How to Reduce Your Alcohol Intake

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 fewer 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 Coffee Liqueur 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 non-alcoholic mojito.

Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Bourbon

If you like a glass of bourbon, swap out for a bottle of Lyre’s Bourbon Spirit.

With its deep, rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, this non-alcoholic bourbon spirit brings all the satisfaction of a traditional bourbon without the alcohol.

Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Coffee Liqueur

Fancy a delicious coffee cocktail but want to stay away from the alcohol? Look no further than Lyre’s Coffee Originale, which offers all the delicious roasted coffee flavour without any alcohol. Perfect for an after-dinner drink or adding to your next dessert.

Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Sparkling Wine

If you’re after a non-alcoholic substitute for your beloved bubbles, you’ll love Lyre’s Classico Grande. It’s a crisp and refreshing sparkling alternative to Champagne or Sparkling Wine.

Try it with a splash of fruit juice or fruit garnish for a mocktail that’s worthy of celebrating.