It has taken 6 years of globetrotting and meeting different people to come to the realisation that alcohol isn’t for me. I’ve had a pint of Guinness at the OG Guinness storehouse in Dublin, fresh organic feni at Goa and a good old Bacardi rum at the much acclaimed Room in NYC. The point being, I’ve had alcohol at some of the most popular bars across the world and yet enjoyed the experience of being at a new place with the people I love much more than the drink.
Whilst everyone around me would be having their 3rd or 6th drink for the night, I’d still be on my first. Is this an impulsive decision or a sudden awakening or sorts, you might ask. No! It’s a well thought out and gradual one. I’m not a teetotaler and don’t wish to be one. Nothing in moderation can ever be bad. But what I don’t get is the need to drink just to have a good time!
In India, it is very common for people to not consume alcohol. I know more than a handful of people that have never touched a glass of drink and never will. So, 2 weeks ago, when a friend complained about being compelled to drink whilst hanging out with her corporate friends, I started looking at non-alcoholic alternatives in the market that could easily adapt to people with different lifestyles and comfort levels of drinking– something that wouldn’t make people feel excluded in a social setting. Sadly, I couldn’t find that many.
So whilst in NYC, I set out to sample several non-alcoholic aperitifs (The bin is full of empty bottles!) to shortlist 5 brands that have a great composition, taste and stand out without trying to mimic a specific spirit. It wasn't a particularly tough task since I LOVE visiting farmer’s markets and grocery stores.
Before we get to my top 4 picks, let’s see what Ayurveda says about Alcohol and how the Indian sub-tropical weather might impact our consumption.
Ayurvedic scriptures talk about alcohol as both, a toxic as well as a toxin. In fact, ayurveda prescribes alcohol as a co-drink with certain ayurvedic medicines. But if consumed in excess, it could lead to an addiction and have a direct effect on the sattva or the purity of the mind. Basically, nothing that you and I didn’t know.
During extreme heat, as we sweat more, drinking alcohol can cause us to lose fluids. Even during extreme winters, alcohol only gives you a false sense of warmth but in reality, you’re actually losing your body heat to the outside environment faster. It’s as returning on your radiator to send your heat out to the environment. Drinking alcohol when you’re feeling low with the want of happiness is, as we all know, only a temporary solution.
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Recommendations:
1. Ghia | Lime and salt
This one was my favourite of the lot. The fact that their Le Spritz are free from sugar, artificial flavours and contain no caffeine stood out for me. They are very transparent about their ingredients. It’s refreshing and full of flavours. It’s also very versatile– pair it with food or have it like you have a seltzer. They’ve branded it as ‘Crisp and salty like a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean’ and I couldn’t agree more.
2. Flyers | Sydney Spritz Highball Sparkling Cannabis Cocktail
This cannabis cocktail is a blend of mandarin, orange rind, lemon zest and has just a hint of cherry. It is made with full-spectrum CBD and contains less than 0.3% THC. I have never consumed Cannabis, so I was apprehensive about this one.
So, I read up about dos and don'ts of consuming edible cannabis and here are the 4 points that you should keep in mind:
Always read the label before ingesting edible cannabis. If you have never tried an edible before or are new to cannabis, consume no more than 2.5 mg of THC and wait to feel the effects before taking more.
It takes a long time for your body to absorb the THC from edible cannabis and so the THC is present in your body for longer than after smoking or vaping cannabis. The effects of ingesting cannabis last longer compared to when cannabis is smoked or vaped. The effects can last up to 12 hours, with residual effects lasting up to 24 hours. If you are new to edibles or to cannabis, use these products in a place where you feel safe and comfortable, and with friends or family who are experienced in using them.
With edible cannabis, the intoxicating effects or “high” do not kick in for about 30 minutes to two hours and peak at about four hours. The effects can last up to 12 hours after use and residual effects can last up to 24 hours, so you could be affected the next day.
Daily or near-daily cannabis use increases the risk of dependence and can bring on or worsen disorders related to anxiety or depression. Regular use of cannabis products containing high levels of THC can increase your risk of developing psychosis, especially if you have a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia. These facts are meant to make you think of the risks associated with using cannabis and to help you make a more informed decision. Source: Canadian centre of substance abuse and addiction
Overall, it’s a great drink to try. I felt no change after having a shot of the sydney. It has a slightly bitter aftertaste which I personally liked.
3. Hiyo | Blackberry and Lemon
I am adding this drink to the list mainly because of the combination–I’d have never thought of having blackberries and lemons together. It wasn’t mind-blowing but I suppose it is more of an acquired taste which is why I didn’t want to rule it out. It looked like wine and fizzed like champagne which makes it a great alternative for a social gathering. This one did make me feel a bit sleepy just after a couple of sips, so I probably wouldn't have it as often as I would have Ghia which is free from adaptogens.
4. Leilo | Sparkline lemon ginger
Old school lemon and ginger that can never go wrong– It was refreshing, spicy and cool. The drink contains kava (a beverage or extract made from the Piper methysticum plant) which is generally considered to be non-addictive; however, it can be habit forming and lead to the development of a tolerance. Because the supplement produces a euphoric high that can be used as a means of escapism or self-medicating, users can feel attached to the drug and the way it makes them feel.
Quite often, people have asked me of my take on consuming alcohol and I have failed to explain myself fully at the risk of sounding like a ‘know it all’ or being too judgemental.
That’s another thing that needs to be fixed– If you don’t consume alcohol, you shouldn't have to hesitate to admit it out loud in front of a room full of people. The idea that you need to drink to hang out with cooler people is so 2010. What’s cool is influencing the energy in the room instead of being influenced, to make healthier choices and to be more conscious of what you put inside your body. So, if I may put my two cents in– try it all and pick what works best for you!
A quick shoutout to Boisson, the store that I got all these drinks from. They have multiple stores across NYC and only sell non-alcoholic drinks. If imitation is the highest form of flattery, this store would have all the Pinot Noirs blushing!