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    Dubai reintroduces alcohol tax, impacting 2025 prices

    by

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    26 seconds ago

    Effective January 1, 2025, Dubai will reintroduce a 30% alcohol tax. This decision, made by local authorities, will impact the pricing of drinks across the emirate. After a two-year period of reduced taxes, consumers and businesses alike are preparing for the potential financial implications.
    Alcohol tax: Understanding the impact
    The reinstated tax is expected to lead to increased prices for alcoholic beverages in various establishments, including:
    Bars and Restaurants: Patrons can anticipate higher prices for cocktails and grape.
    Nightclubs: The cost of drinks, especially premium spirits, may rise significantly.
    Hotels: Room service and minibar charges could be affected.

    Why the Change?
    While the specific reasons for reintroducing the tax have not been explicitly stated, it is likely a combination of factors. These may include:
    Government Revenue: The tax could be a significant source of revenue for the government.
    Balancing Economic Factors: The decision may be part of a broader economic strategy to optimize revenue streams.
    Addressing Social Concerns: Some may argue that higher taxes on alcohol could discourage excessive consumption.
    Implications for Consumers and Businesses
    The reintroduction of the alcohol tax will have both short-term and long-term implications.
    For Consumers:
    Increased Spending: Consumers may need to allocate more of their budget to alcoholic beverages.
    Altered Drinking Habits: Some may choose to drink less frequently or opt for less expensive options.
    Impact on Social Gatherings: The higher cost of drinks could affect social events and gatherings.
    For Businesses:
    Pricing Strategies: Businesses will need to carefully consider their pricing strategies to remain competitive and maintain customer satisfaction.
    Menu Engineering: Restaurants and bars may need to adjust their menus to accommodate the increased costs.
    Customer Expectations: Businesses will need to manage customer expectations and communicate price changes effectively.
    As the new year approaches, consumers and businesses alike are preparing for the potential impact of the reinstated alcohol tax. By understanding the implications and making informed decisions, individuals and establishments can navigate this change successfully.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: @zenondubai More

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      in health and weelbeing

      10 Things That Happen To Your Body During Dry January

      by

      With the booming production of nonalcoholic wine, beer and gin, a generation of ‘sober-curious’ teetotal trailblazers and research showing that even small amounts of alcohol can have health consequences, Dry January is more popular than ever.

      So if this year’s merriment has left you feeling more rough than refreshed, then perhaps it’s time you, too, try Dry January? After all, research has shown that people who take a month off drinking will keep their newfound habits going in some form. In fact, one study found that people who took part in Dry January were still drinking less in August.

      What are the benefits of Dry January?

      But what are the benefits of swerving the sauce for a full 31 days? And how should you structure your month, so that it works for you?

      We’ll get to that. But, first off, we’ve tapped up the experts – GP Richard Spence and personal trainer Matt Kendrick – for their crib sheet on how ‘livin’ la vida’ sober affects your body, week by week.

      Dry January: Week One benefits

      1. Your sleep might change

      While alcohol might help some people get to sleep, for most, it reduces how long they sleep for, as well as sleep quality, thus having a negative effect on energy levels. The reason is that if you drink before you go to sleep your body experiences ‘micro-awakenings’ during the night.

      You won’t realise they’re happening, but they do affect your deep sleep. However, while poor for your pillow time, you’re used to them. You need to get used to sleeping sober without these.

      If you drank more days than not in December for the first week, you may notice that your sleeping pattern changes slightly or you struggle with insomnia, so you may be tired, but the quality of sleep you get is set to improve.

      2. Your fitness levels should go up

      Alcohol is a diuretic – meaning that your kidneys produce more urine –which can lead to dehydration. Think about your skin after a night getting sozzled: dry, dull and lifeless? Point proved.

      If you keep on drinking lots of water when you exercise, without alcohol in your system your hydration levels will be far easier to maintain – resulting in improved blood flow which is essential for circulating nutrients and oxygen to your muscles.

      Dry January: Weeks two to three benefits

      By this point, you should be starting to feel the bigger positives of passing on the prosecco. With no alcohol in your system for a fortnight, you may notice that your motivation levels are higher due to your new-found willpower, and you may even have started to lose a bit of weight.

      3. You’ll experience increased deep sleep

      ‘When you drink alcohol before bed you may fall into deep sleep quicker,’ confirms Drink Aware. ‘This is why some people find drinking alcohol helps them drop off to sleep. But as the night goes on you spend less time in this deep sleep and more time than usual in the less restful, Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep.’

      Alcohol can exacerbate certain sleep conditions, like snoring, and without it, you should be getting a better quality of sleep – making you more energetic and active.

      4. You’ll want to exercise more

      Whether you used to drink more at the weekend or not, with this newfound energy you are now more likely to make the most of your Saturdays and Sundays, swapping a long lie-in for a long walk or gym session.

      5. You should be feeling better, mentally

      The problem is, while a glass of Pinotage or four might give you a sense of relaxation instantly, as you know, the next morning can feel plagued by feelings of anxiety.

      ‘Post-drinking hangovers can be particularly difficult, with the usual headache and nausea being accompanied by feelings of depression and/or anxiety,’ according to the charity Alcohol Change.

      ‘Overuse of alcohol can contribute to the worsening of symptoms of many mental health problems. In particular, it can lead to low mood and anxiety.’ Meaning? That when you dry out, you could well feel less easily shaken, or that your moods are more steady.

      6. Your skin should look healthier

      Drinking alcohol can leave the skin looking tired and puffy, and dryness is a common side effect.

      With no alcohol in your system and a good amount of exercise, by now you should be noticing that any redness or blotchiness has started to fade and that your complexion is clearer and you have healthy, glowing skin.

      The longer-term benefits of giving up booze

      In one month of giving up alcohol, it’s likely that you will have started to feel calmer, tone up, reduce liver fat, reduce cholesterol, reduce blood sugar and gain a clearer complexion – all in a relatively short space of time.

      7. Your liver should be happy

      Although the liver has great regenerative powers, this is not limitless. It will be very grateful for the downtime. As Dr Spence states: ‘As a GP it is always obvious to me if someone has stopped drinking.’

      Furthermore, a study discovered that individuals who stopped drinking alcohol reduced their liver fat fell on average by 15 % and by almost 20% in some individuals. This is good news for helping to future-proof your body against liver damage.

      8. Your focus will increase

      With your sleep cycle back in balance, your body’s ability to store glycogen will improve and this crucial energy source will provide you with greater endurance, and make you feel more alert.

      9. You’ll find it easier to hit your goals

      Now that alcohol’s a distant memory, your improved training regime will be in full swing, and it should be much easier than before to keep on track with any fitness goals that you have set.

      Also, you can expect big improvements in both metabolism and muscle recovery, as your endurance and body’s ability to convert carbohydrates to usable energy improves.

      10. Your skin might glow

      After an alcohol-free month, your body is able to absorb more vitamin A, increasing cell turnover and leaving your skin looking considerably healthier and younger. You will also see a returned brightness to your eyes.

      3 steps to making Dry January work for you

      1. If you’re trying to be healthy, don’t choose fizzy drinks

      Not sure what to choose as your evening tipple, now that wine is off the menu? Don’t fall into the trap of opting for a fizzy drink.

      ‘It might seem like a ‘healthier’ option to opt for a fizzy drink or fruit juice as an alternative to alcohol, but many of these can be surprisingly high in sugars,’ says nutritionist Vicky Pennington.

      What to do, instead

      ‘A better solution to avoid drinks high in sugar would be to spice up sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lime or other alternatives such as mint or fresh strawberries. If you are opting for a fruit juice then ensure you limit this to just 150ml a day.’

      READ MORE: These 13 Simple Mocktails Are So Good, You’ll Make Them Long After Dry January

      2. Don’t let yourself feel out of the loop

      If none of your friends or family are doing Dry January, you might start feeling a bit left out when you’re the only one who arrives at virtual book club without a crisp dry white in hand.

      Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Pomegranate Flavoured Gin and Tonic Mocktail

      Savanna Non-Alcoholic Cider Bottle

      Babylonstoren BitterLekker

      Seedlip Spice Non-Alcoholic Spirit 700ml

      Norah’s Valley Alcohol-Free Cashmere Rosé

      Lautus De-Alcoholised Savvy White 750 ml

      What to do, instead

      Mix up a tasty alcohol-free drink to take to your distance socialising events – tonic water over ice with a grapefruit garnish or an ice-cold kombucha are both good shouts. If you are pining for the taste of alcohol, there are abundant brilliant alcohol-free drinks out there, now, from gin alternative Seedlip to no-booze beer.

      READ MORE: Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

      3. Try not to go off the rails, come February

      So you’ve made it through 31 days of sobriety and there’s only one thing for it: a nice cold glass of Sauvignon. But before you head straight for the nearest pub: ‘The problem with things like Dry January is that it can feel a bit all or nothing. By depriving yourself for a whole month you might just end up with you binge drinking when February comes around which can lead to various health problems and make Dry January feel like a bit of a waste of time,’ says Pennington.

      What to do, instead

      ‘If you do enjoy a drink just make sure you enjoy it in moderation. It will be better for you to just drink sensibly throughout the year and have a few dry days each week.’

      How to do Dry January, if you’re worried about people’s reactions

      The thing is, though – how do you tactfully withdraw from social wines and chats if that’s a big chunk of your social life and you don’t want to be tempted by the sight of everyone else sipping?

      If you need some help – post-Christmas, or any time you fancy going sober – then check out this advice.

      Taken from author Annie Grace’s book ‘The Alcohol Experiment’, available now, which advocates for trialling 30 days off of swerving the sauce, for the health, financial and emotional benefits, it digs into navigating the minefield of explaining yourself to your friends.

      1. Don’t preach

      ‘Nobody wants to hear all your research into the dangers of alcohol. They already know most of it, trust me. And at this point, they don’t want to be harassed about it. I became an anti-alcohol evangelist at first, and people pitied my husband for having to put up with me.

      ‘If people ask you about the experiment, give them a brief summary to answer their questions. Staying low-key will do more good than making them feel like you’re judging them. If they want to make a change with their own drinking, they’re already judging themselves.’

      2. Be a positive example

      ‘Show your friends that you can have just as much fun without drinking (and without talking about it all the time). Let them see for themselves that you simply don’t want to drink right now, and that’s okay. Again, your friends might feel that by not drinking, you are judging their behaviour.

      ‘Even though this isn’t true, they may still think it. So don’t isolate them. Be as friendly as ever. Let them know you are doing this for you, and don’t try to force the idea on them.’

      3. Be creative

      ‘You don’t have to tell anyone you’re not drinking for 31 days. If you’re worried about how your friends will react, don’t say anything. It’s a personal decision, so keep it to yourself for now. There are lots of ways to explain why you might not be drinking on a particular evening. Here are some of my favourites from our community:

      “I overdid it last night, so I’m taking the night off.”

      “I’m trying to cut back.”

      “I’m doing an alcohol-free challenge.”

      “I don’t feel like it tonight.”

      “I have an important meeting tomorrow, so I want to keep a clear head.”

      ‘If you do decide to continue this 30-day experiment for 60 days, 90 days, or indefinitely, you will eventually want to tell your friends what’s going on. And chances are that many of them won’t get it. They won’t understand. But that doesn’t mean they will stop being friends with you.

      ‘It can take time, but eventually, most of them will accept your decision. Keep it all about you, not them. This is a change you’ve made for yourself. Make sure they know you aren’t going to impose your new beliefs on them. Here are some of the phrases I’ve used:

      “I realised I’m happier when I’m not drinking.”

      “I’m on a health kick, and giving up booze is part of it.”

      “I decided alcohol was no longer doing me any favours.”

      “These days I feel better when I don’t drink.”

      “I was no longer having fun with alcohol.”

      ‘Also be aware that your own attitude can affect how others in your group treat you. Notice if you’re feeling smug or judging your friends for their alcohol consumption. Examine your own treatment of nondrinkers in the past.

      ‘Do you have some of the same assumptions that you’re afraid people will place on you? Also, notice the actual reactions you receive from your friends. Your fears may be completely unfounded, after all. Your decision not to drink may be a total nonissue.

      ‘Mindful observation is the key to deciding this belief. Can you have as much (or more) fun and fit in with your friends without alcohol? The answer for me is absolutely yes! I’m betting you’ll come to the same conclusion.

      ‘But don’t take my word for it. Test it out yourself.’

      This article by Alice Barraclough was originally published on Women’s Health UK. More

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      in diet and nutrition

      10 Low-Calorie Cocktails Worth Sipping On This Summer

      by

      Even the fastest and fittest like to let their hair down (and so do we!), but we might as well get some nutrients out of our cocktails, right? These low-calorie cocktails pack a punch and are nutritionally dense, too. Each low-calorie cocktail contains fruits and veg that deliver nutritional benefits beyond the buzz you’ll feel while sipping away. Let Happy Hour begin!

      Cocktail Essentials

      Get your cocktail on with these essential tools – and consider yourself the bartender aficionado of the party.

      Cocktail Making Kit

      With this kit, you’ll find all the essentials you need to create any cocktail. You’ll find a strainer, stirrer and multiple other tools.

      Woolworths Vivi Coupe

      These are so pretty to drink from and are the correct size for cocktails, including margaritas and zingers. Pour away.

      Humble & Mash Spirit Stones

      These won’t dilute your drinks and keep them cool while you shake up your infusion. Plus, they’re neutral-coloured and can complement any drink.

      Beat-The-Bloat Zinger

      Big up the beet – the plant pigment betacyanin, which gives the veg its rich colour, has been found to ward off cancer. Beetroot also stimulates the liver’s detoxifying function, making it the ultimate damage-minimising mixer for a boozy blend.

      Prep Time 15 minutes mins

      Course Appetizer, DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 125 kcal

      5 cm ginger4 beetroot50 ml vodka or ginice to tastesplash soda waterrosemary sprigs to garnish
      Peel the ginger, then juice with the beetroot. Pour into a shaker with vodka or gin (not both) and shake well.Pour over ice, add a splash of soda and garnish.

      Keyword Beetroot cocktail

      READ MORE: Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

      Kickstarter Kiwi Margarita

      With 12 kiwis, this is only three short of a rugby team. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium, the kiwi is the rugged forward of fruits, tackling the fat in your blood and kicking sleep problems into touch.

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course cocktails, DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 444 kcal

      1 lime12 kiwis peeled50 ml tequilaice2 tsp Himalayan salt2 tsp coconut sugarpinch Cayenne pepper30 ml organic rice syrup
      Juice the lime and kiwis; blend with tequila and ice.In a saucer, mix the salt, coconut sugar and cayenne; set aside.Put the syrup into a second saucer.Dip the glass rims in the syrup, then the salt concoction. Pour in the cocktail and serve.

      Keyword kiwi margarita

      READ MORE: 5 Healthier ‘Adult’ Ice Lollies To Eat If You’re Watching Your Weight

      Vodka Sour

      Put the sweet in this sour with rice syrup – a fructose- free alternative to the traditional cocktail syrup. Like the rice it’s made from, the syrup contains energy- enhancing B vitamins.

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Calories 165 kcal

      5 cm ginger70 ml vodka20 ml organic rice syrup20 ml lemon juice2 egg whitesicepinch cinnamon
      Peel and juice the ginger, then add to a cocktail shaker along with the vodka, rice syrup, lemon juice and egg whites.Mix first without ice, then add ice and shake. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

      Cucumber Spritz

      Glugging your cucumber is just as good for your skin as donning two slices monocle-style – its inflammation-busting antioxidants soothe puffiness. The fruit is also rich in elasticity-boosting silica. Bottoms up!

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 78 kcal

      1 cucumber50 ml gin50 ml sparkling watermint handfulcucumber slices to garnish
      Chuck cucumber into juicerStir with gin and sparkling water, then pour into highballs and garnish with mint and cucumber.

      READ MORE: The 2 Hangover-Curing Recipes You’ll Need This Weekend

      Pear Sipper

      To keep your diet from going pear-shaped, load up on, well, pears. A Brazilian study found those who ate them daily consumed fewer overall kilojoules thanks to satiety-boosting fibre.

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 169 kcal

      2 pears, peeled2 tbsp cinnamon50 ml spiced rumpinch of nutmegpear slices, to serve
      Toss the pears into a juicer, then mix the juice with the cinnamon in a shallow pan and warm gently over a low heat.Stir in the spiced rum and serve in glasses garnished with nutmeg and pear slices.

      Hail Mary

      Deadlines doing your face no favours? Lycopene, found in tomatoes, can boost levels of procollagen to help keep your skin elastic and youthful. Sip those eye bags away.

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 102 kcal

      4 tomatoes1/2 beetroot1/2 cucumber1/4 lemonpinch ground Cayenne pepper50 ml vodkaicecelery sticks and cherry tomatoes to garnish
      Juice the tomatoes, beetroot, cucumber and lemon, then add a pinch of cayenne.Mix in a shaker with vodka and ice, and showcase your third-base wrist action.Serve in highballs with celery and a cherry tomato, then knock ’em back!

      READ MORE: How To Add More Vegetables To Your Diet, Even If You’re Busy

      Power Daiquiri

      This packs a potassium one-two punch, thanks to the bananas and spinach. A trial of cyclists found that the humble banana powered them through intensive exercise as effectively as a sports drink. It’s recovery fuel and a party starter.

      Prep Time 2 hours hrsCook Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 78 kcal

      1 banana1/4 lime, plus wedges to serve15 g baby spinach30 ml organic rice syrup50 ml light rum
      Pre-party prep: cut the banana into six pieces and freeze.Juice the lime and add to a blender with the banana. Juice the spinach and whizz with the rice syrup, then the rum and serve with lime wedges.

      Berry and Basil Bellini

      Studies have shown basil to be antifungal and antibacterial, bolstering your immunity as you rack up countless bar tabs on the party circuit. And strawberries can reduce the risk of heart disease in women by 32 percent if consumed three times a week. Cheers!

      Prep Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Calories 113 kcal

      50 g fresh basil, finely chopped plus extra to serve400 g strawberries200 ml sparkling white wine
      Purée the basil and strawberries.Divide between two Champagne flutes, top up with sparkling wine and decorate with extra basil.

      READ MORE: The 27 Best Wines For Any Occasion You Can Imagine

      Mocha Martini

      Being caffeine-free, the buzz in this Martini comes from its theobromine, a compound in raw cacao that triggers mood- lifting “happy hormone” serotonin. It gets better: polyphenols in coffee (even decaf) sharpen cognitive function!

      Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 158 kcal

      120 ml decaffeinated espresso30 ml organic rice syrup4 tsp raw cacao powder70 ml vodkaice
      Brew four shots of decaf espresso and leave to cool. Meanwhile, create a paste by mixing rice syrup and raw cacao powder.Combine everything with ice cubes and shake. Pour from a height into two Martini glasses. Dust with cacao powder to serve.

      Piña Colada

      Coconut oil’s lauric acid wards off infections and boosts collagen for healthy skin.

      Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 10 minutes mins

      Course DrinksCuisine Cocktails

      Servings 2Calories 321 kcal

      1 pineapple, chopped2 tbsp coconut oil50 ml golden rum32 ice cubespinch unsweetened desiccated coconutpineapple wedges, to serve
      Freeze half your pineapple in advance.Come cocktail hour, juice the fresh pieces, then blitz in a blender with the frozen chunks and coconut oil.Add the rum and ice and blend for 30 seconds.Serve with a sprinkle of coconut and a pineapple wedge.

      This story was written by Julia Scirrotto; Photograph by Helena Yankovsk/Unsplash More

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      in diet and nutrition

      How To Do The Festive Season Sober, Plus The 15 Best Alcohol-Free Drinks

      by

      SoberSeptember, OcSober, DryJanuary or even going #StraightEdge (no stimulants at all!) – there’s no end to the sober bandwagons you can jump on. Whether it’s for health and fitness reasons, a way to detox and reset or manage your tolerance levels, many people are opting to ditch the booze and embrace a teetotalling lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know about having a sober festive season.

      The Sober Trend

      According to Janet Gourand, founder of Tribe Sober, a South African membership programme helping people change their relationship with alcohol, they have seen more people wanting to decrease their consumption of alcohol or cut alcohol out completely lately.

      And women are leading the charge. Gourand says that 80% of those in Tribe Sober are women with most of the women being 40+ but despite that, there is still a trend for younger women to drink less. Plus, local non-alcoholic G&T brand The Duchess reported that 74% of its buyers are women between 18 and 34 years old.

      The truth is many millennials are driving a huge trend towards cutting booze completely – or never starting. Hashtags like #SoberSaturday and #SoberLife (over two million tags on Insta) are being seen more and more and form part of what has been dubbed the “sober curious” movement. The number of alcohol drinkers in the world has decreased by nearly five percent since 2000, according to reports by the World Health Organisation.

      In fact, 49% of Women’s Health readers said they would buy non-alcoholic beers or cider (up from 34% when we asked you in 2019), while 31% said they would be choosing Castle Free over Castle Lite this festive season. 47% of Women’s Health readers said if they were offered non-alcoholic wines – that actually taste good – they’d try it.

      READ MORE: Mindful Drinking: How More And More People Are Becoming ‘Sober Curious’

      Reasons To Have A Sober Festive Season

      According to Gourand, the stress and the “working from home” impact of the pandemic have created more dependence on alcohol.  “People who would only use alcohol for ‘socialising’ have now discovered that they enjoy drinking alone and their drinking has become more about self-medicating their anxiety than having fun,” she says.

      This has been dubbed “Grey Area” drinking and it has seen an increase since the pandemic. Healthline describes “grey area” drinking as the realm between healthy levels of alcohol consumption and a diagnosed alcohol use disorder. 

      It’s no secret that South Africa is known as a drinking nation, with 2.1% of total household spending in South Africa going to beer, according to Stats SA (only 1.5% is going to veggies). And the festive season is a period that sees a dramatic increase in consumption. But many people, even South Africans, are taking the downsides of drinking alcohol more seriously.

      “People are becoming aware that drinking more than a bottle and a half of wine a week puts their mental and physical health at risk.  The wellness trend is resulting in more people eating organic, doing yoga and meditation and they are realising that drinking alcohol doesn’t really fit in with this lifestyle,” explains Gourand.

      READ MORE: 17 Super-Stylish Stocking Fillers & Gifts Under R150 – That Aren’t Socks

      The Sober Life

      “The smart people are getting sober curious.  The wine industry has been marketing directly to women for the last 25 years – and they have been stunningly successful.  Many women cannot imagine having fun or socialising without it.  As many women get older the fun turns to self-medication and drinking alone,” says Gourand. 

      If you want to change your relationship with alcohol, finding your tribe helps. “Community is a big part of recovery,” says Gourand. In his TED Talk, writer and journalist Johann Hari explains the science behind the fact that connection is the opposite of addiction.

      “There is so much shame around drinking (especially for women) that joining a community of others with the same issue is a huge relief and we feel less alone.  We learn so much from hearing about other people’s experiences and as we progress in our alcohol-free journey we are able to inspire others,” explains Gourand.

      “Even if people are just “sober curious” or not even sure that they want to make a change they can join a tribe, listen and learn and it will help them decide which direction to take,” she says.

      READ MORE: The Top Gifts WH Team Want Under The Tree This Season

      Tips For Going Sober

      Janet Gourand has been sober since 2015, leading her tribe at Tribe Sober and inspiring people to have an alcohol-free life. These are three tips for people who are sober curious or looking to cut down their alcohol consumption:  

      1) “Take a look at your life”

      “What would it look like without alcohol in it?  If all your social activities involve drinking then it’s time for a change.  The first step is to increase your awareness – keep a drinks diary and note your consumption.  Are you drinking more than the low-risk limit of a bottle and a half of wine a week?”

      2) “Take an alcohol-free challenge – at least a month.”

      “If you can get through it easily then you are probably fine.  If not (or if you can’t even contemplate taking a break) then it’s time to make some changes.  Join a group like Tribe Sober to connect with others who are looking to quit drinking and to learn to thrive in their alcohol-free lives.”  

      3) “Start discovering the vast choice of alcohol-free drinks.” 

      “Try everything and you will find your go-to alcohol-free choice.  Integrate that into your lifestyle.  Alternate it with alcoholic drinks when you go out and make sure you have at least 4 alcohol-free days a week.”

      The Best Alcohol-Free Drinks For Adults

      Designated driver, watching your calorie intake, fitness stole your alcohol tolerance or realising it might be time to cut back? Going booze-free is a health trend that celebs, brands and just about everyone else is getting behind! 

      Below you’ll find the best wine, gin, beer and cider 0.0 versions. With half the calories and no need for a stash of painkillers in your bedside drawer, your sober summer is sorted!

      If you like fruity beer, try Bavaria 0.0% Pomegranate.

      If you like light lagers or Pilsners, try Beck’s Blue.

      If you like Castle, or lagers in general, try Castle Free Alcohol-Free Lager.

      If you like IPA, try Devil’s Peak Zero to Hero.

      If you like Weiss beer, try Erdinger Alkoholfrei.

      If you’re a Heineken gal, try Heineken 0.0.

      If you like an aperitif, try Babylonstoren BitterLekker.

      If you like gin and tonic, try The Duchess Virgin Gin & Tonic.

      If you like gin cocktails, try Seedlip Garden 108.

      If you like red wine, try Van Loveren Radiant Red Almost Zero % Alcohol.

      If you like white wine, try Natura De-Alcoholised Classic White.

      If you like bubbly, try Lautus De-Alcoholised Sparkling.

      If you like cider, try Savanna Non-Alcoholic Lemon.

      If you like a full-bodied beer, try Non-Alcoholic Super Bock 0.0%.

      If you like mocktails, try Fehmz Mocktails in various flavours.

      Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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      in diet and nutrition

      5 Healthier ‘Adult’ Ice Lollies To Eat If You’re Watching Your Weight

      by

      The latest trend to have at your summer cocktail soiree or your New Year’s Eve party is to serve your drinks frozen. Think margarita… but more lick-able.

      Here are some awesome recipes to make at home this silly season:

      1. Saucy watermelon

      Blitz 2 handfuls of watermelon with 2 shots of vodka in a Nutribullet. Pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze overnight.

      2. Strawberrylicious

      Place 10 strawberries, a squeeze of lemon juice, 2 tsp honey and 2 shots of vodka in a Nutribullet and blitz to combine. Pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze overnight.

      READ MORE: Make These 4 Low-Calorie Cocktails If You’re Watching Your Weight

      3. Pina colada

      Blitz 1/4 cup coconut milk with 1 pineapple (chopped) and 3 shots of rum in a blender. Pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze overnight.

      4. Kinky kiwi gin

      Place 2 large kiwis, 20 basil leaves, 2 tsp honey, a squeeze of lemon juice and 2 shots gin in a blender and blitz to combine. Pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze overnight.

      5. Tequila Sunset

      Mix together 100ml mango juice, 40ml fresh orange juice, 2 tsp honey and 2 shots tequila. Pour into ice lolly moulds and freeze overnight.

      READ MORE: 10 Low-Kilojoule Cocktails Worth Sipping On This Summer

      Zoku In-Line Slow Pop Mould

      “Great popsicle mould. Fits nicely in the freezer and the individual moulds that slot into the holder, make use and cleaning a breeze.” – Ruth, user review

      NutriBullet Blender Combo

      This handy blender needs no introduction. Not only will it be amazing for making ice lollies, but you can also make smoothies, nut butters and soups.

      KitchenCraft Cocktail Jigger

      There are spirit jiggers and then there’s this polished copper finished spirit jigger. It measures 25ml and 50ml, and is perfect for mixing cocktails/mocktails at home. Plus, it’s stunning!

      These are the healthiest ice creams you can eat this summer. Plus: What you need to know if you’re drinking lemon water for weight loss. More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Millennials Are Apparently Now Ditching Booze For Tea

      by

      Having a night out celebrating a new job? What’s in your cup might not be champagne, but rather tea, according to a new survey from market intelligence firm Mintel. The report showed that millennials between the ages of 26 and 41 are now ditching booze for tea.

      Almost half (49%) of those surveyed in the UK agreed that tea is a good alternative to alcohol, with 55% of millennials likely to ditch booze in favour of a cup of tea. And it’s not just millennials: we know that Gen Z are famous teetotallers.

      So, why the switch?

      Among reasons cited is the high cost of living (who can afford that G&T?). “Across the globe, Millennials are going semi-sober and embracing wellness more than any other generation,” says Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the SA Rooibos Council (SARC).

      Another big factor? The quest for a healthier lifestyle is driving down alcohol sales and boosting sales for tea.

      The sweeping trend of quitting alcohol has caused a seismic shift in nightlife in Europe. According to Forbes Magazine, bars and nightclubs across the US, UK and Europe are suffering as a result. In the last few years, over 10 000 bars have shut down in the US and 6 500 nightclubs have either had to cut back on their hours or close up shop entirely. Nightlife in Europe isn’t what it used to be either. In Britain, nightclubs are closing down, from 3 144 to 1 733, and in the Netherlands, 38% of nightclubs closed their doors.

      Millennials are looking after their health

      While their parents may have found a good pub crawl to be a titillating social activity, millennials are opting for juice crawls. “The quest for affordable luxuries coupled with the boom in health and foodie culture has already seen vast changes in the tea industry. Even in supermarkets, the shelf space dedicated to standard tea products has shrunk, making way for a larger range of speciality teas and herbal infusions that offer new experiences for discerning tea drinkers,” says Adele.

      The tipple most millennials are leaning towards the most? Rooibos. “Last year, Rooibos was voted among the country’s favourite hot beverages in the 2022 Sunday Times GenNext Survey, in which more than 6 000 youth named their coolest products,” says Adele. “Given the wide range of beverage options that the youth of today can choose from, the accolade speaks volumes.”

      It makes sense, says Adele. Rooibos is versatile; you can have it hot or cold, in cappuccino form or even in a mocktail. Plus, rooibos contains antioxidants and is free from caffeine.

      Our fave teas:

      Faithful To Nature Matcha Green Tea

      Faithful To Nature Organic Rooibos Tea

      Woolworths Infusions Chamomile Flowers

      Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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      in diet and nutrition

      These 13 Simple Mocktails Are So Good, You’ll Make Them Long After Dry January

      by

      Like it or not, alcohol is a major part of our daily lives. People enjoy wine with dinner, grab drinks with friends or co-workers after a long week, and raise glasses of Champagne to toast newlyweds. And while consumption in moderation (especially of wine) can offer a few benefits (it has antioxidants), too much alcohol can seriously put a wrench in your healthy-living goals. Enter mocktail recipes.

      For those of us looking to drink less booze, the non-alcoholic drink options out there aren’t exactly exciting. And they don’t quite serve the same purpose that many alcoholic drinks can when it comes to elevating your food. After all, nothing quite goes with steak quite like red wine, or pretzels with beer.

      That’s why we found 13 amazing non-alcoholic mocktail recipes that will work with your own cooking. These mocktail recipes are easy to make, delicious, and aren’t just juice.

      READ MORE: What Is Dry January — And What Are The Health Benefits? Experts Weigh In

      1. Lemongrass Iced Tea

      Cals 24 | Fat 0G | Carbs 6G | Protein 0G | Serves 6

      Ingredients:

      3 Lemongrass stalks

      6 Green teabags

      2 Tbsp Honey

      Ice

      6 Sprigs of mint, plus extra, to serve

      Directions

      Halve the lemongrass stalks lengthwise, then smash with the back of a knife (careful, now).

      Pop them in a pan, add 1.4l water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 mins.

      Take off the heat, add the tea bags and honey, and allow to brew for 5 mins.

      Strain into a jug and stir in 470ml of cold water. Serve over ice with mint. Zing.

      2. Rosemarie Pear Spritzer

      This pear variety is native to SA. Yay!

      Cals 169 | Fat 0G | Carbs 41G | Protein 0G | Serves 2

      Ingredients:

      65g Sugar

      1 Vanilla pod

      5 Cardamom pods

      2 Ripe Rosemarie pears

      6 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar

      Ice

      Sparkling water

      Directions:

      In a saucepan, bring the sugar, vanilla, cardamom and 125ml of water to a boil.

      Cut a few pear slices for garnish and roughly chop the rest; add to the pot.

      Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 mins, then let it stand for 30 mins.

      Strain, then stir in the apple cider vinegar. Pop in the fridge to cool.

      Line 2 glasses with the pear slices, add ice and divvy up the mixture. Top with sparkling water.

      3. Cherry Crush

      Cals 119 | Fat 0G | Carbs 30G | Protein 1G | Serves 6

      Ingredients:

      50g Sugar

      4 Cloves

      1 Star anise

      3cm Piece of ginger, sliced

      1l Cherry juice

      Crushed ice, to serve

      Directions:

      Pour 125ml water and the sugar into a saucepan.

      Stir in the cloves, star anise and the ginger, bringing gently to a boil.

      Reduce the heat and simmer (refrain from stirring) until the sugar dissolves – it should take about 3 to 4 mins.

      Once cool, strain the syrup into a jug and stir in the cherry juice. Fill your glasses with crushed ice and pour in your cocktail. Berry nice.

      4. Tangerine Sour

      Cals 74 | Fat 0.5G | Carbs 16G | Protein 2G | Serves 1

      Ingredients:

      125ml Naartjie juice (you’ll need about 6 naartjies) plus some peel to garnish

      1 tbsp Lemon juice

      1/2 tsp Real maple syrup

      1 tbsp Egg white

      3 Dashes orange bitters

      Ice

      Directions:

      Pop all the ingredients except the peel in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously (see, that hen do cocktail-making class wasn’t a complete waste of time) for 1 min.

      Pour over ice and garnish with a sliver of naartjie peel. Voila.

      5. Green Mary

      Cals 75 | Fat 1G | Carbs 17G | Protein 2G | Serves 6

      Ingredients:

      225g Tomatillos, husked (Can’t find them? Use green tomatoes or unripe red tomatoes with a squeeze of lime)

      1 Cucumber, peeled and chopped

      4 Stalks celery, chopped

      50g Fresh coriander

      1 Jalapeño chilli, deseeded

      115ml Lime juice

      30g Fresh horseradish, squeezed of excess moisture

      2 Tbsp Peppadew brine

      1 tsp Green Tabasco

      ¼ tsp Salt

      ½ tsp Pepper

      Ice

      Celery, to garnish

      Pepperoncini or jalapeño, to garnish

      Aleppo pepper, to garnish

      Directions:

      Pop the tomatillos or tomatoes, cucumber, celery, coriander, jalapeño and lime juice in a blender and whizz until smooth (about 1 min). Strain through a medium-mesh sieve into a measuring jug, pressing to extract as much juice as possible.

      Next, whisk in the horseradish, Peppadew brine, hot sauce, salt and pepper.

      Serve over ice, garnished with celery and pepperoncini or jalapeño, in a glass rimmed with Aleppo pepper for max presentation points.

      READ MORE: 10 Healthy Summer Recipes You Can Make In Under 20 Minutes

      6. Guava Margarita

      Cals 78 | Fat 0G | Carbs 20G | Protein 1G | Serves 1

      Ingredients:

      Ice

      115g Guava nectar

      3 Tbsp Orange juice

      2 Tbsp Lime juice

      Salt

      Lime wedge, to garnish

      Directions:

      Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the guava nectar and the juices and shake it like a Polaroid picture. Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Just chuck everything in a blender for a frozen version. (Don’t have a blender? Haai shame.)

      Strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Serve with a slice of lime, as fancy as you like.

      7. Ginger Hibiscus Spritzer

      Cals 23 | Fat 0G | Carbs 6G | Protein 0G | Serves 8

      Ingredients:

      5cm Piece of ginger, sliced

      6 Tbsp Dried hibiscus flowers

      3 Tbsp Agave syrup

      Ice

      Sparkling water

      Directions:

      Bring, the ginger, hibiscus, agave and 240ml water to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 5 mins.

      Remove from the heat and let it stand for 10 mins before straining into a jug and stirring in 480ml of cold water.

      Pour a few tablespoons into each glass and top with sparking water or PURA Soda Cranberry. It’s low in sugar, natural and colourant free.

      8. So-Cal Mule

      Sylvie Gabriele, owner of Love and Salt, in Los Angeles created this mocktail recipe that pairs best with fish. | Serves 1

      Ingredients:

      80ml sparkling lemonade

      60ml pear juice

      20ml fresh lime juice

      20ml maple syrup

      Directions:

      In a highball glass, combine limeade, juices, and maple syrup and stir.

      Add ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.

      9. Ginger Fizz

      This mocktail recipe created by Sylvie Gabriele pairs best with chicken. | Serves 1

      Ingredients:

      1/2 tsp grated ginger

      2 thin slices fresh mango

      60ml mango juice

      120ml ginger beer

      Directions:

      In a tall glass, muddle ginger and mango slices.

      Add mango juice and ginger beer and stir.

      Add ice and garnish with a slice of lime.

      10. Sparkling Tart Apple

      Another Sylvie Gabriele creation. This one pairs best with steak. | Serves 1

      Ingredients:

      150ml sparkling apple-grape juice

      1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar

      Directions:

      Pour juice into a wine glass and add vinegar.

      Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.

      READ MORE: Try This Trendy And Delicious Vegetarian Orzo Pasta Recipe Now

      11. Lyre’s Penicillin

      A modern classic with warm, soothing flavours of honey, citrus, ginger, and Lyre’s American Malt.

      Ingredients:

      Directions:

      Shake briefly with ice.

      Strain over large ice cubes and serve in an old-fashioned glass.

      12. Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz

      A tall refreshing, slightly citrusy beverage is perfect for those warm summer nights.

      Ingredients:

      Directions:

      Add all ingredients in a glass.

      Stir and fill with fresh cubed ice.

      Serve in a large or stemless wine glass.

      13. Lyre’s Mojito

      What’s not to love about a classic mojito? Serve in a highball glass with a lime wheel and mint sprig.

      Ingredients:

      Directions:

      Add all ingredients into the glass.

      Fill with fresh ice cubes and stir.

      Add soda and garnish.

      Text: Jessie Van Amburg, Isobel Bridge and Trish Clasen | Photography: Chelsie Craig, Getty Images/iStockphoto | Food Styling: Rebecca Jurkevich More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Seriously Now, Is Alcohol Really THAT Bad For Your Sleep?

      by

      A nightcap may be nice, but is likely to lead to a fragmented night’s rest.
      While it is true that booze acts as a sedative, it also disrupts dreams and shakes up the sleep cycle. It reduces time spent in the stage of sleep understood to be the most restorative, the rapid eye movement, or REM, phase. Prolonged use can cause insomnia, sleep apnoea and snoring.
      These are the findings of the London Sleep Centre, which has published a review of all known studies on the effect of alcoholic beverages on sleep in healthy volunteers.
      Alcohol: a sleep disruptor
      ”At all dosages, alcohol causes a reduction in sleep onset latency, a more consolidated first half sleep and an increase in sleep disruption in the second half of sleep,” the authors said in the latest issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. Lead researcher on the review, Dr Irshaad Ebrahim, told the BBC people should be cautious about using the bottle to send themselves to sleep.
      ”One or two glasses might be nice in the short term, but if you continue to use a tipple before bedtime it can cause significant problems,” he said. ”If you do have a drink, it’s best to leave an hour-and-a-half to two hours before going to bed so the alcohol is already wearing off.
      READ MORE: 21 Best Self-Care Gifts For Her That Go Way Beyond Face Masks
      It can also mess with your breathing
      ”With increasing doses, alcohol suppresses our breathing. It can turn non-snorers into snorers and snorers into people with sleep apnoea – where the breathing’s interrupted.”
      Professor Peter Cistulli, the head of sleep medicine at the University of Sydney and director of the Sleep Health Foundation, says there are three reasons for this.
      First, alcohol is a muscle relaxant so the throat muscles become vulnerable. Second, the additives in some forms of alcohol, particularly red wine, cause nasal congestion. This means people are more likely to breathe through their mouths and therefore more likely to snore and more prone to sleep apnoea. Third, ”alcohol numbs the brain [so, if for instance] the throat collapses and there is alcohol on board, recognition of that problem is delayed”.
      READ MORE: Mindful Drinking: How More And More People Are Becoming ‘Sober Curious’
      Booze can mess with deep sleep
      From the hundreds of studies assessed by the London Sleep Centre, the most significant finding was the effect of alcohol on REM sleep. This is because the body does not slip into the deeper dreaming sleep state until it has metabolised the alcohol.
      ”The onset of the first REM sleep period is significantly delayed at all doses and appears to be the most recognisable effect of alcohol on REM sleep followed by the reduction in total night REM sleep,” the researchers said.
      REM sleep is still not fully understood, but it is seen as necessary for survival. Reduced REM can also lead to people feeling more fatigued the next day. One British study found almost half of the 2000 drinkers surveyed acknowledged increased tiredness after a drinking session, but 58 per cent did not realise alcohol was the reason. Cistulli said a greater awareness of the effect of alcohol on sleep means people are more able to address sleeping issues.
      ”Alcohol is a chemical and the brain is a soup of chemicals,” he said. ”Alcohol gets in there and mucks up the soup that is relevant to sleep.”
      However, he said the London Sleep Centre review is based on generalisations and ”there are clearly individual variations”. The findings are of most benefit to people who have trouble sleeping and aren’t aware of the impact alcohol is having, Cistulli said. ”Once they start to understand the link, they can start to modify their behaviour.”
      Courtesy of Stuff
      READ MORE: How To Do The Festive Season Sober, Plus The 14 Best Alcohol-Free Drinks More

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      in health and weelbeing

      How To Do The Festive Season Sober, Plus The 14 Best Alcohol-Free Drinks

      by

      SoberSeptember, OcSober, DryJanuary or even going #StraightEdge (no stimulants at all!) – there’s no end to the sober bandwagons you can jump on. Whether it’s for health and fitness reasons, a way to detox and reset or manage your tolerance levels, many people are opting to ditch the booze and embrace a teetotalling lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know about having a sober festive season.

      The Sober Trend

      According to Janet Gourand, founder of Tribe Sober, a South African membership programme helping people change their relationship with alcohol, they have seen more people wanting to decrease their consumption of alcohol or cut alcohol out completely lately.

      And women are leading the charge. Gourand says that 80% of those in Tribe Sober are women with most of the women being 40+ but despite that there is still a trend for younger women to drink less. Plus, local non-alcoholic G&T brand The Duchess reported that 74% of its buyers are women between 18 and 34 years old.

      The truth is many millennials are driving a huge trend towards cutting booze completely – or never starting. Hashtags like #SoberSaturday and #SoberLife (over  two million tags on Insta) are being seen more and more and form part of what has been dubbed the “sober curious” movement. The number of alcohol drinkers in the world has decreased by nearly five percent since 2000, according to reports by the World Health Organisation.

      In fact, 49% of Women’s Health readers said they would buy non-alcoholic beers or cider (up from 34% when we asked you in 2019), while 31% said they would be choosing Castle Free over Castle Lite this festive season. 47% of Women’s Health readers said if they were offered non-alcoholic wines – that actually taste good – they’d try it.

      READ MORE: Mindful Drinking: How More And More People Are Becoming ‘Sober Curious’

      Reasons To Have A Sober Festive Season

      According to Gourand, the stress and the “working from home” impact of the pandemic has created more dependence on alcohol.  “People who would only use alcohol for ‘socialising’ have now discovered that they enjoy drinking alone and their drinking has become more about self-medicating their anxiety than having fun,” she says.

      This has been dubbed “Grey Area” drinking and it has seen an increase since the pandemic. Healthline describes “grey area” drinking as the realm between healthy levels of alcohol consumption and a diagnosed alcohol use disorder. 

      It’s no secret that South Africa is known as a drinking nation, with 2.1% of total household spending in South Africa going to beer, according to Stats SA (only 1.5% is going to veggies). And the festive season is a period that sees a dramatic increase in consumption. But many people, even South Africans, are taking the downsides of drinking alcohol more seriously.

      “People are becoming aware that drinking more than a bottle and a half of wine a week puts their mental and physical health at risk.  The wellness trend is resulting in more people eating organic, doing yoga and meditation and they are realising that drinking alcohol doesn’t really fit in with this lifestyle,” explains Gourand.

      READ MORE: 17 Super-Stylish Stocking Fillers & Gifts Under R150 – That Aren’t Socks

      The Sober Life

      “The smart people are getting sober curious.  The wine industry has been marketing directly to women for the last 25 years – and they have been stunningly successful.  Many women cannot imagine having fun or socialising without it.  As many women get older the fun turns to self medication and drinking alone,” says Gourand. 

      If you are wanting to change your relationship with alcohol, finding your tribe helps. “Community is a big part of recovery,” says Gourand. In his TED Talk, writer and journalist Johann Hari explains the science behind the fact that connection is the opposite of addiction.

      “There is so much shame around drinking (especially for women) that joining a community of others with the same issue is a huge relief and we feel less alone.  We learn so much from hearing about other people’s experiences and as we progress in our alcohol-free journey we are able to inspire others,” explains Gourand.

      “Even if people are just “sober curious” or not even sure that they want to make a change they can join a tribe, listen and learn and it will help them decide which direction to take,” she says.

      READ MORE: The Top Gifts WH Team Want Under The Tree This Season

      Tips For Going Sober

      Janet Gourand has been sober since 2015, leading her tribe at Tribe Sober and inspiring people to have an alcohol-free life. These are here three tips for people who are sober curious or looking to cut down their alcohol consumption:  

      1) “Take a look at your life”

      “What would it look like without alcohol in it?  If all your social activities involve drinking then it’s time for a change.  First step is to increase your awareness – keep a drinks diary and note your consumption.  Are you drinking more than the low risk limit of a bottle and a half of wine a week?”

      2) “Take an alcohol free challenge – at least a month.”

      “If you can get through it easily then you are probably fine.  If not (or if you can’t even contemplate taking a break) then it’s time to make some changes.  Join a group like Tribe Sober to connect with others who are looking to quit drinking and to learn to thrive in their alcohol free lives.”  

      3) “Start discovering the vast choice of alcohol free drinks.” 

      “Try everything and you will find your go-to alcohol-free choice.  Integrate that into your lifestyle.  Alternate it with alcoholic drinks when you go out and make sure you have at least 4 alcohol-free days a week.”

      The Best Alcohol-Free Drinks For Adults

      Designated driver, watching your calorie intake, fitness stole your alcohol tolerance or realising it might be time to cut back? Going booze-free is a health trend that celebs, brands and just about everyone else is getting behind! 

      Below you’ll find the best wine, gin, beer and cider 0.0 versions. With half the calories and no need for a stash of painkillers in your bedside drawer, your sober summer is sorted!

      If you like IPA, try Devil’s Peak Zero to Hero, R94.99 (six pack).

      If you like gin and tonic, try The Duchess Virgin Gin & Tonic, R75 (four pack).

      If you like Weiss beer, try Erdinger Alkoholfrei, R439 (24 pack).

      If you like a full-bodied beer, try Non-Alcoholic Super Bock 0.0%, R12.99 (available at selected Tops).

      If you’re a Heineken gal, try Heineken 0.0, R95 (six pack).

      If you like cider, try Savanna Non-Alcoholic Lemon, R375 (24 pack).

      If you like light lagers or Pilsners, try Beck’s Blue, from R239 (24 pack).

      If you like Castle, or lagers in general, try Castle Free Alcohol-Free Lager, R200 (24 pack).

      If you like white wine, try Natura De-Alcoholised Classic White, R499 (six bottles).

      If you like gin cocktails, try Seedlip Garden 108, R469.

      If you like red wine, try Van Loveren Radiant Red Almost Zero % Alcohol, R75.

      If you like bubbly, try Lautus De-Alcoholised Sparkling, R720 (six bottles).

      If you like fruity beer, try Bavaria 0.0% Pomegranate, R99.99 (six pack).

      If you like an aperitif, try Babylonstoren BitterLekker, R139 (six pack)

      Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More