While it might seem like your feeds are suddenly being bombarded with glistening glasses of faux-sé and gorgeously-coloured mixers, the nonalcoholic drink industry has been around for years. However, with more and more exciting alcohol-free beverage options [1] on the market, and more companies investing in stylish branding, sleek bottles, and quality flavours, making the decision to go teetotal has become far more mainstream.
There are many reasons why people opt out of having an alcoholic beverage [2], every single one as valid as the next. But regardless of why you abstain, the reality has been that often your only beverage to choose from is water, soda, or a lemonade with a wilted piece of mint drowning in a kid's glass. Now, with the invention of 0 percent gins, tequilas, vermouth, and wines, the option of having the same exciting, "adult" flavours is on the table.
Ultimately, the n/alc industry thrives on inclusivity: on everyone being able to experience the same elegance, innovation, and care that is often applied to alcoholic drinks — except in a format that is welcoming for all. We've made a list of our alcohol-free picks for those wanting to drink a little differently, with a range of drinks that will surely be on your next dinner-party menu.
Feragaia
Feragaia [3] (£25) is an alcohol-free spirit distilled in the Scottish lowlands, and the key to their eco-approach is in the name: a Latin and Greek combo of "wild" and "earth."
The amber-coloured spirit has a distinctive citrus flavour, and can be served on its own over rocks, or topped with soda water and a complementary garnish (think: lemon or lime).
Mockingbird Spirit
For those who enjoy tequila-based drinks, Mockingbird Spirit [4] (£23) makes an incredible 0 percent agave-based spirit that allows you to give your n/alc margaritas and Palomas a subtle yet similar tequila flavour. The drink is infused with pure Ashwagandha, designed to bring balance to both your beverage and your mind. A win-win!
Wilfred's Aperitif
Sometimes, a summery spritz is all you need, and Wilfred's Aperitif [5] (£19) doesn't disappoint. Instantly, you're transported to the Amalfi Coast, under a red-striped umbrella with the distinctive, ice-cold aperol flavour on your tongue. Delizioso!
Mikkeller
Mikkeller is a Danish brewery that also offers a range of low and no-alcohol beers, for all tastes. Drink'in The Sun [6] (£3.50) is the perfect alcohol-free accompaniment to a lazy summer's day, but say the weather takes a bit of a turn . . . you can try its wintery ale counterpart Drink'in The Snow [7] (£3.50). We love a versatile product, and these beers are made for all climates.
Seedlip Garden 108
An OG of nonalcoholic gins, Seedlip [8] was one of the first 0 percent spirits on the market . . . and wow, did it set the bar high. With a few different offerings (including a spicy, warming gin and a light, citrus flavour), the Garden 108 [9] (£50) is a standout. Versatile enough to be mixed but unique enough to drink on its own — it's the sophisticated answer to "what are you drinking tonight?"
Töst Dry Sparkling Nonalcoholic Beverage
Even if you're celebrating, alcohol doesn't have to be compulsory. That's where Töst [10] (£9) comes in: the answer to an alcohol-free cheers. The light, dry sparkling drink has notes of cranberry and white tea, and looks just as magical in a champagne flute.
The No-Groni
DRNKS [11] is an Australian outfit who has perfected the art of the negroni, sans the booze (they do ship internationally, but you have to contact them via email). It's the same luxe taste, created using a variety of Lyre's nonalcoholic spirits [12] (London Dry, Italian Orange, and Aperitif Rosso, to be exact), but somehow feels lighter and fresher. The sturdy bottle and kooky design also make for a great upcycled vase.
Lyre's Dark 'N Spicy Premix
Speaking of Lyre's [13], sometimes all you want is an on-the-go, for those picnics and parties where you don't want to be caught out empty handed. These Lyre Dark 'N Spicy Premix [14] (£28) cans are a perfectly refined blend that are equal parts warming and zesty, thanks to hints of lime. If you really want to be fancy, all you need to add is a highball glass and some ice.
Noughty Sparkling Rosé
For all the wine-lovers, fear not! Noughty [15] is the ultimate zero-alcohol brand, that has a wide range to suit even the biggest grape fans. The brand's Sparkling Rosé [16] (£10) is a wonderfully light n/alc option, with almost half the sugar content when compared to other nonalcoholic sparkling drinks. Plus, it will look just as good (if not better) in all of your Instagram boomerangs.
Gnista Barreled Oak
Hailing from Sweden, Gnista [17] had one goal: to make nonalcoholic drinks that truly encapsulate the luxury of fine spirits. The brand's Barreled Oak [18] (£23) nails this aim, with an opulent taste that has the distinctive, smoky notes that resemble an upscale whiskey. Great to drink in a low-lit, moody mahogany bar.
Pentire
This herbaceous and easy-drinking gin hails from the Cornish coast, you can taste that through its fresh and zesty flavour.
Pentire's Adrift [19] (£27) captures a range of local botanicals, while still working so well together with a citrus zest garnish and topped with loads of ice. It does have the side-effect of making you feel like you are sipping while standing on a beautiful, rugged cliffside though.