

For temporary asceticism, I therefore recommend three supportive drinks that can still be substantial after "Dry January" .

1. Kombucha

You can either make the fermented tea yourself or buy it ready-made. Making it yourself requires some practice and a "SCOBY". I have explained how to make kombucha here .

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Before I get reprimanded in the comments: yes, the homemade version may contain a small amount of alcohol. Admittedly, this is not enough for a high. The industrially produced Kombucha does not contain alcohol.

2. Matcha green tea

The toxic green tea powder is said to have detoxifying effects. It is said to curb appetite and be all-round healthy. This is not scientifically proven, but it doesn't change the fact that matcha is delicious. If you prepare the drink traditionally with a wooden whisk (chasen), it even becomes a kind of meditation. By the way, matcha also tastes great cold. To make it, mix about five teaspoons with half a decilitre of hot water (no more than 80°C) and dilute with about a litre of cold water. The tea will keep for three days in a sealed bottle. I would definitely not add sugar.

Deluxe Tee Matcha Set
Tea

Deluxe Tee Matcha Set

Deluxe Tee Matcha (33 g)
Tea

Deluxe Tee Matcha

33 g

NaturKraftWerke Matcha (30 g)
Tea
CHF17.70 CHF590.–/1kg

NaturKraftWerke Matcha

30 g

Deluxe Tee Matcha Set

Deluxe Tee Matcha Set

Deluxe Tee Matcha (33 g)

Deluxe Tee Matcha

NaturKraftWerke Matcha (30 g)
CHF17.70 CHF590.–/1kg

NaturKraftWerke Matcha

3. Biotta juice cure

If you are perhaps already irritable because you don't drink alcohol, why not bring your mood down even further with a juice cure? Alcohol is strictly forbidden on the Biotta cure. But there is a slight hope that the fruit juices will start to ferment in your stomach and that you will at least get a few mili-promille. After all, the package comes with "alkaline bath salts for even more feel-good moments" should your mood tip too firmly. Cheers!

How do you go through Dry January? Switch everything around or rather replace everything with alcohol-free alternatives? Post your tips in the comments.

Titelfoto: Christian Walker

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When I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast. 


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