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Non-Alcoholic Equivalents for Spirit-Based Drinks: Christmas Cocktail Making at Home
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Whether it's for health reasons, personal preference, or simply wanting to enjoy a flavourful drink without the alcohol, there’s no need to miss out on the fun. Here’s a guide to making non-alcoholic versions of your favourite spirit-based Christmas cocktails at home.
1. Non-Alcoholic Gin Alternatives
Gin is often at the heart of many festive cocktails, such as the classic Gin & Tonic or the more adventurous Christmas Punch. Thankfully, non-alcoholic gin alternatives are readily available in many supermarkets and online retailers.
What to try:
Seedlip Garden 108 is an excellent alcohol-free gin alternative with herbal notes that complement tonic or soda water.
Ceder’s Crisp offers a refreshing blend of juniper, citrus, and cucumber, perfect for light, festive cocktails.
Recipe idea:
Non-Alcoholic Christmas Gin Punch
50ml Seedlip Garden 108
50ml cranberry juice
A squeeze of lime
Top with tonic water
Garnish with fresh rosemary and a few frozen cranberries
This refreshing and festive cocktail delivers all the botanical flavours of a gin punch without the alcohol.
2. Rum Substitutes
Rum-based drinks like the Mojito or Eggnog often find their way into Christmas celebrations. For those looking for non-alcoholic rum substitutes, there are some fantastic options available.
What to try:
Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit provides a great alternative to dark rum, with notes of caramel, molasses, and spice.
RumISH is another non-alcoholic option that replicates the sweet and spicy elements of rum, making it ideal for classic festive drinks.
Recipe idea:
Non-Alcoholic Spiced Eggnog
50ml Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit
200ml almond or oat milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon
A dollop of whipped cream to top
This rich and creamy alternative to traditional Eggnog brings all the warmth and comfort of the season without the booze.
3. Non-Alcoholic Whisky Options
Whisky is synonymous with the colder months, and it’s a star ingredient in many Christmas cocktails, like the Old Fashioned or Whisky Sour. Fortunately, there are non-alcoholic alternatives that allow you to enjoy the depth and complexity of whisky without the alcohol.
What to try:
Lyre’s American Malt offers a solid non-alcoholic substitute, with flavours of oak, vanilla, and caramel, perfect for whisky-based cocktails.
Spirit of Bourbon by Free Spirits is another great option with a similar profile to bourbon, making it suitable for Christmas classics.
Recipe idea:
Non-Alcoholic Old Fashioned
50ml Lyre’s American Malt
1 tsp brown sugar
A few dashes of Angostura bitters (you can find non-alcoholic bitters too!)
A splash of water
Garnish with an orange peel and a maraschino cherry
This non-alcoholic take on the Old Fashioned is just as rich and smooth as the original, providing a warming and festive drink.
4. Tequila Alternatives for Festive Margaritas
Tequila-based drinks may not be the first thing that comes to mind for Christmas, but with their bright and citrusy flavours, they can provide a refreshing contrast to the heavier winter fare.
What to try:
Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit is a non-alcoholic alternative that mimics the agave-based spirit, making it perfect for margaritas and Palomas.
Mockingbird Spirit is another non-alcoholic option with a tequila-inspired taste profile, ideal for festive twists on classic cocktails.
Recipe idea:
Non-Alcoholic Festive Margarita
50ml Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit
25ml lime juice
25ml cranberry juice
10ml agave syrup
Salt rim for garnish
This festive twist on the classic margarita combines the zesty lime and refreshing agave flavours, perfect for adding a bit of sparkle to your Christmas celebrations.
5. Vodka Substitutes for Christmas Cocktails
Vodka is a versatile spirit that appears in many festive cocktails, from the classic Moscow Mule to the Christmas Cosmo. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic vodka alternative, you’ll find some excellent options to recreate these drinks.
What to try:
Stryyk Not Vodka is a popular non-alcoholic vodka substitute that blends seamlessly into your favourite cocktails.
CleanCo Clean V is another fantastic alcohol-free vodka alternative, with a smooth and neutral flavour profile.
Recipe idea:
Non-Alcoholic Christmas Cosmo
50ml Stryyk Not Vodka
25ml cranberry juice
10ml fresh lime juice
10ml orange juice
Garnish with an orange twist
This non-alcoholic Cosmo retains all the tart, citrusy flavours of the original while keeping things alcohol-free.
Conclusion
Christmas is a time for celebration, and with so many great non-alcoholic alternatives to spirits, you don’t need to miss out on the festive fun. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these alcohol-free cocktails are sure to bring some sparkle to your Christmas season. Cheers to a merry and mindful holiday!
A Piece of Delicious Gluten Free Flapjack Every Day with Flapjackery's Advent Calendar Box
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Flapjackery's Gluten-Free Advent Calendar Box (£65) promises a daily December delight with its mouth-watering pieces of flapjack, perfect for counting down to Christmas. (Actually, as a diagnosed coeliac my wife is always looking for gluten-free treats and foods.)
Inside, you'll find twenty-four scrummy and delicious individually wrapped half-pieces of gluten-free flapjacks in an irresistible array of flavours.
Expect festive favourites such as Mince Pie, Florentine, Orange and Cranberry, and even Milk Chocolate Flapjack topped with holly piped in white chocolate.
Handmade in Devon, right on the very edge of Dartmoor, these flapjacks are crafted using the finest of oats and locally-sourced West Country ingredients such as 100% real real butter and Fairtrade brown sugar. It's a delicious daily treat guaranteed to keep you going through the chilly December days.
Available for delivery between 1st November and 1st December (if no date is specified, they'll be sent out from 15th November onwards), these tasty delights arrive in recyclable packaging and stay fresh for weeks. Oh, and did we mention they're all gluten-free?
Visit Flapjackery.co.uk to order your's and add a bit of joy to your December!
The Advent calendar Box contains the following 24 half pieces
Rudolph Fudge Flapjack
Caramel Latte Flapjack
Creamy Hazelnut Chocolate Flapjack
Orange and Cranberry Flapjack
Ginger & Dark Chocolate Flapjack
Millionaires Flapjack piped with a tree in white chocolate
Mince Pie Flapjack
Dark Chocolate and Salted Caramel Flapjack
Peanut Butter Fudge Flapjack
Burnt Caramel and Sea Salt Flapjack
Creamy Fudge Flapjack
Traditional Flapjack
Raspberry Millionaires Flapjack
Salted Caramel Caramel Fudge Flapjack
Christmas Rocky Road Flapjack
Billionaires Flapjack
Milk Chocolate Flapjackery piped with holly in white chocolate
Mint Chocolate Flapjack
Treacle Flapjack
Florentine Flapjack
Milk Chocolate Orange Flapjack
Clotted Cream Fudge Flapjack
Chocolate Fudge Flapjack
Honeycomb Rocky Road Flapjack
FACTFILE:-
Who'd have thought an empire would be created out of a love for the humble flapjack? But that's exactly what Carol Myott and her former business partner Sally Jenkin built, despite both being semi-retired when they started their baking business.
From their kitchens in rural west Devon way back in 2015 (2025 is going to be a BIG year, trust us on that!) right on the foothills of Dartmoor, they began baking cakes for their local farmers' market. It was the flapjacks that flew off the table,it was all very basic back then, so they focused on this, introducing some eclectic and mouth-watering flavours.
They decided to grow bigger and attended shows like the BBC Good Food Show, and sold out. That's when they knew a collective love of flapjacks wasn't just a whim, people loved these gluten free chunks of oat-filled treats, with flavours like Burnt Caramel and Sea Salt, Honeycomb Rocky Road, and Summer Fruits Crumble to whet the appetite.
Fast forward to 2024, and there are now 12 shops dotted about the Westcountry, mostly in astonishingly stunning seaside towns, with their original shop in Tavistock, which opened back in 2019, the flag bearer for all things Flapjackery. Amazingly, every single flapjack is handmade at their Tavistock bakery! Wow! How cool is that?!
With Sally stepping back, the business is led by Carol and continues to expand nationally. The key ingredients of the flapjacks remain the same, and Carol has some tips on how to make the perfect flapjacks: "Weigh the golden syrup! Lots of recipes measure by tablespoon, but this is very inaccurate and too much syrup can result in a hard finish. People's instinct is to add a bit more to make it soft and gooey, but this has the opposite effect. We recommend the same weight of sugar to golden syrup, which, together, should equal the weight of butter—so if the recipe says 300g of butter, we'd use 150g of sugar and 150g of golden syrup."
That's Christmas and sister site That's Food and Drink (run by a delightfully dotty husband and wife team) have been keenly watching and promoting Flapjackery since we were first introduced to them by our friends at Raw Food and Drink PR.
Choosing Stilton for Christmas: A Quintessential British Tradition
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Whether it’s served on a cheese board after Christmas dinner or enjoyed with a glass of port by the fire, Stilton adds an unmistakable touch of luxury and tradition to Christmas celebrations.
But how do you choose the perfect Stilton for your festive feast? Here are some tips to help you pick the finest blue cheese for Christmas this year.
The History of Stilton
First, a little background: Stilton is one of only a handful of British cheeses with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, meaning it can only be made in certain counties—Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire. It dates back to the 18th century, and its popularity has endured, making it a symbol of British cheesemaking.
1. Blue or White?
Stilton is available in two varieties: blue and white. While the blue version is more commonly associated with Christmas, with its beautiful blue veins and creamy texture, white Stilton is also a delicious alternative, especially if you're not keen on the tang of blue cheeses. White Stilton is milder, crumbly, and often paired with fruits like cranberries or apricots, which can add a festive twist to your cheese selection.
2. Check the Age
When choosing Stilton for Christmas, it's important to consider its age. A younger Stilton will be creamier and milder in flavour, making it an ideal choice if you prefer a less intense blue cheese. However, if you're a true blue cheese lover, go for a more mature Stilton, which will have a stronger, more complex flavour and a crumbly texture.
3. Look for a Trusted Producer
Stilton is made by only a few dairies, and all producers adhere to strict standards, but each one has its own subtle differences. Producers like Colston Bassett, Cropwell Bishop, and Long Clawson are renowned for their high-quality Stilton. Trying cheeses from different dairies is a great way to explore the unique characteristics of each, but any Stilton bearing the PDO mark is guaranteed to be of excellent quality.
4. Consider Pairings
One of the joys of Stilton at Christmas is how well it pairs with other festive treats. Traditionally, Stilton is served with a glass of port, a rich and sweet fortified wine that complements the cheese’s sharp, salty flavour. If port isn’t to your taste, consider pairing it with a dessert wine, such as Sauternes, or even a full-bodied red like a Bordeaux. For non-alcoholic options, spiced apple juice or a pear cordial can be excellent companions.
In terms of food, Stilton shines when paired with fruits like figs, pears, or apples. It also works beautifully with chutneys, especially ones with a bit of sweetness and spice. Try serving your Stilton with a fig chutney, or opt for the classic combination of Stilton and quince paste.
5. Storage Tips
Once you've chosen your perfect Stilton, it’s important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh throughout the festive period. Stilton should be kept in the fridge, wrapped in wax paper or foil, and stored in an airtight container. This will help it retain its moisture while preventing other foods in the fridge from absorbing its distinctive aroma.
Before serving, take your Stilton out of the fridge about an hour ahead of time to allow it to come to room temperature. This will enhance its flavours and make it easier to cut and spread.
A Christmas Classic
Whether you're a long-time Stilton fan or introducing it to your Christmas table for the first time, this iconic cheese adds a truly British touch to your festive celebrations. Its versatility, bold flavours, and rich history make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to elevate their Christmas cheese board.
As you gather with family and friends, make sure there's a place for Stilton alongside the mince pies and Christmas pudding. After all, it’s not quite Christmas without it!
However, my wife states, quite firmly, that a good Stilton is not just for Christmas! And I cannot argue with her!
A Guide to Selecting Wine for Every Course of Your Christmas Dinner
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1. Starter – Light Appetisers
Christmas starters are often light, designed to whet the appetite. Smoked salmon, pâté, or a prawn cocktail are common choices. These dishes call for a wine that complements without overpowering the delicate flavours.
Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis works beautifully with seafood or light salads. Their acidity will cut through the richness of the fish, leaving a refreshing finish. If you prefer a sparkling option, a Brut Champagne or a light Prosecco adds a festive flair.
2. Main Course – Turkey or Roast
The main event of Christmas dinner in the UK is often a roast turkey, but roast beef, goose, or lamb are also popular. These meats typically come with rich, savoury accompaniments like gravy, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.
Wine Pairing:
Turkey: A Pinot Noir is a classic pairing with turkey. Its light body and fruity notes won’t overwhelm the mild meat, and it complements the earthy flavours of root vegetables and stuffing.
Goose: For a fattier meat like goose, opt for a fuller-bodied white such as an oaked Chardonnay, or a rich red like a Shiraz or Zinfandel.
Beef or Lamb: These meats call for bolder reds. A Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Bordeaux will bring out the robust flavours of roast beef or lamb without being too heavy.
3. Side Dishes – Vegetables, Stuffing, and Sauces
Side dishes, such as Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and herby stuffing, play an essential supporting role. Balancing these various flavours can be tricky, but the right wine will tie everything together.
Wine Pairing: For sides, it’s all about balance. A Beaujolais is an excellent choice, with its light and fruity profile working well with sweet and earthy vegetables, while also refreshing your palate between bites. Rosé Champagne can also be a fun and versatile option, especially for lighter, vegetarian side dishes.
4. Dessert – Christmas Pudding or Mince Pies
Christmas desserts are often rich, fruity, and full of spice. Whether you’re serving a traditional Christmas pudding, mince pies, or something else decadent, the wine needs to stand up to these bold flavours.
Wine Pairing: A Tawny Port or Sherry is a classic pairing with Christmas pudding. Its sweetness and nuttiness harmonise with the dried fruits and spices. For mince pies, a sweet Muscat or Sauternes can provide a delicious counterpoint to the crumbly pastry and spiced filling.
5. Cheese Course – A Festive Cheese Board
Many Christmas dinners conclude with a cheese course. Stilton, Cheddar, and Brie are common favourites on a festive cheese board.
Wine Pairing: Blue cheeses like Stilton pair beautifully with a rich, sweet wine like Port or Sauternes. For hard cheeses like Cheddar, a bold red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel works well. Soft cheeses like Brie are complemented by a more delicate wine, such as Champagne or a Chardonnay.
6. After Dinner – Chocolates or Digestifs
Once dinner has been cleared away, the indulgence often continues with chocolates or a few post-dinner drinks.
Wine Pairing: Pair rich, dark chocolates with a full-bodied Red Zinfandel or a Late Bottled Vintage Port. If you’re moving on to a digestif, consider a smooth Brandy or Cognac to round off the meal in style.
Final Thoughts
The key to selecting the perfect wines for Christmas dinner is variety. Each course has its own unique flavours and textures, so it’s worth offering different wines throughout the meal. Whether you’re a red wine lover or prefer a chilled white, these pairings should guide you in creating a memorable Christmas feast. Cheers!
Unlocking Vital Nutrients: Wassen Magnesium-B and Wassen Selenium ACE+D. Give Good Health this Christmas
That’s where supplements like Wassen Magnesium-B and Wassen Selenium ACE+D come in. Both products offer targeted health benefits, designed to support your overall well-being and help you fill any nutritional gaps.
Wassen Magnesium-B: Powering Your Energy and Nervous System
Magnesium plays a crucial role in hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body, making it an essential mineral for daily health. Wassen Magnesium-B combines the power of magnesium with vitamin B6, offering a blend that helps support the nervous system, reduce tiredness, and contribute to normal psychological function.
Benefits of Wassen Magnesium-B:
Energy Production: Magnesium helps convert food into energy, making it indispensable for those experiencing fatigue or low energy. By maintaining proper energy levels, you can stay active and alert throughout the day.
Nervous System Support: Magnesium works with vitamin B6 to help regulate the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety. This is particularly important for people living fast-paced, stressful lives who may experience muscle tension, nervousness, or mental fatigue.
Muscle Function: Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function, which is vital for people who exercise regularly or experience muscle cramps. The combination with B6 also supports muscle recovery and helps to relieve cramps or spasms.
Heart Health: Magnesium helps to maintain normal heart function by supporting healthy blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems. A sufficient intake of magnesium can help regulate your heart rhythm and support overall heart health.
Whether you're a busy professional, an athlete, or simply looking to support your everyday well-being, Wassen Magnesium-B provides a convenient and effective way to ensure you're meeting your body's magnesium needs.
Selenium is a trace mineral that, while needed in small amounts, plays an outsize role in maintaining your immune system and protecting your cells from oxidative stress.
Wassen Selenium ACE+D combines selenium with vitamins A, C, E, and D, creating a powerful antioxidant blend designed to boost your immune function, protect cells from damage, and promote healthy skin and hair.
Key Benefits of Wassen Selenium ACE+D:
Immune Support: Selenium and vitamins A, C, and D work together to strengthen your immune system, helping your body fight off infections and maintain overall health. In particular, vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses, while selenium supports the production of antibodies.
Cellular Protection: The antioxidant properties of selenium and vitamins C and E help to neutralise free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to ageing and disease. This protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin, reducing the signs of ageing, and promoting overall cellular longevity.
Thyroid Health: Selenium is particularly important for thyroid function, as it helps to regulate the production of thyroid hormones. A well-functioning thyroid is essential for metabolism, energy production, and overall hormonal balance.
Skin and Hair: Both selenium and vitamin E contribute to the maintenance of healthy skin and hair, promoting skin elasticity and shine. By protecting cells from oxidative damage, Wassen Selenium ACE+D helps maintain a youthful appearance and reduce the signs of ageing.
Why Choose Wassen Supplements?
Wassen has been a trusted name in the field of nutritional supplements for over 40 years, offering products that are based on scientific research and formulated to the highest standards. The Wassen Magnesium-B and Wassen Selenium ACE+D supplements are easy to incorporate into your daily routine, offering you a targeted approach to health that supports vital bodily functions.
Here’s why you should consider adding Wassen supplements to your regimen:
Quality Ingredients: Wassen sources the highest-quality nutrients to ensure maximum effectiveness and bioavailability.
Tailored Formulas: Each product is carefully designed to meet specific health needs, so you can target the nutrients most important to you.
Trusted Expertise: With decades of experience and a commitment to supporting health through nutrition, Wassen has earned a reputation for excellence in the supplement industry.
Conclusion
Incorporating supplements like Wassen Magnesium-B and Wassen Selenium ACE+D can be a simple and effective way to support your body’s essential functions. Whether you’re looking to improve energy levels, support your immune system, or protect your cells from oxidative stress, these two products offer powerful benefits that can help you feel your best every day.
By making sure your body has the nutrients it needs, you’ll be better equipped to take on life’s challenges with energy, resilience, and vitality.
They will make absolutely excellent Christmas stocking fillers for the people you care about and love.
b.box's Bottles - Designed for Every Stage of Growing Up. An Ideal Christmas gift
Choosing the right bottle for your child can make a big difference in your daily routine. b.box, an Australian brand designed by moms for moms, offers a range of bottles tailored to fit your child’s age and needs. Whether you're looking for something spill-proof for younger kids or a more grown-up option for older ones, b.box has the perfect solution to keep your little one hydrated and happy.
These will make absolutely stunning Christmas presents for the young children in your life.
This award-winning sippy cup is perfect for transitioning your little one from bottle or breastfeeding. The weighted straw allows them to drink from any angle—whether they are standing, sitting, or lying down. Plus, the leakproof design and flip-top lid make it ideal for on-the-go use. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe, it’s a parent’s must-have.
For growing toddlers, this training cup helps them learn to drink from an open cup without the mess. Its unique design funnels liquid into the rim for easy, controlled drinking. With a clear water window, your child can see how much to tilt the cup. Simple to clean and dishwasher safe, it’s great for building independence.
This 4-in-1 value pack grows with your baby, featuring interchangeable lids for every stage: bottle, spout cup, sippy cup, and training rim. It’s designed to adapt as your child moves from bottle feeding to straw drinking and eventually open cup use. The set is easy to clean and dishwasher safe, making it a versatile, long-term solution.
Lightweight and durable, this bottle features an easy-grip triangular shape that’s perfect for little hands. The silicone straw makes drinking effortless, while the leakproof design ensures no spills. With a handy push-button lid and integrated carry handle, it’s great for school or sports.
Designed for older kids, this sporty bottle has a free-flowing spout and a unique triangular shape for easy gripping. The leakproof design and durable materials make it perfect for active kids, while the push-button lid locks in place to prevent spills. The bottom bumper adds extra durability for all the bumps and knocks.
Keep drinks cool for up to 8 hours or warm for 6 with this insulated stainless steel bottle. It’s perfect for keeping kids hydrated throughout the day, whether at school or on the go. The silicone straw makes for easy sipping, and the push-button lid ensures leakproof use.
With so many great options, finding the ideal bottle for your child has never been easier with b.box. Whether it’s a lightweight, leakproof bottle for on-the-go adventures or an insulated option for all-day hydration, you can rest assured you’re making a choice that combines style, practicality, and durability. Ready to make the switch? Choose a bottle that grows with your child and supports their independence every step of the way.
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