A new wave of high quality, low alcohol and alcohol free spirits are changing drinking as we know it.
Booze free, adult soft drinks, non-alcoholic, clean drinking – whatever you want to call it, with people drinking less, and with wellbeing at the forefront of our minds, ‘adult’ ‘non-alc’ drinks are on the rise.
No longer do non-drinkers have to miss out on the craft and excitement of cocktails. Nor do we have to sip our way through sugar-intense soft drinks just to hang out with our mates at the pub.
Smart drinks industry experimenters and entrepreneurs have been busy crafting alcohol free alternatives that are finding their ways in to high end bars across the UK, Europe and the US – as well as the homes of curious cocktailers around the world.
So if you’re looking to turn over a new, healthier leaf by cutting back on your alcohol consumption, or maybe you’ve been sober for years, but want to try something new and different then read on.
From alcohol-free spirits with active ingredients that still give you a booze-like buzz, to zero proof tequila, and low alcohol alternatives to whiskey, rum and gin – here’s our pick of the current bunch of trailblazers changing the face of drinking.
Hangovers be warned. Your days could soon be numbered.
Three Spirit Drinks
Three Spirit Drinks are on a mission to show the world that alcohol-free doesn’t mean pleasure-free.
After years spent in libraries, labs, bars and fields, their team of plant scientists, world-class bartenders, hedonists, herbalists and artists have created plant-based alternatives to alcohol that still replicate some of the reasons we’re drawn to alcohol in the first-place – such as easing our social inhibitions, or a relaxing nightcap.
Three Spirits’ website also contains a comprehensive guide to simple-yet-delightful cocktails you can make from home from their three signature products – the Livener, Social Elixir and Nightcap – including twists on favourites like Espresso Martinis, Aperol Spritz and the Old Fashioned.
Hand crafted & batched in the UK, Three Spirit drinks combine plants used for centuries in ceremonies and potions to stimulate the palate, mind and body.
Mockingbird Spirit
Tequila-based cocktails like a Paloma and the classic Margaritas were amongst my favourites back in my cocktail connoisseur days.
So I was delighted when I heard about Mockingbird Spirit – the UK’s first agave-based, Tequila alternative, also made from agave, just like the stuff you’d shoot back with salt and lime before instantly regretting it.
Embodying the spirit of the Mockingbird, humbly mimicking the traditional taste of Tequila, you can now have have all the margaritas with none of the migraines.
What’s more, Mockingbird Spirit also includes a positive, active, plant-based ingredient – Ashwagandha, which is an adaptogen that helps your mind and body manage stress and anxiety.
Basically, the exact opposite to what alcohol does – leaving you feeling mentally sharper and even more productive!
Seedlip
Seedlip’s gin alternative was my first introduction to alcohol free spirits. When my girlfriend successfully tricked me into believing that the gin and tonic she’d made me was a regular, full alcohol serve. Ever since, we’ve always had a bottle open in our house.
One of the first movers in the market, you’re highly likely to have seen Seedlip’s Garden, Spice, or Grove in a bar or supermarket near you.
Mix with tonic and your choice of botanicals for the perfect G&T-alike.
Clean Co
For a more diverse array of direct spirit alternatives, check out Clean Co, who are building an ever growing range of ‘clean spirits’ using a traditional distillation process – allowing them to produce sophisticated non-alcoholic grown-up drinks, with a fraction of the calories.
Already in their range are alternatives to Rum, Gin, Vodka, and Tequila, as well as a Rhubarb-infused Gin, and canned G&Ts and Rum & Cokes.
All are low in calories, alcohol free, sugar free, and hangover free.
The CleanCo. website also includes a comprehensive cocktail recipe guide to ensure that drinking clean never gets boring and repetitive.
Ritual Zero Proof (USA)
If you’re reading this from the US and some of the above are hard for you to find then try Ritual Zero Proof.
Ritual Zero Proof is the first American-made spirit alternative to use all-natural botanicals to echo the taste, smell, and burn of liquor – but without the alcohol.
Made for those who want to craft a fantastic cocktail, without the side effects of consuming alcohol, their range boasts a Whiskey alternative, as well as alternatives to tequila, gin and rum.
All of their products are low in calories, gluten free, allergen free, nut free and with no added sugar, making them a great option for those who are health conscious, diabetic, following specific diets, or even pregnant.
A few more to consider
Æcorn
Inspired by long evenings with friends around a dinner table, nights in with a 12” pizza, the one you love & a movie, or a Spritz in the park after work, Æcorn created a range of delicious non-alcoholic aperitifs to suit such occasions.
A British take on the traditional aperitivo with Aromatic, Bitter, and Dry varieties, as well as pre-bottled Nogronis – my personal favourite. Simply pour over ice for that delightfully bitter satisfaction that no other drink can deliver.
Caleño
From Bogota to Bristol, Caleño was born out of the frustration of founder Ellie who, after an alcohol-free night out with friends, decided she wanted to bring more joy to not drinking.
Inspired by her Colombian roots Ellie began experimenting with Juniper and Inca Berries to create some delightful and versatile gin-style drinks.
Available in Light & Zesty and Dark & Spicy varieties, the Inca Berry gives Caleño sweet and tangy tropical notes, and works well served with tonic, fresh lime and soda, or pineapple for a totally tropical taste.
Everleaf Forest
Bar owner and conservation biologist, Paul, wanted to create something new and different with sustainability at the heart of how he sourced his ingredients.
Enter Everleaf – a range of delectable aperitifs that are just perfect for summer evenings.
Currently available in three varieties: Everleaf Forest, crafted for Spritz Drinkers, Everleaf Marine, crafted for Gin Drinkers, and Everleaf Mountain, crafted for Pink Gin Drinkers.
Ghia
A different take on plant-based booze-frees, US-based Ghia is a social tonic inspired by Mediterranean aperitivo culture.
Perfect for slow-sipping and fast-talking, this light and dry aperitif contains a bold combination of botanicals that kickstart both the appetite and the conversation.
A great way to start the night, Ghia takes you to a happy place without numbing the experience; a drink you’ll remember in the morning.
Gimber
Tickling the palate, and balancing sweetness, spice and acidity, Gimber is a versatile organic drink made from premium ginger, lemon, herbs and spices to make your taste buds tango.
With a slow burn and a spicy ginger bite, Gimber is something for your tastebuds to savour.
Herbie Gin Virgin
Danish gin company Herbie already made a vast array of interesting gins (with alcohol) so they knew what they wanted to achieve with their Herbie Virgin.
Produced in North Jutland, Denmark where they distill their own herbs and water then distill on small copper boilers, Herbie uses juniper as one of its botanicals, along with Danish Apple & lavender.
Kin
Crafted for clear conversation, conscious connection and a memorably good time, Kin Euphorics also use active plant-based ingredients in joining the socialising revolution.
Kin use nootropics to amplify social scenarios as they strive to bring bliss to the world though the ancient social tradition of drinking.
Their range includes a non-alc spritz in a can, an herbaceous tonic and a smoky slow-sipper to finish off the night in style.
Lyre’s: Absinthe & more
Named after the Lyrebird, one of nature’s most famous mimics, Australian company Lyre’s embraces the art of imitation.
Lyres have developed a vast range of spirits and liqueurs, seeking to best capture the essence of their alcoholic counterparts, including: Italian Spritz, American Malt, Amaretti, Orange Sec, White/Dark/& Spiced Cane Spirit, Dry London Spirit, and various aperitifs.
Take their unique Absinthe for example, relatively niche in the non-alcoholic spirits sector, Lyre’s have created a refined alternative to a spirit notorious for its high proofs and capacity to alter states.
Aggressively fennel forward, you’ll also taste notes of wormwood, liquorice and anise backed by a plethora of herbs and spice notes.
Monin – Bitter
Made by syrup stalwarts, Monin – this bitter red liquid carries just as much flavour and bittersweet punch as Campari.
A complex blend of plants and spices, including gentian, bitter orange, cardamom, ginger and cherry – this drink mixes perfectly in an Americano cocktail, and just as well with your favourite non-alcoholic spirits, to create booze free cocktails like a Negroni.
Sea Arch
Devon-based Sea Arch is crafted using traditional distillation techniques with complex, natural botanicals such as sea kelp, samphire, cardamon and blood orange. But then the alcohol is gently removed to create a grown-up, alcohol-free spirit.
Perfect with tonic and wonderful in cocktails, Sea Arch is sugar-free and calorie-free but rich in flavour.
Enjoy with a clear head, a clean conscience and plenty of ice.
And if you prefer something a little more wine-like
Copenhagen Sparkling Tea
Sparkling Teas Lyserød and Blå from Copenhagen Sparkling Tea are based on a blend of high quality organic teas, from delicate white teas to more intense and full-bodied black teas.
A great alternative to champagne, and perfect with food, a bottle of Sparkling Tea contains of up to 13 different tea types, which creates a nuanced and complex taste. Each version of Sparkling Tea has its very own unique character.
Get it here.
Thomson and Scott – Noughty
Aka the Virtuous prosecco. Prosecco makers Thomson and Scott have pulled out all the stops to give you a bottle of fizz with no alcohol involved.
Even better, they’re a certified B Corp, so you can sip easy in the knowledge that you’re doing your bit for the world.
Thirtsy for more?
If you found this helpful, we also have a guide to The Best Low-Alcohol Beer and No-Alcohol Beer
And if you’re considering giving up drinking, I share my own personal perspectives on quitting booze in these 3 articles:
