It is now 615 days since my last alcoholic drink (not that I’m counting 😉 ) and I am loving the benefits that it provided for my liver, skin health and metabolism. I know a lot of women over 40 are embracing a ‘less is more’ approach when it comes to alcohol as it provides so many benefits when managing the changes that come with perimenopause and menopause, and a really great way to do that is to find your go-to replacements so you do not feel like you are missing out.

Over the last couples of months I’ve tried a number of health focused alcohol alternatives and there really are some great options available these days.

Just in time for Labor Day weekend here are the top 5 that I recommend:

 

1) Ritual Zero Proof

When I gave up drinking alcohol one of the best things I did was to find an alternative to my Friday afternoon ‘wind-down’ glass of wine. I replaced this with a non-alcoholic Gin & Tonic made with Ritual’s Gin Alternative and sugar free tonic mixer (and lots of fresh lime). For me, the main attraction of drinking alcohol was the ritual I associated with it (stemming from years of Friday evening drinks with friends in my 20’s and 30’s) so this really helped me not miss my glass of wine. I have since been able to switch to a cup of herbal tea in the afternoons but still enjoy the alcoholic Gin & Tonic on special occasions. Ritual has a variety of spirit alternatives and I found that one bottle lasted forever!

2) Little Saints

One of the biggest challenges when choosing mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) is that they can often be full of sugar, but Little Saints products are not only sugar free but offer a range of health and relaxation benefits too. They are crafted using a blend of organic ingredients, including terpenes (aromatic compounds found in plants), CBD, and adaptogens like reishi and ashwagandha. These ingredients are chosen for their potential to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood and they taste great too! My favourites are the Paloma and the Mojito and Tim loves the Ginger Mule.

3) Ghia

​Ghia is another sugar free mocktail product that for me comes a close second to Little Saints. Ghia’s flagship product is an herbal aperitif made from a blend of botanicals, herbs, and citrus that you can add to sugar free selzer or as part of their ‘done for you’ canned drinks. Key ingredients include gentian root, lemon balm, elderflower, and rosemary, all of which are known for their aromatic and flavour enhancing properties. My favorite is the Ghia Soda but if you like a little spice you’ll love the Sumac and Chilli.

4) Kin Euphorics

​Kin Euphorics, founded by Jen Batchelor and Bella Hadid was one of the first sugar free/adaptogenic mocktails on the wellness scene. Their products are crafted using a combination of natural ingredients that are known for their mood-enhancing and stress-relieving properties. Key components include adaptogens like ashwagandha, which help the body manage stress; nootropics like GABA and L-theanine, which are thought to support cognitive function and relaxation; and botanicals like hibiscus and ginger, which add flavor and additional wellness benefits. My favorite is the Kin Bloom, but always check the ingredients if consuming in the evening as some varieties do contain caffeine.

5) Seedlip

It is a lot easier to find great alcoholic options in bars in the UK and during my last trip back I enjoyed more than one (!) alcohol free cocktail thanks to Seedlip! Seedlip is designed to be mixed into cocktails rather than consumed on its own, making it a versatile base for a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks. Its products are distilled in copper stills, and the brand prides itself on using high-quality, natural ingredients without added sugar, sweeteners, or artificial flavors. I loved the Garden 108 and Grove 42 varieties mixed with low sugar tonic, lime and ice.

If you want to understand more about what actually helps women over 40 navigate the health changes that come with perimenopause and post menopause then I invite you to watch the replay of my masterclass The Secrets of Fat Loss for Women Over 40 in which I’ll be helping you understand both the science and the strategy of weight loss in perimenopause, menopause and post menopause

​Watch the Masterclass here