Can the French embrace cuisine without booze?

French alcohol consumption has fallen steeply, with the average intake per adult down from 17.7 litres a year in 1960 to 9.2 litres in 2014, according to Our World in Data. – Photo: 123rf

It remains an uncomfortably foreign idea for some, but even the wine-loving French are experimenting with non-alcoholic drinks these days.

Being pregnant or the designated-driver in France – or attempting a "Dry January" after a booze-soaked festive season – has tended to leave few exciting drinks options when dining out.