7 delicious non-alcoholic drinks pairings for every day of the week
Whether you’re an established non-drinker or new to the sober-curious path, you’re probably looking for something tasty to go with your favourite meal. Never fear – we’ve come up with delicious options to match every day of the week.
Manic Monday
What are we eating? The race is on to get dinner on the table. We need something quick and easy, preferably of the tray-bake persuasion, and this clever bangers-and-beans situation is just the thing.
Sausage, butter bean and tomato tray bake with crispy röstis recipe
What are we drinking? Whatever pork dish you’re planning, when it comes to matching drinks, cider is your girl. The sweetness of the apple or pear complements the slight sweetness of pork, while the acidity cuts through the fat. For a non-alcoholic option, opt for a straight-up zero-alcohol cider with ice and sliced lemon. To spice things up, try a virgin cider Moscow mule: combine alcohol-free apple cider with ginger beer, mint, ice and sliced apple.
ALSO READ: How to have a fabulous booze-free break
Taco Tuesday
What are we eating? We love tacos for many reasons because many of them can generally be on the table in under 45 minutes. Current favourites include these air-fryer fish tacos and for a meat-free version, Abi’s cauliflower tacos are also the business.
What are we drinking? A fantastic non-alcoholic choice for your tacos would be an agua fresca: fresh fruit blended with water, sugar and soft herbs such as mint. Some of our favourite fruit combos include watermelon and strawberry, or mango and pineapple– a sip of which will do very nicely to temper the spicy bite of that taco in your hand.
Wellness Wednesday
What are we eating? It’s the middle of the week and you may be thinking it’s time to get your veg on. May we introduce the 20-minute root veg salad? It belongs in the “substantial salads” category and, honestly, that’s the highest salad recommendation we can give.
What are we drinking? Kombucha, of course! It’s Wellness Wednesday after all – line up for some probiotics. But in all seriousness, the herbal notes of kombucha will really pick up on the herbaceous character of this (and most) salads.
20-minute root veg salad recipe
Take-it-easy Thursday:
What are we eating? Right, we’re almost through the week, but we need some ease now, some comfort, something you can stick in the oven and forget about for a bit. Enter Abi’s deliciously creamy mushroom mac ‘n cheese:
Creamy mushroom mac ’n cheese recipe
What are we drinking? Normally this would be red wine territory, right? But since we’re trying something new, why not go for a steelworks? This drink evolved to hydrate actual steelworkers. Locally, it’s made with cola tonic, ginger ale, bitters and ice. It’s refreshing, surprisingly sophisticated, and the ginger ale will help settle your tummy after all that cheese…
Burger Friday
What are we eating? It’s the weekend. We’re done adulting. We’re eating the biggest, bestest, most loaded burger we can find. This baby certainly fits the bill, but there are loads (really, loads) of other delicious burger recipes on this site.
Double beef burger with smoked cheddar and sriracha mayo recipe
What are we drinking? Burgers and beers go together like nobody’s business of course, but if you’re not feeling excited by an alcohol-free beer, how about an alcohol-free beer shandy? Try this version and replace the lager with a 0% version. If, however, you want something a little more celebratory (TGIF, remember?), how about a non-alc berry spritz? Pour a splash of Woolies’ blueberry-and-hibiscus syrup into a glass and top with San Pellegrino lemon sparkling drink, lots of ice and fresh lemon. Cin cin.
ALSO READ: Summer sips: 3 must-try cherry mocktails
Sizzling Saturday
What are we eating? Whatever it is, it will be cooked on the braai. You have the gamut of poultry, red meat, fish and plants ready to be grilled, but we’re leaning towards Keletso’s achar-butter braaied chicken with flatbreads…
Atchar-butter-braaied chicken with flatbread
What are we drinking? Is it even a braai if there aren’t any G&Ts? There’s no need to miss out on this sober-curious wagon – replace your standard gin with a non-alc distilled spirit such as Seedlip or Abstinence and enjoy your tipple as usual. No mess, no fuss.
ALSO READ: 5 alcohol-free drinks to make for your next pool party
Slow-roast Sunday
What are we eating? Ah, Sunday, our old friend. We’re taking it slow, so very slow. If we’re not roasting something on the braai (Again? This is South Africa…), we’re popping a roast oven for a few hours and sitting back to read the paper (or scroll the socials – whatever floats your boat).
Harissa yoghurt slow-roasted lamb shoulder recipe
What are we drinking? In summer it would be a glass of white and in winter a nice Cab Sav, right? But since we’re mixing things up, we recommend a refreshing de-alcolised wine spritzer. Add flavoured sparkling water (and perhaps a tiny splash of cordial), plus ice and fresh fruit to your glass, and off you go. Salut!
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