The Dangers of Drink Driving During the Christmas Period

As the festive season approaches, many of us look forward to holiday celebrations filled with laughter, family gatherings, and perhaps a few drinks. 

However, this time of year also sees a worrying rise in drink driving incidents, making it essential to remind everyone of the risks and responsibilities that come with getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Why Drink Driving is More Common Over Christmas

The Christmas period is synonymous with social events, work parties, and family get-togethers. Alcohol is often a central part of these celebrations, and while most people plan responsibly, some make the dangerous decision to drive after drinking. This increase in social drinking, combined with darker evenings and potentially treacherous winter road conditions, creates a recipe for disaster.

The Risks of Drink Driving

Impaired Judgement

Alcohol significantly affects reaction times, decision-making, and motor skills. Even small amounts can impair your ability to drive safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Legal Consequences

In the UK, the legal limit for alcohol in blood is 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres, but the safest option is always to have none. Getting caught drink driving can lead to heavy fines, a driving ban, or even imprisonment.

Devastating Consequences

Beyond the legal repercussions, the personal consequences of drink driving can be life-changing. Accidents caused by drink driving can lead to serious injuries or fatalities, shattering lives in an instant.

Jail time awaits drunk drivers

Financial Implications

Beyond fines, drink driving can lead to increased insurance premiums, potential job loss, and other long-term financial burdens.

Winter Conditions Amplify the Danger

The Christmas period also coincides with some of the most challenging driving conditions of the year. Wet, icy, or snow-covered roads demand heightened focus and skill. Alcohol dulls the senses and reduces the precision required to navigate these hazards, further increasing the risk of accidents.

How to Stay Safe This Christmas

Plan Ahead

If you’re going to drink, make arrangements for a safe way home. Book a taxi, use public transport, or designate a sober driver.

Consider Alternatives

Non-alcoholic beverages are widely available and often just as enjoyable. Many pubs and restaurants offer festive mocktails and alcohol-free beers.

Support Friends and Family

If you see someone attempting to drive after drinking, step in. Help them find an alternative way home, even if it’s inconvenient.

Jail time awaits drunk drivers

Spread Awareness

Remind others of the dangers of drink driving and encourage conversations around responsible behaviour.

The Role of Authorities

Over the Christmas season, police forces across the UK intensify their efforts to combat drink driving. Increased roadside breathalyser tests and public awareness campaigns aim to deter drivers from making reckless choices. 

These measures save lives, but the responsibility ultimately lies with individuals.

Conclusion

The festive period should be a time of joy and celebration, not tragedy. By choosing not to drink and drive, you protect yourself, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road. Make responsible decisions this Christmas, and encourage others to do the same—because no drink is worth a life.

Stay safe and enjoy a merry Christmas, responsibly!

The Ultimate Guide: Top 50 Non-Alcoholic Ales, Beers, Stouts, and Lagers for Your Christmas Celebrations

Christmas is the season of indulgence, but it doesn’t have to come with a hangover. 

Non-alcoholic ales, beers, stouts, and lagers have taken the market by storm, offering all the flavour and satisfaction of traditional brews without the alcohol. 

Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner, throwing a party, or simply relaxing by the fire, these 50 options are sure to keep everyone happy and refreshed.

Top 15 Non-Alcoholic Lagers

Lagers are light, crisp, and perfect for pairing with party nibbles or festive mains.

Heineken 0.0 (Netherlands)

Classic and refreshing with balanced malt and citrus notes.

Lucky Saint Unfiltered Lager (UK)

A full-bodied, unfiltered lager with a bready malt base.

San Miguel 0.0 (Spain)

Light, golden, and subtly sweet—a crowd-pleaser.

Budweiser Zero (USA)

Familiar and smooth with a hint of hops.

Clausthaler Original (Germany)

Crisp and clean, with a traditional German lager taste.

Beck’s Blue (Germany)

A reliable classic with a light, malty profile.

Erdinger Weissbier Alkoholfrei (Germany)

A wheat lager with fruity and malty undertones.

Carlsberg Nordic (Denmark)

Smooth and light with a gentle hoppy finish.

Infinite Lager (UK)

A refreshing option with floral and citrus aromas.

Peroni Libera 0.0 (Italy)

A premium Italian lager with a crisp, dry finish.

Bavaria 0.0 (Netherlands)

Sweet, malty, and widely available.

Big Drop Lager (UK)

Crisp and refreshing with a slightly floral finish.

Krombacher Pils (Germany)

A classic pilsner with light bitterness and a refreshing finish.

Brooklyn Special Effects Lager (USA)

Balanced with malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness.

Top 15 Non-Alcoholic Ales

Ales are ideal for those who enjoy richer, maltier flavours.

Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5% (UK)

Bursting with citrus and tropical fruit aromas.

BrewDog Punk AF (UK)

A hoppy pale ale with grapefruit and pine notes.

Big Drop Pale Ale (UK)

Malty and light with a gentle floral hop character.

Free Damm 0.0% Ale (Spain)

Clean, crisp, and slightly malty.

Infinite Pale Ale (UK)

Light and refreshing with hints of citrus.

Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA (USA)

Packed with hops for a bold and citrusy flavour.

Innis & None (UK)

A malty ale with a hint of spice—great for the colder months.

Shipyard Low Tide Pale Ale (USA)

Fruity and balanced, with just the right amount of hops.

Nirvana Organic Pale Ale (UK)

Crafted with organic ingredients, light and crisp.

Harvey’s Old Ale 0.5% (UK)

A traditional English ale with rich, caramel flavours.

Beavertown Lazer Crush IPA (UK)

Packed with citrusy hops for a bold and fruity profile.

Drop Bear Yuzu Pale Ale (UK)

Unique and refreshing with a zesty yuzu twist.

VandeStreek Playground IPA (Netherlands)

A bold IPA with tropical fruit and pine notes.

Coast Double Hop IPA (UK)

Heavily hopped for those who love big, bold flavours.

Big Drop Citra IPA (UK)

Bursting with citrus aromas and a smooth bitterness.

Top 10 Non-Alcoholic Stouts and Dark Beers

For lovers of rich, robust flavours, stouts and dark beers are perfect for cosy evenings or pairing with desserts.

Big Drop Galactic Milk Stout (UK)

Creamy and chocolatey with a touch of coffee.

Braxzz Oatmeal Stout (Netherlands)

Smooth, rich, and full of roasted malt character.

Guinness 0.0 (Ireland)

The iconic stout, now alcohol-free but just as creamy.

Drop Bear Bonfire Stout (UK)

Smoky with hints of roasted coffee and dark chocolate.

Infinite Stout (UK)

A bold and robust stout with deep roasted flavours.

Nirvana Dark & Rich Stout (UK)

Smooth, dark, and malty with a slightly sweet finish.

Jump Ship Yardarm (UK)

A dark ale with roasted malt and caramel undertones.

Clausthaler Dry-Hopped Dark (Germany)

A dark beer with a smooth, malty profile.

Athletic Brewing All Out Stout (USA)

Rich and roasted with hints of chocolate and coffee.

UNLTD. Stout (UK)

A rich, full-bodied stout with complex flavours.

Top 10 Seasonal Brews and Specials

These seasonal non-alcoholic options are perfect for Christmas.

BrewDog Lost AF (UK)

A festive lager brewed sustainably for a guilt-free Christmas.

Infinite Festive Ale (UK)

A spiced ale with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Big Drop Winter Ale (UK)

Dark and warming with seasonal spices.

Clausthaler Santa Clausthaler (Germany)

A Christmas special with festive spices.

Drop Bear Tropical IPA (UK)

A fruity twist to brighten up winter evenings.

Heineken 0.0 Christmas Edition (Netherlands)

Same classic taste, wrapped in festive packaging.

Brooklyn Winter Lager (USA)

A smooth and malty lager with winter spices.

Adnams Spindrift 0.5% (UK)

A refreshing ale with a touch of citrus, perfect for light starters.

Jump Ship Glimmer IPA (UK)

Light and hoppy with a festive twist.

Mikkeller Drink’in the Snow (Denmark)

A unique, lightly spiced winter ale.

How to Serve Non-Alcoholic Brews

Chill Before Serving: Lagers and ales are best served chilled, while stouts and dark beers can be enjoyed slightly warmer.

Pair with Food: Match lighter lagers with appetisers, hoppy ales with spicy dishes, and rich stouts with desserts like Christmas pudding.

Glassware Matters: Serve in proper beer glasses to enhance the drinking experience.

Non-alcoholic beers and ales have come a long way in terms of flavour, quality, and variety. With this comprehensive list, you’re sure to find the perfect brew for any Christmas occasion.

What’s your favourite alcohol-free beer or ale? Share your recommendations below!

Arranging Alcohol-Free and Low-Alcohol Drinks for Christmas: A Festive Guide

As the Christmas season draws near, the joy of gathering with friends and family becomes the centrepiece of the celebrations. 

But not everyone wants to indulge in high-alcohol beverages. 

Whether it’s due to personal preference, health choices, or simply wanting to maintain a clear head for the next day’s festivities, offering a range of alcohol-free and low-alcohol options ensures all your guests feel included and catered for. 

Here's how to arrange an impressive selection of these drinks to elevate your Christmas celebrations.

1. A Festive Wine Selection

Wine is a staple for Christmas feasts, and fortunately, there are fantastic alcohol-free and low-alcohol alternatives available that don’t compromise on taste.

Alcohol-Free Wines: Brands like Eisberg or Torres Natureo offer a variety of alcohol-free wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds. A light, alcohol-free sparkling wine is a must for any Christmas toast and goes wonderfully with starters like smoked salmon or canapés.

Low-Alcohol Wines: For those who want to enjoy wine with a little kick but not the full strength, low-alcohol options (under 5.5%) such as FirstCape Light or Black Tower are a great fit. These wines still carry the depth of flavour that pairs beautifully with Christmas roasts, cheese boards, or a festive dessert.

2. Beers and Ciders: Perfect for a Casual Christmas

Offering alcohol-free and low-alcohol beers and ciders is a great way to keep the festivities fun, especially if you’re hosting a more relaxed gathering.

Alcohol-Free Beers: Many breweries are crafting alcohol-free beers with exceptional quality and taste. BrewDog's Nanny State, Heineken 0.0, and Beck’s Blue are great options that still deliver on that familiar beer experience. Guinness 0.0 is a very fine version of the Guinness Stout type of beer.

Low-Alcohol Beers: Look for beers like Big Drop Brewing Co. or Small Beer Co., which specialise in low-alcohol craft beers that come in various styles – from pale ales to lagers and even porters, perfect for the chilly Christmas weather.

Alcohol-Free Ciders: Cider is a refreshing option, particularly for those who prefer something fruity. Brands like Kopparberg and Stowford Press offer delightful alcohol-free versions that retain the sweetness and tang of traditional ciders.

3. Spirit-Free Cocktails and Mocktails

No Christmas party is complete without a few festive cocktails, and alcohol-free spirits and mixers can make for some creative alternatives.

Alcohol-Free Spirits: Brands like Seedlip, Lyre’s, and Caleño offer incredible alcohol-free versions of popular spirits. From gin-like botanicals to rum-style blends, these can form the base for a range of delicious mocktails.

Mocktail Ideas:

A Christmas Cosmo made with alcohol-free vodka, cranberry juice, and a dash of lime, garnished with frozen cranberries.

A Mulled Apple Punch with alcohol-free rum, spiced apple juice, and cinnamon, ideal for warming up during winter evenings.

A No-Groni, using Seedlip’s spice blend in place of gin, mixed with alcohol-free bitters and vermouth for a festive twist on a classic Negroni.

4. Tips for Presentation and Pairing

Once you’ve chosen your selection of alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks, it’s time to think about how to serve them. Presentation is key, and serving these alternatives in attractive glassware makes them feel just as special as their alcoholic counterparts.

Chill and Serve: Ensure wines and beers are properly chilled, and garnish cocktails with fresh herbs, citrus, or edible flowers to add a festive touch.

Pairing: Just like regular alcoholic drinks, it’s important to think about food pairings. Alcohol-free reds pair well with hearty roasts, while a sparkling white is perfect for nibbles and canapés. Citrus-based mocktails can cut through the richness of Christmas pudding or mince pies.

5. Incorporating Tradition with a Twist

For a nod to tradition, consider recreating classic Christmas drinks in an alcohol-free way:

Alcohol-Free Mulled Wine: Simmer fruit juices like apple or grape with Christmas spices like cloves, cinnamon, and star anise for a warming winter drink.

Non-Alcoholic Eggnog: Make a creamy, indulgent eggnog using a base of almond milk, sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla, leaving out the alcohol or using an alcohol-free spirit for a bit of a kick.

Conclusion

Christmas is a time for bringing people together, and offering alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks is a thoughtful way to include everyone in the celebrations. By curating a diverse and appealing selection, you ensure that your guests, whether teetotal, sober-curious, or simply pacing themselves, can enjoy the festive fun without compromise. So, this year, raise a glass – alcohol-free or otherwise – to a very merry Christmas!

Be a hero with zero! Award-Winning Sparkling Wine Brand Founded by the Delevingne Sisters Launches 0% Della Vite Zero

Goodbye Christmas hangovers! Why? Because Christmas 2024 is all about bubbles with balance and waking up feeling fresh and without the morning after headaches and feeling of guilt!

Introducing Della Vite Zero, a fantastically delicious non-alcoholic sparkling wine from the Delevinnge sisters, Cara, Poppy and Chloe. 

It's a sparkling French Rosé, bursting with flavours of cherry blossom, red berry, and fresh red apple. It's a festive fizzy drink yet with some serious flavours: perfect for sharing with friends, bringing to the table at Christmastime family gatherings and office parties, or a thoughtful gift for someone who may be cutting back on excess this festive season. Now there's something for everyone from Della Vite: and we're all invited!

It's the third release from Della Vite, (the range also includes award-winning proseccos Della Vite Superiore and Della Vite Treviso Rose) and this again is truly wonderful family affair: this time the sisters worked closely with a 4th generation French wine-making family in Beziers, France, who cultivate Della Vite Zero using Grenache grapes, the liquid undergoing a careful de-alcoholisation process to create complex and fresh flavours, and that all important pop of fizz. 

Because after all, everything seems better with bubbles, right? What's more, Della Vite Zero has one of the lowest sugar and calorie levels for this kind of product: perfect for those looking for healthier options during the Festive season.

Says Cara Delevingne:  “Alcohol-free doesn't mean having to compromise on taste, fun or new experiences. I've really wanted to create something like this with my sisters for a long time, but we were patient and finally found the right partners to work with. 

"It was well worth the wait. Sugar-free, low calorie, vegan, sustainable and absolutely bursting with flavour. There's no need to miss any party now, and you can show up 100% at 0% this Xmas be it at the family Christmas Dinner, the Christmas Office Party or gatherings with family or mates."

Cara explains: "We initially sold out via Selfridges so next we wanted to make sure thatno one missed out on the next batch, so we're delighted to share Della Vite Zero via Selfridges and Amazon, too. Come join us for a sip!"

Della Vite launched in 2020 and is now a multi-award-winning global sparkling wine brand with listings across the world as well as World Duty Free. Della Vite Zero is the brand's first foray into 0%.

Follow @della_vite for news, serving suggestions and more 

Della Vite Zero 0% the RRP is£14.99 to £15.64, 750ml, available from Selfridges and Amazon.

Record demand predicted for no and low drinks this Christmas at Tesco

It's reported shoppers are ready to create record demands for no and low alcohol beer, wines and spirits over Christmas.

That’s the prediction from Tesco after the supermarket saw its strongest ever sales in 2023 with high demand sustained across the entire year.

Demand for no and low alcohol beer at the supermarket this year has soared by over 20%, while sales of no/low wine rose by almost 15% per and demand for alternatives to spirits grew by nearly 10% per.

To give some indication of how strong the thirst for no and low drinks has been throughout this year, during the first three weeks of the June heatwave, demand at Tesco was over 25% higher than it was for the first three weeks of Dry January.

Another massive success has been pop star Kylie Minogue’s 0% Sparkling Rosé which launched in Tesco last year and which has now become the UK’s top selling premium no alcohol wine

As a result, Tesco prepared itself for its strongest ever demand in December and ordered in extra stock.

Tesco says that the main reasons for the no and low alcohol boom are:

New found shopper confidence in the quality of the drinks, often driven by recommendations from family and friends

Greater interest in health and moderation

An increase in product choice

Ease of selection in its stores with all products sitting in their own fixture

Tesco no and low alcohol wine buyer Joe Olding said: “Based on the massive demand throughout the year we're anticipating this festive season to not only be bigger than this year's Dry January, but to be the biggest Christmas ever for no and low drinks.

“A few years ago no and low alcohol drinks might have been a consideration to have on hand for special occasions but, as our latest sales data, shows they’ve become mainstream and are now popular all year round.

“We’ve also made it easier for customers to find no and low alcohol drinks as they all sit alongside each in the same aisle.”

Among the top brands driving the no and low boom are Lucky Saint, Athletic Brewing and Guinness 0% in beer; Gordons 0% Alcohol Free Gin and the Clean Co brand in spirits; and Nozeco, Not Guilty and Kylie 0% Sparkling Rosé in wine.

The rise in demand for Kylie Minogue’s no alcohol wine has been spectacular with demand rocketing throughout the year with one million bottles sold across all UK retailers.

The drink uses a unique filtration process in order to make it less sweet and retain more of the original wine taste but without any of the alcohol.

Kylie Minogue said: “When we launched our 0% Sparkling Rosé last year we knew health and wellbeing was becoming more and more important in people’s lives and so many of us are leaning toward more self-care.”

Drinkaware, an independent UK alcohol education charity which helps people make better choices about their drinking was happy to hear the news.

Karen Tyrell, CEO of the charity Drinkaware said: “It’s good people across Britain are more open to trying no and low alcohol drinks this year. 

“Drinking lower strength and alcohol-free products can be a helpful way for people to moderate their drinking and stay within the low-risk guidelines of 14 units a week. If you are unsure about how much you’re drinking, take our simple Drinking Check on the Drinkaware website."

www.tesco.com

Alcohol free Christmas cocktails with Fever-Tree?

43% of consumers now opting for non-alcoholic alternatives. Fever-Tree's new Cocktail Mixers are perfect to shake up your Christmas drinking by helping you swap your favourite cocktail for a mouthwatering mocktail!

Fever-Tree's cocktail mixers are ideal for creating a super easy mocktail, simply by switching out the spirit for a non-alcoholic version. Fever-Tree recommend Everleaf's non-alcoholic spirits range as a perfect pairing!

Jazz up your Christmas and treat yourself to a booze-free Mojito or Margarita to kick start the New Year in a mindful, indulgent way.

The lineup:  

Fever-Tree Classic Mojito Mixer: Fresh Mexican Limes meet Moroccan Mint for a zesty, refreshing twist. Just add non-alcoholic rum and ice for a mojito masterpiece. 

Fever-Tree Classic Margarita Mixer: Packed with fresh Mexican limes, sweet Italian Blood Orange, and a hint of sea salt. Add a non-alcoholic tequila alternative, shake or stir, and enjoy an authentic margarita.  

Available now at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and online at Ocado, for just £4.50.

Say goodbye to the hassle of squeezing limes and adding multiple complex ingredients! Just mix, shake and serve!

How to make the perfect mocktail at home:

Simply add ice to a glass.

Pour in 50ml of your chosen non-alcoholic spirit and top it off with Fever-Tree's mixer.

A quick stir, and it's ready to sip and enjoy. Ideal for an evening with friends or a night in front of the telly during the winter nights.

And don't forget, next month is Dry January and you can ramp up you mocktail mixing abilities then.

Celebrate a Luxurious But Alcohol-Free Christmas With Savyll

Elegant ready-to-serve brand Savyll welcomes everyone to celebrate a luxurious Christmas with its enticing array of non-alcoholic cocktails.

Perfect for a Christmas gift or as a festive party tipple, the four flavours are; an aromatic peach Bellini, a fresh and crisp Mojito, a zesty grapefruit Paloma and a fiery Moscow Mule.

Here's more about these delectable drinks:

Bellini: A sparkling Bellini flavoured cocktail crafted with a fusion of delicate floral white peach notes on the nose, and a pleasantly dry white wine finish. The Bellini has been given one-star by the Great Taste Awards.

Mojito: A sparkling Mojito flavoured cocktail with a balanced arrangement of citrus, sweet spearmint, rosemary and lime, combined with a spice aroma.

Paloma: A sparkling Paloma flavoured cocktail crafted with earthy agave and bittersweet grapefruit characteristics on the nose, crisp lime on the palate, and a pleasing acidic finish.

Moscow Mule: A sparkling Moscow Mule flavoured cocktail with a delicate balance of lime and ginger on the nose, with herbal notes on the palate, and a little heat on the finish. It was awarded Double Gold in the San Francisco Spirit Awards in 2023.

They are all vegan-friendly, gluten-free, crafted from natural ingredients, and contain less than 4g of sugar per 100ml. Each drink is available in a 250ml can and has an RRP of £2.40.

Savyll's created the perfect stocking filler gift this Christmas - their beautifully presented Collection Pack allows you to explore the full range of sophisticated flavours mentioned above.

Born in the melting-pot of London, Savyll was created by Avnish Babla. Avnish's vision was to create a range of premium non-alcoholic cocktails that drew inspiration from their traditional alcoholic counterparts. The brand has listings with the likes of Whole Foods, David Lloyd, Ocado and Warner Hotels.

Avnish said: "Mocktails have been around for quite some time, but they often come across as bright, loud, and full of sugar. We wanted to create a brand that conveyed classic sophistication, and appealed to a more discerning consumer.

“We have a significant number of customers who, due to health or cultural reasons, don't want to drink alcohol - but they want something more high-end and palatable than just a simple juice or soda. If you serve Savyll's range of cocktails to your AF guests this Christmas, they're sure to be wowed.”

The Savyll Collection Pack can be purchased on the website. It can either be bought as four 250ml cans for £10 or 12-can packs for £25. To find out more, visit www.savyll.com.