One of my favourite discoveries over Christmas was a non-alcoholic sparkling mead imported exclusively by drinknolo.ie, which has joined thevirginmarybar.com in the online non-alcoholic retail space here in Ireland. The beautifully packaged bottle of Bemuse Brut Mead felt fitting for pouring into elegant champagne coupes for a pre-lunch toast with a sense of occasion, and it made for a very lovely aperitif to wake up the tastebuds gently while keeping heads fresh and clear.