With virtual pub quizzes, zoom parties and ‘quarantinis’ having become the new normal, many of us have become a dab hand at fixing our own drinks.

And without the discipline of a normal working routine, the gym and diarising ‘school nights’ to lay off the booze, it’s far more tempting to have a glass, and then another one…

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Combine that with warm temperatures and blue skies, who wouldn’t argue that a cuppa loses its mojo when there’s the appealing option of a mojito.

10 low or no alcohol alternatives to try now

But if you feel the need to call time on too much of a good thing, these low and no alcohol alternatives put mindful drinking first, without compromising on flavour.

1. A ‘small’ beer

Traditionally ‘small beer’ has an average abv of between 0.5% and 2.8%. Today, brewers are tapping into trends for low and no, and demand for artisan varieties, so the likes of the Small Beer Brew Co. – whose range comes in under 2.8% ABV – are creating really fresh session beers. Citrusy, hoppy, surprisingly satisfying and some with less than half the calories.

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For every beer lover, you may not only want to crack open a cold bottle and drink, but enjoy all its glory of storage, bartending, the taste of brewing, and even sharing with others.

This is where a fun but practical gadget comes in handy – challenge coins custom made – which can be used as a bottle opener, or to be perfectly kept in your in-home bar or garage. You can customize it however you like, adding your favourite beer logo, funny drinking quotes, or meaningful symbols of your own.

This also makes a great gift for your family members, friends, and colleagues who are beer lovers. 

2. White wine spritzer

Spritzer cocktail with white wine, mint and ice, decorated with spiral lemon zest, square

It’s a little bit old school cool, and remember, the more ice, the better. Take your favourite glass – highball is best – load it with quality cubes, half fill with a sauvignon blanc (the herbaceous flavours and aromatics won’t disperse easily when they’re diluted), top with lots of fizzy water and garnish with a lime wedge or lemon twist and mint.

3. Vermouth with soda

Refreshing Cold Americano Cocktail with an Orange Garnish

A fortified wine flavoured with herbs and spices, red vermouths such as Starlino Rosso work beautifully in low abv cocktails at 17%, and can be enjoyed on the rocks with a splash of soda. The classic ‘vermouth de Torino’ also comes in a heavy, apothecary style bottle, cin-cin!

Hotel Starlino Rosso Torino Vermouth, 75 cl (1 bottle)
  • This 17% Hotel Starlino Rosso Vermouth is a sweet and rich vermouth infused with vanilla, rhubarb, ginger and bitter orange peel
  • 750ml of exceptional Rosso Vermouth produced in Torino, Italy by our vermouth master using quality Italian wine and ingredients
  • This beautiful Italian Vermouth is made using a Piedmonte wine that is aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Sparkling wine topped up with fruit juice

Two mimosa cocktail glasses

When it’s time to pop the corks, celebrations will last that much longer if you top your flute of fizz with a splash of fresh orange juice or red grapefruit juice. Alternatively, think about building a bellini: prosecco topped with peach purée is just as stylish, but lighter on the booze front.

A household name Down Under, award winning McGuigan wines produce all our favourite styles; but their Zero range has hidden potential. Not only can you quaff these fruity gems to your heart’s content, with three styles to choose from, it’s happy days for lunchtime sipping.

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6. Non-alcoholic spirits

Seedlip’s non-alcoholic distilled spirits offer three variants: Garden, Grove and Spice. And if you really want to up the ante and switch tonic for juice, bitters and a twist, their website, offers a selection of easy to follow drinks recipes for some of the world’s most popular cocktails… without the hangover.

Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirit Trio Gift Box, 20 cl, Pack of 3
  • SEEDLIP GIFTBOX: Discover the aromatic Seedlip Spice 94; the fresh and herbal Seedlip Garden 108; and the citrus-forward Seedlip Grove 42
  • WE ARE THE PERFECT NON-ALCOHOLIC GIFT: Our three 20cl gift box is the ideal gift for any occasion
  • NATURAL BOTANICAL BLEND: Each expression brings a perfectly balanced & refreshing experience to any occasion. Whether midweek, driving, relaxing at home or just looking for something exceptional,...

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

7. A light abv riesling

Famous German quality white wine riesling, produced in Mosel wine regio from white grapes growing on slopes of hills in Mosel river valley in Germany, bottle and glasses served outside in Mosel valley

If you’re not familiar with the sommelier’s favourite wine (versatile and food friendly), Riesling is a bone-dry, cool climate style, and some can go as low as 9.5% abv. With lively fruit flavours, it could be your next go-to-white. Some of the best come from Pfalz in Germany, look for ‘trocken’ meaning dry, or ‘kabinett’ meaning light, on the label.

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8. White port and tonic

Refreshing White Port and Tonic with Orange Garnish

Portuguese white port is having a moment, and you’ll be hard pushed to find a more deliciously crisp and refreshing drink than a P&T. Take one part white port (between 16.5% and 20% abv), one part tonic, serve over ice and garnish with a slice.

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9. Grown-up cordial

Drinks critic Matthew Jukes is the brains behind Jukes Cordialities which are designed to resemble red and white wine, and to be served in a wine glass or tumbler with still, sparkling or tonic water.

10. Alcohol-free cider

There’s a number of 0% ciders out there, but beyond doubt, the Smashed range of British-made ciders tastes and feels like the real thing. With a medium dry palate and orchard fruit finish, there’s sharpness and sweetness in spades.

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Best-selling low alcohol beer

Stuck for inspiration? Check out our list of best-selling Amazon products!

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