Summer No and Low Options – It is still summer, just, although it’s turned colder and the rain is lashing my window as I write this.
In the hope that we will be able to enjoy some more sunny days – perhaps even an Indian summer – here are some lighter, healthy options for your consideration.
I’ve been really impressed with the range of Thomson & Scott’s Noughty wines. Most alcohol free wines are high in sugar and chemicals, lack transparency with ingredients, and are often treated as an afterthought within a company’s wider alcoholic portfolio. Not the case here. The impressive range, developed by Amanda Thomson, is low in sugar, and is actually wine, not a wine alternative. They are healthy, vegan and low calorie, and an extremely acceptable alternative. For example, the Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay is 100 per cent dealcoholised chardonnay with some sugar (and the non-alcoholic bubbly served at the restaurant Bob Bob Ricard, famous for its “press for champagne” buttons on tables). It’s light in colour and smells like wine — and yes, tastes like wine too. It doesn’t taste like champagne, it’s not dry or toasty enough, but definitely tastes like sparkling wine and a rather nice one. The range also includes a delicious sparkling rosé (100% Tempranillo) , a 100% Syrah red, a 55% Chenin Blanc/45% Chardonnay white and a lovely still rosé (99% Chenin Blanc/1% Pinotage). You can find most of the range at Ocado, and it’s also stocked by Waitrose and Sainsbury. More info at noughtyaf.com
With so many of us choosing a more mindful approach to drinking, particularly during warmer weather, Moderato’s Cuvee Revolutionnaire Rosé, available in Majestic wine stores, has 0.5% ABV and little compromise on taste. This Rosé brings with it notes of ripe and tangy red fruits. Made from a unique blend of Gascony grape varieties with Merlot and Gros Manseng, it’s fresh, fruity and brings sunshine all year round. At £14 a bottle, you can try this and the rest of the Cuvee Revolutionnaire range (red, white and sparkling) at Majestic, Club Soda or Wise Bartender
Sometimes we’re happy with a lower alcohol – as opposed to alcohol-free – wine, and Codorníu, Spain’s oldest wine producer, has unveiled a new range of 8% ABV sparkling and still wines, as demand for low alcohol beverages continues to gain momentum. The new 8% range is available from Ocado at around £7 a bottle, and offers drinkers a lower-alcohol alternative, without compromising on quality and taste. Crafted with grapes from Codorníu’s historic vineyards in Catalonia, the range includes a refreshing sparkling (Chardonnay, Xarel·lo, Macabeo) blend, as well as an elegant still white (Xarel·lo, Macabeo and Muscat), rosé (Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah), and red (Garnacha and Syrah).
If it’s a cocktail you’re after, do try the Caleño range of tropical non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails that capture the sunny vibes of Colombia. The company offers a diverse range of alcohol-free rum alternatives. Featuring bold and exotic flavours, from Spiced, to Coconut, and Mango & Passionfruit. For a convenient grab and go option, it also offers a canned range of Ready to Party cocktails.
Caleño’s new White Coconut is full of flavour and gives the smooth and sweet exotic taste of fresh coconut with subtle notes of vanilla and pineapple. Sugar free. Allergen free. Low calories. No artificial flavourings. Vegan friendly. It’s now available in over 100 Waitrose stores and currently on offer at £13.50 (a saving of £5)
But don’t forget tea, which, when cold brewed, makes a refreshing and calorie free drink. Whittard of Chelsea has a great range with loose leaf tea infusions, such as Ice Cream Sundae and Summer Garden Flavoured, to bold cold brews with fruity notes of cherry and mandarin. Whether enjoyed ice cold, served piping hot, poured over ice or even added to a cocktail. I particularly like Rose & Verbena Fruit & Herbal Infusion (RRP £9.95) balanced and refreshing. This combines delicate floral essence of rose petals with uplifting citrus notes of verbena, soothing and revitalising. They are ideal for hot or iced teas, or can be condensed and added to a cocktail or used for baking. Other flavours to consider are Cherry & Mandarin Cold Brew and Raspberry & Grapefruit Cold Brew – both £5.95.
The Seasoned Gastronome