Non-alcoholic drinks that deliver on flavour for January (and beyond)

December is a time for celebrating with family and friends, great food and quite often, over-indulgence, meaning that January often sees a whole array of alcohol-free resolutions come into full force. While visiting a bar during the first month of the year can be a daunting experience, it doesn’t need to be when Franklin & Sons is on the menu. From soft drinks to 0.0% spirits, non-alcoholic cocktails to sodas, discover our top tips for enjoying a less-than-dry January. Apprehensive? Let us change that. 

 

1 – ELEVATE YOUR SOFT DRINKS WITH BOUNDLESS FLAVOUR

Perfectly balanced with subtle carbonation, our range of premium soft drinks provide the ideal standalone refreshment. With unique flavour combinations guaranteed to impress both teetotallers and spirit connoisseurs alike, take a look at our simple yet flavoursome soft drink serving suggestions, perfect for any gathering: 

• Franklin & Sons Valencian Orange & Grapefruit 

A burst of citrus flavours, our Valencian Orange & Grapefruit is a combination of Valencian oranges, pink grapefruit and a touch of lemongrass flavour  

Serving suggestion: Serve over cubed ice with a Valencian orange twist. Add a dash of grapefruit juice for a sweet-tart twist 

• Franklin & Sons Refreshing Peach & Mango 

A refreshing blend of white peach and mango, our Refreshing Peach & Mango makes for a light, tropical drink that is perfectly balanced 

Serving suggestion: Serve over crushed ice with a slice of mango and a squeeze of lime juice 

• Franklin & Sons Traditional Dandelion & Burdock 

A lightly spiced classic, our Traditional Dandelion & Burdock is blended from handpicked dandelions, burdock thistly roots and star anise flavours 

Serving suggestion: Serve over cubed ice. Top with Franklin & Sons Original Ginger Ale for a hint of warmth 

Ditch the lime and soda this January and opt for something a little more flavourful. They don’t call us the pioneers of flavour for nothing. 

 

2 – PAIR 0.0% SPIRITS WITH AWARD-WINNING TONIC WATERS FOR GUILT-FREE FIZZ

With a whole host of quality 0.0% spirits now available within the market, there’s never been an easier time to take a no and low approach to drinks, with Caleño leading the pack. Fuelled by Latin positivity, the founder Ellie Webb set out to infuse the sun-drenched flavours of Colombia with her quality range of non-alcoholic spirits, all of which are packed with tropical, exotic and citrus flavours. Partnering harmoniously with our range of award-winning tonic waters, take note of our spirit partner pairing recommendations and sip away guilt-free: 

• Franklin & Sons Premium Light Tonic Water paired with Caleno White Coconut  

• Franklin & Sons Premium Indian Tonic Water paired with Caleno Light & Zesty 

• Franklin & Sons Original Mallorcan Tonic Water paired with Caleno Mango & Passion Fruit 

Did we mention that all Caleño spirits are zero sugar, low calorie, alcohol-free, gluten free and vegan? Zero nasties, 100% delicious. If you’re a fan of non-alcoholic spirits, why not also give Everleaf, Seedlip and Lyre’s a try? They’re all equally as tempting.  

 

3 – SAY ‘GOODBYE’ TO MOCKTAILS AND ‘HELLO’ TO NON-ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS

Gone are the days of combining a myriad of fruit juices, a splash of grenadine, a sprig of mint and calling it a mocktail. Instead, we’re passionate about combining only quality ingredients with nothing artificial to create dynamic flavour profiles that deliver every time. Whether you’re looking for an alcohol-free take on a classic cocktail or a refreshingly delicious bartender-backed serve, check out our edit of tried and tested favourites: 

Rhubarb & Fig Light 

A bold and complex flavour profile, the spicy depth of Caleno pairs with the rich sweetness of fig syrup, while ginger syrup adds a touch of spice. Lemon juice provides a bright acidity to balance the drink and our Rhubarb & Hibiscus Tonic Water introduces a tart, floral finish with subtle effervescence. The result is a refreshing yet layered cocktail, perfect for those who enjoy both sweet and tangy flavours with a hint of spice 

Glassware: 

• Highball glass 

Ingredients: 

• 40ml Caleño Dark & Spicy 

• 5ml fig syrup 

• 5ml ginger syrup 

• 10ml lemon juice 

• 140ml Franklin & Sons Rhubarb & Hibiscus Tonic Water 

• Fig halves 

Method: 

• Add all ingredients to a chilled highball glass over cubed ice, stir lightly and garnish with fig halves 

Blossom Glow 

This cocktail is a refreshing and vibrant blend, where the cherry blossom notes of Everleaf Mountain meet the tangy sweetness of a strawberry shrub. Our Grapefruit & Bergamot Tonic Water adds a zesty, aromatic finish, creating a perfectly balanced drink with layers of citrus, berry and herbal complexity. Ideal for any get-together, this drink is both invigorating and elegantly nuanced 

Glassware: 

• Spritz glass 

Ingredients: 

• 40ml Everleaf Mountain 

• 15ml strawberry shrub 

• 145ml Franklin & Sons Grapefruit & Bergamot Tonic Water 

• Freeze-dried strawberry rim 

Method: 

• Add all ingredients to a chilled spritz glass over cubed ice, stir lightly and garnish with a freeze-dried strawberry rim 

Nolive Grove 

The Nolive Grove delivers a refined balance of herbaceous and citrus flavours. The Mediterranean notes deliver savoury depth with a touch of freshness and minerality, making it an ideal aperitif that’s both refreshing and complex, enhanced further with our Rosemary & Black Olive Tonic Water. Perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif to relax and prime your palate for an enjoyable meal 

Glassware: 

• Spritz glass 

Ingredients: 

• 30ml Lyre’s Italian Orange 

• 15ml Everleaf Marine 

• 155ml Franklin & Sons Rosemary & Black Olive Tonic Water 

• Orange wedge  

Method: 

• Add all ingredients to a chilled spritz glass, before gently adding cubed ice. Stir lightly and garnish with an orange wedge  

Bringing people together is our thing and we can’t think of a better way to do that than with cocktails without the next-day regret. Consider your spirits lifted (and resolutions still intact).  

 

4 – GO FOR ALCOHOL-FREE BEER… SORT OF

Are you more of a beer drinker? Not to bother. We appreciate the comfort of holding a hearty glass as the bar chat develops and the drinks fly by. Bringing a balance of subtle warmth with a refreshing twist, our Brewed Ginger Beer is a blend of natural root ginger, malted barley, fresh lemon and sparkling water. It’s a robust addition to any soirée, enhanced further with a pinch of cinnamon for extra spice and a slice of lime for added zest. It even mimics the colour of a quality pale ale to keep the typically unavoidable ‘are you not drinking tonight, chap?’ questions at bay.  

 

5 – ENJOY SODAS THAT SPRITZ

‘Champagne?’ is often hard to refuse however, slightly easier when one of our sodas are in-reach. Distiller-inspired, with a focus on flavour infusions and expressions, uncover pioneering flavour blends that, while pair perfectly with your spirit of choice, are equally as delicious on their own. Think sodas for adults and sample some of our most innovative inventions:  

• Franklin & Sons Guava & Lime Soda 

Light, featuring explosive busts of citrus, the flavours come from a blend of natural guava and Tahitian lime flavours with a hint of ginger 

• Franklin & Sons Pineapple & Almond Soda 

A light and low soda that doesn’t compromise on flavour. The natural pineapple and lime provide a tropical hit whilst the almond adds a smoky, sweet finish 

• Franklin & Sons Mandarin & Ginger Soda 

Aromatic mandarin and spicy ginger are blended to make a light and subtle drink with a spicy warm finish 

Carbonated, fresh and undeniably indulgent, abstaining from alcohol throughout January (and beyond) has never been so easy. If in doubt, give our Pink Grapefruit Soda a sample and thank us later. 

 

If you enjoy a tipple or two, drinking in moderation doesn’t need to translate to ditching the alcohol completely. According to Drinkaware, 45% of drinkers alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks, 29% drink a lower strength alcoholic drink and 26% drink non-alcoholic beer, wine or spirit substitutions* as moderation techniques. 

Speaking to Drinkaware, they advised “Our latest research shows that in 2024, 44% of adults moderated their drinking by trying an alcohol free or low alcohol drink instead, up from 38% in 2023. If you are swapping your drinks for low and no alternatives like this, it is a great way to help you stay within the Chief Medical Officer’s low-risk guidelines of 14 units a week.” 

If you’re looking to better understand your relationship with alcohol, take the free Drinkaware online Drinking Check to receive personalised results and guidance here.

So, have we convinced you to take on the New Year without the punch? We hope so. Discover the full Franklin & Sons range here.

 

*Moderation based on all UK adults who drink alcohol (n-9,035). All data provided by Drinkaware