FUELED Wellness + Nutrition | Alcohol Free For 40 Toolkit

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The 10^th annual Alcohol Free For 40 challenge starts today! Whether you’re joining the challenge or opting for a low- or no-alcohol lifestyle for any number of reasons, it’s key to keep things deliciously festive and fulfilling.

We’re joined by Melanie Warner Spencer – as a journalist, ayurvedic practitioner and editor of Craft: The Eat Fit Guide to Zero Proof Cocktails (and participant in the very first Alcohol Free for 40 event a decade ago!), and founder of the Drink Fit Club, Melanie brings the joy to all that she does.  

Here’s a rundown of Melanie and Molly’s go-to toolkit to ensure success in land of zero proof cocktails:

Zero Proof Spirits: Brands like Ritual, Lyre’s and Seedlip offer everything from non-alcoholic gin to whiskey—perfect for crafting your favorite cocktails without the alcohol.

Non-Alcoholic Wines: Explore the expanding world of non-alcoholic wines from brands like Sovi and Sapiens, which mimic the complexity of traditional wines. Check out sparkling varieties like Naughty Sparkling Chardonnay for a festive and low-sugar option.

Non-Alcoholic Beers: Discover the new wave of non-alcoholic beers from Athletic Brewing Co. and Partake, offering everything from IPAs to stouts with minimal calories—ideal for health-conscious beer enthusiasts.

Bitters: Add a dash of complexity with a few drops of non-alcoholic bitters from El Guapo, bringing an authentic cocktail feel to any drink.

Adaptogenic Herbs and Supplements: Enhance your drinks with adaptogens like ashwagandha for stress relief or L-theanine for clarity. Mix a dropper-full of ashwagandha with club soda and lime for a soothing sip. Not advisable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and as always check with a healthcare provider before starting new supplements [note: we’ll have more on this topic in the coming weeks].

Ready-to-Drink Options: For convenience, pick up some ready-to-drink options like El Guapo’s Bitters and Soda, or zero-sugar sparkling hop waters from brands like Abita and Lagunitas.

The Bottom Line: Embracing zero-proof doesn’t mean missing out—it means enhancing your lifestyle with healthier, sophisticated choices. For more, check out our book CRAFT: The Eat Fit Guide to Zero Proof Cocktails, use promo code FUELED for 20% off through Easter Sunday. Cheers to your health and happiness!

• Follow Melanie: @drinkfitclub and @livingwellayurveda on Instagram
• For more with Melanie, listen to Molly’s FUELED podcast interviews here and here
• For more on the Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge, tune into Molly + Carrigan’s January segment, here

FUELED Wellness + Nutrition is powered by evamor. Learn more at evamor.com.

Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD is a registered dietitian + nutrition journalist in New Orleans, and founder of Ochsner Eat Fit nonprofit restaurant initiative. Tune in to her podcast, FUELED | Wellness + Nutrition and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @MollyKimballRD. See more of Molly’s articles + TV segments at www.mollykimball.com, and download the Eat Fit mobile app to stay in the know about Eat Fit partners, new dishes at restaurants, festivals and more. To schedule a nutrition consult with Molly’s Lifestyle Nutrition team, email nutrition@ochsner.org.

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