With so many alcohol-free options to choose from Dry January needn't be a fun-free slog this year, says influencer Inka Larissa (aka @onthesauceagain)

Most pubs, bars and restaurants are offering special deals and hosting events to attract customers in January. Even if you took the pledge for this month it’s worth making the most of the offering. Going dry for January doesn’t mean you have to stay home and do nothing. 

Mocktail Month

Scotch & Rye, Inverness
This venue might be known for its delicious food menu, but their alcohol-free cocktail selection is excellent. You’ll find drinks made with non-alcoholic whisky liqueur and zero botanical spirits. Make sure to ask the staff for their seasonal booze-free beers and ciders! 

Mamasan, Glasgow 

This Southeast Asian inspired bar and brasserie is famed for its fresh and authentic style of cooking. They use Seedlip drinks as the base of their beautifully presented mocktails. The mocktail menu covers flavours suitable for all taste buds. If you need a little pick-me-up, go for the Espresso mocktail. 

The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh

The Ivy offers a great selection of non-alcoholic cocktails. Some of my personal favourites include Mountain Spritz and Angelic Amaretti Sour. The first is made of sustainably sourced botanicals that capture those mountain flavours. 

Siberia Bar & Hotel, Aberdeen

If you still want to enjoy good music and dance the night away, Siberia Bar & Hotel also offers alcohol-free cocktails at great prices. For those with a sweet tooth, try their Virgin Pornstar. 

Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye

Each time I’m on the Isle of Skye, I make a point to visit Kinloch Lodge, pictured above. Whether it is just for a little snack or a Sunday lunch, it’s a place worth the stopover. Whatever the weather, you’ll be charmed by the atmosphere. Pair your meal with a mocktail, some of my favourites include Feragaia Sour and Gin-less Gimlet. 

The National:

Alcohol-Free Spirits

If you don’t want to face the weather and want to get cosy at home, here are a few Scottish alcohol-free spirit brands to try at home. 

Feragaia

Fife-based Feragaia is made from 14 botanicals, including lemon verbena, blackcurrant leaf, sugar kelp, hibiscus, bay leaf and apple. Try it in a Paloma or mix with ginger ale and lime. 

Glen Dochus

Glen Dochus range is ideal for those who usually would enjoy whisky. The range includes five releases: West Coast Blend (candied fruits, light smoke, caramel), Highland Blend (figs, nutmeg, cardamom), Export Blend (gingerbread, cinnamon, toffee), Royale Blend (candied orange, hazelnut, vanilla, honeycomb) and Island Blend (peat smoke, black pepper, candied peel, chocolate).

Talonmore

Talonmore non-alcoholic spirit is a unique blend of complex and fiery flavours. Made with a mix of rooted and plant-based ingredients, the palate offers spicy notes of ginger and cinnamon balanced with maltiness and fruity sweetness. Try it in an alcohol-free Espresso Martini, Hot Toddy or a Sour. 

Eden Mill 

Eden Mill has created two different non-alcoholic premixed spirits, Eden Original & Tonic and Eden Love & Rose Lemonade. 

RECIPE: Juniper Syrup

If you miss drinking G&T’s during dry January, I suggest you make your own juniper syrup at home. 

  • 3tsp Dried juniper berries
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • Short peel of orange
  • 1 Cardamom pod
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1cup of sugar

  • Method  

In a small saucepan, muddle the juniper berries. Add the bay leaves, orange peel and water. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the sugar and simmer for 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool, then cover and store in the fridge overnight. Strain and serve. Tip: You could also use other ingredients based on the flavours you like. For example, pink peppercorns, lemon peel, lavender, pink grapefruit or coriander.

@onthesauceagain