Christmas has to be everyone’s favourite season of every year. Dopamine levels generally increase. The air smells different; Harmattan graces us with her presence (sometimes), families reunite at home and abroad, schools are closed, everyone is extra cheesy, and traffic always has Lagos in a serious chokehold.
Christmas is also the period when human livers are used to their full potential because alcohol rains and pours without mercy; there is always an excuse to drink! Many people are on holiday, so imagine the free time available. Offices are throwing end-of-year parties, concerts are in full throttle, and varying events are lined up from the beginning to the end of December.
I am a proud alcoholic, but I am not one to convince a non-alcoholic person why they should drink alcohol. If I were in their shoes, I would find it irritating. People make decisions based on reasons best known to them sometimes. We must respect their choices. Besides, if we are being honest, alcohol is not sweet, and sometimes it burns.
I have several friends who don’t take alcohol, and if you happen to be in that boat, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the holidays with your full chest and healthy livers. I believe in inclusivity; this is why I have curated a list of non-alcoholic drinks you can enjoy this season at home, restaurants, or events.
Chapman
If you are big on buying ‘made in Nigeria’ goods/ services, you would love Chapman. According to Wikipedia, its origin is traced back to Ikoyi Club in Lagos, Nigeria. Chapman on a very sunny or hot day is bliss! It is refreshing on a different level and a straightforward drink to make. It is a combination of soft drinks, bitters, blackcurrant, and fruit slices. It is also readily available on restaurant menus nowadays.
Zobo (Hibiscus drink)
The name zobo or zoborodo originates from the Northern tribe of Nigeria and has now become a household name. Zobo is a red signature drink popularly known for its fantastic health benefits and ability to quench thirst. Zobo is a drink you can down without guilt, especially if you are trying to watch your sugar intake or are on a weight loss journey. Naturally, it tastes sour, but you can choose sweeteners like pineapples and dates when preparing zobo.
Fresh Palmwine
Take a deep breath and read. I said ‘fresh’ palm wine, not ‘palm wine’ alone. Palm wine is a sweet, tasty drink from the sap of various species of palm trees, such as the Palmyra, date palms, and coconut palms. Fresh sap does not contain alcohol. The sap has a white colour and is very sweet. It is non-alcohol initially. However, it starts to ferment almost immediately as it collects due to natural yeasts in the air. If you are in the village this year or witness palm sap tapped, grab a cup and have a good drink! That said, I do not take responsibility for anything that happens after.
Coconut water
Coconut water comes from young coconuts that are about 6–7 months of age but can also be found in mature fruit. An average green coconut provides about 1/2–1 cup of coconut water. Coconut water contains 94% water and very little fat. Coconut water is well-known for its health benefits and is frequently regarded as a natural and nutritiously delicious beverage. It may benefit your heart, moderate your blood sugar, and help improve kidney health, but it is often confused with coconut milk, which is made by adding water to grated coconut meat. If you want to elevate your coconut drink, try adding fresh juices or fruits. You can also use coconut water in your smoothies and mocktails.
Lemonade
Lemonade is a sweetened lemon-flavoured drink. A lemonade is a mix of water, sugar and lemon juice. It might not be the healthiest drink out there, but it does quench your thirst. It is so refreshing; nothing beats fresh squeezed lemonade. I like this drink’s simplicity because, with 3 ingredients, you can fix a good drink on a bad day. Remember, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade!
Dear non – alcoholics, as you gather with family and friends this holiday season, you MUST have something in your cup! There’s more to refresh you than non-alcoholic wine or cold water. So, grab your glasses, raise a toast, and let the henjoyment begin! 🥂
Cheers to a festive season filled with flavour, laughter, and warmth!
Happy Holidays! 🇳🇬
