How to plan the perfect alcohol-free event in July

We’ve all done it. At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, we make big resolutions to make better lifestyle choices. We’ll join a gym, cut calories, eat more plants, prioritise sleep, and choose to drink less or no alcohol…. or some combination of the above.

For many of us, motivation levels to improve our wellbeing start out great in January. But this tends to wane as we hit the middle of the year - especially for those of us 'chilling' in the southern hemisphere.

July is the perfect time to review and reset lifestyle choices and put our good intentions into practice for the second half of the year. If you've decided to curb your alcohol intake, you might be thinking about how you’ll navigate social settings where you feel pressured to drink.

One way to do this is to host your own fabulous alcohol-free event that feels fun and festive…. and still includes wine!

TIPS FOR CREATING AN AMAZING ALCOHOL-FREE EVENT

Whether it’s for a baby shower, birthday party, movie night, Sunday dinner, corporate social gathering, or watching a sporting event, here are some ideas that will help you create a sensational sober soirée.

Give your guests a little heads up

Letting your guests know in advance that your event is alcohol-free will set expectations and evade any awkwardness on the day. Most people will respect and support your decision and be happy to come for the pleasure of your company.

Amp up the ambience

Find ways to make your inside and outside entertaining space feel warm and inviting. Great music, fairy lights, candles, colourful decor and stylish furnishings, can create a fun and welcoming vibe.

Engage guests with a hands-on food experience

Your guests are less likely to notice the absence of alcohol if you keep them busy with an interactive food experience.

A giant grazing table, for example, loaded with cold meats, different cheeses, olives, pickles, dips, crackers, raw veggies, fresh and dried fruit, and some sweet treats, will serve as an enticing focal point for your space that will keep them engaged for the duration of your event.

You could also go cute and kitschy with a cheese or chocolate fondue table, sweet and indulgent with a delicious dessert buffet, or DIY style with prepped ingredients to make burgers, tacos, poke bowls, sushi or pizza.

ALCOHOL-FREE DRINK IDEAS FOR JULY

Win them over with alcohol-free wine

A sober event doesn’t mean you can’t serve wine! Wow your guests with a bar or drinks station stocked full of delicious alcohol-free wine. Our McGuigan Zero wine range includes five delicious, rich and full-flavoured non-alcoholic varietals. They are crafted just like our other wines but have an extra step to remove the alcohol at the end of the production process.

And as an added bonus, McGuigan Zero wines are lower in calories, sugar and are gluten free.

Why not try:

McGuigan Zero Rosé - This non-alcoholic sweet rosé has the scent of garden flowers combined with fresh strawberries and citrus fruits. It’s an absolutely perfect choice for a baby shower.
McGuigan Zero Sparkling - With refreshing aromas of crisp pear and green apple, this lively booze-free bubbles is a fantastic option for celebrating a birthday or anniversary.
McGuigan Zero Shiraz - Subtle spice and vanilla notes complement the plum and forest berry aromas of this sweet and balanced alcohol-free shiraz. It’s an excellent alternative to serve with a warm and comforting Sunday night roast dinner.

Make it a mocktail

Take your booze-free bar to the next level with ingredients to make mouthwatering mocktails.

Why not try:

Non-Alcoholic Mimosa - If you’re hosting a breakfast or brunch event, serve a classic Mimosa made from a simple combination of McGuigan Zero Sparkling topped with chilled orange juice, served in a frosted Champagne glass.
Non-Alcoholic Red Wine Negroni - Set the tone of your evening affair with a stunning and complex-flavoured Negroni, using McGuigan Zero Shiraz as the star ingredient. Find out how to make it here.

Non-Alcoholic Frosé - This is the perfect mocktail to serve while hosting afternoon drinks outside with a stunning sunset as the backdrop. In a blender, blitz one part McGuigan Zero Rosé with one part fresh watermelon juice and crushed ice. Serve in a chilled coupe glass with a thin slice of watermelon and a sprig of mint.
Non-Alcoholic Sangria - Mix McGuigan Zero Shiraz with ice, chopped fruit, juice and soda water to make this sweet and refreshing Spanish sensation. Find out how to make it here.
Non-Alcoholic Mulled Wine - This is the perfect shared experience if you are hosting an event in the cooler months. This sweet, spicy and citrusy warm brew using McGuigan Zero Shiraz as the base, will emanate from the stovetop and fill your home with an inviting aroma that your guests won’t be able to resist. Find out how to make it here.

An alcohol-free lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your social life. With more and more people adopting a mindful approach to drinking, zero alcohol events will rise in popularity. With so many non-alcoholic alternatives now available, it’s never been a better time to take a break from drinking.

McGuigan Zero overcomes the outdated notion that not drinking is boring. The contemporary range allows you to enjoy wine without the alcohol. The flavour profile and characteristics of each variety are as you would expect, proving that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a full-flavoured experience in the glass.

SHOP THE ZERO RANGE