Why you should have No and Low drinks on your menu

Few trends have transformed the drinks industry in recent years the way that moderation has. From the growing number of non-alcoholic spirit alternatives on the market, to venues introducing low alcohol drinks lists.

Consumers looking to decrease their alcohol intake increasingly expect to find products that cater to this, whether it’s a lighter, aperitif-style section on a cocktail list or a decent selection of alcohol-free drinks in Tesco.

Not just designated drivers… The number of people looking for ways to moderate their alcohol intake has been growing for some time. It’s becoming more common, and increasingly acceptable, to choose the sessionable option, the lighter option, or the entirely non-alcoholic option. And as the trend has grown, so have the number of products catering to it – everything from lighter, lower-ABV beers to spirit alternatives like Seedlip.

The moderation trend is being driven by various factors, with health one of the main motivations. But there are social considerations too, with a younger, more connected generation more concerned with their image, and an older generation prioritising clarity and the ability to function better after a night out.

Flavour, too, has a role to play, as well as changes in drinking patterns and occasions. The rise of the aperitif moment, for example, is well aligned with not only lighter, fresher flavours, but drinks that are lighter in alcohol too. 

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While many of the new spirit alternatives that have launched in recent years have set out to emulate existing spirit categories, Crossip aims to reinvent the category, with three signature flavours. The intention is for these to be bold enough to stand up to mixers, and can be used both in cocktails and simple Highball serves. The range, developed by bartender Carl Brown, is made from raw botanical ingredients, and contains zero alcohol. The Crossip range consists of Fresh Citrus, Dandy Smoke and Pure Hibiscus.

Bringing a tropical touch to the non-alc category is Caleño, a pair of drinks inspired by Colombia. The first in the range, Caleño Light & Zesty, is closest to gin, and aimed at daytime drinking, with Inca berry, citrus and spice. Dark & Spicy, meanwhile, is more suited to the night, with dark pineapple notes paired with ginger kola nut spice. Light & Zesty is, unsurprisingly, ideal for serves with tonic, while Dark & Spicy works with ginger ale.

The aperitif moment is perfectly suited to non-alcoholic serves, typically associated with lighter drinks packed with botanical flavours. There’s arguably no better way to make a non-alc Spritz than with Everleaf, created by bar operator and former conservation biologist Paul Mathew. Everleaf Forest blends citrus with spice, while Everleaf Marine combines juniper, bergamot and citrus with sea buckthorn and olive leaf. Everleaf Mountain, meanwhile, includes rosehip, black cherry and juniper.

In addition to its range of spirits, Salcombe Distilling produces a range entitled New London Light, a collection of non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs. First Light is aimed at gin drinkers, with classic flavours of juniper, citrus, sage and ginger. Aegean Sky is said to capture “the essence of the vibrant Mediterranean coast”, ideal for Spritzes. Midnight Sun, meanwhile, is inspired by Nordic regions, with seaberries, elderberries, kelp and pine.

Professor David Nutt was a government drugs advisor until he was sacked in 2009 for criticising what he describes as the hypocrisy of drug policy in the UK. He’s now professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, and has also created Sentia, a spirit designed to enhance GABA, a neurotransmitter that produces a calming effect. Sentia Red is said to have floral notes, as well as gentian, tulsi and aronia, with spiced berries on the bittersweet finish. 

While many of non-alcoholic spirits on the market are positioned as premium products, and usually targeted towards at-home drinkers, Strykk has set out to democratise the category, and has catered to the on-trade from the outset. The affordable, accessible range is made with no added sugar or artificial flavours, and offers alternatives to a number of alcoholic products. The current range includes Not Aperitivo, Not G*n, Not R*m, Not V*dka and Not Vanilla V*dka.

If you’re looking for a non-alc alternative to a spirit or liqueur, Lyre’s probably have it. The brand offers a comprehensive range of products, from White Cane Spirit to Italian Spritz, via Agave Blanco and Ameretti. The brand produces premixes in cans too, and there’s even a celebratory sparkling wine alternative entitled Classico Grande.

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