Good taste, considered choices
Drink Responsibly
Enjoy the story, the craft and the flavours. There is no need to drink alcohol to enjoy Sipping, a good meal or a celebration. Here is clear, UK-focused information to help you make your own informed choice.
Effective 5 October 2026
How much is lower risk?
The UK Chief Medical Officers advise adults who drink regularly not to exceed 14 UK units per week to keep health risks low. If you drink as much as 14 units, spread it across at least three days; it is also sensible to have several drink-free days. These are lower-risk guidelines, not a recommended amount to drink or a guarantee of safety. There is no risk-free level of alcohol consumption.
You can choose less, or none at all. Sipping’s recipes, party planner and tasting suggestions are never targets for consumption.
Understanding UK units
A UK unit is 10 ml (8 g) of pure alcohol. To estimate units, multiply the drink volume in millilitres by its alcohol strength as a percentage, then divide by 1,000. For example, 25 ml of 40% spirit is 1 unit; a 175 ml glass of 12% wine is 2.1 units. Actual bottle strengths and serving sizes vary.
Look at the ABV label, pour deliberately and allow for the strength of cocktails or overproof rum. Several small drinks can add up quickly. See the NHS alcohol units guide.
When it is safest not to drink
Do not drink when driving, cycling on roads where impaired, or operating machinery. Avoid alcohol during pregnancy or if you think you might be pregnant. Certain medicines or medical conditions make drinking unsuitable; check with a qualified clinician. Alcohol can impair judgement even before you feel obviously affected. Transport, childcare and anyone else's safety come first.
Legal age and retailer responsibility
Sipping’s UK alcohol purchasing links are intended for adults aged 18 or over. In other places, the applicable legal purchasing age may differ. Retailers carry out their own age and delivery checks; a link on Sipping is not proof of eligibility to buy. We do not deliberately target alcohol promotions to children or present drinking as a route to popularity, confidence or achievement.
Social drinking and alcohol-free choices
Water, food, breaks and smaller measures are practical ways to moderate a social occasion, though they cannot eliminate alcohol-related risks or sober someone up for driving. Offering alcohol-free beer, zero-alcohol spirits, herbal drinks, coffee, citrus sodas and sparkling water should be normal hospitality rather than an afterthought. A guest should never need to explain why they are not drinking.
If drinking is becoming difficult to control
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, your GP and NHS services can help confidentially. The NHS alcohol support page explains how to find help. Drinkline offers confidential UK support on 0300 123 1110.
If you are physically dependent on alcohol, suddenly stopping can cause dangerous withdrawal. Seek medical advice before making a sudden change. Sipping does not provide personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Our editorial and affiliate commitment
We explore the places, people and craft behind drinks while avoiding pressure to drink. Product listings and affiliate links are commercial information, not instructions to consume. Where practical, alcoholic recipes and destination guides include an alcohol-free alternative. We do not claim drinking benefits your health, and we flag stronger products with their actual ABV where this is available.