POPSUGAR UK

14 Low and Non-Alcohol Drinks That Make the Perfect Light Summer Tipple

11/08/2018 - 06:05 PM

Summer drinking sessions can often begin on a hot sunny afternoon and continue to the small hours, and that amount of alcohol doesn't suit everyone. Fortunately for those of us who can't cope with the morning after the afternoon or night before, there are some tasty low-alcohol alternatives to see us through those very occasions. You don't have to stick to the same old boring soft drinks, as there's an array of low alcohol and alcohol-free options. Whether you're thinking about cutting down or giving up booze [1], or alcohol doesn't agree with you [2], feast your eyes on our selection of low alcohol wine, lager, cider, and spirits, plus alcohol-free blends. Happy drinking without the hangover!

Gordon's Ultra Low Alcohol Gin & Tonic

Gordon's Ultra Low Alcohol Gin & Tonic [3] (£5) is just 0.5% ABV, and it's ready to drink so you don't even have to mess about with mixers. It's made from the same botanical blend as the original gin, so it's still recognisably that Gordon's taste.

Take your pick from two flavours — one with a hint of grapefruit [4], and one with a hint of lime [5], sold in packs of 4 x 250ml.

Krombacher Pilsner

Low alcohol lagers are one of the busiest types in the low alcohol arena, with several to choose from, but Krombacher Pilsner [6] (£1.19) consistently gets the thumbs up.

It contains less than 0.5% alcohol and has a refreshing taste, thanks to being brewed with natural spring water and undergoing gentle fermentation.

Shrb

Don't let the name put you off — shrb [7] (£3) was named "best non-alcoholic drink" by the Independent. This hand-brewed, low-sugar drink is dubbed the "Prohibition" soda, as it is based on the alcohol alternative "Shrubs" that were popular during that era in America.

The raw ingredients are soaked in apple cider vinegar for several days, and the added fizz gives it an alcohol-like kick. It comes in four flavours: original, lime juniper, apple cinnamon, and orange ginger.

Torres Natureo Dealcoholised Wine

Torres Natureo Dealcoholised Wine [8] (£6) lets you enjoy a glass of Muscat, but without the typical ABR of wine, as it's just 0.5%. After this Spanish wine has fermented the alcohol is removed, leaving the aroma and flavour in tact.

It works well with seafood, fish, and rice dishes, and can be served as an aperitif too.

Borrago #47 Paloma Blend

If you want to expand your non-alcoholic spirit blend options, then Borrago #47 Paloma Blend [9] (£20) is one to look out for. It's made with six botanicals, all of which are steam distilled individually, then blended together.

Wondering how to serve it? Treat it like gin. Try it with tonic water, lime, and mint.

Nosecco

Yes, you really can still enjoy a glass of fizz without the hangover, thanks to Nosecco [10] (£3).

This de-alcoholised white wine is a Prosecco-style bubbly that's been released just in time for Summer. Expect fruity aromas and notes of white flowers, plus 30% fewer calories than its alcoholic alternative.

Thomas & Evans No. 1

The non-alcoholic Thomas & Evans No. 1 [11] (£3) takes its inspiration from the 1880s — a time of growing temperance — and is named after Mr. William Thomas and Mr. William Evans, who produced non-alcoholic drinks for pubs at that time.

T&E No. 1 has more than 20 ingredients, including steam-distilled botanicals such as apple, citrus peel, and elderflower, plus green fruit juices filtered through silver birch charcoal. There's even oak tincture in there. Bonus points — it's just 99 calories a bottle.

Tesco Low Alcohol Sparkling Rosé Wine

Love a rosé, but don't love the after-effects? Grab a bottle of Tesco Low Alcohol Sparkling Rosé Wine [12] (£2.75).

It's a de-alcoholised and carbonated rosé wine made from Spanish Garnacha grapes, with an alcohol content of less than 0.5%. The fizz is accompanied by strawberry flavours.

Temperance Spirit Company Teetotal Cuba Libre

You can have a go at mixing your own mocktails, but if you want the hard work taken out of it then buy a bottle of Temperance Spirit Company Teetotal Cuba Libre [13] (£2.50). At 0.5% alcohol it's a way of enjoying Cuba's national drink without the headache the next day.

It's made with natural ingredients, with the tang of premium cola and warmth and spice of dark rum. Wondering how to serve it? Pour it over loads of ice and stick a lime wedge on top.

Seedlip

Seedlip is probably one of the best known non-alcoholic spirits, with two botanical blends on offer. They're free from sugar, sweeteners, calories, and artificial flavours. Think of them as a gin replacement.

Spice 94 [14] (£28) is made from All Spice, Cardamom, Cascarilla, Grapefruit, Lemon, and Oak. It can be served simply with tonic water (and a red grapefruit twist, if you're getting fancy), or as part of a mocktail.

Garden 108 [15] (£28) is like drinking an English country garden, with its blend of peas, hay, spearmint, rosemary, and thyme. Serve with tonic water and the best garnish we've ever heard of — a handful of peas.

Lambrini Skinny

If you're watching your calories as well as your alcohol content, say hello to your new best drinking buddy — good old Lambrini has had the low-cal treatment with Lambrini Skinny [16] (£2).

This is the classic sparkling perry given the skinny treatment. It packs more of a punch than other wines on the list, at 3.5% ABV, but it's still lower in alcohol than traditional wines.

Kopparberg Strawberry And Lime Alcohol-Free

Fruity cider fans can enjoy that Summery taste without the after-effects thanks to a bottle of Kopparberg Strawberry And Lime Alcohol-Free [17] (£1.30).

This Swedish apple cider has strawberry and lime notes, and less than 0.5% alcohol.

Eisberg Sauvignon Blanc

You can still sip a glass of Sauv Blanc if you've gone teetotal — Eisberg Sauvignon Blanc [18] (£3.50) is a white wine with 0% alcohol. Eisberg has been selling alcohol-free wines in the UK since the '80s, so it's no surprise it's the country's leading dry drinks brand.

It has all of those typical gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours you'd expect, just with the alcohol removed. Best served chilled, and perfect for teaming with chicken and seafood.

Sainsbury's Aromatised Low Alcohol Chardonnay Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wines without the alcohol are one of the easiest ways to feel like you're joining in a Summer afternoon drinking session, but smug in the knowledge that you won't suffer for it the next day.

Sainsbury's Aromatised Low Alcohol Chardonnay Sparkling Wine [19] (£3.50) from the Taste the Difference range is a de-alcoholised Blanc de Blanc sparkling Chardonnay with an alcohol content of under 0.5%.


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