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No need to worry you will just be drinking water if you are ditching alcohol. Try these tasty fruity beverages that pack an impressive amount of zing. Who knows, maybe you'll manage another month. Berlin (dpa) – Simply mixing three ingredients is not enough to create a truly refined non-alcoholic drink. At the Michelin-starred restaurant Blaue Burg in Pfronten, in Germany's Allgäu region, chef Simon Schlachter and bar manager Martin Masch treat alcohol-free beverages with the same care as fine-dining dishes. For their menus, the duo develops complex, layered drinks that rely on shrubs, infusions, syrups and reductions. The recipes require patience and preparation, but reward the effort with depth and balance. Here are three to try: Mango and Fennel Shrub First, mix the following ingredients well in a preserving jar for the mango-fennel-honey shrub: 200 g mango juice 50 g fresh fennel, thinly sliced 100 ml apple cider vinegar 100 g honey 1 pinch of salt Preparation: Cover and leave to infuse in the refrigerator for 48 hours. Strain through a fine sieve and chill. Next, prepare the saline solution: 20 g salt 80 g water Heat gently in a small pan while stirring until the salt dissolves. Cool and transfer to a clean bottle. The following step is making the fennel and star anise infusion: 10 g fennel seeds 1 g star anise 400 ml mango–fennel–honey shrub 3 g saline solution Lightly toast fennel seeds and star anise in a dry pan. Add the shrub and saline solution and bring briefly to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and let infuse for 10 minutes. Pour through a fine sieve and chill. To serve: Pour 45 ml into a chilled glass and serve as a shot, without ice. Apple Crumble Pie First, make your own almond syrup: 50 g blanched almonds, chopped 100 ml water 75 g sugar 1 pinch of salt 1 drop bitter almond flavouring Toast almonds until golden. Add sugar and water, bring to a boil, cover and steep for 10 minutes. Add salt and bitter almond flavouring. Strain through a sieve, pour into a sterilized bottle and store in a cool place. The almond syrup is then part of an apple and spice decoction – with the following ingredients: 30 ml almond syrup 900 ml apple juice 6 cloves 3 g cinnamon 30 g sultanas 1 star anise 45 ml maple syrup ¾ vanilla pod, scraped 50 ml lime juice Bring all ingredients to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Strain and serve hot or cold. Now, make the vanilla foam for the topping: 50 ml cream ¼ vanilla pod, scraped 15 ml almond syrup Place all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until frothy. Caution: Do not whisk too hard! Serve the drink in a cocktail bowl or a bulbous wine glass without ice. Cold: Add ice to a glass, pour 180 ml of cold decoction, top with vanilla foam and garnish with apple chips and biscuit crumble. Warm: Pour 200 ml into a heatproof glass, add foam and garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple chip. Blood Orange, Almond and Tonka Bean First, make a blood orange and raspberry reduction: 500 ml blood orange juice 50 g raspberries 15 ml lime juice 40 ml mandarin juice ½ tonka bean, grated Preparation: Simmer over medium heat until reduced by half (about 300 ml). Strain and cool. Now make the roasted almond syrup: 50 g roasted almonds, chopped 50 g sugar 100 ml water 1 pinch of salt 1 drop bitter almond flavouring Preparation: Lightly toast the almonds in a pan without fat, add sugar and caramelize slowly. Deglaze with water, stir until dissolved, add salt and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add flavouring, strain and cool. Shortcut: You can also use store-bought almond syrup. Place the following ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds: 35 ml blood orange–raspberry reduction 30 ml fresh blood orange juice 25 ml roasted almond syrup 10 ml lemon juice 1 egg white Strain into a chilled cocktail bowl or large wine glass and serve without ice. The following information is not intended for publication dpa/tmn ueh xlt cwg amc xxde mls arw

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From one-pieces to the Eighties revival – here are the trending ski looks for the 2026 season. London (PA Media/dpa) – If you’re heading to the mountains this season, you may be wincing at the thought of pulling out that ageing ski jacket that’s been lurking at the back of your wardrobe since your last trip. And if that sounds familiar, you may be wanting your holiday photos to look a little more 2026 than 2006 this time around. Fortunately, this is a particularly stylish winter in which to refresh your Alpine wardrobe. Skiwear has taken a decisive turn towards the Eighties, but with a distinctly modern take – more sculpted silhouettes, sleeker materials and a subtle push into high-fashion territory as sport continues to surge in popularity. Stylist Elsa Boutaric says three big ideas are shaping the slopes this year: the return of the ski suit, head-to-toe tonal dressing and what she calls “loud luxury”. “The 1980s fashion has a strong influence on the 2026 skiwear trends,” she explains. “We can see retro styles, bold colours and the comeback of the one-piece suit dominating the slopes.” Here’s how that translates – both on-piste and at après. 1. The one-piece ski suit The one-piece ski suit has slowly become the most trending silhouette on the slopes again – not as a retro throwback, but as a sharply tailored, high-performance uniform. Boutaric lists the one-piece ski suit as one of the three key defining trends of the season. The modern version is sleek and chic, cut close to the body, usually belted and built from sculpting, technical fabrics, which feel more like luxury sportswear than retro practical gear. 2. Head-to-toe monochrome The second major trend is monochrome skiwear – tonal dressing that stretches from base layers to boots. It’s a move away from clashing prints and towards the more classic ‘quiet luxury’ look, where a single colour family anchors the whole outfit. Boutaric suggests opting for deep-olive ski trousers with a matching jacket, or a full winter-white ensemble. “Going full monochrome is clean and reads as expensive, even when it isn’t,” says Boutaric. Even the simplest kit looks high-end when it sits within one colour family. 3. Eighties colour blocking The Eighties revival sweeping fashion has absolutely made its way to the slopes. Boutaric says retro-geometric and 1980s-inspired skiwear is another defining look – with bold colour and graphic patterns – leaning towards the new 2026 trend of loud luxury It’s more contemporary than Princess Diana on the slopes, for example, mirrored goggles, sharp shoulders and chevron-style colour blocking. 4. Three colour trends Colour is also undergoing a reset from the bright reds and heavy logo trends of the 2010s. Boutaric identifies “Old Money” neutrals and icy pastels as the dominant palettes for the slopes. That means creamy camel, off-white and taupe for those leaning into quiet luxury and powdery, frost-toned lilacs and baby blues if you’re leaning into the trending colours spotted on the runway for this year. 5. Après-ski Of course, skiwear earns its keep after the lifts close. Boutaric says the key to après style is choosing pieces that work from slope to chalet to bar, without needing a full outfit overhaul. She says the base layer is an important starting point – something fitted and cool enough to wear alone once the jacket comes off. Over that, she turns to chunky knits and oversized jumpers, the kind you wear everyday at home that you can sling in your rucksack while out and about. This is also where braces on salopettes come into their own, which can make the most basic layers look cool. Paired with some chic fluffy snow boots for warmth it can take your look from ski slopes to spritzes and champagne. The following information is not intended for publication dpa pa arw

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Does face yoga really work? Here are the doctor-recommended exercises you should be doing to boost circulation and improve muscle tone. London (PA Media/dpa) – Most of us slip into hibernation for the winter months, but by the time spring and summer come around, it feels like we have to do an intense overhaul to feel our best. But by putting in the time and consistency throughout the colder months, “face yoga” can help give us a healthy summer glow by improving circulation and muscle tone. While it won’t necessarily give you the same effect a cosmetic procedure will, facial exercises can help reduce puffiness and dull skin. According to regenerative aesthetics doctor Dr Hansel Misquitta, “facial exercises sit in a genuine scientific grey zone. [They] can offer small, incremental benefits when done properly […] but they’re also not the miracle [some] would like you to believe.” There is some early evidence that targeted muscle training can increase muscle thickness and therefore improve facial structure – but face workouts aren’t a substitute for a facelift. They’re like Pilates for the face: good for tone, posture and habit – but not magic. So what can you genuinely expect if you start now and keep going until summer? And which facial exercises are the best to do? What face workouts can (and can’t) do “By summer, if someone starts now and is consistent, the realistic outcome is improved muscle tone, slightly better facial posture and a fresher look at rest,” explains Misquitta. But she is clear on the limits: “[you can’t expect] wrinkle removal, skin tightening [or] lifting sagging tissue. “Facial exercises do not rebuild collagen, replace fat loss or reverse gravity. You can’t out-exercise biology. At best, you’re toning the scaffolding, not rebuilding the building.” The benefits largely come from circulation, lymphatic drainage and subtle muscle tone. This is also why skincare still matters as much as facial gymnastics – because good skin makes any improvement look better. As she puts it, “skin quality decides whether muscle tone looks good or just looks tense.” Misquitta recommends a strong daily SPF to future-proof skin alongside a nourishing, barrier-supporting moisturiser that helps the skin respond better to any routine change. Where you’ll see results first Areas with thicker, functional muscles respond best. “Cheeks, lower face and jawline tend to show the most visible response,” says Misquitta. These muscles are the only ones that can hypertrophy (grow and strengthen) in the face, though far more slowly and modestly than body muscles. But some areas won’t budge. Under-eye hollows, temple loss, forehead lines and deep folds are driven by bone and fat changes rather than weak muscles. “Trying to fix under-eye hollows with facial yoga is like trying to fix a flat tyre by massaging it,” she says. The best exercises and how often to do them If you’re imagining theatrical grimacing in the mirror, you’re in luck. “The best exercises are boring, controlled and unsexy,” Misquitta says. “These are not about pulling faces or scrunching skin. If you’re doing that, you’re training wrinkles, not muscles.” She says a good starting point is a gentle cheek-resistance exercise. Begin with a soft, relaxed smile and place your fingertips lightly on the fleshy part of your cheeks. As you lift the cheeks into that soft smile, use your fingers to create a slight resistance. You should feel the muscles working under the skin – but you shouldn’t see deep creasing around the eyes or mouth. If you do, ease off. This targets the muscles that support the mid-face and helps improve tone over time. Another simple movement is the tongue-to-palate press. Rest your tongue firmly against the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth, while gently lengthening through the neck and lifting the chin a fraction. Hold for a few seconds, then relax. Done consistently, this improves lower-face posture and mild muscle tone – without strain or jaw-clenching. Finally, controlled lip resistance works the muscles around the mouth. Keep the lips together naturally and place two fingers lightly over them. Press the lips gently together while your fingers resist the movement ever so slightly. Avoid puckering or scrunching – the movement should be subtle and smooth. If chin dimpling or deep lines appear, you’re using too much force. Five to ten minutes, four to five times a week, is enough. “More is not better. Overdoing facial exercises is like overdoing crunches. You don’t get a six-pack faster, you just get a sore neck.” Expect subtle changes from six to eight weeks, with best results around three to four months. Tools vs tech: which one’s better? It’s difficult to know what’s marketing and what will actually make a difference when it comes to beauty tech. Is a microcurrent device actually better than a simple gua sha? Misquitta says some at-home microcurrent devices can, like a basic gua sha, boost lymphatic flow but they can also temporarily stimulate muscle contraction. “They produce a mild lift that lasts hours to days,” she explains. “Think of it like a good push-up bra for the face. Useful, temporary and absolutely not structural change.” In-clinic devices, however, sit in a different league. “Technologies such as EMFACE combine radiofrequency with high-intensity electromagnetic stimulation,” she says. Early data suggests improved muscle tone and some dermal remodelling – but again, it doesn’t promise anything permanent. “[It’s] no replacement to a surgical lift. It is pure muscle stimulation only with early evidence and heavy marketing.” But Misquitta is keen to emphasises that skincare is the key to whether these tools actually work. “Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable,” she explains. “Retinoids improve collagen and skin texture over time and a basic moisturiser that supports the skin barrier [will do] the job.” When not to do face exercises But facial yoga isn’t suitable for everyone. “People with active inflammatory skin conditions, significant jaw joint problems, recent facial surgery or recently placed fillers should avoid facial exercises or get proper medical advice first,” Misquitta explains. You can also overtrain your face. Warning signs include jaw pain, headaches, tightness, deeper expression lines or constant muscle fatigue. “Facial ageing is often driven by chronic tension, not weakness,” she says. “If your face feels tighter, more uncomfortable or permanently clenched, that’s not progress. That’s your face asking you to stop.” The following information is not intended for publication dpa pa arw

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)

Rome (dpa) – If you are embracing dry January, why not make it the month you taste some alcohol-free wine? After all, just weeks ago, the Italian government approved the production of non-alcoholic wine after years of resisting the move. As if in time for the month many of us slash our alcohol intake, the ministries of finance and agriculture in Rome signed a decree that officially establishes the tax framework for domestic production of alcohol-free wines. Wine from which the alcohol has been removed has been considered wine in the EU since 2021. But Italy had long resisted adopting this regulation, with winemakers fearing a dilution of Italian wine culture. Some, such as Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party also initially spoke out against the step. But there was a sea change around a year ago as Italy responded to the growing popularity of so-called NoLo wines – with no or low alcohol content – and cleared the way for the production of de-alcoholized wine. All that was needed was a clear legal framework for this was still missing. Now, the decree is signed, providing clarity on excise duties, licences and distribution. It also regulates the approval, storage, administrative obligations and transport regulations for NoLo wines. This will enable wineries to finalize ongoing projects, which, according to Lollobrigida – opens up new opportunities. "I am confident that our producers will achieve excellence in this sector as well," the minister says. Representatives of the wine industry expressly welcomed the move. The demand for wines with lower alcohol content can no longer be considered a fad, but rather a long-term change, they said. Why try going dry? Whether you don't drink alcohol generally, or are reducing your intake, there are more and more opportunities to try alcohol-free drinks. And for many, the start of a new year is associated with fresh attempts at self-improvement and personal growth. One increasingly popular resolution is "Dry January:" a commitment to go alcohol-free for the entire month, according to the British National health Service (NHS). After all, in Britain, one in five adults (about 10 million people) in England regularly drink at levels that significantly increase their risk of harm, at more than 14 units per week (that’s about six pints of normal strength beer or lager, or a bottle and a half of wine, per week). So, for many, no matter where we live, January can provide a perfect opportunity for a reset. After all, 31 days without alcohol can give lots of obvious benefits, like more energy, improved concentration, and boosted mood, as well as a chance to save some money, the NHS health specialists say. It does you good in other ways too. Research shows that a month off alcohol leads to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk, as well as lower cancer-related proteins in the blood. The following information is not intended for publication dpa rme xxde hgo nca rdp arw

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)