SIX TASTE-PACKED NO/LOWS
Atopia Spiced Citrus Ultra Low Alcohol Spirit 70cl (£20, 0.5%) This feisty spiced drink is a super gin substitute, best enjoyed over ice with tonic water and some orange slices. It’s made with citrus and spice which you can taste. It’s not quite the real deal but enjoyable – and certainly refreshing – nonetheless. Available from Sainsbury’s.
Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic American Malt 70cl (£20.95, 0%)
Australian producer Lyre’s makes a whole range of alcohol-free “spirits” to suit every taste. This smoky bourbon-alike is a pleasure over ice or topped up with cola. Spicey, with a touch of vanilla and nuttiness. It won’t replace your Jack Daniel’s but it’ll give it a good run for its money. Also great for making cocktails. Available from masterofmalt.com
Seedlip is the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit and M&S has got in on the action, launching two delicious flavours in a can earlier this month. Seedlip Grove 42 with Lemongrass Tonic promises a citrus blend of copper-pot distillates including bitter orange, mandarin, blood orange, lemongrass, ginger and lemon. While Seedlip Spice 94 with Grapefruit Tonic volunteers strong flavours of allspice, berries and cardamom and top notes of lemon and grapefruit peel. They’re both delicious, moreish and feel like drinking a delicious cocktail in a can. Available in 250ml cans from M&S.
Caleno Juniper & Inca Berry 50cl (£15, 0%) This non-alcoholic drink is yet another one billed as a gin alternative – well, gin is very on-trend these days – and, in fairness it’s delicious over ice with tonic water. It’s also free from sugar and sweeteners if you’re really punishing yourself this January. Available from Sainsbury’s.
Jukes Cordials (£35, 0%) Frustrated by a lack of a sophisticated, non-alcoholic drink, professional wine writer Matthew Jukes invented his own. His new cordials are intended to match the quality and elegance of a fine wine so you can enjoy the same complex flavour profiles without indulging in alcohol and don’t feel left out. Jukes 1 is a tangy citrus and herb concoction, while Jukes 6 is spicier, fruitier and more earthy. I enjoyed trying them. Simply mix with still, sparkling or tonic water. Available from jukescordialities.com for £35 for nine 30ml bottles.
M&S Alcohol-free G&T (£2.50, 0%) Blended by the Old Curiosity Distillery in Edinburgh, this no-alcohol G&T is a refreshing blend of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, yarrow, lemon balm, cardamom and calendula. Enjoy the nose and you might just forget it’s not the real thing. Available from M&S.
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Share your own drink-related tips with matt.nixson@reachplc.com