Kick the caffeine and alcohol with substitutes that won’t have you missing a thing

A Caffeine Free “Coffee” Dream

If you’re anything like me, you think the smell of coffee brewing is one of the most comforting and pleasant scents. Since high school, I have looked forward to that fresh cup of brewed java in the morning. In the summers, I enjoyed iced coffee and was up for a cup any time of day. So about fourteen years ago, when my husband and I decided to start a family and I had to give up drinking caffeine, I wasn’t thrilled. However, after ditching the caffeine for good, I realized there were a lot of benefits to my health. For one, I was calmer – no more caffeine jitters, which is something I started experiencing as I got older. I also didn’t feel as tired in the afternoons, as my body was creating its own energy and wasn’t seeking an energy boost from a substance. So after I had my first child, I decided to remain caffeine free.

While moving away from caffeine was a great move for me, I missed the comfort of a warm beverage in the morning, especially during the cold winter months. Herbal teas were ok, but no replacement for my beloved coffee. Finally, I came across a product that met all of my requirements: Teeccino, an herbal tea that tastes almost exactly like coffee, contains zero caffeine, is a prebiotic and is gluten free! A 10 oz bag goes for about $18.

Teeccino comes in many flavors, not all of which are gluten free, but their dark dandelion roast is GF and tastes just like a regular cup of coffee. It is sold loose or in individually wrapped tea bags, can be made in a press, machine or percolator and can be served hot or cold. Though it is unsweetened, there is a natural light sweetness to it due to the carob. I drink mine with just milk and it’s delicious. I buy this product in five pound bags on Amazon.

The Buzz on the Best Buzz Free Drinks

Years after having gone caffeine free, I decided to ditch the booze as well. I was never a big drinker. In fact, I probably had two or three drinks a year, even in my twenties. But, the more I learned about alcohol, the more I realized that even one glass really isn’t worth it. I also wanted to set a good example for my children, so I gave alcohol the boot. The only time I use it is when I make tomato sauce (I add some red wine to the pots of sauce I make).

The thing is, in our society, alcohol is present at every social event. I would go so far as to say it is pushed on us. Though I never once missed having an alcoholic beverage, I thought it would be nice to have a “special” drink during holidays or special occasions to join in celebrating with others. With that in mind, I started looking into buzz free options in the grocery store, as well as some recipes for mocktails I could make at home.

I found a few great products (which I have seen sold at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s) which taste great and are packaged to look like wine and spirits. They are as follows:

Belvoir Farm: This British company makes an amazing, beautifully bottled, Elderflower and Rose Lemonade. It can be served alone or used as a mixer. It is sweet in my opinion, so I prefer to cut it with plain seltzer. It is one of my favorite buzz-free drinks for a holiday or family get together. Everyone I have served it to loves it! Other Belvoir Farm organic flavors include Elderflower Lemonade, Cucumber & Mint Lemonade and Ginger Beer. Belvoir Farms also sells Elderflower and Elderflower and Rose syrups which can be added to mixed drinks at a ratio of 1:10. All of the products are gluten free and preservative free. I purchase this product at Whole Foods for about $9 a bottle.

TÖST: This Vermont based company makes chic-ly packaged dry, non-alcoholic sparkling beverages which are all gluten free. Their current line includes TÖST (white), TÖST Rosé (my absolute favorite!) and TÖST Sangria (red). You can purchase them in glass bottles (750 or 250 mls) or 250 ml cans online. Though these are low in sugar, I personally find the white and sangria flavors a bit sweet, so I cut them with plain seltzer. I serve them at every holiday gathering and bring them as gifts to party hosts. Everyone enjoys them very much. I have purchased the larger glass bottles at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s for about $9 a bottle.

Royal Rose Simple Syrups: This Maine based company produces a line of organic syrups which are free of preservatives and artificial flavors to be used in cocktails, mocktails, your morning herbal coffee or tea, over ice cream or in your baked desserts. Flavors include Maine Blueberry, Cardamom, Clove, Lavender Lemon, Rose, Three Chile, Raspberry, Orange Vanilla, Ginger Lime, Blackberry, Cranberry Spice, Strawberry Fennel, Saffron, Hot Ginger-Lime, Barrel Rested Maple, Spiced, Anise, Classic Hot Toddy, Natural Organic Simple and a Sour Mix. Prices start at $3.99 for a 2 oz bottle. You can order them online, but I’ve also purchased this product at my local Whole Foods.

Are you a mojito fan, but want a no buzz-version in a can? Spindrift, a line of naturally flavored sparkling water, makes “Nojito”, a lime and mint, no sugar added seltzer in a can that does the job. Pour it into a fancy glass and you’re all set! I have purchased this product in a variety of grocery stores. A case runs about $26.