The weeknight drink is sneaky. It's not a big night out. It's a glass while you cook, a can in front of the telly, a G&T because Tuesday was a long one and Gary from accounts was being Gary.
It's a habit, not a craving. And habits are easy to swap if you've got something good to swap them with. Here are five that actually work, from a man who spent ten years in public health and still can't stop buying biscuits.
1. The glass of wine while you cook
Swap it for a Pierre Zéro Merlot 20cl. One generous glass of 0.0% French Merlot in a tiny bottle.
Why it works: no open bottle sitting on the side all week, giving you the eyes like it's auditioning for a horror film.
2. The can in front of the telly
Northern Monk Faith. Silky hazy pale from Leeds, lemongrass and citrus, 26 calories a can.
Why it works: same crack, same can, same telly. Just a very different Wednesday.
3. The “I've earned this” G&T
Pearsons London Botanic with Mediterranean tonic. One part to three, lots of ice, cucumber.
Why it works: the ritual is the best bit. The heavy glass, the fizz, the first sip, the sigh. You keep all of it. You lose the 3am wake-up.
4. The after-dinner one
Pallini Limonzero. Proper Italian limoncello at 0.0%, made with Amalfi lemons. Ice cold, small glass.
Why it works: it feels like a treat, because it is. Small glass, mind. It's sweet. You're 0.0%, not superhuman.
5. The lazy cocktail
A Savyll Moscow Mule. Ginger, mint, real lime. Crack it, pour it over ice.
Why it works: four seconds from fridge to glass. Even I can manage that, and I once needed YouTube to work a corkscrew. (Not really. But it felt like it.)
A warning about weeknights
Swap enough weeknights and you'll start waking up full of energy. Then you'll buy running shoes. Then you'll be doing five-hour runs on a Sunday, and your family will report you missing. Swapped hangovers for hamstrings. Still out the game. Pace yourself.
The deal bit
Mix any 6 drinks and get 5% off, up to 15% for 24. For more swaps, read our weeknight swap guide.
The serious bit
The NHS advises several drink-free days a week if you drink. Every drink here shows its exact ABV. If you're worried about your drinking, your GP is a great first call.
