The ultimate guide to no-and-low alcohol drinks
There was a time when not drinking alcohol the only options on the menu were water, sugary soft drinks, something mixed with soda water or mocktails that just didn't quite hit the spot. Thankfully, those days are long gone. Now, not drinking alcohol has never been more exciting, thanks to all the no-and-low alcohol brands out there offering exceptional experiences. After all, everyone deserves to enjoy a delicious drink. That's why, together with spirits and cocktail expert Adam Hussein who has a great eye for mindful drinking, we're sharing everything you need to know about no-and-low alcohol drinks.
What does alcohol free mean?
In the UK, alcohol free refers to a drink that contains a small percentage of alcohol, typically 0.5% ABV or less. For context, ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume percentage, as in the percentage of the drink that contains alcohol. Another thing to note is that drinks with an ABV of under 0.5% in Europe and the USA are alcohol free.
Is alcohol free the same as non-alcoholic?
No, non-alcoholic drinks (also known as virgin cocktails or mocktails) don't contain any alcohol at all. Basically, non-alcoholic drinks are cocktail-style drinks that can be made with ingredients like fruits, syrups and herbs, often combined with soft drinks, soda water or tonic water. They’re a great way to create different flavours and twists on alcoholic cocktails like a Non-Alcoholic Mojito, (aka a No-jito!)
What is a low alcohol drink?
If non-alcoholic drinks contain no alcohol, and alcohol free drinks contain 0.5% ABV or less (depending on where in the world you are), then what is a low alcohol drink? In the UK, low alcohol drinks are those with an ABV of between 0.05% and 1.2%. In the US, low alcohol drinks have an ABV of between 0.5% and 7.5%. You might also have come across two other names for low alcohol drinks, namely…
De-alcoholised
De-alcoholised is used to describe a drink made similarly to a standard alcoholic beverage, but once the fermentation process is complete, the alcohol is extracted. These drinks should not be more than 0.5% ABV.
Reduced alcohol
These drinks are much stronger than alcohol free or low-alcohol drinks but with at least 30% less alcohol. This means the strength of reduced alcohol drinks is typically around halfway between alcohol free and standard strength.
How are alcohol free drinks made?
Alcohol free drinks are made the same way as alcoholic drinks. The difference is that alcohol free drinks use special types of malt and yeast with non-fermentable sugars (the fermentation is what creates the alcohol). This is so the process can be controlled meaning the amount of alcohol created never goes over 0.5% ABV.
Are non-alcoholic and low alcohol drinks healthier?
The short answer is: it depends! If you are looking to reduce the amount of alcohol or alcohol-related calories in your diet, a non-alcoholic or low alcohol drink is a great way to do this. They provide the same great taste with a lower ABV. However, it's good to be aware of what you're mixing your drink with, too, whether it’s no, low or alcoholic, as calories in any drink don't just come from alcohol. Soft drinks, fruit juices and syrups can be high in sugar and calories, so if you want to keep an eye on things, consider a slimline tonic water or diet soda as your mixer instead. Whatever you pick, remember to enjoy your drink responsibly and have some cheeky snacks on hand too!
Do no-and-low alcohol drinks taste good?
Just because a drink is non-alcoholic or has a low alcohol content, it doesn't mean it has to compromise on taste. With so many brands like Seedlip stepping up to create the most delicious drinks bursting full of flavour that taste just as good as alcoholic drinks, the list of innovative no-and-low cocktails is endless. It's also worth noting that the level of the tastiness of your drinks depends on the quality of the ingredients. Mocktails made with lower-quality ingredients can taste dull and flat, which of course, you don't want. So, aim for fresh, vibrant and flavourful ingredients whenever you can.
How to make non-alcohol drinks look good
Just because a drink has less alcohol (or none at all!) doesn’t mean it has to look boring. Everyone deserves a drink that wows the senses, no matter what’s in the glass. Cocktails are all about substance and style, so getting creative with your garnishes and glassware adds to the enjoyment.
An easy way to decide what garnish to use is to think about what ingredients are in your drink. Have you mixed up a stunning non-alcoholic Tequila Sunrise with freshly squeezed orange juice and pretty pink grenadine syrup? Then garnish the rim of your glass with a juicy orange slice. Or maybe you’ve put your cocktail shaker to good use and shaken up an Espresso Marti-NO? Make it clear this is a coffee-based drink by sprinkling a few coffee beans on top before serving. See? Simple!
Don’t forget to consider your glassware, too. Just like any other cocktail, non-alcoholic cocktails shouldn’t be relegated to boring cups – they deserve better than that! Dig out your classiest glasses, raid charity shops, and see what’s lurking in the back of your parent’s cupboards – you never know what vintage gems are hiding there! Whether it’s elegant, funky, retro or nostalgic, putting thought into what glass you pour your cocktail in makes it feel even more special.
Alcohol free and non alcoholic drinks food pairings
Going alcohol-free doesn't mean your meal pairing has to be boring. Just like with alcoholic cocktails, when pairing your drink with food, you'll want your drink to either mirror or contrast the ingredients in your meal. For example, sparkling tonic mixed with the herbal Seedlip Garden 108 will contrast the heaviness of a beef stew, mirroring the herbs in the dish without getting overpowered. Or, citrussy cocktails go well with light, summer-y foods like salads and seafood dishes, especially shellfish like prawns and crab.
Delicious alcohol free brands
Thanks to the citrus and juniper taste of Tanqueray 0.0%, the fresh taste of Seedlip spirits and the subtly sweet flavour of Gordon's Alcohol Free, there are now so many incredible no-and-low alcohol drinks options to choose from that 'not drinking' doesn't mean you're missing out. We've rounded up a few of our favourites below if you're looking for great brands to try.
Seedlip
Seedlip is the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit. It opened up new possibilities for more incredible alcohol free drinks with distinct flavours and a delicious taste. If you enjoy spice-led spirits, try Seedlip Spice 94, or if herbal liqueurs are more your vibe, it's all about the Seedlip Garden 108. If citrus notes are more your thing, try the Seedlip Grove 42.
Our favourite Seedlip cocktail: Seedlip Pineapple and Jalapeno Margarita
Gordon's 0.0%
All the zest of Gordon's, just without the alcohol. Gordon's 0.0% is created with the same botanicals used in Gordon's London Dry Gin, which are then expertly blended to capture the true essence of Gordon's.
Our favourite Gordon's cocktail: Gordon's 0.0% and Tonic Winter cocktail
Tanqueray 0.0 %
If your tastebuds enjoy drinks with vanilla and an elegant floral finish, Tanqueray 0.0 % is the one for you. This delicious alcohol free drink is created by distilling the same botanicals used in Tanqueray London Dry Gin. They're individually immersed in water, heated and then distilled before being expertly blended together to capture the essence of Tanqueray.
Recommended Tanqueray cocktail: Tanqueray 0.0 % and Tonic
Adam's top 5 alcohol free cocktails
We're all about crowd-pleasing, tasty no-and-low cocktails. From fresh and fruity to citrus-forward and crisp, try these 5 alcohol free cocktail recipes that Adam, our experienced brand ambassador with an eye for mindful drinking, recommends for your next at-home event.
1. Garden Highball
Adam says: "This is a non-alcoholic take on a Tom Collins cocktail and should be a staple in your home. The elderflower cordial brightens up the citrus notes in the gin and is balanced by the touch of fresh lemon juice. Here the apple and soda water provide freshness and effervescence for you to enjoy this take on a classic cocktail."
You’ll need:
50ml (1.75oz) Tanqueray 0.0%
50ml (1.75oz) cloudy apple juice
25ml (0.75oz) elderflower cordial
10ml (0.3oz) lemon juice
Soda water
Cucumber
Mint sprig
Ice
To make:
Chop your cucumber into a few long and thin discs
Add the gin, cordial and apple and lemon juices to a cocktail shaker filled with ice, along with a couple of cucumber discs
Give it a good old shake before straining it into a highball glass full of ice
Top the glass with a splash of soda
Garnish with a fresh cucumber disc and mint sprig
2. Shirley Temple Float
Adam says: "It’s drinks like these that really allow non-alcoholic cocktails to thrive. This is where creativity meets indulgence and FUN! Crossing the threshold from drinks into food, this dessert-style drink will add another layer to your dinner party or will be a real eye-catcher at the bar."
You’ll need:
60ml (2oz) orange juice
1 tablespoon grenadine
2 scoops of vanilla ice cream, softened slightly
175ml (6oz) lemon-lime soda
2 maraschino cherries for garnish
To make:
Pour orange juice into the bottom of a soda glass
Pour grenadine slowly down the side of the glass so it slides to the bottom
Carefully spoon ice cream on top of orange juice and grenadine
Fill the remainder of the glass with lemon-lime soda
Garnish with cherries
Serve immediately with a milkshake spoon and straw
3. Alcohol Free Mojito
Adam says: ‘’I'm sure I'm not alone in saying this was one of the first non-alcoholic cocktails I served in my career. Almost without thinking, my automatic association was apple juice when it was ordered from me. This shows that many classic cocktails can be modified to be non-alcoholic because they have other elements to them. This is a personal favourite.”
40ml (1.3oz) soda water
30ml (1oz) apple juice
20ml (0.6oz) lime juice
15ml 0.5oz) elderflower cordial
Mint sprig and leaves
Lime wedge
Crushed ice
To make:
Press down with a muddler on 6 mint leaves in the bottom of a tall glass to extract the juices and flavour
Add the juices and cordial
Fill the glass with crushed ice and churn the drink with a bar spoon
Top the drink with soda water
Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wedge
4. Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri
Adam says: "It wouldn't be right without suggesting a blended non-alcoholic cocktail, and this one hits the spot. Fruity, bright, and fresh – what more do you need? Try different fruits like pineapple, watermelon or even passionfruit."
You’ll need:
340g frozen strawberries
60ml (2oz) lime juice
45ml (1.5oz) simple syrup – 1 part sugar dissolved over heat into 1 part water
Lime wedge and sugar for the rim
Strawberries
Ice
To make:
To prepare rim, rub the rim of the glass with the lime wedge
With the sugar on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the sugar to coat
Put ice, strawberries, simple syrup, and lime juice in a blender and blend until desired consistency
After removing the pitcher from the blender, stir and combine any settled ingredients
Pour into prepared glass
Garnish with strawberries
5. Gin Sour
Adam says: "Sours are in every bartender’s repertoire, whether you’re a home bartender or professional. Egg whites or aquafaba add depth and texture to your cocktails, so using these ingredients in a non-alcoholic serve can add to the feeling of your drinking experiencing. This take on a classic gin sour makes for a delicious and textured delight for you or your guests. Try adding some fresh berries to mix it up."
You’ll need:
50ml (1.75oz) Gordon's 0.0%
25ml (0.75oz) lemon juice
Egg white or 20ml (0.6oz) aquafaba or Mrs Better's Bitters Miraculous Foamer for a vegan alternative
15ml (0.5oz) simple syrup – 1 part sugar dissolved over heat into 1 part water
Twisted lemon peel
Ice
To make:
Add the Gordon’s, juice, syrup and egg white (or aquafaba or foamer) to your shaker
Close your shaker and gently shake to activate the texture
Open the shaker, add plenty of ice, and give it a hard shake
Strain into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with a lemon twist
Let’s sum this up
No-and-low alcohol options are exciting! As we've covered, there's a difference between the terms, so checking the labels is always a good idea. Alcohol free drinks contain a small amount of alcohol, so they're not suitable if you're looking to avoid alcohol altogether, and non-alcoholic spirits come with no alcohol, fewer calories and less sugar. With lots of innovative brands around, it's nice to have so many creative options on the menu other than water or a sugary soft drink that don't compromise on flavour and look pretty too. Let's toast to that!
Adam Hussein
More from The Bar
