Food / Wellbeing

13 of our favourite non-alcoholic beverages that actually taste great

For a long time Australia's approach to alcohol could be summed up in a simple binary, you either drank or you didn't. The expectation was that you were either all in, all of the time or abstained from drinking because you were puritanical or a reformed-alcoholic. This kind of mindset is a telltale sign of our countries pernicious relationship with alcohol.

More recently, as a society we've recognised there is a third, more fluid option. That is the concept of mindful drinking. While it may be familiar to some and a revelation for others, being a mindful drinker simply means you bring awareness to your instinct to drink. Whether that be socially, the glass of wine after your work day or a reflex for hard times. And since we've fostered mindfulness in all other facets of our life, like our beauty routines and fashion purchases, it makes perfect sense then for this line of thought to drift over to our relationship with alcohol.

Luckily for us, the land of alcohol-free has come a long way from the sad, flat and sweet bottles touted at Woolies. There is no lolly-water masquerading as wine here, we promise. So for those among us curious to what else is out there, we've compiled a list of our favourite alcohol-free beverages.

 

1. HEAPS NORMAL Quiet XPA

Based in Canberra, the boys behind Heaps Normal brew one thing and brew it well (this has since changed). Their Quiet XPA is undoubtedly the most beer-like of all the non alcoholic options out there. Crisp, citrusy and fresh, it will fill the tinny shaped hole in your heart.

 

2. FRENCH BLOOM Organic French Bubbly

I'll level with you, the vast majority of alcohol-free wine is not good. I tend to steer clear of it completely and content myself with a Heaps Normal. French Bloom on the other hand is delightful. It's fully organic, 100% natural, and undergoes a manual de-alcoholization process in order to achieve its 0.0% alcohol content.

 

3. Sobah Davidson Plum Gluten-Free Ale

Owned and helmed by Gamilaroi man Clinton Schultz and his wife Lozen. The couple ethically source native Australian ingredients like lemon aspen, pepperberry and finger lime to incorporate into their alcohol-free range.

 

4. MISCHIEF BREW Non-Alc Aperitivo Spritz

The Non-Alc Aperitivo Spritz by Mischief Brew captures the essence of a classic Italian aperitivo without the alcohol, blending zesty citrus notes with a bitter-sweet complexity. It's the perfect sip for laid-back afternoons or celebratory toasts, offering sophistication in every pour.

 

5. GHIDDY Fire Blend Red

Ghiddy's Field Blend Red is a non-alcoholic wine alternative crafted in Marrickville, Sydney. Inspired by Nouveau-style Pinot Noir, it features crunchy red fruit flavors with earthy undertones. Enhanced with Lion's Mane mushroom, this beverage aims to improve brain function, offering a mindful drinking experience.

 

6. SEEDLIP Garden 108

A veteran in the alcohol-free world, Seedlip has built a cult following among those looking to redefine their relationship with booze. Enjoy all three options as you would a spirit and add it to your favourite mixer.

 

7. POLKA Non-Alc Italian Aperitif

Polka Non-Alc Italian Aperitif is a versatile non-alcoholic beverage crafted to complement sparkling water or soda with a slice of dried orange. It features balanced notes of blood orange, lemon myrtle, rhubarb, and grapefruit, offering a refreshing experience without the effects of alcohol or excessive sugar.

 

8. PARC Pilsners

Parc Pilsner is Monceau's foray into non-alcoholic beer. Immediately refreshing thanks to its bitterness and the simple fact that it won't leave a headache in its wake.

 

9. NON 7 Stewed Cherry & Coffee

For the salty, savoury, umami thrill you seek from a bloody mary or michelada, this is your pal. Melbourne-based project, NON, reimagines the drinking experience for those seeking a break from alcohol without trying to replicate wine or any other spirit for that matter. It's a drink in its own league.

 

10. LYRES Dry London Spirit

Lyre's Non-Alcoholic Dry London Spirit is crafted to emulate the essence of a classic gin, offering firm flavors of juniper and citrus, complemented by earthy notes and a warm pepperberry finish. Enjoy it as a traditional gin and tonic with premium tonic water, garnished with pink grapefruit and rosemary, or mix it with Lyre's Italian Orange and Mediterranean tonic for a refreshing Pink Gin Fizz.

 

11. PUNCHY Lightly Sparkling Blueberry

When the heat demands a refreshing drink, Punchy is a thoughtful alternative to lukewarm Coronas or sickly sweet seltzers.

 

12. FOUR PILLARS Bandwagon Rare Dry Non Alcohol

Bandwagon Dry is Four Pillars Gin's non-alcoholic alternative to their signature Rare Dry Gin. It features fresh citrus aromas of orange and lemon myrtle, complemented by a palate of spice and warmth derived from a heavier load of botanicals. This alcohol-free spirit is crafted by individually steam-distilling each botanical and blending them with a water base, allowing you to enjoy the classic gin experience without the alcohol.

 

13. WEEKDAY DRINKS Mellow Margarita

The Mellow Margarita by Weekday Drinks is a versatile elixir that can be enjoyed as a nutrient-dense mocktail or mixed with tequila for a healthier twist on the classic margarita. This naturopath-approved blend features L-Theanine to promote relaxation and mood elevation, a probiotic complex for gut health, and cold-pressed pear and lime juices to replenish and nourish from the inside out.

 

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