'I'm trying to cut down my alcohol intake and this 99p low-calorie drink converted me'

In recent years, Gen Zs have been leading the trend of ‘sober curiosity’ and I have to admit, I’ve been pretty tempted by the notion myself of late. As a result, I’ve been on the lookout for some alcohol-free alternatives to an evening tipple, and I might have found the perfect solution.

I wanted to make an effort to cut down on my drinking habits for a few reasons, really. First of all, I’ve been trying to lose a little bit of weight I’m still carrying from lockdown (which is now long enough ago that I can no longer use it as an excuse), and I’m also growing tired of the sluggish hangovers.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not someone who drinks to excess, but enjoy a glass of gin in the evening, bottomless brunch with the girls every once in a while, maybe a cocktail can or two at a picnic. But truth be told, I don’t love the way alcohol makes me feel and I’m now at an age where I realise I just don’t need a drink every time I want to relax, which is where TRIP comes in.

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TRIP is already well-known for their stylish CBD-infused sparkling drinks, but I had no idea that the brand also offered a range of calming magnesium-infused cans, too. And their latest flavour, Wild Strawberry, has totally converted me.

Coming in a slim, pastel pink can, it easily blends in with a table full of cocktails at a BBQ or summer party. If you're not on the booze, it subtly sidesteps the "But why aren't you drinking?" questions, but equally, it can be poured into a glass and its pink hue makes it look like a fizzy wine or cocktail, so no-one would ever know you weren’t drinking alcohol.

I’m not usually a sparkling water fan as I find many have a bitter aftertaste or are too astringent, but this is totally different. It’s gently fizzy, sweet without being sickly, and has a juicy, natural-tasting strawberry flavour that’s not just delicious, but super refreshing.

That said, the strawberry flavour, while pleasant, might be too subtle for some, especially if you prefer a stronger fruit taste. On the TRIP website, one person commented on how it’s ‘Not a very strong strawberry taste’ saying that it was ‘quite weak’.

But others disagree, with one saying it was the 'best flavour yet'. Another wrote: “My favourite TRIP so far - tastes delicious, a really natural flavour. Helps me unwind before bed - no need for a glass of wine now.”

I previously tried TRIP’s Elderflower Mint flavour and found it to taste quite mouthwash-y, so while not every flavour will be for everyone, the Wild Strawberry has seemed to be quite a hit with shoppers. Another said: “Having tried the other flavours of Mindful Blend drinks, this one is by far my favourite. So thirst quenching and amazing for summer instead of alcohol. I’ve cut down my alcohol intake massively thanks to Mindful Blend and I’m so happy I now have a new flavour I can add to my fridge.”

TRIP’s Wild Strawberry is made with sparkling water, fermented grape juice, and real fruit juices, and infused with magnesium, lion’s mane, lemon balm, and chamomile, all ingredients known for their calming properties. This makes it perfect for unwinding after work or before bed.

When looking to cut down my alcohol intake, I found myself reaching for glasses of lemonade or Coca-Cola, which are high in calories. For example, a 330ml can of Coke clocks in at 139 calories, whereas TRIP’s Wild Strawberry is 23 calories per can, making it a great option if you’re watching your intake or trying to cut back on sugary drinks.

Elsewhere, Dash sparkling water has launched a new cherry flavour and customers can get 12 cans for £15.99 or £12.99 on subscription. The two calorie drink is made using wonky cherries with no sugar or sweeteners for a healthy soft drink that’s refreshing and ‘delicious’.

Alternatively, there’s the cheekily named G Spot, produced by a company founded by Sex Education actress and ‘Want’ author Gillian Anderson. They’re said to be a ‘clean, bold alternative to sugary energy drinks’. The caffeine-free, low sugar sparkling blend is made with botanicals designed to help reduce tiredness and fatigue.

While available at major supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, M&S, Selfridges, TRIP is currently offering customers 55% off their multipacks on their own website. Usually £48 for a pack of 24, shoppers who use the code SUMMER55 can bag them for £23.76 when they subscribe and save, which is less than 99p per can.

As well as having a hefty discount, TRIP has teamed up with the mental wellbeing app, Calm. Shoppers can unlock a free three-month Calm membership, delivering access to sleep stories, meditations, and breathing exercises.

And just because I’ve been enjoying TRIP, it doesn’t mean I’ve had to go fully sober. In fact, it makes for a great mixer with gin as a low-calorie alternative to lemonade, or can be added to wine to make a pretty pink spritz. If you’re sober-curious, cutting back, designated driver or simply want a healthier fizzy drink to keep in the fridge, TRIP Wild Strawberry is well worth a try.