It is national Alcohol Awareness Week - with seven days dedicated to inform people about how drinking can affect your body.
It is a great way to learn more about what effects booze can really have - and as the season of indulgence is just around the corner it is a perfect opportunity to give yourself a bit of a detox.
In January, the guidance on recommended limits of alcohol was updated by the CMO (Chief Medical Officers).
The new guidance states that the limits for both men and women are the same – which is to not drink more than 14 units a week, and spreading these units evenly over 3 or more days.
According to the Alcohol Concern charity drinking is a causal factor of more than 60 medical conditions including high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver, depression and various forms of cancer.
If you are considering giving your body a rest from the booze try these great mocktail recipes instead.
National Alcohol Awareness week began on Monday, November 14 and runs until Sunday, November 20.
Strawberry daquiri
Ingredients:
150g strawberries
2 tsp caster sugar
50ml lemonade
1 lime, juice only
4 ice cubes
Method:
- Cut the tops off the strawberries and then place them in a blender with the caster sugar, lemonade and the lime juice.
- Place the 4 ice cubes in a sturdy sandwich bag and crush them using a rolling pin. Add to the blender.
- Finally blend the mixture for about 30 seconds until the strawberries have broken down and there are no chunks of ice left.
- Serve in 2 martini glasses or a long glass with a strawberry on the side to garnish.
Calgary Avansino’s Zesty Ginger Lime
Ingredients:
350ml of Highland Spring still water
A two-inch piece of fresh ginger root,chopped
450ml of Highland Spring sparkling water
1 tsp zested ginger
1tsp Stevia (natural sweetener available in most supermarkets)
50ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Ice
Lime wedges, to serve
Method:
- First, you need to make the ginger tea, which is best done ahead of time.
- In a saucepan, bring Highland Spring still water to a boil, add the ginger root and leave to simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Drain the ginger root out and chill the remaining liquid in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make your drink.
- Next, mix the tea with the Highland Spring sparkling water, grated ginger, stevia and lime juice.
- Combine well and, when ready, pour your mocktail over ice and garnish with lime wedges
Cosmo-not
Ingredients:
100ml cranberry juice
2tbsp lime juice
50ml orange juice
75ml pink lemonade
Method:
- Put 100ml cranberry juice, 2tbsp lime juice, 50ml orange juice and 75ml pink lemonade in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
- Decorate with a slice of orange twisted and secured with a cocktail stick.
Autumn Sparkle Mocktail
Ingredients:
Juice of ¼ lemon
Juice of ¼ orange
1 tsp organic honey
Top with Highland Spring sparkling water
Garnish with orange peel and lemon peel
Method:
- Add all ingredients except the Highland Spring sparkling water to a tumbler.
- Ensure all are well mixed before adding ice.
- Finally top up with Highland Spring sparkling water and garnish with the orange and lemon peels.