I drink alcohol. A lot. Probably more than I should. But what can I do? I work with it. I write about it. I engage with it every day. I feel like asking me to give up alcohol for a whole month is like asking a Formula One driver to give up cars. The idea just screws with me - how would I even do that and still be a wine writer? I don't think I will be able to give it up, not entirely. I am going to do Dry(ish) July, where I limit my intake drastically. Maybe a beer a week. Maybe a bottle of wine at the halfway point.
Wine is such a fascinating thing. It's complex, it's engaging, it's delicious. I can think of no reason why I shouldn't have a glass or two every night with dinner. Part of the issue, for me at least, is that so many non-alcoholic options are just boring and a general let down. In the same way I would rather have a plant based meal over faux-meat, I would honestly avoid 0%abv beers and wines altogether. In the past, they have been a let down. I would rather drink water, or juice, or an interesting soda.
That said, the last few years have seen a massive increase in the number of non-alcoholic and de-alcoholised drinks. This increase has also brought a massive rise in general quality. Throughout this month, I'll be exploring as many Dry July friendly drinks as possible and I will, of course, be keeping you posted.
In some ways, I'm really looking forward to it. I know from my last alcohol free month what to expect. The first week is the hardest. Once you get through that, you'll be on easy street. I also know that the reset will be welcomed by my digestive system. Without alcohol adding calories and upsetting my gut flora, I know that I will lose a few of those pesky quarantine kilos. My sleep quality should also improve. I'll absolutely be tracking these as well to let you know of any physical and mental affects.
It's July 1st. I've removed all beers and wine from my fridge and have my soda stream ready for action.
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