Have the alcohol alternatives you’ve been drinking left you feeling like a big kid? Wish there was something to drink that was equally as sophisticated and refined as a boozy cocktail? Not sure why you should have to settle for cheap fruit juice simply because you want something non-alcoholic?

We understand your frustration, especially when the clock strikes five and we feel the need to quench that thirst.

!! News flash !!

It doesn’t have to be this way! The non-alcoholic drinks industry is rapidly flourishing and a growing number of sensually satisfying beverages are available to buy online, at popular restaurants and even bars serving alcohol-free.

To prove our point, here’s a list of our favourite alcohol alternatives:

Non-alcoholic cocktails

If you’re cutting back on the booze and fancy something that tastes complex while also offering real depth and balance, we recommend non-alcoholic cocktails as your first choice of alcohol alternative!

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: mocktails are thin, sugary and watery fruit juices that lack substance. Non-alcoholic cocktails, on the other hand, are well-balanced drinks that stimulate the senses.

Why not try your hand at making your own swanky NoLo cocktails?

Simple serve (non-alcoholic spirits & mixer)

Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most sophisticated, which is why we love a simple serve using non-alcoholic spirits and our favourite drinks mixers.

Here are our top simple serve suggestions using premium mixers.

Alcohol-free beers

Ring pull. Hiss of air. Fizzing bubbles. And that first gulp of amber elixir. Smooth and refreshing on the tongue…nothing beats a beer after a hard day at work.

If you were salivating at the mouth while reading that, then booze-free beers might just have to be your alcohol alternative of choice! NoLo beers have come a long way since Kaliber was launched in 1986. From IPAs to adaptogenic lagers, there’s a beer alternative for every taste!

Find the perfect low and no alcohol beer for you.

Sparkling tea

We’re not kidding. Sparkling tea exists and it’s much much better than you think! In fact, it’s up there as our favourite champagne alternative.

According to Whyy, the sensation we get from drinking fizzy drinks is actually from the stimulation of our pain receptors! Just like champagne and sparkling wine, sparkling tea can invoke the same sensations, which is an important feature for an alcohol substitute.

So, if you enjoy a little pain (who are we to judge), then sparkling tea might be right up your alley.

Temperance drinks (traditional botanical brews)

Any keen foragers amongst you? Then you’ll love traditional botanical brews! Having evolved from the Temperance Movement, these alcohol alternatives were created as an antidote to voracious drinking. Allegedly, their purpose was to sober up the workforce. Did it work? Probably not.

Packed full of aromatics and freshly foraged goods, temperance beverages are not only bursting with flavour, but they’re also pretty good for you. Some famous soft drinks brands started off as temperance drinks but we recommend experimenting with your own recipes for a realistic prohibition experience.

Read Blackthorn’s Botanical Brews for herbal teas, magical potions and spirited libations to try at home.

Coconut water

If you like to keep things tropical, why not switch your water for something a bit more exotic? Coconut water is a great sugar-free alternative to alcohol and it certainly beats lime and soda! It’s also a fantastic way to rehydrate with key electrolytes and minerals, including potassium and calcium.

Read the full benefits of drinking coconut water.

Kombucha

It’s tea again! This time you can ferment it yourself or buy it ready-brewed in supermarkets and shops across the UK. Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that has rapidly grown in popularity and for good reason.

The slightly acidic taste goes a long way in reproducing those alcohol sensations and also makes them a great addition to many non-alcoholic cocktails, such as the Pineapple Spritz.

It is worth noting that kombucha can have very low levels of alcohol due to the nature of fermentation, but it is isn't enough to get you drunk. Most brands of Kombucha will advertise the level of alcohol in their product.

Learn how to make your own kombucha.

Sophisticated cordials

Who said adults can’t drink cordial? Posh cordials and non-alcoholic shrubs are perfect for mixing with tonic water for a grown-up and sophisticated drink. Many of the alcohol alternative cordials on the market are made using a combination of aromatics, fruits and apple cider vinegar for that acidic tang.

Check out Jukes Cordials for a grown-up drink with heaps of flavour.