With Christmas Eve looming, you know the drill by now: no matter how much you've abstained this year, December is not going to be your sober month. Instead there are Christmas parties, cocktail dos, farewell drinks and work events to struggle through...
December drinks can be great fun - everyone seems to have a sparkle in their eye, a new outfit on and that optimism that only an impending holiday can bring, and if you get very lucky, you might even get an open bar or some free drinks at one of your obligatory events.
But they can also be a trap for the unwary vegan: read on, just to make sure your drinks choice doesn't come with a hint of meat or egg!
December drinks can be great fun - everyone seems to have a sparkle in their eye, a new outfit on and that optimism that only an impending holiday can bring, and if you get very lucky, you might even get an open bar or some free drinks at one of your obligatory events.
But they can also be a trap for the unwary vegan: read on, just to make sure your drinks choice doesn't come with a hint of meat or egg!
"There's swine in my wine!"
Our non-APF friends were shocked to hear that wine wasn't vegan...
At the end of the winemaking process, during the 'fining stage' (where the wine is stabilised so that it doesn't absorb any wanted aromas or tastes when bottled, and clarified so it doesn't become cloudy) animal-derived products are sometimes used. The most common additives are isinglass (fish bladders), albumen (egg whites) and gelatine!
At the end of the winemaking process, during the 'fining stage' (where the wine is stabilised so that it doesn't absorb any wanted aromas or tastes when bottled, and clarified so it doesn't become cloudy) animal-derived products are sometimes used. The most common additives are isinglass (fish bladders), albumen (egg whites) and gelatine!
Even though there are APF fining agents, winemakers aren't legally required to let us know whether they used animal products in the fining process, so make sure you drink clean - a quick search on Barnivore will show 19,218 entries for beers, wines and liquors that have been checked and submitted by the Barnivore community.
And, if you can, buy from the many vegan vineyards online. Or, if you are just about to head out to a BYOB affair and haven't got the time, hit up the Co-Op, Marks & Spencer or Sainsbury's as they do a great job of clearly labelling their APF options.
And, if you can, buy from the many vegan vineyards online. Or, if you are just about to head out to a BYOB affair and haven't got the time, hit up the Co-Op, Marks & Spencer or Sainsbury's as they do a great job of clearly labelling their APF options.
Tricky tipples...
We hate to do this to you - but just so you know, some of the nation's favourites aren't vegan-friendly:
Guinness is a NO-GO as isinglass is used in the fining process.
For a lovely milky white russian go for a sweetened and flavoured soya milk (we love Vanilla) and add a few capfuls of vodka, with some Kahlua to give it a bit of colour. People will be jealous.
And, unfortunately, for that hangover, don't even think about the mandatory Bloody Mary - Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce has anchovies in it!
Bottoms up!
Guinness is a NO-GO as isinglass is used in the fining process.
For a lovely milky white russian go for a sweetened and flavoured soya milk (we love Vanilla) and add a few capfuls of vodka, with some Kahlua to give it a bit of colour. People will be jealous.
And, unfortunately, for that hangover, don't even think about the mandatory Bloody Mary - Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce has anchovies in it!
Bottoms up!
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