The Best Non-Alcoholic Wine and Spirits, Whether You're Giving Up or Cutting Back

Handmade using bittersweet botanicals and apple cider vinegar, Botivo is an English alcohol-free spirit that models itself on vermouth. It's a far cry from most non-alc alternatives, providing a decidedly grown-up, herbal edge to aperitivo hour.

0.1%, 50cl

Due to the sheer number of botanicals involved, a decent aperitif — alcoholic or otherwise — can be hard to nail. Wavelength (formally High Point) hits every high note, with bright orange zest, bitter wormwood and spiced pink peppercorn, all wrapped up in a velvety, rich mouthfeel. Try over tonic or soda with a wedge of grapefruit and thank us later.

0.0%, 70cl

Lyre’s has racked up countless awards for its range of non-alcoholic spirits (which currently includes American Malt, an Aperol-esque Italian Spritz and this riff on a white rum, to name a few), but this take on the classic Italian liqueur may be our favourite to date.

There’s all that nostalgic marzipan sweetness (think old-school amaretti biscuits and Battenberg cake), while a bitter backbone helps bring balance. It’s exceptional over ice, or shaken up with egg white, ice and lemon for an alcohol-free amaretto sour. Don’t hold back on the maraschino cherry garnish; kitsch is making a comeback, after all.

0.0%, 70cl

If a dark & stormy is your drink of choice, then this spiced spirit — topped with quality ginger beer and a generous squeeze of lime — will prove a worthy stand-in. Reassuringly golden in the glass, Caleño delivers heady tropical notes of toasted pineapple, coconut and a warming ginger finish.

0.0%, 50cl

New London Light marks Salcombe Distilling Co’s first foray into the non-alcoholic market — and what a triumph.

Building on its expertise in creating exceptional London Dry gin, ‘First Light’ brings bold citrus to the palate, backed up by pine bitterness and habanero heat (helping to replicate the alcohol warmth of a full-strength spirit). It’s best served over ice and topped with a lighter tonic, before adding orange and sage to garnish.

0.0%, 70cl

If ever there was proof that non-alcoholic spirits can be just as complex as their boozier predecessors, it’s Pentire.

Made using native botanicals from North Cornwall, with samphire, sea fennel, sage and citrus giving it a distinctly savoury lilt, we think it’s crying out for green olives, a dash of brine and plenty of ice, for a sort-of dirty martini (minus the morning after, of course).

0.0%, 70cl

If you’ve turned your back on booze, you may fear never recreating that first drink buzz again — but you’d be worrying about nothing. SENTIA is the first non-alcoholic spirit to use natural ingredients known to enhance your brain’s feel-good GABA (the neurotransmitter responsible for blocking impulses between brain nerve cells), effectively recreating the relaxation you feel when drinking, minus the alcohol.

It earned nothing but high praise from our panellists, who loved its herbaceous aroma and lingering bitterness. If you often gravitate towards smokier, earthy flavours (think turmeric shots or fermented kimchi), then you need a bottle on your bar cart.

0.0%, 50cl

When nothing but a classic G&T will do, Tanqueray Alcohol Free is the answer. By combining the four key botanicals used in its award-winning London Dry (coriander, juniper, liquorice and angelica root), Tanqueray mimics that authentic citrus flavour — minus the alcohol.

Forget intricate garnishes; simply pour over ice and a slice, then top with tonic. There's a reason these things never go out of fashion.

0.0%, 70cl

Packed with samphire, sea kelp and coastal juniper, Sea Arch is as refreshing as a dip in the North Sea, without going all Wim Hof.

Clean minerality and a hint of blood orange sweetness make this our go-to for straight-up sipping, though we’d recommend topping with tonic and a sprig of rosemary for a longer, savoury serve.

0.0%, 70cl

Nothing says la dolce vita quite like an aperitivo and, thanks to Crodino, you needn’t swerve the Italian’s answer to happy hour.

Made by Campari since 1965, consider this the non-alcoholic answer to Aperol, with all the well-balanced bitterness and tart citrus flavour. Pour over ice and garnish with an orange wedge for the perfect all-weather spritz.

0.0%, 3 x 17.5cl

In just a few years, Seedlip has revolutionised the alcohol-free drinking game with its herbaceous blends, which, when paired with tonic, taste remarkably punchy.

Our panel loved the Garden 108 blend, which mimics the clean, cucumber-led flavour of Hendrick’s and is full of fresh cucumber, rounded out with a touch of peppery heat. Though quaffable over ice, we’d recommend topping with soda and a sprig of mint for the perfect serve.

0.0%, 70cl

Everleaf Mountain Spirit is designed to replace your daily aperitif, and it goes beyond the artificial flavour you so often find in these rosy-hued spirits. This is thanks to its complex blend of botanicals, including rosehip, cherry blossom and bittersweet pine.

0.0%, 50cl

Our winning alcohol-free red combines organic merlot and shiraz grapes to deliver bags of rich, red fruit character and multi-layered spicing (think clove, cinnamon and black pepper). A convincing, full-bodied blend, which would pair well with equally bold flavours.

0.0%, 75cl

Channeling a lighter bottle of red, Wednesday's Domaine is made from tempranillo grapes and has a noticeably complex nose. It's best served lightly chilled to appreciate the notes of red berries and spice, and as the name suggests, it's the perfect way to sate that mid-week urge.

0.5%, 50cl

By using innovative spinning cone technology to remove the alcohol from the blend, this cab sav retains all its classic red fruit character and pronounced acidity. It's a dream pairing for dishes such as roast lamb, and, according to our panel, a close contender to the real deal.

0.0%, 6 x 75cl

Pale gold in the glass, this de-alcoholised Spanish white delivers aromas of honeysuckle, orange blossom and peach, with bright, balanced acidity. Pair this semi-sweet dessert wine with nutty Iberian cheeses such as manchego.

0.0%, 6 x 75cl

If you’ve been in the no-low game a long time, you’ll know that the sparkling alternatives often left you with little to celebrate... until now, that is.

Brands like Wild Idol are pioneering a new wave of non-alcoholic wines; its rosé offers all the classic aromas you’d expect (we’re talking red fruit, ripe peach and crisp citrus) with fine, long-lasting bubbles.

0.0%, 75cl

This special sparkler is packed with tart tropical fruit, gooseberry and lime (so a big hit for sauvignon blanc devotees).

Lasting bitterness and delicate, champagne-like bubbles make this our go-to for big occasions. Or, you know, Friday night and a portion of fish and chips for the ultimate high-low combo.

0.5%, 75cl