This Alcohol Awareness Week (3 – 9 July 2023), we’re bringing to light a selection of non-alcoholic drinks for the sober social butterfly in you.
The summer months can be challenging for non-drinkers, as the arrival of British summer is usually marked by long days of basking in the sunshine, where day and evening drinking tends to be on the cards.
Yet, as consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the contents of their food and drink, the global non-alcoholic market continues to boom, with an estimated reach of $1.6 trillion by 2025. Therefore, it has never felt like a better time to become familiar with the many inspiring non-alcoholic drink options out there. These are some of the best.
Botivo
Botivo is a slow-sipping botanical drink that takes its inspiration from aperitifs. Challenging the notion that in order for drinks to be complex, well-crafted and richly flavoured, they must contain a percentage of alcohol, Botivio uses ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, organic wildflower honey, rosemary, thyme, wormwood and orange zest. This is a true craft brand that takes weeks to make its product and deliver the best results. As its powerful slogan, ‘made by artisans, drunk by healthy hedonists’ hints, Botivo is tailored towards individuals who are conscious about their health and value the act of unwinding. Recently revealing a new and playful design that captures the brand’s joy de vivre, these drinks that should be on your wish list, if not on your shelf.
Everleaf
Everleaf consists of three unique flavours: Forest – described as complex and bittersweet; Mountain – vibrant and aromatic; and Marine – crisp and refreshing. Wonderfully enjoyed in the form of a classic spritz, you can also head to their website to discover new recipes and twists – or why not customise your own drink with additional flavours and garnishes? Founder, Paul Mathew, has worked as both a conservation biologist and a bartender and said that during the latter he often questioned how he could create a non-alcoholic aperitif with all the depth and complexity of the finest drinks behind his bar. Everleaf was set up in order to tackle this question – and the rest is history.
Pentire Drinks
Pentire Drinks was born from a love for coastal living, and a desire to bottle all the experiences that come with it. The herbal Pentire Adrift and zesty Pentire Seaward are crafted using plants native to Cornwall, and the more bitter Pentire Coastal Spritz is a uniquely flavoursome drink blended with blood orange, sea rosemary and oakwood. In their own words, the drinks “harness the power, beauty and immense flavours of plants,” and they’re targeted towards active folk who love the outdoors and are determined to put their well-being above all else.
GIMBER
GIMBER dedicates itself to formulating the ultimate ginger concentrate, called golden elixir and made of 100% natural and organic ingredients, as well as adopting a sustainably-led approach to the supply chain. Priding itself on its versatile and daring reputation, the product contains a unique blend of ginger, lemon, herbs and spices, all of which are mood-enhancing. Possessing all the benefits of nutritious superfoods, you truly can’t go wrong with this reviving drink. GIMBER is a true game-changer in that its signature ginger twist can be added to mocktails, hot drinks and even dishes, for all to enjoy.
Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Wine
Taking the alcohol-free drinking sphere by storm, Amanda Thomson, CEO and founder of Thomson & Scott, recently launched Noughty – the first high-quality, alcohol-free, organic, vegan, halal, low-sugar sparkling wine. Using organic grapes that are harvested with minimal intervention and avoiding animal byproducts in the process of filtration, her methods are sustainable, speaking closely to consumers who are both eco and health-conscious. The brand is also driven to promote truth and transparency in the wine industry regarding labelling and the ingredients that go into the bottle.
Seedlip
Featuring three variations of cocktail centrepieces, Spice 94, Grove 42 and Garden 108, Seedlip’s approach is grounded in working with the natural world to change the narrative around drinking. Formulating the perfect plant-based, non-alcoholic liquor that celebrates the essence of the English countryside, all of the ingredients used are of the highest quality and are carefully sourced, while the bold fusions of ingredients like oak, lemongrass, cascarilla and citrus can truly be appreciated in the absence of alcohol.
Mahala Botanical
From farm to glass, Mahala is made in South Africa using botanicals that are infused under a vacuum to extract the rich flavours. Mahala is the Zulu word for ‘free’, which is apt given that the products are all free from sugar, alcohol, colourants and artificial flavours (on top of this, they are gluten-free and vegan-friendly, too). Boasting an award for Best Low/No Alcohol Spirit at the Michelangelo International Spirit Awards in its year of creation, as well as various other more recent accolades, Mahala Botanicals is one to add to your summer shopping basket.
Clean T
Clean T, Clean Co’s non-alcoholic spirit, is the ideal blanco tequila alternative when you’re in the mood for a Margarita but can’t face the trouble of a hangover the next morning. A fun medley of fruit flavours complemented with subtle hints of fresh green agave and new oak aromas, allowing for a peppery finish that leaves a tingle on the tongue. For the perfect pour, Clean T recommends Triple T: 50ml Clean T on the rocks topped with tonic and Tabasco for that extra kick. The website provides new and enticing recipes, as well as the classics for you to try this summer as part of their 30-Day Sober Challenge.
LA Brewery
LA Brewery advocates for kombucha as the ideal substitute for alcoholic beverages. Head to their website to discover the Non-Alcoholic Drinking Hub for inspiration on where to find the best non-alcoholic drinks when you’re out and about, and tips on customising your own drinks. Sustainably brewed in Suffolk and selling products across London, the Sparkling English rose-infused kombucha, their bestseller, is the cherry on top of a quintessentially British summertime picnic.
REAL
REAL Naturally Fermented Sparkling Tea has announced the launch of Peony Blush, their new alcohol-free sparkling rosé. Hand-picked loose-leaf teas are expertly sourced and naturally fermented for all the depth, flavour and complexity of fine wine. Possessing that delightful pink rosé hue and notes of strawberry, cherry and summer fruits, this really is summertime captured in a bottle.
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