I've had a number of health problems of late which have meant that I can't partake of the usual alcoholic seasonal fare. Not, mind you, I've ever been a great drinker, but, you know how it is when you can't have someting.....
A little while before Christmas I ordered a case of drinks from a website www.lono.co.uk and received very quickly a well packed selection of exactly what I'd ordered. Also enclosed (a nice personal touch this) a welcome note from one of LoNo's staff!
During Christmas lunch I finished off most of my bottle of Zinfandel, bottled from a dealcoholised californian wine by Ariel. While I'm no wine buff, this was really very good, slightly sweet, with a rosey blush without being a rose whine, very light, very nice - and without the alcoholic bite. A very nice drink!
I've also opened my bottle of Frutaysol Manzana Verde, which describes itself as "original magic schnapps". This is a green slightly viscous drink with an enormous aroma of apples, and the taste of an orchard. I've never tasted real Schnapps, but I strongly suspect that this is not it - but it's a very pleasant drink all the same - however, as it's a 'sort-of-liqueur' you really couldn't drink much of it. I've been sipping it neat, but it might go down at a greater speed with ice, or diluted with water (I don't hink lemonade would cut it, but I might have a go).
LoNo also sell a Pernod substitute - Ricard Pacific - I've had a bottle of this in the cupboard for a couple of years. I love the taste and smell of anise, so this stuff is great. I generally dilute it about 1 in 4 with cold water, as suggested on the bottle. However, I find Pacific a little dissapointing - it lacks that certain something, that I imagine the alcohol brings to Pernod. But never mind - it's a pleasant drink
It's actually quite nice being able to drink this stuff without all the after effects that C2H5OH brings!