It’s now a decade since the first alcohol-free spirit launched in the UK. Seedlip went on sale in Selfridges, London on 4 November 2015 – and sold out in three weeks. There was clearly a thirst for drinks with no alcohol…
In the past 10 years this drinks category has blossomed. Not only are there more products, but there’s been huge innovation.
Alongside the drinks – like Seedlip or Tanqueray 0.0 – that mimic existing spirits, there’s been a resurgence of traditional alcohol-free sips; think shrubs, kefir and kombucha. But there are also completely new never-seen-before styles, created just for the zero alcohol market.
Botivo is based on apple cider vinegar, like a shrub, with honey and herbs
Growing movement
And more and more of us are drinking them. Research by the mindful drinking network Club Soda shows that almost half of UK adults have tried alcohol-free drinks.
According to Drinkaware, 87% of UK drinkers are now making changes that can help them cut back, or control, how much they drink. Many people are inspired to cut out booze by initiatives like Sober October and Dry January.
If you’re one of them this year, then you aren’t alone. Research by Alcohol Change UK, estimates that Dry January 2026 could well be the biggest on record, with an estimated 15.5 million of us – that’s 29% of British adults – planning to take part.
Credit: OntheRunPhoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Getting started
Where should you start if you haven’t tried alcohol-free drinks before? If you’re a regular drinker, then choosing something that’s a straight substitute for your usual tipple is a safe bet. Fans of a Gin & Tonic could try Sipsmith FreeGlider or if you love an Aperol Spritz try Pavari 17 (see tasting notes below).
If you don’t want to lose the buzz of alcohol, think about trying functional drinks. These Mood-enhancing and wellness products contain adaptogens (which affect the body) and/or nootropics (which affect the mind).
These ingredients, which are regularly found in health food shops, are now being used to create drinks that can naturally lift your mood are a great alternative for people who don’t want the alcohol but still want to be sociable. Brands such as Smiling Wolf (see below) are designed to make drinkers feel more relaxed and uplifted.
Pentire is a good option for gin lovers
Try before you buy
As with trying anything new, being brave and taking that first step – or sip – is crucial. If you don’t want to waste money on a product that you aren’t sure you’ll like, why not try it out at your local bar or restaurant first?
‘We’re seeing a steady increase in guests choosing low- or no-alcohol options, not only during Dry January but as part of a broader lifestyle shift,’ says Enrico Gonzato, bar manager at Kioku Sake Bar in London.
‘We’ve definitely experienced a rise in the consumption of non-alcoholic drinks,’ agrees Angelos Bafas, drinks consultant at Nipperkin bar. ‘I think this is a result of younger generations not consuming as many units as people used to in previous years; however it may also be a reflection on the increased prices of alcoholic beverages in general – perhaps a combination.’
Bars are a great place to try non-alcoholic options Credit: Ninepence / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Spoiled for choice
Today every bar, restaurant and pub will offer non-alcoholic options, making it easy to experiment and discover what you like. ‘When I started bartending back in the early 2000s, non-alcoholic drinks were almost never listed on menus,’ says Sebastiano Cristofanon, bar manager at Nightjar in London.
‘Today, the landscape has completely changed. Guests who choose a non-alc option expect the same quality, creativity and sense of occasion as any other drink on the menu. In recent years, non-alcoholic cocktails have become an essential part of every serious bar programme,’ he adds.
Sebastiano Cristofanon, bar manager at Nightjar
Creative cocktails
The same amount of care and creativity needs to be applied to non-alcoholic options as regular cocktails. ‘Alcohol brings texture, weight and length to a drink, so when it is not there you have to rebuild everything from the ground up,’ explains Jack Sotti, bartender at Archive & Myth. ‘We rely on products with real depth of flavour, like The Pathfinder and Opius, and we use ingredients such as koji to bring back that soft richness you normally get from alcohol,’ he adds.
Another challenge is getting flavour to travel. ‘Ethanol naturally carries aroma, so without it you have to work a little harder to keep the drink lively from the first sip to the last. We use layered acidity, different teas, ferments and hydrosols to keep the flavours moving,’ says Sotti.
‘There can often be challenges, particularly around texture and complexity, when creating non-alc drinks,’ adds Adam Montgomerie, general manager at Equal Parts bar. ‘But there are definitely ways around these, including using things like teas, shrubs, verjus, infused syrups, brines and homemade sodas – not to mention the incredible array of non-alc products that are now available.’
Jack Sotti, bartender at Archive & Myth
Play with flavour
Even if you’re not a trained bartender, you can easily create some interesting no-alc options at home. ‘Non alcoholic drinks at home are a great idea for social gatherings, or celebrations, but also for personal consumption when you want something more exciting than a fizzy drink or soda,’ says Bafas.
‘You’ll find lots of ingredients and items used in everyday cooking around the house which can be used as a great base for a non alcoholic drink, such as vinegar, juices and pickle brines,’ he adds.
‘Start simple and focus on balance,’ advises Gonzato. ‘Fresh citrus for structure, a quality tea or infusion for depth, and a touch of salinity can elevate the entire drink. Think in layers, not in alcohol substitutes. A good garnish also transforms the experience – aroma is essential,’ he advises.
Try making a non-alcoholic Amaretto Sour – recipe below
Drinks for everyone
One thing is sure: sober sips are here to stay – and that’s a good thing for anyone who enjoys sharing a drink and good times with friends and family.
‘Not everyone enjoys alcohol, but it’s such a massive part of how we socialise as a culture,’ says Amy McQuarrie, co-owner of Mexican cocktail bar Cinco.
‘The rise of drinks that are sans-alcohol, but have had just as much love and creativity put into the creation as their boozy counterparts, is about inclusivity more than anything.’
Credit: Drazen Zigic / iStock / Getty Images Plus
The best alcohol-free spirits for Dry January: 10 to try
Bax Botanics Sea Buckthorn
Distilled in Yorkshire using organic, ethically sourced herbs and fruit. Packed with vibrant flavour, the no-sugar Bax range includes uplifting Verbena, laced with fresh, sappy, herbaceous notes. But my favourite is Sea Buckthorn: earthy, fruity, spicy, herbal and tangy, with a lip-smacking bitter finish. Pair with low-cal Lixir Ginger Ale for a refreshing, spicy alternative to a whisky highball. Alc 0%
Botivo
Made from a base of British apple cider vinegar, Botivo is a favourite that can always be found in my drinks cupboard at home. Small-batch, with no flavourings or preservatives, it’s infused with fresh botanicals – rosemary, thyme, gentian, wormwood and orange zest – balanced with wildflower honey, for a bittersweet herbal and citrus drink with plenty of depth and complexity. Mix 25ml with tonic over ice and enjoy. Also look out for the Botivo x Ottolenghi Limited Edition, a collaboration with chef Yotam Ottolenghi, featuring a selection of flavours that define his vibrant Middle Eastern cuisine: think pomegranate molasses, black lime, cardamom and rose. (Alc 0%, £32/50cl, Botivo). Alc 0%
Caleño White Coconut
Calling all rum fans… If you love tropical flavours, try Caleño, which is like a liquid Bounty bar, with nice viscosity on the palate, some coconut water sweetness and tingly spice on the finish. To make a delicious alcohol-free Piña Colada put 50ml Caleño White Coconut, 20ml agave, 80ml pineapple juice, 80ml coconut milk, 15ml lime juice in a shaker. Shake with ice, strain into an ice-filled highball glass and garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple. Or simply mix it with pineapple juice or cola over ice. No need to refrigerate and the open bottle keeps for three months. Alc 0%
Crossip Dandy Smoke
Mixologist Carl Anthony Brown created the Crossip range with bartenders in mind. One for fans of whisky and dark rums, Dandy Smoke is full-flavoured and richly textured. Intensely smoky aromas with dry black spices and a leathery/savoury undertone. The deep, complex, smoky palate is good enough to enjoy neat over ice, or simply paired with coke and a squeeze of lime. But Dandy Smoke is also a really versatile choice for cocktails. Try a delicious Dandy Sour. Put 35ml Crossip Dandy Smoke, 20ml lemon juice, 10ml apple juice, 5ml honey and 20ml aquafaba/egg white in a shaker without ice. Shake to mix, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled Nick & Norah glass. Alc 0%
Everleaf Mountain
The excellent Everleaf range was created by Paul Mathew, a conservation biologist and bartender. As well as sustainably sourcing botanicals for flavour, plants such as acacia and seaweed are used for texture, mimicking the viscosity of alcohol. The range includes seaside-inspired Marine, earthy Forest and pretty pink Mountain, laced with cherry and rose hips. Mix one part Everleaf with three parts tonic to create a pale pink alcohol-free G&T. Or try it in a Violet Mountain Spritz with Artisan Drinks Violet Blossom Tonic. Alc 0%
Lyre’s Amaretti
If, like me, you’re a fan of an Amaretto Sour cocktail, then Lyre’s Amaretti should be in your drinks cupboard. With some tangy spice notes, it’s a well-balanced take on Amaretto, the Italian sweet almond liqueur. Sip it neat over ice or shake 75ml Lyre’s Amaretti with 15ml lemon juice, 5ml sugar syrup, 10ml egg white and three dashes of Angostura Bitters to create a delicious alcohol-free Amaretto Sour. A total treat for the dark days of January. Alc 0%
Pavari 17
A dead ringer for Aperol, with its vibrant orange colour and bittersweet taste, Pavari 17 is made from a base of alcohol-free white wine with an infusion of 17 Mediterranean botanicals including Spanish citrus. Pair it with a no- or low-alcohol sparkling wine to create a thirst-quenching spritz or serve with soda or tonic over ice. Also available in ready-to-drink Pavari Spritz cans. Alc 0.5%
Pentire Adrift
Packed with flavour, the Pentire range – Adrift and Seaward – is made by distilling botanicals found along the Cornish coast, including rock samphire, sea buckthorn, seaweed, woodruff and sage, as well as Cornish sea salt. Seaward has citrus aromas and flavours, noticeably pink grapefruit, which is a key botanical (and makes a great garnish in a No-G&T). Adrift is bursting with coastal freshness, bright and pure herbal notes and earthy spice. Alc 0%
Sipsmith FreeGlider
The dedicated Sipsmith team, creators of the excellent Sipsmith London Dry Gin, experimented with over 100 ingredients and 189 prototypes to create their alcohol-free spirit – and it was worth the effort. Woody, herbal aromas with uplifting freshness, lead to notes of grapefruit citrus, juniper, dry spice and eucalypt with a lingering pine sap note. Well balanced, it makes a super No G&T garnished with a slice of grapefruit. Alc 0.4%
Smiling Wolf Agave
Smiling Wolf’s range of functional drinks aim to mimic the social buzz of alcohol with plant-based nootropics. The spicy Agave expression is made from a base of the same Blue Weber agave that’s used to produce tequila, with the addition of caffeine and theanine (an amino acid found in green and black tea, which raises your levels of seratonin and dopamine). Enjoy it as a tequila substitute in cocktails: shake 50ml Smiling Wolf Agave with 25ml lime juice and 15ml agave syrup for a guilt-free Margarita. Alc 0.5%
