Discover seasonal recipe ideas for February and key foodie dates for your diary. Make the most of purple sprouting broccoli, turnips, sprouts, swedes and much more.
View Green Video on the source website February might seem like one big chilly Tuesday, but look closer and it’s a lot more action-packed than you'd think. Like it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is here. This can be the perfect opportunity to cook and impress someone special or simply avoid those crowded restaurants. The seasonal recipes below would all work very nicely as a cosy dinner for two but could easily be bumped up for a crowd if you’re throwing an alternative bash with friends. Check out more top tips for a successful Valentine's Day. Shrove Tuesday is another important date to mark in your calendar: check out our collection of Pancake Day recipes for both sweet and savoury inspiration. Once your produce is ready to go, check out our February recipes for delicious dinner inspiration. February seasonal food Salsify Salsify, a member of the dandelion family, earns its alias as the oyster plant due to its reminiscent taste when prepared. Resembling a lengthy, slender parsnip, its root boasts a creamy white interior enveloped by a substantial skin. Like various root vegetables, salsify lends itself to diverse culinary applications, being suitable for boiling, mashing or incorporating into soups and stews. Grow your own salsify between October and February, and use it to make a topping for crumpets. Our salsify crumpets make a delicious breakfast for two, perfect for enjoying with your loved one for a Valentine’s breakfast showcasing fresh produce. Consider preparing a stir-fry of duck & winter vegetables for a crowd-pleasing February feast. This wholesome dinner choice highlights succulent duck breast paired with seasonal essentials like celeriac, parsnips and salsify. Treat your guests to a healthy and flavourful culinary experience that embraces the richness of winter produce. Check out these spicy roots if you’re looking for a more adventurous side dish to a Sunday roast this February. Flavoured with lemon, curry powder and Chinese spice powder, no one will be complaining of a bland dinner. Winter cabbage Leafy winter cabbage is at its best from October to April. Try this garlicky linguine with cabbage & anchovy from food writer Silvana Franco. This thrifty dish of pasta, cabbage and herby ‘pangrattato’ breadcrumbs is delicious in its simplicity. Try our potato & savoy cabbage soup with bacon for an equally quick and hearty dinner. It’s a great midweek dinner option as you can whip it up in only 20 minutes and it’s freezable. For a gathering that caters to diverse preferences, including those who prefer plant-based options, consider serving this vibrant vegan main dish: Italian-style roast cabbage wedges with tomato lentils. It's a colourful and flavourful choice that ensures everyone, meat-eaters and non-meat eaters alike, can savour and enjoy the meal together. See more of our cabbage recipes. Forced rhubarb Rhubarb is a vegetable with long, red or green stalks. By keeping the rhubarb crowns in a dark place for a few weeks, the shoots will grow faster and earlier than normal, looking for light. These shoots are long, thin and pale, and they have a sweet and juicy flavour. Rhubarb can be eaten raw, but it is usually too sour for most people. Cooking it with sugar makes it more palatable and delicious. Rhubarb pairs well with ginger and strawberries, creating a wonderful combination of flavours. Make this tipsy rhubarb & blood orange jelly for the perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Or try infusing your own rhubarb gin. Find more inspiration with our rhubarb recipes. Purple sprouting broccoli Purple sprouting broccoli has a short season, so grab it while you can. Look for ones with fresh, crisp leaves and deep purple florets – although, be aware, the colour will fade during cooking. Purple sprouting broccoli is a great alternative to asparagus, so try it griddled and served with poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and toasted English muffins or sourdough. This warm broccoli, feta & preserved lemon salad by contributing editor Diana Henry is a real treat; roasting the broccoli brings out a little sweetness which pairs brilliantly with the sour yogurt and bitter lemon. Check out more of our purple sprouting broccoli recipes. Brussels sprouts Not just for Christmas, Brussels sprouts are around until early spring. If you buy them on the stalks, don’t forget the top leaves are edible too (just cook them like cabbage). This cheesy sprout fondue recipe will convert any sprout hater, and for great flavourful family meal options, try our chicken tagine with spiced Brussels sprouts & feta or our Brussels sprouts pad Thai. Both can be ready in under an hour. Discover more Brussels sprouts recipes. Turnips Winter turnips have a stronger, peppery flavour compared to summer’s baby turnips. Try swapping some of the potatoes in a hotpot, gratin or dauphinoise for turnips, like in our turnip tartiflette or lamb, turnip & celeriac hotpot. They’ll make the dish a bit lighter and really crank up the flavour. We’re coming to the end of the season, so make the most of them, served raw in this crispy salmon with turnip, mandarin & noodle salad. Check out more turnip recipes. Swedes Belonging to the cabbage family, the swede is frequently mistaken for the turnip despite their distinct appearances. Swedes exhibit a rounded shape with purple-green skin, while their yellowy-orange flesh boasts a sweet, earthy flavour. Caution is advised against overcooking, as swede tends to disintegrate easily; hence, it's crucial to adhere to recommended cooking times for optimal results. By replacing half of your pasta with swede ribbons in this duck ragu with pappardelle & swede and opting for duck breast over the leg, you create a leaner yet equally delectable dish. This offers a healthy, hearty winter option that can be conveniently frozen for those nights when cooking feels like a daunting task. Or, for a flavoursome alternative to your typical bangers and mash, try this seasonal sausage & maple swede traybake with roasted red onions and apples for a much more colourful option. Find more inspiration from our swede recipes. Primrose flowers Edible flowers are a fantastic and easy way of decorating sweet dishes like cakes and desserts. They can add a much-needed pop of colour and often a fresh peppery taste, depending on the flowers used. Try them in savoury dishes, too, like salads and open sandwiches such as these smoked salmon tartines – it would make a really special light lunch. Or cut the toast into bite-sized pieces and serve as canapés at your next celebration. Smoked salmon tartines Toast 4 slices of rye or sourdough bread, then spread with 100g crème fraîche. Flake 150g hot smoked salmon over the top and garnish with a few capers, 1 finely chopped pickled gherkin and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season, then scatter over ½ tsp chopped chives and 8-10 primrose flowers. Serves 4 Discover more ingredients in season in February: Kale Celeriac Clementine Grapefruit Radicchio Bramley apple Whiting Orange Lemon Turnip Pomegranate Oyster Chicory Purple sprouting broccoli Brussels sprouts Celery Leek Salsify Mussels Cod Onion Rhubarb Jerusalem artichoke Venison Cabbage Carrots Parsnip Swede Garden tasks for February Sow seeds for many of the year’s crops. This is the time to start tomatoes you’re going to grow in a greenhouse, while Brussels sprouts, summer cabbages, onions, peas and spinach can be sown under cover now. Cage your crops to keep them safe from hungry wood pigeons. They will devastate cabbage and kale beds in cold weather. Plant fruit trees and bushes. Mulch beds with well-rotted compost or manure to prepare them for spring sowing and planting. For more seasonal gardening tips, see Gardeners’ World. See our seasonal calendar for more inspiration. Seasonal food dates in February: 1 Feb: British Yorkshire Pudding Day Celebrate the perfect accompaniment to a roast by checking out our Yorkshire pudding recipes. 9 Feb: National Pizza Day The Italians got it right with this masterpiece. Don’t reach for the takeaway menu this National Pizza Day. Choose from our range of classics from our pizza recipes. 17 Feb: Pancake Day Celebrate Shrove Tuesday with one of our pancake recipes. Whether you're a fan of the sweet or savoury variety, there's a pancake for everyone. 22 Feb: National Margarita Day Whether you prefer your margaritas frozen or spicy, check out our range of party drinks for inspiration. Check out more seasonal recipes Top 20 winter recipes Top 10 rhubarb recipes Top 10 winter soup recipes The health benefits of broccoli What are your favourite ingredients to cook with in February? Leave a comment below.
How to cook asparagus: Pan-frying, roasting and more
Learn how to prepare and cook asparagus in a range of dishes. The delicate spears of this seasonal vegetable can be blanched, griddled, sautéed, roasted or served raw
Wondering what the best way to cook asparagus is, and how long to cook it for? Get the best from this seasonal veg by cooking it as soon after it’s picked as you can. Use our below guide to find out more about each cooking method. Jump to: Boiled asparagus recipe (blanch and refresh) Griddled asparagus recipe Roasted asparagus recipe Pan-fried asparagus recipe Steamed asparagus recipe When is asparagus in season? Asparagus is typically available for just two months of the year, from late April to June, so be sure to make the most of it while it lasts. The earliest shoots are called ‘sprue’. They’re thinner and usually tender all the way through. The later and thicker shoots can have very woody ends that need to be removed. Simply bend each stalk with both hands, gently, until it snaps – the break will happen where the woody part meets the tender part. Sometimes what needs to be discarded can be quite substantial – you can use these ends to make a stock for soups and stews. See our ideas for how to serve asparagus below, and also check out our collection of asparagus recipes. Discover the best way to grow asparagus, at GardenersWorld.com. How to prepare asparagus Watch our video guide for how to prepare asparagus, and follow these simple steps: Break off any woody ends by bending the asparagus spears until they snap at their natural breaking point. Trim off any uneven ends with a sharp knife. View Green Video on the source website What is the best way to cook asparagus? Asparagus can be cooked in various ways, each bringing out different textures and flavours. Roasting asparagus in the oven is a hands-off method almost guaranteed to give you a juicy interior and crispy exterior, making it a great addition to salads or grain bowls. However, it can take longer than other methods and may dry out if overcooked. Boiling on the hob is one of the quickest and simplest ways to cook asparagus, resulting in a tender, vibrant green spear—ideal for serving with butter or hollandaise. The downside is that it can become soggy if left in for too long, and some vitamins are water-soluble, so you lose nutrients using this method. Griddling is perfect for adding a smoky, charred flavour and a slight crunch, making it an excellent side for a roast chicken dinner or other mains. However, thicker spears work best for this method, as thin ones can scorch quickly. The cooking time will vary with each method, so it’s worth considering the texture you wish to achieve and what dish you’re pairing it with. See our five ways to cook asparagus below. Boiled asparagus recipe (blanch and refresh) A method we’ve gleaned from restaurant cooking is called blanch and refresh. This is useful for lots of vegetables (particularly green veg), as it helps them to retain their bright colour and flavour after cooking. Fill a bowl with water and ice cubes and set aside. Plunge your asparagus spears into a pan of boiling water. Cook for 1-2 mins or until tender. Remove the asparagus with tongs or a slotted spoon and place directly in the bowl of ice water. Store in the fridge until needed, then simply drain and reheat in a pan with a little butter when you want to serve. Griddled asparagus recipe Another way to cook asparagus is to char it, either on a griddle pan or on a barbecue – if the weather allows. Slightly scorching the asparagus brings out a nutty flavour while keeping its distinct texture and vibrancy. Coat the asparagus spears in a little olive oil. Put your griddle pan over a high heat. When it's heated through, add the asparagus spears and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 mins, turning occasionally until tender. Check if the asparagus is done by lifting a spear out of the griddle pan with a pair of tongs. If it bends slightly, it’s ready. Roasted asparagus recipe Roasting asparagus is one of the easiest ways to cook this vegetable. Simply drizzle with olive oil and pop in the oven. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Snap any woody tips off the asparagus where they naturally break apart. Put on a roasting tray, drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 12 mins until tender. Pan-fried asparagus recipe Sautéing asparagus is a quick and straightforward way to bring out its natural flavour. Just cook in a pan with a little oil or butter until tender. Heat a drizzle of olive oil or a little butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Snap any woody tips off the asparagus where they naturally break apart. Add to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 mins, depending on how tender you like them, tossing occasionally. Steamed asparagus recipe Put the asparagus in a steamer basket and cover. Place over a high heat. Once steam forms, cook for 2-4 mins until the asparagus is bright green and tender. Put the asparagus into ice water to stop the cooking process, if not eating right away. Peel raw ribbons Asparagus can be eaten raw, too, as part of a salad. It works very well sliced into ribbons using a vegetable peeler. Start by removing the tougher outer skin and discarding it. Peel off long ribbons until you get to the middle, then turn over and repeat on the other side. How to store asparagus Wrap the asparagus in damp kitchen paper, put in a perforated paper bag or wrap and keep in the salad drawer of the fridge. This will keep for up to five days. You can also store it in a glass or jug of cold water in the fridge, with a loose covering on top. What to serve with asparagus Baked or smoked salmon Chicken Eggs Tuna Grains Spaghetti Peas Beans Feta Avocado Top 10 asparagus recipes: 1. Asparagus fries with baconnaise An indulgent celebration of asparagus, the coating of crisp breadcrumbs adds texture without distracting from the flavour and pairs wonderfully with the rich bacon mayo. Discover more bacon recipes. 2. Quinoa with roast asparagus, eggs & capers With quinoa, asparagus, eggs, beetroot, beans and courgettes, this filling veggie salad packs in all of your five-a-day. Discover more quinoa salad recipes. 3. Asparagus pancakes & smoked salmon Frame your asparagus spears in these golden pancakes for a picture-perfect brunch dish. Discover more savoury pancake recipes. 4. Asparagus, avocado & quinoa tabbouleh This stunning platter of fresh greens makes a lovely side dish for sharing, and it's a great way to serve asparagus raw. Discover more tabbouleh recipes. 5. Sesame grilled asparagus rafts Here's a simple recipe for grilling or barbecuing your asparagus. Fixing a row of spears together makes them much easier to work with. Discover more delicious barbecue recipes. 6. Asparagus, feta & dill quiche Make the most of eggs in this versatile veggie quiche. Baked with feta and asparagus, it's encased in a cheesy pastry and makes a perfect addition for a picnic. Discover more quiche recipes perfect for picnics or entertaining a crowd. 7. Best ever asparagus & pea risotto This vibrant risotto takes a little more effort to make, but it's completely worth it to have the flavours of spring bursting from every mouthful. Discover more vegetarian risotto recipes. 8. Tuna, asparagus & white bean salad This healthy, gluten-free salad makes the perfect quick lunch, as it only takes 15 minutes to prepare. Enjoy as the star of the show or as the accompaniment to some barbecued meats. Discover more salads that use storecupboard ingredients with our bean salad recipes. 9. Lemon roasted spring chicken with asparagus Pop all the ingredients for this lemon roasted chicken into a roasting tin. With asparagus and peas, the colours and flavours sing spring. Discover more simple traybake dinner recipes. 10. Herbed broad bean & feta crostini with asparagus Make the most of seasonal broad beans during the summer months with this vibrant bean and feta crostini. Ideal as a starter, it's best topped with asparagus. Discover more crostini recipes. Try more awesome asparagus recipes Asparagus recipes How to serve asparagus 3 quick dinner ideas with asparagus 10 recipes to make you feel like spring is here Have you tried any of our asparagus recipes? Leave a comment below...
Discover seasonal recipe ideas for March and key foodie dates for your diary. We showcase fresh herbs and hearty veg like broccoli and spring greens
View Green Video on the source website Welcome to March. After a long winter, produce is brighter and greener, and it's a welcome sight. It’s a great time to get out into the wild and try foraging, but, if you are going to do so, make sure you know your stuff. Be sure to get permission from the landowner and, if you’re new to foraging, take someone with you who knows what you can and cannot take. Better still, why not sign up to a hands-on foraging course? Nettles and wild garlic are some of the easiest to identify, but, as with any wild food, if you’re not sure, leave it. Visit our foraging beginner's guide for more advice. For more inspiration, visit our March recipe collection and March seasonal calendar page. If you want to expand your spring cooking repertoire, explore our spring recipes for inspiration, including spring cocktails, spring baking, vegetarian spring dishes, and budget-friendly spring meals. March seasonal food Purple sprouting broccoli Purple sprouting broccoli has a short season, so grab it while you can. Look for broccoli with fresh, crisp leaves and deep purple florets – though be aware the colour will fade during cooking. Try our purple sprouting broccoli with almonds for a simple yet satisfying dish. Boil the broccoli and drizzle over olive oil, then top with toasted flaked almonds – it's a great side to any roast. Alternatively, roast the broccoli alongside butternut squash and garlic for a comforting miso & butternut squash ramen – the broccoli provides texture and a touch of green. See our purple sprouting broccoli recipes for more inspiration. Forced chicory Also referred to as endive, chicory is a forced crop that's cultivated in absolute darkness, which creates its unique white leaves tinged with yellow tips. It has a characteristic cigar-like shape and averages around 12cm in length, and has crisp leaves with a subtly bitter flavour profile. While chicory remains accessible throughout the year, it thrives in Britain from January to mid-March. Sliced chicory leaves bring complex bitterness to dressed salads, like our blue cheese & grape salad with caramelised pecans, and to our chicory collins, a special pre-dinner cocktail. Or, for a weekend lunch, make quick-cook polenta and serve as the base for this chicory, sausage & black olive polenta tart. Find more unique ideas with our chicory recipes. Hamburg parsley If you can find or grow it, hamburg parsley is worth seeking out. It’s a sweet, dense root vegetable that's similar to a parsnip, with delicate, buttery flavour – almost verging into sweet potato territory. Hamburg parsley orecchiette Peel 1 large or 2 small hamburg parsley roots and chop into small chunks, then cook in a pan of boiling salted water for 10 mins. Drain, then fry in 15g butter and 1 tsp olive oil in a large non-stick pan until golden. Meanwhile, cook 150g orecchiette following pack instructions, then drain. Add the cooked pasta to the hamburg parsley, toss to combine and season with plenty of black pepper and a little salt. Spread 4 tbsp crème fraîche over two plates and create a large well in the centre of each using a spoon. Dot over 1 preserved lemon, chopped, and top with the pasta mixture. Garnish with few parsley leaves, 1 tsp lumpfish roe and ½ tsp poppy seeds. Serves 2. Spring onions Spring onion is such a versatile ingredient, particularly at this time of year, when the herb garden isn’t quite in full swing yet. Slice the white and green parts separately and scatter the finely sliced green tops over the finished dish in place of herbs. They can also be served whole, as in our spring onions & teriyaki tofu. Try our chilli corn & spring onion quesadilla for a twist on a classic Mexican-inspired snack made with fiery chillies, sweetcorn and a squeeze of lime. See more inspiration with our spring onion recipes. Nettles Use foraged wild nettles in these creative ideas. Similar to spinach in taste, nettles are a versatile addition to soups, pesto and pie fillings, and can even be used as a flavourful toast topping. For a springtime spin, substitute nettles for spinach in our nettle spanakopita. With their sweet and nutritious profile, young nettles provide a delightful and cost-free alternative to spinach. Alternatively, simmer nettle leaves in stock with onions, carrots, leeks and potatoes, then blend with butter and cream to make nettle soup, which can be frozen and enjoyed later. For more ideas, don’t miss our nettle recipes. Spring greens Cut out any tough central stems of your spring greens using a small, sharp knife or kitchen scissors, then use these offcuts in stocks or in place of celery in sofrito (a base for soups and stews). Our spring greens with lemon dressing bring much-needed freshness to any comforting dinner. Or, enjoy them in a twist on traditional carbonara by making our spring greens carbonara. Sweet peas and asparagus balance the saltiness of the pancetta and richness of the egg yolks. Find extra ideas with our spring greens recipes. Wild garlic Also known as ramsons, wild garlic comes into season in late March-early April, and is one of the best additions to flavoured butter or pesto. For wild garlic pesto, simply blitz wild garlic with olive oil, then stir in finely grated parmesan. Make our healthy baked new potatoes with wilted wild garlic for a twist on ordinary roasties, or try garlic butter, which is a delicious spread for picnic flatbreads. For more ideas, see our wild garlic recipes. Discover more ingredients in season in March Spring lamb Sorrel Grapefruit Radicchio Bramley apple Cauliflower Orange Lemon Watercress Salmon Mussels Potato Pak choi Oyster Onion Rhubarb Spinach Jerusalem artichoke Cabbage Parsnip Leek Celeriac White asparagus Seasonal food dates in March: 1 March: St David's Day Celebrate St David's Day on 1 March with our Welsh-inspired recipes, from classic Welsh cakes and bara brith, to modern twists on the traditional, like rarebit muffins. 15 March: Mother's Day Whether you're treating Mum to breakfast in bed, baking a cake or preparing a three-course dinner, we've got all the Mothering Sunday recipes you need. 20 March : Eid-al Fitr Discover the traditions of Eid al-Fitr and celebrate the end of fasting with a feast using our Ramadan recipes. 17 March: St Patrick's Day Celebrate St Patrick's Day with some of our favourite Irish recipes, including soda bread, Guinness chocolate puddings and Irish stew. Other food dates for your diary: 2-8 March: British Pie Week The first week of March is British Pie Week, a tradition that has been going on for 15 years. Enjoy your favourite sweet and savoury pies. Enjoyed these recipes? See more inspiration: The best recipe boxes, tried and tested How to use wild garlic The health benefits of broccoli What to do with root vegetables How to steam vegetables Which vegetables will you be using this March? Leave a comment below.
Best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wine 2026
Discover the best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines for booze-free drinks options that are sophisticated and full of flavour, ideal for entertaining or special occasions
With more people choosing to drink less alcohol or seeking out alcohol-free alternatives, non-alcoholic wine is enjoying a surge in popularity. Whether you are giving Dry January a go, need a sophisticated non-alcoholic option for social occasions, or simply want to enjoy the ritual of a glass of wine without the effects of alcohol, there are now a wide range of choices. When selecting a non-alcoholic wine, it’s worth considering the style and sweetness. Many alcohol-free wines tend to be on the sweeter side – if you prefer a drier style, look for options that are specifically described as crisp or refreshing, or consider sparkling varieties, which often offer a lively, balanced flavour. To help you find a bottle that suits your taste, drinks experts Miriam Nice and Jonathan Hatchman have taste-tested a selection of the best non-alcoholic wines to buy, from prosecco styles to aromatic German rieslings. Whether you’re hosting, celebrating, or simply unwinding at home, there is a non-alcoholic wine to suit every occasion. There are also a few of our recommendations for low-alcohol wines, for those of you are choosing a lower-alcohol approach rather than going completely alcohol-free. These sparkling wines bring no fewer bubbles than their standard counterparts, and deliver a lighter tipple with all the same flavour. For more non-alcoholic advice, check out our review of the best non-alcoholic spirits or the best non-alcoholic champagnes and sparkling wines. Best non-alcoholic wines at a glance Best non-alcoholic wine for prosecco lovers: Mille Bolle Alcohol Free Sparkling, £5.99 Best non-alcoholic wine for cava lovers: ¡H! Barcelona Hola Alcohol Free Sparkling, £4.99 Best eye-catching non-alcoholic wine: Von Buhl Zero Secco Alcohol-Free, £8.99 Best non-alcoholic sweet wine: De Bortoli The Very Cautious One gewurtz riesling, £5.70 Best full-bodied non-alcoholic red: De Bortoli The Very Cautious One shiraz, £5.70 Best non-alcoholic vegan red wine: Eisberg cabernet sauvignon, £18 (case of 6) Best non-alcoholic sauvignon blanc: Eisberg sauvignon blanc, £18 (case of 6) Best alcohol-free merlot: Eisberg alcohol-free merlot, £18 (case of 6) Best for making alcohol-free mulled wine: M&S alcohol-free merlot, £4 Best non-alcoholic German wine: Leitz Eins Zwei Zero riesling, £13.99 Best non-alcoholic wine for a spritzer: Torres Natureo muscat, £9.41 Best non-alcoholic rosé wine: Torres Natureo rosé, £5.45 Recommended low-alcohol wines at a glance Best low-alcohol sparkling rosé: Hacienda de Lluna Moscatel Rosado,£5.99 Best low-alcohol Spanish sparkling wine: La Chica Bonita, £5.99 Best low-alcohol Asti: Le Monferrine Moscato d'Asti Frizzante, £7.99 Best low-alcohol sparkling red wine: L'Occhiolino Semi-Sparkling Red, £7.99 Jump to: Best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines to buy in 2026 How we tested non-alcoholic wine How is non-alcoholic wine made? What are the disadvantages of non-alcoholic wine? Best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines to buy in 2026 Mille Bolle Alcohol Free Sparkling Available from Laithwaites (£5.99) Best non-alcoholic wine for prosecco lovers Rating: 4.5/5 ABV: 0% Crafted with Chardonnay and Glera grapes, the wine is gently de-alcoholised using modern, environmentally friendly techniques, which aim to preserve more of the wine’s natural characteristics. Yeast and grape juice are added for a secondary fermentation which gives the alcohol-free wine more depth and rounded flavour, with fruity notes of green apple, honeydew and peach, and its fine bubbles. JH Available from: Laithwaites (£5.99) ¡H! Barcelona Hola Alcohol Free Sparkling Available from Laithwaites (£4.99) Best non-alcoholic wine for cava lovers Rating: 4/5 ABV: 0% This wine is produced by Belgian entrepreneurs Christopher Heirwegh and Christel Weemaes, who moved to Barcelona with a dream of producing the world’s best cava. Just like cava, this non-alcoholic brut wine is produced with the region's local grapes, Macabeo, Parallado and Xarel-lo, then fermented and carbonated. It’s certainly reminiscent of cava, although with more sweetness and tropical fruit character alongside the vibrant bubbles, bright green apple and lime notes. JH Available from: Laithwaites (£4.99) Von Buhl Zero Secco Alcohol-Free Available from Laithwaites (£8.99) Best eye-catching non-alcoholic wine Rating: 3.5/5 0.5% A non-alcoholic take on their hugely popular Secco wine, Von Buhl Zero Secco Alcohol-Free comes from Germany’s historic Reichstrat Von Buhl winery, which was founded in 1849. The estate is known for having some of the most well located vineyards in the Pfalz region, more than 40% of which are classified as grand cru, as well as crafting innovative new wines such as this alcohol-free option. Bold fruit notes of grapefruit, lime, green apple, pear and apricot are joined by floral undertones and a mineral finish, all presented in an eye-catching ceramic bottle. JH Available from: Laithwaites (£8.99) De Bortoli The Very Cautious One gewurtz riesling Available from Ocado (£5.50) Best non-alcoholic sweet wine ABV: 0.0% Rating: 5/5 Part of the De Bortoli Wines portfolio based in Australia, this wine has heady aromas of lychee and beeswax. It's unsurprisingly sweet with lots of rose petals, peaches and overripe nectarines on the palate. You might detect a touch of minerality at the end which adds interest and stops it tasting too sickly and soapy. We advise serving well chilled. MN Available from: Ocado (£5.50) De Bortoli The Very Cautious One shiraz Available from Ocado (£5.50) Best full-bodied non-alcoholic red ABV: 0.0% Rating: 5/5 This pours as a dark ruby red. It is nuanced and complex with floral notes of rose, honeysuckle and sweet pea blooms on the nose, which then move into dark fruits, raspberries and blueberries on the palate, leaving you with red apple skin tannins and tobacco. It's another great Australian entry to the list. MN Available from: Ocado (£5.50) Eisberg cabernet sauvignon Available from Morrisons (£3.25), Amazon (£3.50) Best non-alcoholic vegan red wine ABV: 0.0% Rating: 4.5/5 Aromas of cooked cherries and jammy strawberries appear along with a touch of green peppers, juicy blackcurrants and blackberry. There is a touch of acidity on the palate but this gives way to a smooth, rounded mouthfeel, lots more fresh cherry flavour and a touch of tannic astringency providing a moreish finish. Serve at room temperature, but, as with all these wines, keep chilled the rest of the time once opened. They don’t keep more than a day or two without the preservative qualities of alcohol. MN Available from: Morrisons (£3.25) Amazon (£3.50) Eisberg sauvignon blanc Latest Deals Best non-alcoholic sauvignon blanc ABV: 0.0% Rating: 4/5 This has delightfully tempting fresh floral aromas of elderflower with hints of green apple. The flavour is supported by lots of juicy ripe pear, peach and more elderflower with a touch of melon. We suggest serving this very well chilled or in a spritz to keep the sweetness in balance – as a helpful reminder to serve this cool, 'eisberg' is the German word for iceberg. MN Latest Deals Eisberg alcohol-free merlot Available from Ocado (£3) Best alcohol-free merlot ABV: 0.0% Rating: 4/5 Raspberries, blackberries and a hint of a woody aroma appear here along with a dash of clove and vanilla. On tasting you’ll find rich, juicy black cherry skins and soft blackberries. As the flavour develops on your palate, the dry and tannic qualities appear before leaving you with a lingering gentle return of cloves and a touch of cocoa. MN Available from: Ocado (£3) M&S alcohol-free merlot Available from Ocado (£4) Best for making alcohol free mulled wine ABV: 0.05% Rating: 4/5 On the nose you’ll find black cherries and stewed plums. The tastes evokes a light mulled wine there’s a lot of warming festive spices, baked orange and more slow cooked stone fruits. The tannins and the dry finish keeps the sweetness in check for what is an accessible and easy drinking merlot. MN Available from: Ocado (£4) Leitz Eins Zwei Zero riesling Available from Amazon (£13.99) Best non-alcoholic German wine ABV: 0.0% This wine has some earthy notes on the nose to begin with, but on the palate it tastes like a German riesling with peachy fruit, blending sweetness and acidity. This actually made me want another glass. MN Available from: Amazon (£13.99) Torres Natureo muscat Available from DryDrinker (£9.41) Best non-alcoholic wine for a spritzer ABV: 0.0% The Natureo range from Torres, one of Spain’s biggest producers, is probably the best widely available low-alcohol wine. This muscat is unashamedly sweet with notes of honey and flowers. It tasted best in a spritzer with ice and sparkling water. MN Available from: DryDrinker (£9.41) Torres Natureo rosé Available from Ocado (£5.45) Best non-alcoholic rosé wine ABV: 0.0% This rosé from Torres is also pretty good. Again, there's no doubt that it's sweet (2.6g sugar per 100ml) but the sweetness suits it and the finish isn't at all cloying. If you like Mateus rosé (for those under 40, ask your parents), you’ll enjoy this. MN Available from: Ocado (£5.45) Hacienda de Lluna moscatel rosado 2024 Available from Laithwaites (£5.99) Best low-alcohol sparkling rosé ABV: 5% Even when drunk during a dull, grey British winter, this bright thirst-quencher will transport you to warmer climes. Made from the moscatel grape (one of the oldest in the world) on the sunny slopes around Valencia, Spain, this gentle fizz is an easy drinker. This has the sweetness of ripe grapes, a crisp finish and just 5% ABV, making it a lightweight tipple that will suit many palates. Available from: Laithwaites (£5.99) La Chica Bonita 2023 Available from Laithwaites (£5.99) Best low-alcohol sparkling ABV: 5% Another Valencian moscatel, this low-alcohol fizz (5% ABV) comes from winemaker Fernando Tarin Casado, a specialist of the moscatel variety. The gentle fizz brings a wave of floral notes, as well as peach, mandarin and that signature ripe grape taste. This sweetness is well balanced by a lemony freshness, and the result is an off-dry tipple that makes a pleasing apéritif or light accompaniment to food. Available from: Laithwaites (£5.99) Le Monferrine moscato d'asti frizzante 2024 Available from Laithwaites (£7.99) Best low-alcohol asti ABV: 5% Hailing from the Piedmont region of north-west Italy, asti has been classified as a denominazione di origine controllata e garantita – the highest classification Italian wine can achieve – and is the highest-producing appellation of the country. Naturally low in alcohol (this one is just 5% ABV) and made in the frizzante style, moscato d’asti is medium-sweet and full of bubbly charm. Le Monferrine brings hints of rose petal, along with the classic grape and fruity, fresh flavours. Available from: Laithwaites (£7.99) L'Occhiolino semi-sparkling red Available from Laithwaites (£7.99) Best low-alcohol sparkling red ABV: 7.5% Sparkling red wine might not quite have the same reputation in the UK as its lighter-coloured cousins, but it is steadily growing in popularity – and for good reason. This fresh Italian frizzante is best served properly chilled, and the ripe fruit and sweet spices make themselves known with the gentle bubbles. At just 7.5% ABV, it’s a much easier drink than many reds. Available from: Laithwaites (£7.99) How we tested non-alcoholic wine All wines were stored and served at the temperatures suggested by the producer. Each one was tasted in the same style of glass for the first taste, and then in a wine glass best suited to the grape variety. We were looking for bottles that accurately evoked the characteristics of the wines they were emulating, but more importantly, seeking flavour and complexity that would please both drinkers and non-drinkers alike. How is non-alcoholic wine made? Non-alcoholic wine can be made in a few different ways. A common method is vacuum distillation. This lowers air pressure in order to be able to reduce boiling temperature, before wine is boiled. This means alcohol is boiled off the liquid at a much lower temperature, which is far less destructive to the delicate flavours and aromas of the wine. Other methods of making non-alcoholic wine include using mechanical filtration or a process called a ‘spinning cone’ which separates the wine in order to isolate and remove the alcohol. What are the disadvantages of non-alcoholic wine? A word of warning: non-alcoholic wines are often sweet, much sweeter than conventional wines. A normal off-dry white will have around 4-7 grams of residual sugar per litre, and many of these have the same amount per 100ml – not a great option if you’re trying to lose weight. They're too sweet to cook with, too. Low or alcohol-free wines are made by creating a normal wine, removing the alcohol by using a spinning cone, and sweetening the resulting liquid with sugar or grape juice to give it some body. Many have a small amount of added flavouring in them, too. Some styles of non-alcoholic wine work better than others: we saw best successes in non-alcoholic prosecco and German riesling, perhaps because both are based on originals that are sweet and low-alcohol. Non-alcoholic drinks inspiration Best non-alcoholic champagnes and sparkling wines Non-alcoholic drinks recipes Mocktail recipes Top 10 non-alcoholic drinks ideas Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks ideas If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. We’d love to hear about your favourite non-alcoholic wine. Share your suggestions in the comments below.
Best coffee subscriptions to order online
Coffee lovers – getting your fix has never been easier. Have quality coffee delivered straight to your door with our reviews of the best coffee subscriptions.
If you’re the sort of person who notices they’re running low on coffee while bleary-eyed brewing up a cup in the morning, but forget to pick any up the rest of the day, a coffee subscription is an ideal way to ensure you never run out. There's a wide variety of subscriptions to choose from – from small independent roasters to some familiar brands, all offering a variety of grinds, beans and styles to choose from. You might find your favourite new bean and stick with it like clockwork, or allow the roasters to make the choices for you – letting you go on a taste adventure through coffees from all over the world. Most places will also grind the coffee for you and do so to suit the brewing method you use, or you can purchase the whole beans to grind yourself (see our pick of the best coffee grinders). To test the best coffee subscriptions, we sampled 10 different brands, tasting at least two types of coffee from each. These were delivered as whole beans and tested in a home setting, using the same grind, water type, water temperature and brewing method across all samples. Read on to discover our reviews of the best coffee subscriptions to buy online. Best coffee subscriptions at a glance Best value coffee subscription: Rise Coffee Box, from £13 per month Best coffee subscription for never running out: Grind Coffee, from £8.95 per bag Best flexible coffee subscription: Pact Coffee, from £8.95 per fortnight Best coffee subscription for gifting: Balance Coffee, from £49.99 for three months Best coffee subscription for discovering new roasters: Batch Coffee, from £19.99 per box Best for coffee blends and easy ordering: Caravan Coffee Roasters, from £9 per bag Best for professional-grade coffee: Square Mile Coffee Roasters, from £12.50 per bag Best simple coffee subscription: Rave Coffee, from £9.95 per month Best coffee subscription for discovering new roasters: The Local Coffee Club, from £13.99 per month Best coffee subscription boxes to buy in 2026 Rise Coffee Box Available from Rise (from £13 per month) Best value coffee subscription About: B-Corp-certified brand Rise launched in 2020 after founders Alice and Ben struggled to find a coffee subscription that offered them the variety they were after. Since then, as well as working with a wide variety of independent UK roasters, the company has also developed its own house blend that supports Ugandan coffee farmers. It also gives 1 per cent of its sales back to coffee farming communities. Value for money: from £13 for 227-250g bag every month. Packaging: All of Rise's packaging uses eco-friendly materials and can be recycled afterwards, too. Subscribing: choose from whole beans or grounds, then select the number of bags (one to four) and frequency (one to eight weeks) you want to receive. Each 227-250g bag of coffee is generally roasted medium to medium-dark, and two independent roasters are featured each month so you can try unexplored varieties. As well as coffee beans, you'll receive tasty freebies in each box like barista oat milk, chocolate or iced coffee cans, as well as an eight-page coffee guide with brewing tips and information about the roasters and farmers. You can cancel, pause or delay your subscription at any point and Rise also offers a free trial to new customers, so you can sample what's on offer before signing up. Sign up to a Rise Coffee Box subscription (from £13 per month) Grind Available from Grind (from £8.95 per bag) Best subscription for never running out About: Grind started as a café-bar in East London and now comprises eleven locations, including espresso bars, cocktail bars, restaurants, a coffee roastery and a recording studio. Grind's subscription service provides you with access to its house blends, which can be bought as beans, ground or as compostable pods for a coffee machine. Value for money: £8.95 for a 227g bag of whole beans or purchase two bags for £16.95. Packaging: two refill pouches in the delivery is a neat idea, keeping the second half fresher for longer and helping you to never run out. Grind's tins are in a cheerful yet stylish pale pink with a tight-fitting lid, so are worth purchasing first before subscribing to the bags. Subscribing: choose your quantity, delivery frequency between one to eight weeks and your chosen flavours, e.g. for ground coffee whether you want their house blend, black blend or decaf. If it's your first order, you can choose the Trial Box of a mix of different blends to find the right Grind coffee for you. You can also fill in how much coffee you drink a day to estimate how much you'll need. We tasted the Black Blend, which we found to be smooth with a touch of smoke and a hint of fresh hazelnuts. It's very easy drinking and has been thoughtfully blended to be enjoyed without milk. We also tried the House Blend, which has an incredibly rich and complex aroma. This is a well-balanced coffee drink, ideal for everyday drinking and designed to work as well with milk as without. Sign up to a Grind Coffee subscription (from £8.95 per bag) Pact Coffee Available from Pact Coffee (from £8.95 per fortnight) Best flexible coffee subscription About: Pact is a B-Corp certified company with an easy-to-navigate ordering process. The coffee arrives through the letterbox, and although you can’t adjust how many bags you get, you can change the frequency instead to match your level of coffee consumption. Value for money: from £8.95 for 250g bag every fortnight. Packaging: Pact is looking for and has been conducting trials on recyclable coffee bags. Currently its resealable bags are not recyclable in all areas. However, the pods are aluminium and are recyclable. Subscribing: Subscribing is simple and very customisable. The website lets you choose early on whether you want to opt for decaf or regular and asks you to select your preferred coffee making method from a list of 8 options to determine the grind. You can also choose to the day how often your coffee is delivered – meaning instead of just every 7 or 14 days you can choose every 13 or 15. We tried Pact’s house espresso and found the beans had a milk chocolate and roasted hazelnut aroma. When brewed, the coffee had a clean complex flavour profile with hints of black tea, malt and chocolate. We also tested its La Pedregosa coffee, which is from its “microdot” premium subscription. On opening the bag you get an overwhelmingly delicious aroma of butterscotch. After brewing, the aroma is bitter cocoa, baked plums and lemon zest. There’s a touch of liquorice on tasting with a rich almost umami bitterness and more roasted plum skin as the flavour develops. Sign up to a Pact Coffee subscription (from £8.95 per fortnight) Balance Coffee Available from Balance (from £49.99 for three months) Best coffee subscription for gifting About: Balance coffee is a London-based company that sources its beans worldwide and roasts them in London. Its website explains the health benefits of coffee, and therefore the importance of testing their coffee for pesticides, mycotoxins and moulds. It has a range of gift subscriptions available, along with other coffee-related gifts and kit. Value for money: from £49.99 for three months' worth of coffee (15 cups per bag). Packaging: it's recyclable and made from paper, printed with tasting notes, roasting date and country of origin for the beans. Subscribing: Select from whole bean, filter, cafetière or espresso ground and whether you want to receive it weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You can also select the weight from 250g, 500g or 1kg bags, which makes it good for large households or small offices. For the tasting, we tried the “stability blend”. The beans gave off a fresh light aroma packed with crisp sea air and crunchy savoury biscuits. When brewed the aroma imparted diverse notes of honeysuckle and short ribs. The coffee had a beautifully rounded flavour profile, with good lingering bitterness reminiscent of papery hazelnut skins. Fresh cherries, peanut, maple syrup and fig coat the palate. We also tasted the “level up” coffee – the aroma of this coffee was packed with chocolate hazelnut richness, which continues through tasting. Cocoa-heavy brownies, a touch of toasted coconut and sour cherry notes prevented any sickliness. Sign up to a Balance coffee subscription (from £49.99 for three months) Batch Coffee Available from Batch Coffee (from £17.50 per box) Best for discovering new coffee roasters About: Batch is different from some other subscriptions, as it doesn't roast its own beans, instead packaging and curating coffee from other roasters. Batch selects your coffee from a growing list of independent UK and Irish roasters and sends out its coffee in double pack boxes, so you can try two samples side by side. Choose from five grind options or whole bean. Value for money: a coffee subscription package worth £17.50 includes two 200g bags of coffee. You can also save when you pre-pay for three, six or 12 boxes. Packaging: It arrives in a letterbox-friendly cardboard box and in fully recyclable bags. Its box and pack is peppered with QR codes, which means you can get as nerdy as you want to and there’s not lots of extraneous paperwork in the box. The QR codes link to brewing guides, lots of detail about the coffee itself and a printable flavour wheel. Subscribing: For this sample, we first tried the Hermosa from Meletius. The beans themselves had an element of red lentils/split peas on the nose, but found a lot of depth and subtle sweetness in the tasting. Scorched toast, brown sugar and vanilla sit alongside earthier notes of wood, oats and cashew nuts. We then tried Divino Nino, from New Ground. The brewed coffee had notes of roasted carrot and blanched hazelnuts on the nose but the palate explodes with walnut, touch of mint tea and dark rum. It also had lingering bitterness with a hint of liquorice. Sign up to a Batch Coffee subscription (from £17.50 per box) Caravan Coffee Roasters Available from Caravan Coffee Roasters (from £9 per bag) Best for coffee blends and easy ordering About: each bag of coffee from London-based Caravan Coffee Roasters comes with a card highlighting detailed tasting notes, a brewing guide and background information on the blend or the producers. Value for money: 1 x 250g bag every month for three months = £9 per month (£27 total). Packaging: the white paper bags are plastic lined with a resealable top, making it easy to keep your coffee fresh without needing to decant it into another container. On the front of each bag, there are details of where the coffee is from and brief tasting notes. Subscribing: a simple, step-by-step ordering process. You can completely tailor the subscription to you. Choose between filter or espresso, your pick of four flavours, frequency of delivery (weekly, fortnightly, monthly), bag size (200g or 1kg), ground or whole bean coffee and either a three, six or 12-month subscription. We tried Caravan's Special Brü and picked up tasting notes of blackcurrant and cream with low acidity. It's an easy-going coffee which transported us to a modern, city coffee shop, and would be perfectly partnered with a fried egg on a brioche bun for brunch. The Market Blend scored well too – a decent, straightforward but great quality coffee. Sign up to a Caravan Coffee Roasters subscription (from £9 per bag) Square Mile Coffee Roasters Available from Square Mile Coffee Roasters (from £12.50 per bag) Best for professional-grade coffee About: Square Mile is focused on wholesale and ensuring its coffee tastes as good as possible when it gets to the cup, so has lots of technical advice and information on its blog. Value for money: 1 x 350g bag monthly to UK = £12.50. Packaging: slightly bigger pack sizes here (350g instead of the more common 250g). Its black plastic bags are printed with a faint map design from its signature map of a square mile of London from the 1700s. Each also displays a sticker of the name of the coffee, tasting hints and a short sentence about the coffee, where it’s from and the process used. As the packs are larger, you will find the bags and boxes don’t yet fit through the letterbox, but the brand is still working on ironing that out. Subscribing: choose from a blend, its choice or decaf and whether you want to use it for filter or espresso coffee. You get an option of 350g or 1kg quantities and whether you want it weekly, fortnightly or monthly, on a recurring or fixed term subscription. The website walks you through the process seamlessly. On tasting, we found the Huye Mountain coffee very acidic, smooth and with high bitterness, like a 90% dark chocolate – not for the faint hearted. With the Muungano, we got the gooseberry straight away. There's an oiliness too that balances well, like gooseberries and custard. Superb. Sign up to a Square Mile Coffee Roasters subscription (from £12.50 per bag) Rave Coffee Available from Rave Coffee (from £8.95 per month) Best simple coffee subscription About: a note card with each coffee gives details of the coffee, the farm, the processes etc but also has a space on the back for you to pick out your tasting notes and give your own rating. The cards are small and easy to keep hold of, allowing you to build up a vocabulary of what coffee you really like. Value for money: 1 x 250g bag = £8.95. Packaging: the coffee comes in a biodegradable, resealable bag. Affixed to the bag with a bulldog clip is a card about that coffee. Subscribing: choose from traditional or discovery coffees, how you want to brew it and whether you want one, two, three or four bags a month. The subscription process is very simple to use. We tasted a couple of Rave's single origin coffees; the Guatemala san jeronimo Miramar coffee we thought was a bit more of a darker roast than we expected. It has quite a lot of bitterness but it's smooth, nicely balanced and easy drinking. Initial miso notes give way to red apple skin (red apple is a tasting note they give which we agree with) and a nice chocolate aftertaste unfolds. Their El Salvador, Los Pirineos coffee has a good balance of richness and acidity, with hints of complexity. It transports you to a cosy café. Sign up to a Rave Coffee subscription (from £8.95 per month) The Local Coffee Club Available from The Local Coffee Club (from £13.99 per month) Best coffee subscription for discovering new roasters About: this subscription service is designed to help you discover independent roasteries in your local area, covering London, Bristol and Bath, Scotland and South Wales – though you can still sign up if you live outside these areas. Each bag of coffee comes with an A4 sheet detailing the origin of the beans, how they were farmed and where they were roasted. Value for money: 1x 250g bag = £13.99 per month Packaging: Local Coffee Club sends everything in a letterbox-friendly cardboard box, and all the roasteries we received coffee from packaged the beans in recyclable bags. Subscribing: select your location (there's also an 'everywhere' option, if you want to try coffee from roasteries beyond your local area), then choose the quantity (250g, 500g or 1kg), the date you'd like to start receiving coffee from, and whether you want the beans to be roasted for filter or espresso. Our first delivery came from family-run Carnival Coffee Roasters in south London, which sent us Rotutu beans from Timor-Leste. The coffee was smooth and sweet, with notes of cherry, toffee and orange zest. We also received a guest espresso from Ethiopia via Wood Street Coffee in north-east London, and Esquipulas beans from Nicaragua via Redemption Roasters – this has notes of milk chocolate, almond and dates, and we loved it so much, we ordered a second bag. Sign up to The Local Coffee Club (from £13.99 per month) Related content Best coffee machines Best bean-to-cup coffee machines Best espresso machines Best coffee pod machines Best filter coffee machines Best cafetières Best coffee grinders Best coffee beans Best gifts for coffee lovers Best cocktail subscriptions and clubs Best chocolate subscriptions and clubs Best sweet subscriptions and deliveries Best meal delivery services Best De'Longhi coffee machines How long do coffee beans last? Best coffee kit essentials How to clean a coffee machine Ninja Slushi first-look review Are Sage coffee machines worth it? If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
Fancy a jacket potato for dinner? Speed it up by starting off the potato in the microwave and finishing in the oven or under the grill for a lovely crispy skin.
Achieving jacket potato perfection in the oven can take up to 90 minutes, but using the microwave you can do it in less than half the time. Read our guide on how to cook the perfect microwaved jacket potatoes. The only downside to cooking jacket potatoes in the microwave is that you won’t get that crisp skin you’d get from long oven baking. But you can either halve them and turn them into loaded potato skins and grill them, or bake the jackets in the oven for a few mins to crisp up. Microwaving potatoes whole is also a really good way to maximise the flavour of mashed potato. Once they're cooked, leave them to cool then peel away the skin. Mash the flesh with butter, milk and a little grated cheese if you like, then microwave to heat through. For more ideas of what to serve with jacket potatoes, see our guide on how to make the ultimate baked potato, then see our best baked potato toppings for plenty of ways to pile your spud. We also have plenty of healthy jacket potato fillings and vegan jacket potato filling ideas. Stuck on what to do with the rest of your potatoes? Find out how you can turn one bag of potatoes into 5 easy meals, or check out our most comforting potato recipes and top potato recipes. The important thing to remember is always to prick the potatoes with a fork before cooking – this allows the steam to escape and will stop them from exploding. Make sure you’re using top kitchen kit with our pick of the best microwaves, tried and tested. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. How to microwave a jacket potato recipe Serves 2 2 large baking potatoes 1 tsp olive oil pinch of salt butter You will also need: 2 sheets of kitchen roll 1 microwave-safe plate Wash the baking potatoes and prick the skins all over with a fork, creating lots of little holes for steam to escape from. Lay a piece of kitchen roll on a microwave-safe plate, put the potatoes on it and pop another sheet of kitchen roll on top. Microwave for 4 mins, then take them out and turn the potatoes over – careful, they will be hot. Re-cover with the kitchen roll and cook for another 4 mins, then turn again. Keep cooking in 1-2 min bursts until they feel soft all the way through and the skins are wrinkled. Take them out and leave them to cool. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, rub the skins all over with the olive oil and sprinkle with the sea salt. Put them in the oven for 10-15 mins or until the skins are starting to crisp. Split the potatoes open and add the butter. Serve with your favourite toppings or alongside a stew or casserole. Tips for how to make a baked potato in the microwave Before microwaving, thoroughly wash your potato and pat it completely dry. Prick it several times with a fork to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting. For a slightly crispier skin, rub the potato with a little oil before microwaving. Allow your potato to sit for a couple of minutes after cooking. Once cooked, split the potato down the middle and add a knob of butter, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or a dollop of soured cream. You can also try topping with baked beans, tuna mayonnaise or chilli con carne. How to store a microwaved baked potato 1. Allow the microwaved baked potato to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent it from going soggy. 2. Once cooled, slice the potato in half and place it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to five days. Top 5 jacket potato recipes For best results, we recommend cooking your jacket potatoes in the oven, but you can easily speed up the process by starting them off in the microwave as detailed above. Potato skin tacos Load up these spicy, cheesy potatoes with avocado and onion salad for a quick and easy veggie dish. Mushroom jacket potatoes Take just a few ingredients and rustle up these tasty jacket potatoes with mushrooms. They're healthy, low-calorie, gluten-free and ideal for a filling lunch or supper. Jacket potato with whipped feta & sumac The fragrant, zesty flavour of sumac is a refreshing contrast to the creamy whipped feta. Cook with confidence Download the Good Food app to get full access to exclusive videos, plus handy tools like cook mode, timers and stay awake settings. Get 3 months for 99p Soy-baked potatoes with tuna sriracha mayo Perfect for a speedy supper, serve jacket potatoes with a spicy mayo that’s fragrant with ginger for a fresh take on the usual cheesy beans number. Loaded potato skins with speedy baked beans Try our healthier version of cheesy potato skins topped with baked beans for a satisfying weeknight supper. See our baked potato collection for more recipe inspiration. Check out more microwaveable recipes and gadgets... Microwave recipe collection Microwave pudding recipe collection 10 easy microwave recipes 10 dishes you can cook in a microwave in minutes How to make scrambled eggs in the microwave How to cook in a microwave Best microwaves on test Have you tried microwaving a jacket potato? Leave a comment below
The best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks taste tested 2025
Drinks experts Richard Davie and Miriam Nice recommend their top picks for low-alcohol and alcohol-free beverages, including lagers, stouts, spirits, wines and kombuchas.
Where a decade ago low-alcohol drinks were often little more than a punchline, every year this category gets more exciting, as new entrants to the field bring out interesting innovations and the standard of the offering goes up across the board. At the same time, we're thinking more about drinking less, and perhaps being more open to the idea that a drink can be special even if it isn't alcoholic. Newer low-alcohol beers and spirit substitutes are finding clever ways to communicate the intensity, complexity or satiety you'd associate with a cold lager or gin and tonic. Alcohol-free spirits first came onto people's radar in 2014 with Seedlip, who proudly stood up for a non-alcoholic gin-style product that cost £35 and required a trek to Selfridges. In the wake of the attention this drew, it and similar offerings are nowadays available in supermarkets up and down the country at rather less luxurious prices. In addition to gin, producers have reimagined alcohol-free equivalents to vermouth, amaro, amaretto and coffee liqueur, and the list continues to grow. Non-alcoholic beer has improved greatly in the last few years, with both higher visibility and greater quality, so we’ve highlighted a few more of our favourites in that category. What is alcohol-free? Some of the entries below are labelled ‘low-alcohol’ at 0.5%, rather than ‘alcohol free’. In the UK, anything under half a percent alcohol is no longer restricted under licensing laws. At no more than 0.5%, it is unable to render you drunk and some breads and ripe fruit contain as much or more alcohol. How we tested We tried a wide range of no and low-alcohol beverages, including aperitifs, pre-mixed mocktails and alternatives to beer, gin, and rum. In terms of serving, we followed any suggestion from the drinks brands themselves, as well as sampling the drinks neat 'on the rocks' or mixed with tonics, sodas, juices and non-alcoholic sparkling wine, amongst others. Our testing criteria focused on the sweetness, acidity, aroma, taste, mouthfeel and lasting finish, as well as judging the degree to which each drink matched its non-alcoholic counterpart, if applicable. Richard Davie is a brewer, writer and consultant with roots in home-brewing. When he's not making his own beer and cocktails, he works at award-winning micro pub The Beer Shop @richarddaviebrews Miriam Nice is a published author and illustrator. She has written more than 350 recipes for BBC Good Food @miriamjsnice Richard and Miriam’s book, The Art of Drinking Sober (£12.99, Orion), is out now. Looking for more alcohol-free inspiration? Read our reviews on everything from sparkling wine alternatives and non-alcoholic spirits to kombucha: Best non-alcoholic spirits Best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers Best kombucha to buy Best no-alcohol and low-alcohol wines Best non-alcoholic champagnes and sparkling wines Also visit our alcohol-free drinks hub for plenty more round-ups, guides and mocktail recipes. Best low and alcohol-free beer Lucky Saint Available from Sainsbury’s (£2.40), Lucky Saint (from £22 for 12-pack) Best low alcohol lager A UK company, but brewed in Bavaria, this is redolent of the Helles style, all soft malt and gentle bitterness for a crisp, easy satisfying lager. A limited draught presence in pubs, too. Available from: Sainsbury’s (£2.40) Lucky Saint (from £22 for 12-pack) Ghostship, Adnams Available from Adnams (£24.99/12 x 500ml) Best alcohol free pale ale Adnam's flagship pale ale, but without the alcohol. Retains much of the mouthfeel, keeps that pleasing citrus hop note and goes down a treat. Available from: Adnams (£24.99/12 x 500ml) Harvey’s Old Ale (low alcohol) Available from Harvey's (£33/12 x 500ml) Best low alcohol ale The autumnal classic, but de-alcoholised. Rich fruit cake and a touch of chocolate, sweetness without becoming unbalanced and a lighter carbonation make for a solid option for cask ale fans. Available from: Harvey's (£33/12 x 500ml) Lervig 'No Worries' IPA Available from The Alcohol Free Co (from £2.49) Best non-alcoholic IPA Very much made in the image of the current vogue for hazy IPAs, this has a full body, opaque glow, negligible bitterness and oodles of fruity aromas. Available from: The Alcohol Free Co (from £2.49) Galactic milk stout alcohol-free, Big Drop Brewing Co. Available from DryDrinker (£15.33/6 x 350ml), Ocado (£1.80) Best stout Milk stouts are more visible than they have been in decades, and that lactose works perfectly here, adding body and sweetness to counter the rich roasty notes of a satisfying stout. Available from: DryDrinker (£15.33/6 x 350ml), Ocado (£1.80) Read our full review of the best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers for more. Alcohol free spirit alternatives Tanqueray 0% Available from Amazon (£15.99), Tesco (£17) Best classic alcohol-free gin Blended with the four same signature botanicals as its classic London Dry Gin, we felt that Tanqueray's 0% was the most convincing non-alcoholic gin alternative of everything we tried. Initially, the palate is hit by an invigorating burst of citrus and juniper, which gives way to more mellow notes of liquorice and herbs. Mixing with a plain tonic brings out the full flavour profile but this versatile spirit would also be suited to a range of gin cocktails. Available from: Amazon (£15.99) Tesco (£17) Orange Cinchona, Drinks Kitchen Available from Drinks Kitchen (£28) Drinks Kitchen’s range of award-winning non-alcoholic aperitif’s are made using botanical distillates and extracts. Orange Cinchona also known as The Bitter One, is the perfect alternative to a negroni, as its name suggests it has that bitter punch but it’s also full of flavour. For those who steer clear of bitter flavours there are lots more exciting drinks in the range too. Available from: Drinks Kitchen (£28) Sea buckthorn, Bax Botanics Available from Bax Botanics (£18.99) Best luxury alcohol-free gin This has a really complex flavour profile, rich in ginger, rosemary and chamomile notes, softened by the sea buckthorn. Pairs brilliantly with tonic. Available from: Bax Botanics (£18.99) Smidgin gin, Adnams Available from Digi Distiller (£26.99), Adnams (£26.99) Best low-alcohol gin Southwold distillery Adnams’ new concept is a high-strength gin intended to create a low-alcohol serve without compromising on flavour. Don’t be fooled by the 50% alcohol volume – despite being stronger than most gins, Smidgin is specially crafted to be served in small 2.5ml measures with tonic water, yielding a full-bodied G&T with just a fraction of the alcohol. The 200ml bottle even comes with a copper spoon to allow precise measurement of each serving. We found each sip delivered a complex balance of botanicals, from fresh juniper to warming cardamom and floral hibiscus, culminating in a crisp, dry finish. Available from: Digi Distiller (£26.99) Adnams (£26.99) Caleño Dark & Spicy Available from Master of Malt (£18.99), Amazon (£18 per bottle) Best rum alternative Fans of spiced rum will love Columbian-inspired Caleño’s non-alcoholic tropical spirit. Rich and tangy aromas of pineapple and coconut are complemented by warming cardamom and ginger spice. This spirit could suit a variety of cocktails but we found it mixed especially well with fruit juices, ginger beer and cola. Available from: Master of Malt (£18.99) Amazon (£18 per bottle) Amaretti, Lyres Available from DryDrinker (£27.67) Best liqueur This innovative brand has done a great job of recreating amaretto without booze. Sweet, almondy, rich and special. Well chilled, this would be a lovely way to end a meal or to swap into cocktails. Available from: DryDrinker (£27.67) Clean Co Clean T Available from Amazon (£17), Ocado (£17) Best tequila alternative Clean Co has has produced a range of impressive alcohol-free alternatives, including this version of blanco tequila (or silver tequila). Although it doesn't have the signature burn of this clear spirit, it does recreate the fresh agave scent which pairs beautifully with lime juice and a pinch of salt in a margarita mocktail. Available from: Amazon (£17) Ocado (£17) Seedlip Garden 108 Available from Amazon (£21.95), Master of Malt (£21.95) Best herbal non-alcoholic spirit A leading pioneer of zero-alcohol beverages, Seedlip's mastery of flavours is evident in all three of its current drinks offerings. Our favourite is Garden 108, a fragrant blend of soothing herbs with cucumber, fresh pea and, perhaps a little more unusually, dry notes of hay. As well as mixing with tonic, we recommend pairing this herbaceous spirit with fruity kombucha or using in a gimlet mocktail with lime cordial. Available from: Amazon (£21.95) Master of Malt (£21.95) Read our full review of the best non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs for more. Non-alcoholic cocktails and soft alternatives Mocktails Mockscow Mule Available from Amazon (£29/12-pack) The aptly named brand Mocktails makes a select variety of non-alcoholic cocktails. We appreciated the pun-based names from a 'Sansgria' to a 'Mockapolitan'. Our pick of the selection was the Mockscow Mule, a twist on the usually vodka-based Moscow mule. This sweet, lemony ginger beer was immensely refreshing and easily drinkable. The cans are nitro charged, which gives a big fizz when you open the can, but the drinks are not that fizzy themselves. If drinking at home, you could even add a splash of sparkling water for a boost that would also balance some of the sweetness. Available from: Amazon (£29/12-pack) Goodrays blood orange & grapefruit natural CBD drink Available from Goodrays.com (£24.99/ 12 x 250ml), Waitrose (£7.50/4 x 250ml mixed pack) The CBD drinks market is on the rise and one of the premium offerings is Goodrays. With four refreshing botanical flavours to choose from, each can of Goodrays contains 30mg of safety-tested Colorado-grown CBD and a daily dose of Vitamin D, making it one of the best on the market. It’s also vegan, has no artificial ingredients, no added sugar and is alcohol-free. Our flavour of choice is the blood orange and grapefruit, a winning combination of sweet citrus and sharp bitter notes. If you fancy they’re also a great for making mocktails or adding to your favourite alcohol-free gin. Available from: Goodrays.com (£24.99/ 12 x 250ml) Waitrose (£7.50/4 x 250ml mixed pack) Punchy blood orange, bitters and cardamom Available from Ocado (£1.50) If you’re a fan of campari or aperol, this is a great substitute and an excellent grown-up drink in its own right. Wonderful balance of blood orange, bitterness and natural-tasting sweetness. Available from: Ocado (£1.50) Highball alcohol-free cocktails Available from Highball (£11.50/6 x 250ml), Amazon (£34.99/12 x 250ml) Looking for a party drink without the booze? Highball's range of pre-mixed cocktails come in six classic flavours: Classic G&T, Pink G&T, Cosmopolitan, Italian Spritz, Mojito and Ginger Dram. We thought that all the drinks offered a sophisticated alternative and particularly enjoyed the tangy raspberry and juniper notes of the Pint G&T as well as the refreshing burst of citrus bitters in the Italian Spritz. An added bonus; Highball cocktails contain less than half the calories of standard cocktails and are free from artificial ingredients, sweeteners and preservatives. They are also gluten-free and suitable for vegan diets. Available from: Highball (£11.50/6 x 250ml) Amazon (£34.99/12 x 250ml) Non-alcoholic wine alternatives Jukes 6, Jukes Cordialities Available from Jukes Cordialities (£43/9 x 30ml) Not only is this a great substitute for red wine, it’s really neatly packaged too. In mini bottles that can be diluted to taste, it’s highly portable too. Available from: Jukes Cordialities (£43/9 x 30ml) Thomson & Scott 'Noughty' Available from Waitrose Cellar (£10), Drink Supermarket (£9.95) Having earned its place as one of the world leading alcohol-free alternatives to champagne and sparkling wine, Noughty sets the bar high. Two varieties are currently available, boasting a range of credentials: vegan, organic, low in sugar and halal-friendly. The lightly carbonated chardonnay offers clean, crisp notes of apple, while our favourite, the rosé is a delicate blend of fresh summer berries. At only 14 calories per glass, it is also the lightest wine we tried, yet this does not detract from the flavour. Produced using traditional winemaking methods along with vacuum distillation, both drinks achieve a sophisticated balance of sweetness and acidity which is invigorating on the palate. Available from: Waitrose Cellar (£9.50) Drink Supermarket (£9.95) Oddbird Sparkling Rosé Available from Amazon (£10.67) A finely crafted blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, we found Oddbird's rosé to be refreshingly crisp, with tangy undertones of apple and tart summer berries. Described by the brand as being 'liberated from alcohol', this wine is carefully produced using traditional methods, resulting in a drink which certainly dispels the notion that booze is an integral part of any celebratory occasion. Dry on the palate yet very drinkable, this is equally suitable for pairing with food or enjoying alone as an aperitif. Available from: Amazon (£10.67) Italian alcohol-free sparkling, La Gioiosa Available from Ocado (£6.75) This light and sweet sparkling wine alternative has hints of apple, white grape and elderflower. Great substitute for prosecco and good-value too. Available from: Ocado (£6.75) For more like this, read our reviews of the best no-alcohol and low-alcohol wines plus the best non-alcoholic champagnes and sparkling wines. Non-alcoholic drinks inspiration Our best non-alcoholic drinks recipes Mocktail recipes Top 10 non-alcoholic drinks ideas Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks ideas This review was last updated in November 2025. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. We’d love to hear about your favourite non-alcoholic buys. Share your suggestions in the comments below...
Combine vodka with peach schnapps and cranberry juice to make a classic sex on the beach cocktail. Garnish with maraschino cherries and orange slices
This recipe was originally tested using metric measurements and has since been converted to cups.
Master the art of making a classic tequila sunrise with grenadine, tequila, triple sec, orange juice and, of course, a maraschino cherry and umbrella as garnish
Become an expert mixologist in your own home with our favourite cocktail books, plus books on wine, beer and more.
Fancy becoming a top mixologist or bartender in your own home? Looking to branch out from a classic G&T? Get inspired, learn new skills and try unique new cocktails with our selection of the best cocktail, wine and beer books to add to your cookbook collection. From recipes inspired by The Savoy dating back to 1930, to books packed with simple three-ingredient cocktails to get you started, there's something for everyone. If wine or beer are more your drink of choice, there are books for those, too. Check out our cookbooks hub for book reviews on everything from baking to vegetarian cooking. Once you've got plenty of recipes to start practicing, make sure you're fully equipped to create top-quality drinks at home. It's time to pick your perfect tipple: we've reviewed the best white rum or dark rum, vodka and whiskies. If gin is your drink of choice, choose between citrus, pink or classic gins – or even have a go at making your own homemade gin. Best cocktail and wine books at a glance Best cocktail bible: The Madrusan Cocktail Companion by Michael and Zara Madrusan, £25.85 Best for tequila fans: Tequila by Millie Milliken, £16.36 Best cocktail read: The Cocktail Diaries by Sam Heughan, £14.79 Best easy-use cocktail book: The Spirits by Richard Godwin, £13.59 Best for forgotten gems: The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock, £10.83 Best for home distilling: Booze (River Cottage Handbook No12) by John Wright, £14.19 Best for gin lovers: The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart, £9.76 Best for novice cocktail makers: The 12 Bottle Bar by David Solmonson & Lesley Jacobs Solmonson, £12.99 Best for aperitif fans: Aperitif: A Spirited Guide to the Drinks, History and Culture of the Aperitif by Kate Hawkings, £3.69 Best for wine fans: Red & White: An unquenchable thirst for wine by Oz Clarke, £10.54 Best for easy gin cocktails: Sip: 100 gin cocktails with only 3 ingredients, £12.65 Best for beer fans: Brew by James Morton, £3.99 Best for alcohol-free drinking: How to Drink Without Drinking by Fiona Beckett, £15.99 Best cocktail and wine books to buy 2025 The Madrusan Cocktail Companion by Michael and Zara Madrusan Available from Amazon (£25.85), Waterstones (£35) Best cocktail bible You'll never need another cocktail book once you've got this in your hands. With over 500 pages, it's the ultimate comprehensive guide to every style of cocktail you can think of, including guidance on tools, ice and mixing skills. Recipes are divided into 'branches' that cover each style, from martinis and manhattans to fizzes and flips. Expect the classic method, then plenty of spins and variations using different spirits. A coffee table book to dip into each time you're craving a cocktail. Available from: Amazon (£25.85) Waterstones (£35) Tequila by Millie Milliken Available from Amazon (£16.36), Waterstones (£20) Best for tequila fans If you enjoy sipping a tequila neat or often opt for a tequila-based cocktail, then this is the book for you. It's a comprehensive deep-dive into what makes this unique spirit so special: explaining the different styles, the history, how it's made and the tasting notes and flavours to look out for. Fun illustrations throughout make it an entertaining read. Once you're fully immersed in the world of tequila, the final section includes classic cocktail recipes, from a perfect paloma to a margarita. It will give you a new appreciation for this complex spirit. Available from: Amazon (£16.36) Waterstones (£20) The Cocktail Diaries by Sam Heughan Available from Amazon (£14.79), Waterstones (£16.99) Best cocktail read Did you know that actor Sam Heughan has a love of cocktails? Best-known for starring in Outlander, travelling around the world for his work meant he experienced different drinks and local specialities. This book kicks off with his favourite and signature drinks, before journeying through the classics, featuring a selection of cocktails from top bartenders around the world. It's a stylishly produced book that makes a great gift. Available from: Amazon (£14.79) Waterstones (£16.99) The Spirits by Richard Godwin Available from Amazon (£13.59), Waterstones (£16.99) Best easy-use cocktail book This is packed with enough information, history and advice to give you a good understanding of the cocktail, but at its core it’s an easy to use recipe book full of all the classics you’d expect (negroni, espresso martini, margaritas) updated for the modern home bar. Richard has also written new recipes, plus stacks of advice on how to start creating your own liveners. This will quickly become a well-used, dog-eared, booze-stained staple of your cocktail cabinet. Available from: Amazon (£13.52) Waterstones (£16.99) The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock Available from Amazon (£10.83), Waterstones (£20.77) Best for forgotten gems A fantastic place to start if you want to begin at the beginning. Specifically, 1930 – when the golden age of cocktails had yet to fade. You may find the odd ingredient here and there that you can no longer find, but the 287 pages of this book are absolutely teeming with recipes (over 700), so you will still have plenty to choose from. It’s fascinating to see which cocktails have stood the test of time, such as the martini, moscow mule or bloody mary – alongside a few forgotten treasures. Available from: Amazon (£10.83) Waterstones (£20.77) Booze (River Cottage Handbook No12) by John Wright Available from Amazon (£14.19), Waterstones (16.99) Best for home distilling Where do you go once you’ve mastered cocktails at home? Start making your own booze to use in them, of course. This book is a wonderful place to start if you’d like to have a go at making your own beer, wine, cider and fruit liqueurs. Imagine: it's summertime and you're serving up a couple of cosmopolitans with your own orange liqueur, or a round of french 75s made with homemade elderflower champagne – the Good Life dream! Available from: Amazon (£14.19) Waterstones (16.99) The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart Available from Amazon (£9.76), Waterstones (£22) Best for gin lovers Ever looked at a list of gin botanicals and not known what they all are? This book will educate, inform and entertain, plus give you heaps of knowledge to impress your guests at your next drinks party. It couldn't be more fully loaded, with layers of information on drinks and their ingredients. Land on the page for a sloe gin fizz, for example, and simply glance either side of the recipe to discover how to grow your own sloes, the Latin plant name and why we make sloe gin in the first place. Available from: Amazon (£9.76) Waterstones (£22) Latest Prices The 12 Bottle Bar by David Solmonson & Lesley Jacobs Solmonson Available from Amazon (£12.99), Waterstones (£14.99) Best for novice cocktail makers For serious cocktail fans really wanting to be able to make all kinds of drinks at home at the drop of a hat, this book is for you. It guides you through the purchase of 12 bottles to stock your booze shelves or trolley, then provides over 200 recipes using those spirits. Don’t worry – you don’t have to buy all 12 at once! The book will help you build up from a one-bottle bar shaped by your personal preference – you might even be surprised by just how many cocktails you can make from one spirit. Peppered with facts, tips and buying advice, this is a wonderful reference book for your home bar. Available from: Amazon (£12.99) Waterstones (£14.99) Latest Prices Aperitif: A Spirited Guide to the Drinks, History and Culture of the Aperitif by Kate Hawkings Available from Amazon (£3.69), Waterstones (£16.99) Best for aperitif fans The ideal gift for booze aficionados, this book will teach you how to infuse your own spirits and mix the perfect negroni. Kate starts with a witty, engaging take on the history of aperitifs (it makes great bedtime reading), then offers 33 recipes with advice on serving, from a classic martini to rose petal vodka. Available from: Amazon (£3.69) Waterstones (£16.99) Latest Prices Red & White: An unquenchable thirst for wine by Oz Clarke Available from Amazon (£10.54), Waterstones (£25) Best for wine fans Wise, funny, experienced and an inveterate storyteller, Oz Clarke is one of the wine greats. Part memoir, part distillation of all you need to know about fermented grape juice, this is good enough to read in bed. Buy it for everyone you know. Available from: Amazon (£10.54) Waterstones (£25) Latest Prices Sip: 100 gin cocktails with only 3 ingredients Available from Amazon (£12.65), Waterstones (£15.99) Best for easy gin cocktails Gin experts Sipsmith will expand your cocktail repertoire with this handy book. It does as the title says (with only a tiny bit of cheating), so you can learn to make french 75s, gimlets, negronis and many more. Available from: Amazon (£12.65) Waterstones (£15.99) Latest Prices Brew by James Morton Available from Amazon (£12.98) Best for beer fans Walking you through every single step of the process, James writes with knowledge, wit and passion, drawing on everything from traditional brewing methods to shop-bought kits and tips on the latest brewing software. Pictures are used to clearly highlight any detail that could be ambiguous in the wording – great for a beginner brewer. We’re off to order some hops and malt. Available from: Amazon (£13.49) How to Drink Without Drinking by Fiona Beckett Available from Amazon (£8.50), Waterstones (£15.99) Best for alcohol-free drinking This book will persuade anyone to go dry for January, and perhaps even beyond! It’s full of non-alcoholic drinks, plus recipes (we love the rhubarb cordial) and a review of 0.5% and below beers. There are also drinks to suit red and white wine drinkers. Available from: Amazon (£8.50) Waterstones (£15.99) Latest Prices Related reviews The best baking books The best vegetarian cookbooks Best student cookbooks Best vegan cookbooks Best cookbooks for kids Best cookbooks for beginners