Whether you're going alcohol-free for the whole of January or just want a few good evenings off, a well-made alcohol-free drink should be worth looking forward to. Here are three alcohol-free January drinks we keep coming back to, built on Sussex flavours: local apple juice, elderflower and honey. Each one takes five minutes and makes one glass.
If you're planning a festive get-together first, our guide to Christmas in Brighton & Hove 2026 covers the city's markets and events. For a daytime outing once January arrives, try our winter walks in Brighton & Hove.
1. Sussex apple and ginger fizz
Sharp, gingery and properly fizzy.
You'll need: - 120ml cloudy Sussex apple juice - 15ml fresh lemon juice - 3 thin slices of fresh ginger - 1 tsp Sussex honey (optional) - 80ml soda water - Ice, and apple slices to garnish
Method: Muddle the ginger with the lemon juice and honey in a tall glass. Fill with ice, pour in the apple juice, top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with a fan of apple slices.
2. Elderflower and cucumber spritz
Light, floral and very easy to drink.
You'll need: - 20ml elderflower cordial - 10ml fresh lime juice - 4 ribbons of cucumber (use a vegetable peeler) - A few mint leaves - 150ml sparkling water - Ice
Method: Line a large wine glass with the cucumber ribbons and fill with ice. Add the cordial, lime juice and mint, then top with sparkling water. Stir once.
3. Blackberry and rosemary smash
Deep purple, a little herby, and perfect for a cold January night. Frozen blackberries work perfectly.
You'll need: - 8 blackberries (fresh or defrosted) - 15ml rosemary honey syrup (see below) - 15ml fresh lemon juice - 100ml soda water or tonic - Ice, and a sprig of rosemary to garnish
Rosemary honey syrup: gently heat 50ml honey, 50ml water and a sprig of rosemary for five minutes, then leave to cool and strain. It keeps in the fridge for about a week.
Method: Muddle the blackberries with the syrup and lemon juice in a short glass. Fill with ice, top with soda water or tonic, and stir. Garnish with the rosemary sprig.
Make them ahead, or batch for a party
The rosemary honey syrup can be made up to a week in advance and kept in the fridge. For a small gathering, multiply the ingredients by the number of glasses, mix the fruit, juice and syrup in a jug, and top each glass with soda water or sparkling water just before you serve, so the fizz doesn't go flat. Keep a bowl of ice and the garnishes ready to go.
FAQ
Are these drinks alcohol-free? Yes. Each recipe uses only non-alcoholic ingredients: juice, cordial, honey, soda water or tonic, fruit and herbs.
Can I make them ahead or batch them for a party? Yes. Make the rosemary honey syrup up to a week ahead. For a party, scale the fruit, juice and syrup in a jug, then add the fizzy water in each glass just before serving.
Questions? Email us at legallygreenuk@gmail.com.
Cheers from all of us at Legally Green in Brighton.