There’s a whole host of reasons to adopt a booze-free lifestyle. Maybe you want a healthier body, a sharper mind or a fatter wallet. Or perhaps you simply want to wake up with less of an ache-in-your-head and more of a pep-in-your-step.
Whatever your reason, we’ve got plenty of tips to help you reduce your alcohol intake, get out of those sticky drinking habits and into some non-alcoholic substitutes that are lovingly crafted, much healthier and just as tasty.
4 tips to reduce your alcohol intake
Set yourself a drink limit and count your drinks
It’s easy to drink more than you planned, so setting yourself a drink limit and keeping count is a great way to decrease your alcohol intake and keep that incoming hangover at bay.
This is especially important at shindigs, where it’s tempting to get caught up in the hype and indulge in many more drinks than intended. So, decide what your limit is beforehand and do your best to stick to it.
Not sure what limit to set? Why not start with one or two less drinks than you would usually have. Then continue to decrease over time. That way, your ultimate limit will feel like a more achievable goal.
Have a few alcohol-free days each week
If you’re serious about cutting back, but don’t feel the need to go cold turkey then this is a great way to reduce your alcohol intake gradually.
Plus, making small, incremental changes is a great way to form a new habit. So, if you’re currently drinking every day, why not start with one alcohol-free day each week? Then, over time, increase to two, and so on until you’ve reached a number you’re happy with.
Swap to low or no alcohol alternatives
Just because you’re drinking less alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy that same taste and familiar experience. In fact, swapping to low or no alcohol alternatives can be a great way to ease into a low or no alcohol lifestyle.
There are plenty of options on the market that mimic all your favourite alcoholic beverages. Like Lyre’s impossibly crafted Agave Blanco Spirit, with its distinct and complex flavours, it’s a popular choice. Or for those sparkling wine lovers, try Lyre’s Classico Grande - the perfect Italian sparkling replica.
Minimising how much you drink at home
Limit how much alcohol you keep in the house
Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Just like that naughty packet of biscuits that sits in the pantry tantalising you with all its chocolatey goodness, keeping a bottle of your favourite alcohol in the house makes drinking it much more likely.
You may have had intentions of saving it for the weekend, but we all know from experience that when you really want something, willpower doesn’t always cut it. So, if you can resist buying the bottle in the first place, it’ll pay dividends in the long run.
Keep attractive non-alcoholic options at home
Set on reducing your alcohol intake but don’t want to give up the familiar experience of a glass of your favourite beverage?
Then try keeping a scrummy selection of non-alcoholic substitutes in the pantry. That way, you’ve always got something to pour when the urge strikes.
Depending on your tipple of choice, you could try Lyre’s non-alcoholic substitute for rum, non-alcoholic bourbon substitute or the Coffee Originale – the perfect non-alcoholic kahlua substitute.
Change your “after work routine”
It’s easy to get into the habit of winding down with a glass of something when you arrive home from work. But there are other ways you can do this, and changing up your routine can be a great way to get out of that habit.
Try swapping a drink for a physical activity or hobby. This can be a great distraction and better for your health. If that’s not an option, you could switch to a low or non-alcoholic drink instead or even a cup of tea.
Whatever you opt for, make sure it’s something you look forward to so that it still feels like a treat.
Delay that first drink
While it’s true that it may be 5pm somewhere, the earlier you drink the easier it is to drink more.
It could be helpful to choose a time, say after dinner or once the kids are in bed where you allow yourself a drink. That way, you’re likely to consume less before the evening’s out.
Drink only with dinner
Waiting until dinner is a good way to decrease your alcohol intake.
Aside from delaying your first drink, this can also help in that eating on an empty stomach means alcohol enters your bloodstream faster - so you feel the effects more quickly, which in-turn can make it harder to manage the amount you’re drinking.
Non-alcoholic substitutes to make cutting down easier
Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Rum
Got a soft spot for rum? Try Lyre’s White Cane Spirit. It’s the perfect alcohol-free alternative to white rum that’s been carefully crafted to capture the essence of a gently aged white rum with flavours that are distinct and contemporary.
Enjoy as a classic mixer option, or mix with fresh lime, mint and a dash of soda water for a Lyre’s Mojito. Or for the more adventurous, shake with fresh lime to create a Lyre’s Classic Daiquiri.
Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Vermouth
If vermouth is your drink of choice, why not give Lyre’s Aperitif Rosso a go? With its rich mouthful of citrus, almond and vanilla flavours, this sip-worthy beverage is hard to turn down.
Add premium tonic water and Lyre’s Italian Orange and you have a delicious Americano. Or, if you’re out to impress, stir over ice with Lyre’s American Malt and a dash of bitters for a delicious Lyre’s Manhattan.
Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Gin
For gin fans, Lyre’s Dry London Spirits is another premium non-alcoholic beverage that won’t disappoint.
This juniper and citrusy delight works well as a classic gin and tonic with premium tonic water. You can add a slice of pink grapefruit and rosemary to garnish.
Or mix with Lyre’s Italian Orange, citrus, mint and Mediterranean tonic water for the Lyre’s Pink Gin Fizz.
Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Kahlua
Lyre’s Coffee Original makes a tasty substitute for kahlua with its full flavoured bouquet with high notes of espresso, spice, caramel and toasted nuts.
Enjoy on the rocks, or with your favourite premium mixer. Or for an espresso martini, shake with Lyre’s White Cane, cold drip coffee and vanilla.
Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Triple Sec
Triple sec your thing? Lyre’s Orange Sec captures the essence of an orange liqueur with flavours that balance the freshness or orange and its natural sweetness.
Try matching with other Lyre’s spirits for classic cocktails like the elegant White Lady, the Bianco Spritz or even Lyre’s Mai Tai.
Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Sparkling Wine
If you’re partial to a bita’ sparkle, then Lyre’s non-alcoholic sparkling range has got you covered. While Lyre’s award-winning Classico Grande is hard to beat, you could also try the Amalfi Spritz for a refreshing burst of citrusy goodness. Mix with Lyre’s Classico, soda water and ice for the perfect summer beverage.
Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Tequila
Margarita lover? Then you’ve got to try Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit. It’s rich and full of character, with expressions of citrus and roasted agave, giving it a pleasantly peppery finish.
Mix with Lyre’s Orange Sec, lime juice and white sugar syrup for a Lyre’s classic margarita. Or try with tomato juice, lime, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce for Lyre’s bloody maria.
