Valentine’s Day – the UK loves it and Dry Drinker loves it too, especially at a time when we need to celebrate everything we can. And what’s more important to celebrate than love?
So, if you want to say I love you, I fancy you, I’ll stick by you, I can’t live without you… we can help.
You’ll be pleased to hear that the Valentine’s Day tradition started in the UK – it’s not a US import. In fact we’ve exported this heartfelt habit around the world – helped by the religious observance of St Valentine’s Day, which recognises the martyrdom of 2 men (both called Valentine) by the Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century AD.
Lovestruck young men started sending cards and gifts in the UK in the late 18th century. By 1835, it was an industry, with 60,000 Valentine cards being sent, despite the steep cost of postage. And after the Penny Black stamp heralded cheaper post in 1840, the number of Valentines posted soared to 400,000! And then the anonymous cards began…
Innovate with Dry Drinker
When it comes to gifts, the ‘box of chocs’ might be feeling a bit tired. So if your loved one loves alcohol free drinks, innovate with Dry Drinker instead this year.
Celebrate their success in completing Dry January. Respect their desire to make healthier drinking choices, while still demanding great tastes. Share and explore the great choice we have to offer. It’s always more fun to find new stuff together.
Whether your romance is solid and enduring, or new and exciting, there’ll be something to suit them in the UK’s largest range of alcohol free drinks. Tour the store – remember we’ve gluten free and vegan friendly choices too.
Here’s 3 ideas to start with:
If they fancy something sparkling and not too sweet, there’s
Scavi & Ray Prosecco 0.03% with Lyre’s Italian Spritz Non Alcoholic Spirit 700ml
https://drydrinker.com/product/scavi-and-ray-lyres-italian-spritz/
Start your evening the Italian way. Light, refreshing and authentic alcohol free Prosecco from Scavi & Ray is a perfect partner to the bittersweet flavour of Lyre’s Italian Spritz.
Or if beer is dear to their heart (as well as you), think about the Ultimate Great British Beer Box.
That’s 36 different beers made in the UK (330ml to 500ml) plus a free Big Drop glass.
https://drydrinker.com/product/best-of-british-alcohol-free-beer-box/
If love blooms afresh and you’re not sure of their tastes yet, think about The Dry Drinker Gift E-Voucher
Choose a gift card from £25 to £100, and let them decide!
Valentine’s traditions around the world
We said we’d shared the love, so here are some examples of romance around the world:
• Amigo secreto or ‘Secret friend’, a bit like Secret Santa, is celebrated in the Dominican Republic and El Salvador.
• The mythological meeting of a cowherd and weaver girl is recognised by China’s Qixi or Qiqiao Festival
• It’s more platonic in Finland, where they have ystävänpäivä, or Friends Day.
• Denmark and Norway mark Valentinsdag, and Sweden opts for Alla hjärtans dag – All Hearts' Day – though they don’t make such a fuss about it.
• Lebanon, where Saint Valentine is the patron saint for many, loves it! Cupcakes are a favourite gift, as are red roses – the emblem of sacrifice and passion.
• In Iran, Valentine's Day threatens to edge out Sepandarmazgan, an ancient Iranian day of love, particularly towards mothers and wives, and a celebration of earth in ancient Persian culture.
• Saint Valentine or Zdravko is a harbinger of spring in Slovenia, and is seen as the day when work starts again in the vineyards and fields.
Wine for dining in
Ok, no one will be eating out this year. You're probably planning a special meal at home instead. We’ve got the BEST choice of alcohol free wines; reds, whites and roses to team with the food of love.
Explore our wine and sparkling wine selection.
We can recommend:
• To start, Richard Juhlin Sparkling Rosé Alcohol Free. An elegant sparkling wine with a silky texture that reveals subtle notes of sweet berry, citrus and apple.
• For something special, treat yourself to Domaine de la Prade Organic Merlot/Shiraz alcohol free wine 0.0%. Spot on with veal and poultry. Toffee-rich Merlot grapes and crisp Shiraz.
• Barrels and Drums 0% Chardonnay is created to enjoy with fantastic food. Fresh and dry, full of tropical fruits and citrus flavours, it’s a winner with fish and seafood.
What to write in the card? Well, I think we’ll have to leave that up to you. But for some inspiration, here’s the classic contribution from Scotland’s national poet, Rabbie Burns.
(Oh, while we’re talking about Scotland, got to admit we’re head over heels in love with Harviestoun Wheesht Dark Ale 0%, brewed at the foot of the Ochill Hills. Velvety, smooth mouthfeel. Rich in flavours of chocolate, biscuit and dried fruit. Like everything at Dry Drinker; no alcohol, no compromise.)
A Red, Red Rose
O my Luve is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve is like the melody
That’s sweetly played in tune.
So fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.
And fare thee weel, my only luve!
And fare thee weel awhile!
And I will come again, my luve,
Though it were ten thousand mile.
Robert Burns
Lots of love, from everyone at Dry Drinker!