It’s safe to say that veganism is as popular as ever and there’s no sign of this suddenly trendy lifestyle du jour disappearing any time soon. And with the world better orientating itself to cater to vegan diets, we carnivores and plant-only eaters alike have a higher expectation to know exactly what is in the food we’re eating. I think we’d all agree that that’s no bad thing.
That goes for drinks too, of course. But the trouble is that while vegans might be accustomed to painstakingly scouring the menus at your favourite chain restaurants,hoping to find anything but the garden salad with the little green ‘v’ next to it, it’s a little less common (or straight forward) to spot which boozy beverages are vegan-friendly too.
For example, did you know that not all wine is vegan? You can even get caught out with beer, too. Hell, even your mate’s weird coke habit isn’t strictly vegan either.
Then there are cocktails which, while the most fun, are a completely different kettle of fish. So many ingredients, so much room for error. Especially if you’re the sort of person who likes to buy those very expensive bottles of pre-made rubbish. But that stops now, you guys.
In the spirit of doing it yourself, avoiding the consumption of animal by-products and having something other to drink than green juice, we’ve rounded up a few cocktail recipes for you to have in your back pocket at all times. Because pre-drinks are often the best part of a night out and that should involve knowing that you haven’t broken the sacred rules of veganism by downing one of your mates conspicuous concoctions. Here’s what to make yourself instead.
The Debrief Vegan Alcoholic Drinks Recipes
1 of 7Tequila Spiked Mexican Hot Chocolate
A hot chocolate not for the feint hearted. Let's just say that the tequila gives the whole thing a big kick of extra warmth.
2 of 7English Garden Cocktail
I imagine this is the sort of thing that'd come to mind when you think of vegan booze - something fresh and outdoorsy like this gin and mint treat.
3 of 7Vegan Frozen White Russians
I bet you thought this wouldn't be a thing. But we're here to tell you that vegan-friendly white Russians are a thing. And a bloody delicious, creamy looking one at that.
4 of 7Dairy-Free Pina Colada
Four ingredient, no-fuss, pina colada to bring a bit of sunshine to the dreariest of days? Sign us up.
5 of 7Vegan Nutella Cream Liqueur
Baileys have only recently ventured into the vegan Irish cream market, but there's a way to whip up your own digestif that'll probably change your life.
6 of 7Rose Wine Slushies
For when you desperately want a glass of wine but fond memories of childhood slush puppies are getting in the way of your cravings.
7 of 7Blackberry Mulled Wine
Contrary to popular belief, mulled wine doesn't just have to be for Christmas.
Follow Jazmin on Instagram @JazKopotsha
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.