Sober, booze free, adult soft drinks, non-alcoholic; with people drinking less, and wellbeing brands booming, “adult” non-alc drinks are hot property. Bond swapped out his martini for a Heineken zero, and whilst Seedlip broke the rules with their non-alcoholic spirit, this is by no means a one horse race, in fact the UK seems to be a breeding ground for them.
As creators of one of the first “functional” non-alc drink, and with a team of alchemists, bartenders and plant scientists, we’re well placed to pick our favourites and guide you through the world of booze-free booze; Non-alcoholic spirit sounds a bit like an oxymoron but in fact by definition a spirit is an “Unsweetened, distilled, alcoholic drink that has an alcohol content of at least 20%”. Which must make a non alcoholic spirit, some kind of distilled, unsweetened drink.
Few companies give complete clarity on how they’re made, for some it’s a cleverly guarded secret but a non alcoholic spirit is generally some kind of hydrosol; a process involving raw ingredients and using steam / distillation / extraction, so you end up with some kind of botanical water, its been used for things such as perfume forever. Clever, elegant and delicious.
We take a look at the best non-alcoholic drinks & “spirits”, what they are, & where to find them.
Everleaf Forest
Bar owner, conservation biologist and nature loving Paul, wanted to create something which was not only different to everything else on the market but also put sustainability at the heart of how he sourced his ingredients. With vanilla, saffron and Angelica, this aperitif is a crowd pleaser and perfect for when the suns out. He’s just launched two new drinks as well.
Get it here.
Three Spirit
Call us biased, but Three Spirit are a little different in that they offer feelings as well as flavour. Created by plant scientists & bartenders they each offer a delicious alternative to alcohol, but also allow you to feel more energised, relaxed or to help you sleep. Packed full of active ingredients, adaptogens & plants used in ancient remedies and potions, they’re deliciously different. With three to choose from, Livener, Social Elixir & Nightcap, pick your mood and moment. Don’t just take our word for it, they’re reviews are awesome too.
Get it here.
Sea Arch
For a G&T substitute Sea Arch is definitely one of our favourites, very heavy on the Juniper so it really has that gin note when served with tonic. Sea Arch takes its inspiration from the sea off the Southwest coast of England, and uses sea kelp as a botanical, in addition to more traditional gin botanicals such as angelica root.
Get it here.
Monin – Bitter
Made by syrup stalwarts, Monin – this bitter red liquid carries just as much flavour and bittersweet punch as Campari. A complex blend of plants and spices, including gentian, bitter orange, cardamom, ginger and cherry – this drink mixes perfectly in an Americano cocktail, and just as well with your favourite non-alcoholic spirits, an alcohol-free vermouth such as Palermo Rosso to create a well-balanced negroni, minus the booze.
Buy it from the Whisky Exchange
Ghia
A different spin on plant-packed non-alcs, US based Ghia is a social tonic inspired by Mediterranean aperitivo culture. Perfect for slow-sipping and fast-talking, this light and dry aperitif contains a bold combination of botanicals that kickstart both the appetite and the conversation. A great way to start the night, Ghia takes you to a happy place without numbing the experience; a drink you’ll remember in the morning.
Get it here.
Kin
Keeping within the theme of three, Kin Euphorics offer a non-alc spritz in a can, an herbaceous tonic and a smoky slow-sipper to finish off the night. As a brand that revolves around conscious connections, Kin’s drinks focus use nootropics to amplify social scenarios as they strive to bring bliss to the world by uplifting and elevating its oldest social tradition: drinking.
Get them here.
Lyre’s – Absinthe
Named for the famed Lyrebird, one of nature’s famed mimics – Australian company, Lyre’s embraces the art of imitation. Lyres have developed a vast range of spirits and liqueurs, seeking to best capture the essence of their alcoholic counterparts. Relatively niche in the non-alcoholic spirits sector, Lyre’s have created a refined alternative to a spirit notorious for its high proofs and capacity to alter states. Aggressively fennel forward, you’ll also taste notes of wormwood, liquorice and anise backed by a plethora of herbs and spice notes.
Get it here.
Seedlip
Founder Ben Branson is really the pioneer of non alc. He kicked off this whole movement and with the big dogs Diageo backing Seedlip, this is the one you’re likely to have seen about town in the gastropubs and fancy bars. Stocked by most supermarkets and easy to get online, it now comes in 3 flavours; Garden, Spice & Grove. With a big team they’re always up to something new so definitely one to follow if you’re into this whole non-alc thing.
Get it here.
Caleño
Founded by Ellie, who was frustrated by the lack of choice in alcohol-free drinks, set out to bring some of her travels around her Columbian homeland and bottle it up in a Juniper and Inca Berry packed gin style drinkt. The Inca Berry gives this drink it’s sweet and tangy tropical notes, which means it’s slightly sweeter whether served with tonic, on it’s own or with pineapple juice and fresh lime and soda.
Get it here.
Herbie Gin Virgin
This Danish gin company makes all sorts of interesting gins (with alcohol) so they knew what they wanted to achieve with their Herbie Virgin, it’s produced in North Jutland, Denmark where they distill their own herbs and water then distill on small copper boilers. Herbie uses juniper as one of its botanicals, along with Danish Apple & lavender.
Get it here
Gimber
Tickling the palate, and balancing sweetness, spice and acidity – Gimber is a fond memory of a simpler time. A slow burn and something for your tastebuds to really savour.
Get it here.
Copenhagen Sparkling Tea BLÅ
One more from Denmark, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea is a great alternative to champagne, and perfect with food.
Get it here.
Thomson and Scott – Noughty
Aka the Virtuous prosecco. Prosecco makers, Thomson and Scott have pulled out all the stops to give you a bottle of fizz with no alcohol involved.. Even better, they’re a certified B Corp, so you can rest easy that you’re doing your bit for the world.
Get it here.
