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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.

Gutsy Captain Kombucha Gingembre Citron (1 x 40 cl)
Soft drinks

Gutsy Captain Kombucha Gingembre Citron

1 x 40 cl

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
CHF18.70 CHF623.34/1kg

NaturKraftWerke Matcha

30 g

Deluxe Tee Matcha Set

Deluxe Tee Matcha Set

Deluxe Tee Matcha (33 g)

Deluxe Tee Matcha

NaturKraftWerke Matcha (30 g)
CHF18.70 CHF623.34/1kg

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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