Gone are the days when going alcohol-free meant choosing between a can of pop or a glass of water.
The world of non-alcoholic drinks has had a serious glow-up in recent years, with supermarkets, bars and restaurants stocking everything from alcohol-free wines and beers to botanical spirits and fermented drinks.
“While I’m not teetotal, I’m a big fan of the many zero-alcohol distilled ‘spirits’,” says Liz. “There’s so much choice these days, and they give you the ritual of mixing a drink, without the headache the next morning.
“I also enjoy things like kombucha, water kefir and botanical sodas – they’re super easy to find in most supermarkets too.”
Whether you’re cutting back, taking a break or simply fancy trying something new, here are some of Liz’s favourite alcohol-free drinks.
8 of Liz’s favourite non-alcoholic drinks
Smiling Wolf
Smiling Wolf offers the occasion of a cocktail, without the after-effects,
Its range of alcohol-free spirits combines botanical extracts with nootropics and vitamins for grown-up drinks that help you unwind.
The Botanical Blend is great for fans of a classic G&T, with juniper-led flavours that pair perfectly with a tonic.
Botivo
Negroni fans rejoice! Botivo is the bittersweet staple your drinks cupboard needs.
Made with apple cider vinegar, rosemary, thyme, orange zest and a touch of honey, it delivers a bitter edge that’s often missing from alcohol-free alternatives. Simply mix one part Botivo with seven parts chilled soda water, pour over ice and garnish with a slice of orange for an easy summer aperitif.
Sentia
Sentia takes a different approach to alcohol-free drinks and has been created by Professor David Nutt and his team of neuroscientists.
Rather than mimicking alcohol itself, it’s formulated with botanicals that work with the brain’s GABA system – the neurotransmitter involved in helping us feel calm and relaxed. The result is a sophisticated evening drink that’s a regular in Liz’s wind-down routine.
The Red blend is a particular favourite, thanks to its fruity berry notes and calming botanicals, including ashwagandha and passionflower.
Seedlip
Seedlip is one of the pioneers of alcohol-free spirits and remains a staple for summer entertaining.
Its Grove 42 blend combines bright citrus notes of orange and lemon with warming ginger and lemongrass. Serve simply with soda water over plenty of ice.
Pentire
Inspired by the Cornish coastline, Pentire creates botanical spirits using ingredients including rock samphire, wild seaweed, sage and sea rosemary.
As a certified B Corp, the brand also places sustainability at the heart of what it does. If you’re after something quick and easy, its ready-to-drink non-alcoholic Margarita is a delicious option – simply pour over ice and garnish with a wedge of lime.
Three Spirit
Three Spirit blends botanicals, adaptogens and functional plant extracts to create drinks designed around how you want to feel.
The Livener offers an uplifting, energising blend with flavours of watermelon, guava and ginger, while Social Elixir combines cacao, lion’s mane mushroom and herbs to help create a relaxed, sociable mood. For evenings, Nightcap contains calming botanicals including lemon balm and valerian, making it a booze-free alternative to a traditional night-time tipple.
Jukes
One for the wine lovers. Made by wine expert, Matthew Jukes, these concentrated botanical blends combine fruits, herbs, spices and apple cider vinegar to create complex, food-friendly drinks.
Simply dilute with still or sparkling water to make a light, refreshing serve that pairs beautifully with lunch or dinner.
Kombucha
A gut-friendly staple.
Made by fermenting sweetened tea, kombucha naturally contains beneficial live cultures that help to support a healthy gut microbiome. Because it’s fermented, some varieties may contain trace amounts of alcohol, which is why not every bottle is labelled as alcohol-free.
Kombucha is now widely available in supermarkets, making it easy to enjoy without brewing your own. Liz’s favourites include MOMO Kombucha and Equinox Kombucha.
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