Cheers ! ISH non-alcoholic drinks for nights out without the hangover ! (review)

Whatever your reasons - whether you're pregnant or breastfeeding, on medication, volunteered as the designated driver for the night or just trying to cut back on your alcohol intake - giving up alcohol is often a decision that is taken with a certain degree of frustration. You can of course opt for fruit juice or coke, but they can be pretty uninspiring when you're watching all your friends drinking exciting cocktails and delicious alcoholic drinks. Well, if you're in this situation, I have some exciting news for you ... Danish non-alcoholic drinks brand ISH have returned to the UK market with a whole line up of alcohol-free wines, spirits and pre-mixed cocktails. We received a selection to try out and have been putting them through their paces.

 

First up, Non-alcoholic Mojito. The can says : "Non-alcoholic cocktail with ISH Caribbean spiced spirit, mint and lime. It's like a fresh Caribbean breeze for your mouth." Both Pierre and Sophie love mojitos - Pierre the non-alcoholic version and Sophie the regular alcoholic one - since discovering them on our holiday to the Dominican Republic last year, so they were both excited to try this one out. The Caribbean spiced spirit adds a subtle note of rum flavour which they both loved and Sophie even checked the can because she was sure it couldn't be alcohol-free ! This can be enjoyed straight from the can after chilling it in the fridge, or you can go the whole hog and serve it in a glass with fresh lime and mint. Totally del-ISH -ous !

Next we tried Non-alcoholic Spritz. ISH say : "Balanced bitterness and fresh citrus is what makes a good Italian Spritz. This is also what you can expect from our non-alcoholic Spritz. French gentian root and quassia bark add bitterness while Italian mandarins, orange and lemon provide the tangy freshness." I have tried an alcoholic version of Spritz in a bar and this alcohol-free version certainly offers the same flavours, with zesty fruity flavours backed up with a pleasant bitterness. This can be enjoyed straight from the can or served in a glass with a slice of orange.

De-alcoholized Sparkling Rosé from Château del ISH offers a "pale salmon colour [that] hints at the plum, strawberry, and raspberry flavours derived from our blend of Merlot and Pinot Noir grapes. Moderate acidity and medium flavour intensity give you that classic rosé experience." It has a soft pink colour and a light prickly carbonation that really help you get the feeling you are drinking regular wine. It's perfect if you want to enjoy a glass on a girlie night out with friends without feeling left out.

GinISH & tonic really does deliver the taste of a regular G&T. "To create ISH G&T, our non-alcoholic Gin & Tonic, we source our botanicals such as sun-dried juniper berries from Southern Europe and coriander seeds mainly from Provence, France. They come together with a fresh citrus symphony consisting of lemon, lime, mandarin and bitter orange." It is a complex flavour that can be further enhanced by serving it dressed up in a glass with fresh rosemary, cracked black pepper and dried juniper berries. Or just go for the simple option and serve it straight from the fridge in a can, even spiking it with a dash of full strength gin, for a lower-alcohol cocktail option.

Non-alcoholic Lime Daiquiri Premixed Cocktail is an attempt to "to honour the original Daiquiri, a timeless classic cocktail that dates back to 1898 in the eponymous mining town of Daiquiri on the south-eastern tip of Cuba. The taste of dark Rum is balanced with the sour limes, mainly sourced from Mexico and raw sugar. Simple, delicious and alcohol-free." Once again, I had the impression that I was drinking a regular Daiquiri cocktail, with the sharpness of the limes mellowed by the sugar providing a delicious and satisfying drink. I'd definitely drink this again. According to ISH, the Daiquiri is typically a short drink, so each can contains two servings, perfect for sharing with a friend.

Finally, Alcohol-removed Light Sparkling Blanc de Blancs from Château del ISH is a refreshing, tasty drink that can be enjoyed with a meal or on its own. ISH say : "With a honey-forward nose and notes of citrus, green apple, pear, and peach, our [...] blend of Pinot Blanc and Silvaner grapes delivers an initial sweetness that transforms on the palate to a wonderful, refreshing acidity." It offers the same flavours and slight acidity of normal wine and is very pleasant.

I was very impressed with all of the drinks, especially as they have managed to encapsulate the distinct flavours of the original cocktails and wines. You really don't feel like you are giving anything up by opting for the alcohol-free versions, so I would definitely keep some of these in the cupboard for times you want a drink without the headaches or alcohol content.

for more information : https://ishspirits.com/

Disclosure : I received the products in order to share my honest opinion.