LIBBY BRODIE I Taste HUNDREDS Of Bottles Of Wine A Year

Alcohol is something I’ve always enjoyed, so maybe it’s not surprising that it’s now my job.

At 42, I’m a wine consultant, writer and judge. At this time of year, with party season looming, the temptation to drink is everywhere. But I’ve learnt that it is possible to drink for a ­living, without sacrificing your liver and your health.

In my 20s, I was that ­person spinning out of clubs and bars, knocking back ­whatever I was bought. But everything changed when I wanted a baby.

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I stopped ­drinking completely while ­trying to conceive and during my pregnancy with my son, who’s now six. It proved I could stop easily and made me rethink how I drink.

After giving birth, I studied wine professionally and now taste hundreds of bottles every year. I spit out the wine I’m tasting, but also attend many lunches, dinners and receptions. I realised I’d need to develop habits that let me enjoy wine without overindulging.

The quality of what I drink has vastly improved, and just like choosing healthy food over junk, I’ve noticed it makes a big difference.

Despite working in the ­industry, I now drink less than I ever did before. I go for annual check-ups with my doctor, and I was delighted that a recent scan showed I have the liver of a teetotaller.

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With the festive season upon us, here are the tips and tricks I use to enjoy a drink – yet stay healthy, happy and in control.

Make your first one non-alcoholic

Whether it’s a dinner, party or casual get-together, I start with a non-alcoholic drink.

Often, you arrive at a social event feeling flustered, nervous or excited, and if that first glass gets gulped down it might as well be non-alcoholic.

If I’m entertaining at home, I love Botivo Batch 33 (£27.50,botivodrinks.com), a British-­made non-alcoholic aperitif with delicious bitter citrusy ­flavours. Topped up with tonic or soda and a slice of orange, it’s a bit like an Aperol spritz.

One bottle goes a long way and helps start your evening gently and mindfully.

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Stay hydrated

You can’t savour a drink if you’re just quenching thirst. I make sure I drink plenty of water on any day when I have a social event involving alcohol.

When I’m hydrated, wine tastes better and I naturally drink less.

Try zebra striping

I often alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a trend called zebra striping. It’s about pacing yourself and ­giving your body a chance to process the alcohol while ­keeping the party going.

Find the venue’s drinks menu online and plan some delicious alcohol-free drinks. I love a good low or non-alcoholic cider or beer. It’s often easier to find decent non-alcoholic beers than wines, as there’s less ­alcohol to remove, so the flavour stays authentic. Guinness 0.0% (£2.29,thealcoholfreeco.co.uk) is surprisingly good.

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Drink with food

I prefer drinking alcohol to elevate food. In France and Italy, aperitifs always come with food, even just a few canapés or olives.

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That culture of drinking with meals slows absorption, enhances flavour and keeps the evening enjoyable and elegant.

Bring a celebratory low or no-alcohol fizz

Often, the only non-alcoholic option at a party is water, which can be a bit joyless. So why not bring your own?

For Christmas parties, a smart low or no-­alcohol fizz looks great, tastes delicious and still gives you that celebratory pop.

Try Zeno’s zesty Alcohol-Liberated ­Sparkling(£12.50,waitrosecellar.com) or Bolle Grand Reserve (£49.99,bolledrinks.co.uk), which is fermented over nine months for a creamy texture and champagne-like character.

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I also love sparkling teas. The tannin gives wine-like body and complexity, meaning they pair perfectly with food. Saicho’s Mini Collection Pack (£14.99,saichodrinks.com) includes Darjeeling, Jasmine and ­Hojicha flavours – it’s a lovely party gift, too.

For something extra festive, Fortnum & Mason’s Winter Sparkling Tea (£19.95,fortnum­andmason.com) is low in ­alcohol at just 5 per cent ABV compared to champagne’s 12 per cent. It’s infused with spices and smells like Christmas in a glass.

I’d choose it over many champagnes because it’s so seasonally beautiful. Served with nibbles when guests arrive, it’s always a winner.

Don’t be afraid to say no

You wouldn’t feel bad about refusing a canapé you didn’t like, so it’s just as acceptable to say no to a not-so-great drink. Sip it, see if you like it, and if not, switch to water.

It’s perfectly acceptable these days to say, ‘No, thank you,’ or ‘I’ll just have water for now’. Refusing top-ups is another smart tactic, as it helps you keep track of how much you’ve drunk. Drinking should be about ­enjoyment, not obligation.

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drink for less alcohol

If I’m having a gin and tonic, I ask for a single measure of gin and top it up with plenty of quality tonic, like Fever Tree.

You can also look for naturally lower-alcohol wines from cooler climates. German rieslings, at around 10 per cent ABV, are often lower in alcohol than those from warmer climes, like a South African chardonnay, which can reach 14.5 per cent.

Check in with yourself

After two glasses, I ask myself: am I enjoying the taste, or just chasing a buzz? If the ­latter, I switch to something non-alcoholic. I want every glass to enhance my evening.

Drinking in moderation is now a conscious choice for me. I can celebrate, enjoy exceptional wine, and feel healthy, happy and in control. I’m proof you don’t have to give up the pleasure of a delicious drink through the party season and beyond.

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• Find Libby at @libbybrodie