Let’s all enjoy the dry life
It’s the start of the Macmillan Cancer Care Sober October campaign. Here we take a look at the best alcohol-free drinks to enjoy for the next month
NOZECO ALCOHOL-FREE SPARKLING WINE, FRANCE, £3.25, TESCO
WHEN you want the bubbles to keep flowing with a standout sparkle, this de-alcoholised wine triumphed at the IWSC 2021 (International Wine & Spirit Competition) with a Silver medal. Fun, fruity and fresh, aromas of white flowers and touch of apple blossom align with ripe, blossomy undertones, and a subtle touch of sweetness.
PIQUANT & SANGUINE, SPAIN, £37, HALF CASE (3 BOTTLES), WEDNESDAY’S DOMAINE
THESE de-alcoholised wines aim to hit the sweet spot for days when you’re not drinking. Piquant white is made with airen grapes (a local variety) from La Mancha. Crisp and is rounded with citrus notes and touch of lime. In the red corner, Sanguine is made from tempranillo, and blackcurrant aromas lead to a smooth and plummy palate.
PENTIRE & TONIC CANS (INCLUDES BOTH FLAVOURS: SEAWARD & TONIC, ADRIFT & TONIC), 12 X 33CL, £30, PENTIRE
ELSEWHERE, Cornish-based non-alcoholic spirit brand Pentire have launched their two variants in ready-to-drink pre-mixed cans. A gin-style, plantbased drink made from naturally distilled coastal botanicals, Seaward tastes super fresh and zesty. Meanwhile, Adrift feels crisp and herbaceous, with a lovely saline note.
NEW LONDON LIGHT RANGE, FROM £25 (70CL), DISCOVERY COLLECTIONS, FROM £50
NEW London Light is a three-bottle range inspired by the sun, sea and gin-making principles. Midnight Sun can be topped with tonic to bring out delicious notes of coastal berries, hints of evergreen and fresh pine flavours. Aegean Sky hints at the Mediterranean coast and First Light combines classic notes of juniper, zesty citrus and ginger.
PFERAGAIA ALCOHOL-FREE SPIRIT, £24.95, 50CL, FERAGAIA
SCOTLAND’S also calling the shots with this alcohol-free spirit made from 14 botanicals, foraged from the land and sea. Distilled, blended and bottled in the Scottish Lowlands, it’s versatile enough to enjoy on the rocks, mixed with tonic, soda or ginger ale, or used in a range of nonalcoholic cocktails, with its top notes of blackcurrant leaf and pink peppercorn finish.