Make mine a mocktail

Mindful drinking, sober-curiosity, or cutting down on the booze - whatever you want to call it, the sober curious movement is amongst 2023's wellness trends. So, are you into it?

At Spabreaks.com were advocates of that age old adage - 'everything in moderation including moderation'. We love a champagne afternoon tea, but we're also pretty keen on the feel good factor of a nutrient full lifestyle. So, it stands to reason that the so-called 'sober-curious' movement is on our radar because it refers to mindful alcohol consumption rather than no alcohol consumption at all.

The term is credited to author Ruby Warrington and her 2018 book 'Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol'. Post pandemic we're all a little more aware of our health and wellbeing, and perhaps a few of us got into habits during the various lockdowns that we've chosen to address in the years since. Whatever the reason, Forbes quoted licensed mental health counsellor, Phylice Kessler, and wrote:

"More people are attempting to change their relationship with alcohol. We are seeing more restaurants and bars offering mocktails and non-alcoholic alternatives. There are also more adaptogenic drinks on the market to replace alcohol. These drinks use different plants and herbs to help your body adapt to stress and other ailments without alcohol. They help with relaxation, boost your mood, and won't result in a hangover the next day."

5 spas where you can grab a mocktail

Fun and flirty or beautifully botanical, swim-up bars to rooftop terraces, here are 5 of our favourite spas for a sober-curious cocktail:

The balcony bar at Moddershall Oaks

At this gorgeous hotel and spa, head to the Oakhouse Restaurant for views of the lake and fun in the sun with a mocktail in hand. Those with a hankering for that extra berry boost can also go to the Wellness Centre's plant-based cafe for a green juice or a smoothie.

The swim-up bar at Manor House Hotel - Alsager

Head to the secret garden at this super spa and find the only swim-up bar of its kind in the UK. Surrounded by a pool house, vitality pool, hydrotherapy tub, pavilion, summer house, salt steam inhalation chamber and more, it's the place for mocktails without having to change out of your swimsuit.

Beautiful botanicals at Fairmont Windsor Park

There's so much to enjoy in every respect at Fairmont Windsor Park, but when it comes to cocktails it's hard to beat Schroder’s Botanicals Bar. Perhaps best known for their gin cocktails, they also do a fine line in non-alcoholic options. Personally we're partial to a 'Marine' with juniper, bergamot and sea buckthorn.

Red carpet ready at W London, Away Spa

This celebrity favourite in the heart of London is super sexy and perfect for getting in the mood for a night out. Detox and retox is their motto, but for those who just want to stick with the detox side of things, check out the mocktail menu or even a pre-treatment elixir shot.

Natural high at Shangri-La The Shard, London

Shangri-La The Shard is well known for its city skyline views from the restaurant, the spa pool and beyond. The Sky Lounge restaurant is a favourite spot, serving a delicious menu at all times. Alongside a roaring trade in champagne cocktails, they also offer seriously tasty cocktails. Personally we fancy an Asian Fruit Punch with peach purée, lychee purée, pineapple juice, lime and orgeat.