All You Need to Know about the Non-Alcoholic Drinks Revolution
Whether it’s trendy or the answer to a healthier lifestyle, it’s no question that nonalcoholic beverages are gaining in popularity. In 2020, there was even an article stating that nonalcoholic drinks were actually the “BEST.” Craft Zero challenged their readers to “be unapologetic about their well-being,” and continued to provide 20 reasons to back up their confident claim. You can look into their reasons here.
What’s available?
SPIRITS: Seedlip offers a Trio of Non-Alcoholic Spirits: Spice 94, Grove 42, and Garden 108. Spice 94 is a flavorful mix of allspice, cardamom, and citrus with a slightly bitter end. Grove plays off citrus flavors combining oranges, lemons, peel, lemongrass, and ginger for a complex flavor profile. Garden 108, made with peas and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and spearmint, is both allergen-free and zero-calorie. This trio is natural and offers high-quality Non-Alcoholic drink options. Discover more
Ritual is highly rated by the Beverage Tasting Institute, scoring between 88-98 points, and is an excellent choice for any cocktail connoisseurs. It contains no artificial flavors, and is low-calorie and keto-friendly, not to mention hangover-free. The packaging is eco-friendly, embracing #PlasticNeutrality with CleanHub initiatives to sort and recycle plastic, in addition to partnering with Ecocart to offset their carbon footprint. Discover more
WINE: Ariel's Dealcoholized wines are produced using traditional wine-making methods in small oak barrels. Their gentle cold filtration process, which utilizes reverse osmosis, can remove up to 99.5% of the alcohol content. Their Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of black currant, cherry, blueberry, and chocolate, with soft tannins that culminate in a dry finish with less than 0.5% ABV and 52 calories per 8oz serving. Buy Here
BEER: Suntory opts out of many ingredients such as alcohol, sugar, calories, artificial flavor, and sweeteners. Crafting its bold flavor using two-row barley malt and aroma hops combined with Tennensui natural mineral water, ALL-FREE's signature beer taste is notable for its delicate flavor and lasting aftertaste. Buy Here
The market for nonalcoholic beverages is increasing. Bartenders have made space on their menus for nonalcoholic mixed drinks. Major breweries like Budweiser, Guinness, Samuel Adams (just to name a few) are supplying nonalcoholic options in liquor stores. Wineries are even taking note, along with seltzers. You can’t deny, it’s on the rise.
But is it for you?
While we fully support this lifestyle choice, we also have an answer for those of you who simply enjoy the flavor of alcohol. It may not even be the burn you miss, but the “maturity in mixed flavors,” that makes you sip rather than chug.
Brands are now marrying the flavor of alcohol with herbs and tasteful collaborations. If you’re curious in any way by this nonalcoholic movement, here are some articles for your perusal.
17 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks of 2023 | Reviews by Wirecutter (nytimes.com)
Top 30 mocktail ideas | BBC Good Food
77 Nonalcoholic Party Drinks & Punches I Taste of Home
Nonalcoholic vs. Zero Proof
Now, we do want to emphasize that there is a difference between nonalcoholic and zero-proof. Sobriety is everything, and even 1% of alcohol can be triggering, so make sure you do your homework. Nonalcoholic doesn’t always mean 0%. Take your precautions if you’re not interested in toting the line, but do enjoy once you’re 100% sure that you’re drinking 0% without trigger or temptation.
But can you make craft cocktails?
Um, yeah!
via Pinterest
via Pinterest
There's even craft non-alcoholic BEER! Checkout this Bravus Oatmeal Stout with less than .5% ABV!
Time to Try?
If nonalcoholic is the best way for you, it won’t matter if it’s a trend or here to stay. It’s really just here for you. It isn’t about restricting either way but enhancing who you want to be, and we’re here for it!
Take a look at our Home Bar Collective here. We’ve got exactly what you need to enjoy your favorite cocktails with or WITHOUT alcohol! You can make craft cocktails from the comfort of your own home.
