Coffee, Wine, and Beer
Rounding up April's focus on drinks and hydration, we are finally onto the 'harder stuff' - including caffeine, coffee, and full bodied beer, and a little alcohol-free wine added into the mix. This month has been a great showcase for ready-to-drink options.
Four more companies to highlight includes - Lost Sheep, who have a great starter pack on offer for their coffee concentrate bottles - Earlsmann VINE create naturally alcohol-free wine - Wold Top Brewery produce beer and whisky - and Hangov is the UK's first biotech pre-drink supplement, designed to support energy, hydration and overall balance before alcohol consumption. What more do we need! 
Lost Sheep has launched of a new range of barista-crafted Espresso Coffee Concentrates made with 100% traceable coffee. They offer speciality grade coffee concentrate brewed to espresso-strength which, once opened, is stored in the fridge and ready to use. The bottle is designed for easy portion control with a side measure for each pour. Simply add to your favourite milk or alternative and pour over ice.
We tested the new Espresso and Caramel Coffee Concentrate Starter Kit and can finally make a great iced coffee at home. The Caramel Concentrate is sweet on its own and made the perfect iced coffee for us. I used oat milk and ice, and nothing more. Do I want to drink the rest of the bottle - definitely but I may have trouble keeping it all to myself! The Espresso Concentrate appealed more to Andy, as he is the 'short-coffee' drinker. I added a teaspoon of sugar to mine to make it my own. Both of the Lost Sheep Coffee Concentrate products are easy to use; simply add one shot to cold milk or water for barista-quality iced coffee. Zero fuss, maximum flavour.
Earlsmann VINE was born from a personal quest for balance. After founder Simon Thornton discovered elevated cholesterol levels during a health screening, he began exploring healthier lifestyle choices, including reducing alcohol intake. Simon found the market lacked sophisticated non-alcoholic wine options that complemented meals without being overly sweet. This inspired him to create Earlsmann VINE - crafted without fermentation to deliver an authentic, dry wine experience. 
"At Earlsmann VINE, we believe you shouldn't have to compromise on taste or social moments. Our mission is to provide exceptional non-alcoholic alternatives that celebrate life’s milestones while supporting a healthy lifestyle. Just like traditional winemaking, we carefully select high-quality grape concentrate to preserve their natural, fruit-forward characteristics. However, our process avoids fermentation, ensuring a naturally alcohol-free product without residual sweetness. This method guarantees purity, balance, and a flavour profile that complements meals and social occasions alike.
The Earlsmann VINE range includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blush, and a Pinot Noir. The Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, fruity and clean. It would make a good substitute for the designated driver or those choosing to go alcohol-free. In fact, if you don't drink alcohol at all, it is still a nice choice to drink as a grape juice. With the Grenache Blush, I was personally surprised as I would never order a rose wine. I find the 'in between' flavours not to my taste. However, this would work well on a sunny day, and offers subtle strawberry and raspberry notes. The Pinot Noir interested me the most as a red wine drinker but sadly proved it cannot replace the real deal when it comes to a Malbec or Pinot Noir. Simon was a great brand ambassador, and has created a respectable selection of naturally alcohol-free wines that would not look out of place on any table.
Wold Top Brewery was founded by farmers Tom and Gill, who were looking at different ways to sustain the family farm with diversification, and hit on brewing as their solution. In 2010 they were joined by eldest daughter Kate and her husband Alex, and they have since taken over the day to day running and business development. 
"Our vision is simple: we want to make great-tasting beer using homegrown and sustainably sourced ingredients for the rest of Yorkshire and the world to enjoy! Sustainability is key, we want to work in balance with nature so we have and are always looking into new ways to look after our land and surroundings."
Sarah sampled the regular beers and I tried the gluten-free options. It is hard to find a good gluten-free beer but Wold Top Against the Grain is an excellent option, much lighter when compared to the gluten-free Marmalade Porter. Sarah went for a darker choice as she likes a good old fashioned ale. Available to purchase online, with selections ranging from cans, bottles, limited editions, and mixed cases. Wold Top offer more than just beer on their farm in Yorkshire. The company has a range of merchandise available, and host a variety of events on the farm - from music festivals to brewery tours.
HANGOV takes a complete, science-backed approach - supporting the body before, during, and after alcohol consumption. Take three capsules about 30 min before drinking to support detox, hydration, and energy from the start.
The formulation targets detoxification, antioxidant defence, and nutrient restoration, all working together through biotechnology. Designed to support your body's natural detox, leaving you feeling more energised, HANGOV is designed for social drinkers who value well-being and productivity.
When Sarah was on her way out for an evening with friends, she decided to give HANGOV a try and took the single sachet containing three pills as she left for the night out. 
It's always good advice to keep hydrated on a night out when drinking alcohol, or drink in moderation but there are going to be times when leaving caution behind and over-drinking is the plan for the night. Taking a supplement in advance is a calculated decision to pre-empt the inevitable - but should not be used as an excuse for excess. HANGOV is designed to assist with recovery - it isn't a cure-all for unlimited drinks. Individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using any dietary supplement.
With April coming to a close and the first May Bank Holiday just a week away, we are looking forward to discovering more new flavours for the summer, and seeing what else 2026 has in store for the ready-to-drink market. Prickly Pear is beginning to trend again, alongside functional health drinks, low-alcohol alternatives, and bold flavour choices. matcha is taking another shot at the top spot, and we have learned that it can taste good when mixed to the correct levels.
Not all soft drinks are equally sweet, and healthy drinks can be more loaded with sugar than you think. Always check the label if you are looking for low-sugar options. The ready-to-drink market is changing, and we have enjoyed to take a closer look at some of the new 'kids on the block'.