Great British Food Christmas 2024

Who says you need alcohol to party? Our pick of alcohol-free drinks shows that there’s plenty to quench non-drinkers' thirsts this season Mead may have historical connotations, but Bemuse’s thoroughly modern variation is a cut above the meads you’ve tried before. Best enjoyed from a champagne flute, Bemuse’s Pomona Brute (£12, bemusedrinks.com ) is perfect for party season. This naturally fermented sparkling honey wine is made using delicate apple blossom honey, fresh ginger, cardamom and orange peel for an elegantly warming finish. Even non-drinkers' cockles are warmed by the aroma of mulled spices mingling with wine or cider on a chilly winter’s day, but Belvoir’s Mulled Winter Cordial (£4, booths.co.uk) means that non-drinkers can indulge in this classic Christmas tipple without the headache. We love this simply served with boiling water, but it’s deliciously versatile; try using it as ingredient in cocktails for an instant hit of seasonal spice. Sometimes a good old fashioned whisky cocktail is the order of the day, especially during the colder months, but up until now it’s been a challenge to find a tipple that really hits the spot. Introducing Clean Co’s Clean W (£16, clean.co) – newly 0.0% and offering perfectly balanced notes of oak, vanilla, spice, fresh apple and fig, this whisky alternative is smooth and mouth-coating, so you’ll never miss the alcohol. We all love a glass of something pink and sparkling, and REAL’s Peony Blush (£11.50, waitrose.com ) is one of Britain’s most popular alcohol-free rose wines – with good reason. Made using fermented sparkling tea, it pairs perfectly with well-seasoned meats and roasted vegetables. Fresh and light- bodied with notes of fruits and nougat, and finishing with oak and vanilla, this is a moreish addition to your drinks cabinet. Cider’s always a popular option, and Sandford Orchards’ Red Zero (£27, sandfordorchards.co.uk) – a 0.5% ABV version of the cider makers’ award-winning Devon Red cider – is a go-to this party season. Deliciously crisp and fruity, it’s made using the juice of heritage apple varieties including Farmers Glory, Dabinett and Sweet Alford, and is perfect served chilled or warmed through with mulling spices. When it comes to celebratory drinks, a little sparkle goes a long way – which is just one of the reasons why we love JING’s Jasmine Pearls Sparkling Tea (£22.10, jingtea. com) . Intriguingly moreish, this special tipple perfectly blends heady jasmine with subtle fruit notes, hints of honey and refreshing green tea for a bottle of bubbles worthy of every occasion throughout the Christmas season and beyond. DEL ICIOUSLY Low/No 65 greatbr i t i shfoodawards.com SHOPP ING | HAMPERS