Alcohol Replacement Drinks - For A Healthier Life

Selected by Mutton Club Editor Rachel Lankester

Are you trying to cut back on booze, but struggling to find decent, adult drinks to enjoy instead? There are actually plenty of tasty alcohol replacement drinks on the market – some more available than others and some markets better stocked with such drinks than other. We gathered together this list of some of the best alcohol replacement drinks available for your tasting delight. If you want some inspiration and tips for how to take an extended break from the booze check out 100 Days Without Alcohol.

1. Alcohol-free beers

There are some great alcohol free beers out there now. And they don’t even need to cost that much – I love the Lidl’s own brand one for example. Here a list of some of the best around. Before I stopped drinking I preferred alcohol free lager to the ‘real’ thing. Very refreshing on a hot day and no one will think you’re not drinking if you stand with a glass filled with one of these in a bar!

*Source: https://www.liquor.com/best-nonalcoholic-beers-5078321

2. Low-alcohol cider

Low alcohol cider is another adult drink that’s pretty tasty. It may say it’s only low alcohol, but it usually has such a tiny percentage that it can pretty much qualify as alcohol free. Stowford Press (0.5% ABV) is one I particularly enjoy, just as much as I ever liked the full alcoholic version. Drydrinker.com thinks its the best low alcohol cider out there too. Here are some more to test out.

*Source:https://craftynectar.com/blogs/cider/best-alcohol-free-cider

3. Alcohol-free gins

Most of the alcohol free ‘spirits’ out there are pretty uninspiring. But gin is often pretty good I’ve found. I’m very partial to a Gordon’s Alcohol Free Gin, slimline tonic and a slice of cucumber. It tastes very like the ‘real’ thing. I feel like I’m having a nice adult drink – and no hangover. Perfect! Here are some more gins to try.

*Source: https://manofmany.com/lifestyle/drinks/best-non-alcoholic-gin

4. Alcohol-free sparkling wines

Wines are not too great on the alcohol replacement front to be honest. They’re not necessarily bad but most are not particularly inspiring, nor much better than an elderflower cordial in water. But sparkling wine can be pretty passable and can do the job when a glass of bubbly is a must. We use alcohol to celebrate everything and not being able to share can be hard. But with these drinks, you can enjoy the bubbly any time. Bucks Fizz anyone? I really enjoy Nozeco sparkling white wine. Belle & Co is also a good brand. Here are some more great alcohol free sparkling wines to enjoy.

*Source: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/drinks/g21798734/non-alcoholic-champagne/

5. Mocktails

There’s lots of possibility when it comes to mocktails! The ingredients are potentially endless. Here are some great ones to try.

Mango Mule

Ingredients

4-5 slices of cucumber
1 oz honey syrup
1.5 oz mango puree
1.5 oz fresh lime juice
1.5 oz ginger beer
Ice

Instructions

Muddle cucumber and honey syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the mango puree and lime juice and shake with ice vigorously. Strain into a copper mug. Top with ginger beer and stir.

By Danielle Walker of Against All Grain

Virgin Cucumber Gimlet

Ingredients

1.5 oz club soda
4-5 slices of muddled cucumber
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz simple syrup

Instructions

Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Serve in a rocks glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a rolled cucumber slice.

From Ocean Prime

Lemongrass Jasmine Iced Tea

Ingredients

Muddle 4-5 pieces of cut lemon grass
.5 oz simple syrup
.5 oz lemon
4 oz jasmine tea
2 oz lychee juice

Instructions

Shake with ice. Double Strain into high ball glass. Add cubed ice. Top with crushed ice. Garnish with lemon grass.

From Hakkasan, New York City

Pineapple Cobbler

Ingredients

1 oz strawberry juice
.5 oz lime juice
3 oz pineapple juice
Club soda

Instructions

In a mixing tin, combine the lime and pineapple juice. Shake well. Strain the contents into a highball glass over clean ice. Top with club soda and float the strawberry juice on top. Garnish with a strawberry and serve.

From Brad Nugent at Porter House Bar & Grill, New York