22 low and no-alcohol Christmas tipples you'll actually want to drink
Christmas can be tricky for those who are teetotal or taking some time away from the booze, but it needn't be. It used to be that low and no-alcohol drinks weren't up to much. While soft drinks have improved beyond lime and soda, alcohol substitutions tended to be watered down or overly sweet versions of their boozy counterparts... and that's when you could find them.
But the tide is changing with the hospitality industry keen to serve the 19% of adults in the UK who don't drink alcohol. And business is booming, with recent figures predicting that pubs to sell a record 140 million pints of low and no-alcohol beer across the UK this year, up from more than 120 million last year.
"The low and no space has experienced really exciting growth in the last few years, largely driven by a shift towards more mindful drinking and healthier lifestyles," explains Rosie Lees, judge at the IWSC, Spirit Masters and the World Drinks Awards. "Consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives that allow them to enjoy social occasions but without the hangover the next day, and this trend has led to a surge in innovative, high-quality non-alcoholic options."
Low and no-alcohol Christmas tipples you'll actually want to drink
Christmas aperitifs
Everleaf
Everleaf offers a range of plant-based non-alcoholic aperitifs, each inspired by different ecosystems and crafted with a range of botanicals to provide a unique flavour profile. "These aperitifs are designed to be mixed with tonic or used in cocktails, delivering an upmarket alternative for mindful drinkers," Lees adds.
From £22, 500ml Everleaf / 0.5% ABV
Smiling Wolf Aperitivo
The new mood enhancing spirit on the block, Smiling Wolf Aperitivo is a twist on classic aperitifs. "Great for an alcohol-free negroni or topped up with sparkling alcohol-free wine," Laura Willoughby, co-founder of low, light and alcohol-free specialists, Club Soda explains. "Expect citrus peel, herbs, and a subtle floral undertone."
£32 Smiling Wolf / 0.5%
Three Spirit Livener
Three Spirit Livener is a mood-boosting, energising blend with adaptogens like guayusa and schisandra to lift focus and ease stress. "It is a natural pick me up and perfect with soda, tonic, or in cocktails," advises Willoughby. "Expect fresh watermelon, guava, and ginger that pair with bitter ginseng for a dry finish. This will get your Christmas off to the right start."
£25.99 Three Spirit Drinks / 0.0% ABV
Almave
Co-founded by Lewis Hamilton in partnership with Mexican spirits group Casa Lumbre, Almave is billed as the first non-alcoholic blue agave-based spirit.
"Distilled in Jalisco, Mexico, Almave looks to replicate the flavours and mouthfeel of traditional agave spirits like tequila, providing a full-flavoured experience without the alcohol," Lees says.
From £24, 700ml Almave / 0.5% ABV
Botivo
"This delightfully bitter drink with herbal and citrus notes is great simply served with soda or as part of a Christmas cocktail," Lees explains.
£27.50, 500ml Botivo Drinks / 0% ABV
Fizz
The REAL Drinks Co
The REAL Drinks Co has innovated in the non-alcoholic sparkling wine category by experimenting with fermentation processes and the taste profiles of different loose-leaf teas. "My favourite, Dry Dragon is made using pan-fired Dragonwell green tea resulting in a crisp, dry sparkling white," explains Lees.
£10, 75cl, Ocado / 0% ABV
Zeno Sparkling Rose Wine
This charming alcohol-free option brings a touch of sophistication to any occasion. "With its soft blush-pink hue and delicate bubbles, it’s as visually appealing as it is enjoyable," says Willoughby.
£12.95 Drydrinker / 0.5% ABV
Della Vite Zero
This sparkling French Rosé with flavours of cherry blossom, red berry, and fresh red apple is from the Delevinnge sisters, Cara, Poppy and Chloe. The first batch instantly sold out of Selfridges, but now it is available from Amazon.
£14.99 - £15.64 per 750ml bottle available from Selfridges and Amazon / 0% ABV
Nozeco Sparkling Drink
Experts say this is the closest to a legit boozy Prosecco.
£21 for six bottles at Amazon / 0.5% ABV
Kylie Minogue alcohol-free sparkling rosé
From the princess of pop herself, this berry-tinged option is a winner with the experts.
£6 at Tesco / 0.5% ABV /
Beer and ales
Lucky Saint: Superior Hazy IPA
The Superior Hazy IPA is a juicy, hazy beer with notes of tropical and stone fruits. "Staying true to Lucky Saint's brewing values, this IPA is crafted with all-natural ingredients, without additives or flavourings, and is left unfiltered to retain maximum flavour and body," Lees adds.
4 x 330ml, £6, Sainsburys / 0.5% ABV
Firebrand Shorebreak Alcohol Free Hazy Pale
Alcohol free and full of hoppy flavour, Shorebreak provides everything ale-drinkers like in a Hazy Pale but without the hangover.
£2.70 per can, Firebrand / 0.5% ABV
Adnams Ghost Ship
This Suffolk-produced brew is the perfect low alcohol option for Christmas. With 100% of the taste at just 0.5% ABV.
£26.99 for 24x330ml cans from Adnams.co.uk / 0.5% ABV
Mulled wine
Eisberg Mulled Wine
Eisberg Mulled Wine is a delightful alcohol-free option that captures the cosy essence of a classic mulled wine. "Aromas of cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest blend seamlessly with a touch of fruity sweetness," explains Willoughby.
"Best served heated, it’s perfect for festive gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire."
From £4 a bottle Eisberg / 0.0% ABV
Luscombe's Mulled Winter Warmer
This blend of organic fruit and traditional mulling spices, hibiscus cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg creates a warming drink that captures the rich and festive flavours of the season.
£2.79 per 270ml bottle Luscombe's / 0.0% ABV
Red wine
Noughty Rouge
Deep red in colour with hints of ripe red fruit, black pepper, dried rose petal and candied cherries with French oak tannins, Willoughby says Noughty Rouge pairs perfectly with your Christmas lunch.
£9.95 Noughty Rouge / Under 0.5% ABV
White wine
Moderato Cuvee Revolutionaire Colombard White
"This is a stunning wine using the Colombard grape, known for its aromatic profile and refreshing acidity," Willoughby advises. "Notes of exotic and white fruits, such as pear and peach, are complemented by hints of cucumber and citrus zest. This wine pairs excellently with ceviche, seasonal salads, and white meats, like turkey.
£13 Club Soda / 0.5% ABV
Opia Alcohol-Free Chardonnay
Tasting more like a grown up peach juice, this is actually a good option for anybody who isn't a big fan of the taste of wine.
£7.95 Abel & Cole / 0% ABV
Christmas Gin
Warner's Non-Alcoholic Gin
"As well-stocked supermarket brands go, Warner's is a solid choice for those wanting to host this festive season," Alex Harris, founder and master mixologist at 411-bars.co.uk explains.
£18 for 50cl bottle Warner's / 0% ABV
Pentire Adrift
This citrussy alcohol-free 'gin', is the ideal Christmas tipple teamed with some tonic and a slice of fruit. Pentire use plants found along the Cornwall coastline, including rock samphire, sage and Cornish sea salt.
£27.80 Pentire / 0% ABV
Bax Botanics Sea Buckthorn Alcohol-Free Spirit
With its sleek packaging and crisp flavour, this gin-esque offering recently won a Great Taste Award. With notes of Mediterranean herbs and berries, it is the perfect festive G&T alternative.
£18.99 Bax Botanics / 0% ABV
Christmas Bloody Mary
Marty's Virgin Bloody Mary
Marty’s Is a great Virgin Bloody Mary Mix, which is great for for the Christmas season, Boxing Day without the booze.
£7.99 per 750ml bottle Marty's / 0% ABV
Read more about Christmas:
Dentists warn of Christmas 'prosecco smile'. Here's how to avoid it (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
The best and cheapest time to do your big Christmas food shop (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
We analysed this year's most popular Christmas sandwiches. This is the unhealthiest one (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)