Soft, not Sweet

I don’t drink. I’m not a dry alcoholic, it’s got nothing to do with religion and I’m not remotely boring. I just don’t like feeling fuzzy around the edges (that and there are enough addicts in my family tree).

Now, I love me some sweet, fizzy pop under normal daytime circumstances. Bring on the Dr Pepper, Coke, Sprite, Red Bull. I like juices and smoothies, squashes and cordials. But on a night out, or with a meal, I want a grown-up drink that’s not too sweet. Unfortunately, most pubs, restaurants etc can only stretch beyond pop and juice to a syrupy J2O, or an overpriced tiny glass of Appletiser or Britvic 55. They’re juice, too, really. See also when you go to a party, BBQ etc. The only drinkable non-sweet non-booze is that which I bring myself, while everyone else glugs beer, wine, spirits and mixers. The best places serve something a bit different. Elderflower cordials, homemade ginger beers and lemonades…

My longterm commercially-available favourite has always been Fentimans (lack of apostrophe theirs) Ginger Beer – strong, with a peppery, citrusy edge and a chilli kick. I’m also very fond of the Curiosity Cola, and recent addition to the range Rose Lemonade. How can you not warm to a drink that tastes of Turkish Delight and warm summer evenings, but is also a bit tart? Delicious.

Recent additions to the favourites list include Marks & Spencer’s Soft Brews, which are brewed with hops and malty goodness. This reminds me of my beloved Julmust, which IKEA Leeds kept failing to have in stock during frequent visits last Christmas. Expect a longer post later in the year about that little beauty. The Soft Brews taste like light, fruity beers only without the booze. They even have a good head (arf!). The aftertaste is complex and the mouthfeel silky. I’m particularly keen on the Blackcurrant variety, but the Citrus and Apple are also gorgeous. I hope the idea takes off – I know smaller manufacturers have been doing something similar for a while, but it’d be nice to be able to walk into any pub, bar or supermarket and pick up a bottle of something like this that is its own thing, while recalling the taste and scent of a good ale. Low/no alcohol lager has little to recommend it for the never drinker, though drivers and those occasionally off the booze for medical reasons might go for it. The Soft Brews are interesting drinks in their own right, not weak copies.

Now to drinks that I want to try, but haven’t yet:

1) Rochester Dark Ginger. My love for botanical tastes such as ginger, liquorice, rose remains unabated and a “dark” drink appeals.

2) Peter Spanton No7 Acai Blend. I like acai berries, I like what’s been written about No. 7 so far and the flavours described in the Spanton tonic range also sound good (lemongrass etc).