CityLife

Cocktails without the headaches at Vanilla

THIS year’s Pride festival kicks off on Friday with the usual 10-day celebration of all things lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender.

For most revellers the celebrations is a time for doing everything to the excess, whether that’s the flamboyant floats in the parade, outrageous dancing on the street or the number of cocktails guzzled down.

It’s a time for high spirits and hilarity. If you find yourself over doing it on the booze during the festivities then just head to Vanilla and try one of their new non-alcoholic drinks, that surprisingly taste rather good.

The new range of non-alcoholic tipples include names you’ll recognise like Becks and Erdinger beers, Weston’s Stowford cider and a range of red, white rose wine.

There’s even a bunch of brightly coloured pre-mixed cocktails to whet your whistle with give.

Why not give a Pina Colada, Martini, Margarita, or a Bloody Mary a try?

The drinks are being offered as part of the Think Safe Drink Safe card campaign, a new partnership between NHS Manchester, GMP and Manchester City Council.

The idea is to make it easier for drinkers to choose a non-alcoholic alternative. So maybe you’re the designated driver for the night, you’re pregnant, trying to be healthy or pacing your drinks because you know it’s going to be long 10-days of partying.

Whatever the reason get yourself a new Think Safe Drink Safe card and it’ll get you discounts off non-alcoholic drinks at the bar.

Merry Sherriff, general manager of Vanilla said: "As responsible retailers we really wanted to improve our range of non-alcoholic drinks. The TSDS campaign came at the right time and we’re really pleased with the new drinks range. Customers have responded really well, some of them surprised by the fact that we are stocking such a large choice for the non-drinkers."

Liz Burns, public health development advisor from NHS Manchester said: "It’s all about offering choice and raising awareness of the drinks available.

"The TSDS card will help both the licensee and Manchester residents and encourage responsible drinking and safer nights out. We’re delighted that Vanilla is the first venue in the gay village to get involved."

Other venues offering the non-alcoholic drinks include South, 5th Avenue and The Warehouse Project.

To get yourself a Think Safe Drink Safe card or to suggest a venue that you think should offer more booze-free drinks go to www.tsdscard.com.

As a special introductory offer cardholders are being encouraged to give their feedback on the scheme and will be entered in to a competition to win a night out in Manchester for two, including dinner, bed and breakfast at the Midland Hotel and tickets for the theatre. 

Don’t let this year’s Pride just pass in a blur of bright lights, feather bowers and sequined thongs, drop by Vanilla for a non-alcoholic snifter and you might just remember some of the celebrations.