There was a time when not drinking meant making do with elderflower cordial all evening.
But sales of non-aloholic alternatives are up 30 per cent to almost £190 million in the past year, according to market data specialists Nielsen. Even after the trials of 2020, one in five Britons plans to ditch booze for January, according to alcohol advice charity Drinkaware.
And more non-alcoholic tipples are being brought to the party. From quality beers and spirits to stylish sparkling wines, not drinking has never been so much fun.
Our expert puts a selection to the test — with no hangover in sight …
SPARKLING WINE
THE FRENCH PROSECCO
Nosecco 0.5 pc, £2.50, Co-op
You might be forgiven for thinking that you were drinking an Italian vintage, but this is actually made in France from de-alcoholised wine. The fizz manages to stay just the right side of fresh and fruity and be fun without booze.3/5
VEGAN-FRIENDLY FIZZ
La Gioiosa 0 pc, £4.49, Ocado
This sparkling Italian white is made from prosecco grape, Glera, but without the alcohol. It’s a little drier than most, as sugar is often added to make up for the missing alcohol. Suitable for vegans, too.4/5
SPANISH SPARKLER
Tesco Low Alcohol Sparkling, £2.75
At less than 0.5 per cent, this is reassuringly grape-y with light citrus favours. It is made from Spanish Sauvignon Blanc grapes and spinning cone technology is used to remove the alcohol. 3/5
WHITE WINE
OAKY AUSSIE WHITE
McGuigan Zero Chardonnay 0 pc, £4, Asda
One of just a few alcohol-free Chardonnays currently on the market, this is definitely the pick of the bunch, with peachy fruit and freshness plus a bit of toasty oak nose. 4/5
CROWDPLEASING RIESLING
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero, £6.99, Waitrose
An old favourite, but still a leader in the field, this is made from de-alcoholised German Riesling grapes. It smells the most wine-like of the non-alcoholic offerings with lovely hints of stone fruit and apple flavours. 5/5
FRUITY, FRESH SAUV
Tesco Low Alcohol Sauvignon Blanc, £2.75
Modern techniques are used to extract the alcohol without losing any of the flavour. There’s a Sauvignon aroma along with a lemony twist. 3/5
ROSE WINE
sprightly spritz
Rozante 0 pc Rose Spritz, £4.50, Co-op
Pale pink and perky, this lovely light rosé is made from Australian de-alcoholised wine with the sweetness coming from added concentrated grape juice. Great if you like light red fruity flavours and a bit of sweetness and spritz.4/5
SWEET SPANISH BLUSH
Tesco Low Alcohol Garnacha Rose, £2.75
Made from Spanish grapes, this rose has plenty of red berry aromas, but the sweetness is a little heavy-handed making it feel more like a bag of boiled sweets than a refreshing wine. Slightly disappointing. 2/5
TEA-TOTAL TIPPLE
Belle & Co Rose 0 pc, £3, Morrisons
A dash of green tea perks up the sparkling fermented grape juice, keeping this from being cloying. Beautifully packaged, too. A refreshing change to the usual overly sweet pink options5/5
RED WINE
Best red wine, pictured left: Co-op Low Alcohol Cabernet Tempranillo Pictured right: Torres Natureo 0 pc
FULL-BODIED RED
Co-op Low Alcohol Cabernet Tempranillo, £3
Tannins, the compounds in grapeskins that give red wine its grip, often vanish in no- and low-alcohol reds. Not in this case. There’s plenty of black fruit flavour and tannin here. 4/5
ALMOST THE REAL DEAL
Torres Natureo 0 pc, £5.99, Waitrose
This Spanish producer has long pioneered the no- and low-alcohol sector. Made mostly from the Syrah grape, this has a little oak, too, adding oomph to pomegranate and black cherry flavours. The closest you’ll get to the real thing. 5/5
Spirits
BITTERSWEET APERITIF
Everleaf Forest 50cl, £15, Sainsbury’s
This non-alcoholic bittersweet cordial would be a great swap for vermouth. It is made with extracts and distillations of botanicals including vetiver, orange blossom and saffron. 3/5
GUILT-FREE NIGHTCAP
Three Spirit Nightcap 50 cl, £24.95, The Whisky Exchange
Similar to whisky, this is made from botanical extracts such as lemon balm, turmeric, ginger and vanilla. It has a soothing quality. 5/5
G&T-ALIKE
Salcombe Distilling Co New London Light, 70 cl, £27.50, John Lewis
This distiller makes a base spirit using juniper, ginger and capsicum then blends it with 15 gin-friendly botanicals like orange, sage and lemongrass. 4/5
Best beer, pictured : Lucky Saint Unfiltered Lager 0.5 pc
… AND THE BEST BEER
UNFILTERED SHOWSTOPPER
Lucky Saint Unfiltered Lager 0.5 pc, 330 ml, £1.80, Sainsbury’s
Founder Luke Boase was so dedicated to the cause of creating a great-tasting alcohol-free beer he quit his job and gave up drinking to do it. I’m glad he did because the result is jaw-droppingly good. The beer retains as much flavour as possible and it doesn’t feel like you’re missing out. Rather, you’re the lucky one.5/5