FIVE OF THE BEST: NO-ALCOHOL SPIRITS FOR DRY JANUARY

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1 AEcorn Aromatic

2 £18.95-£20/50cl AEcorn Drinks, Amazon UK, Distillers Direct, Drinkmonger, Hard to Find Whisky, Harvey Nichols, Ocado, Waitrose Cellar AEcorn is a range of herbal aperitifs based on grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier – infused with botanicals including oak, hence the name. Aromatic is a good choice for cold winter nights, thanks to its spicy berry aromas – like mulled wine. Try it over ice with soda, to help open up autumnal bonfire, bitter woodland notes, dark spices and a burnt caramel edge, plus vanilla and orange citrus. Or make a warm Mulled Cup: mix 300ml AEcorn Aromatic, 210ml apple juice and 90ml cinnamon syrup in a pan and heat gently. Alcohol 0%

2 Bax Botanics Verbena

£17.95-£21.99/50cl baxbotanics.com, Amazon UK, Low & No Drinks, Master of Malt, Sippers, Yorkshire Vintners

Distilled in Yorkshire by Chris and Rose Bax, who use organic, ethically sourced herbs and fruit to create their drinks. Bursting with vibrant flavour, the no-sugar Bax range also includes tangy Sea Buckthorn, but Verbena, with its bright herbal aromatics, is a zesty tonic for the dark days of January. Fresh and sappy, with grassy herbaceous notes of 3 4 lemon verbena and sage; deeper hay notes linger on the finish with citrus freshness. Mix it with Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water (one part Bax, three parts tonic) and dream of your summer holidays. Alc 0%

3 Everleaf Forest

£18.75-£24/50cl everleafdrinks.com, Amathus Drinks, Hard to Find Whisky, The Whisky Exchange, Tipples of Manchester The excellent Everleaf range was created by Paul Mathew, a conservation biologist and bartender. Sustainable botanicals include plants such as acacia and seaweed, used to mimic the viscosity of alcohol. The range includes seaside-inspired Marine and cherry-laced Mountain. But I love the rich earthiness and spice of Forest, with aromas like tramping through a wood after the rain. There’s also a touch of smokiness that continues on the complex, mellow and textured palate. Vanilla, woodsmoke, earthy spice, orange citrus, candied peel and a hint of saffron. Mix one part Everleaf with three parts tonic. Alc 0%

4 Strykk Not Gin

£16-£18.99/70cl strykk.com, Amazon UK, Master of Malt, Ocado, The Food Market Packed full of herbal botanicals, Strykk is 5 a fresh green explosion. Vibrant herb garden aromas – mint, sage, basil and cucumber – are followed by a mouthful of lively green notes backed by real spiciness: think green chillies and black pepper. This is definitely one for fans of herbaceous gins… Good for mixing as it retains all of its aromas and flavours. Pair it with Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Cucumber Tonic Water for a no-G&T that delivers ample herbal refreshment. The range also includes ‘Not Rum’ and ‘Not Vodka’. Alc 0%

5 Wilfred’s Non-Alcoholic Aperitif

£17.98-£19.50/50cl wilfredsdrinks.com, Amazon UK, Sippers Chris Wilfred Hughes took inspiration from ingredients that he associates with his family home in London – the freshly picked rosemary from his mother’s garden and bitter oranges from his father’s homemade marmalade – to create this zero abv aperitif. You’ll also find notes of clove and rhubarb, making for a spicy, bittersweet tipple. Pair it with The Artisan Drinks Co’s Pink Citrus Tonic (one part Wilfred’s, two parts tonic) over ice for a refresher that will appeal to fans of Aperol Spritzes. Alc 0% D