Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks for a Christmas tipple

Because this year’s festivities are going to be filled with memories you'll want to remember hangover-free.

Festive mulled wine in a mug with cinnamon

by Piper Huxley |
Updated on

When Christmas comes, we Brits fancy a tipple - but, for those who don't like to wake up on Boxing Day feeling rotten, perhaps some low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks may fit the bill. With plenty to celebrate and indulge in this Christmas, there will be plenty of memories you’ll wish to cherish, so the last thing we want is a hangover to ruin it all.

More and more of us are choosing to go alcohol-free this festive season, but this doesn’t mean it needs to be any less fun and you for sure don’t need to feel left out. Brands are competing to bring you the best low-alcohol beverages and non-alcoholic spirits, so you can enjoy the festivities and remember them all too. There is even vegan-friendly alcohol for plant-based family members. This Christmas, no one has to miss out. That's the spirit, right?

Best low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks at a glance

Best non-alcoholic sparking wine: Lyres Classico Grande (Case of 6) - View Offer at Dry Drinker
Best non-alcoholic cider: Kopparberg Alcohol-Free Pear Cider (Pack of 8) - View Offer on Amazon UK
Best non-alcoholic cocktails in a can: Savyll Alcohol-Free Cocktails (Pack of 4) - View Offer on Amazon UK

What the beverages lack in alcohol contents, they make up for in divine flavour. Bursting with fruits and spices this year’s non-alcoholic offerings will make you feel fabulously festive without the hangover. Non-alcoholic spirits can be used just as they would if they contained alcohol, think festive cocktail favourites like mulled wine or a hot toddy. Rum and wine are replaced by their non-alcoholic alternatives, same taste minus the headache in the morning.

To celebrate the magical festive season in style we’ve highlighted a few of our favourite non-alcoholic beverages and spirits you can shop and enjoy during the festivities. You can also scroll down to find a selection of our favourite Christmas classic drinks made non-alcoholic. Some of them could make gifts for foodies in your life.

The best low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks

Best non-alcoholic sparking wine

Description

A bottle of fizz styled on that Italian wine we all know and love but without the alcohol - perfect for festive toasts or inclusive celebrations that everyone can take part in. The whole experience is spot-on; the bottle is the right shape, the cork fires out as you'd expect, and the first pour threatens to bubble up over the top of the glass. In terms of taste, the Lyres Classico Grande (Case of 6) is a bit sweeter than we expected but with enough appley sharpness to set it off. And no sore ahead in the morning. Saluti!

Best non-alcoholic Aperitivo

Description

Martini brings to you an exciting non-alcoholic option that doesn't compromise on taste, for the moments you choose to moderate your alcohol. Enjoy served 50/50 with tonic or over ice. The Martini Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo Vibrante and Floreale Dual Set also make for a great ingredient in your non-alcoholic cocktails.

Customer review: "It actually tastes alcoholic!! Mixed with Mediterranean tonic I love it - will buy again."

Best low-alcohol white wine

Description

The Darling Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 0.5% White Wine, a superb dry white from Darling Cellars in South Africa, is made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Its lively acidity and fruity zest of grapefruit, lemon, and tropical notes pair exquisitely with seafood and vegetarian dishes.

Customer review: "Lovely tasting white especially served chilled. Will definitely buy again."

Best non-alcoholic gin

CleanCo Clean G
Price: £12 (was £16)

www.waitrosecellar.com

Description

With only 14 calories per 50ml serving, this CleanCo Clean G is a non-alcoholic gin alternative; it's perfect if you're a lover of a good G&T but are staying away from the hangovers this festive season. Blended and distilled using aromatic botanicals including crisp juniper, with no added sugar or sweeteners. Serve with tonic.

Customer review: "This is a lovely inexpensive gin replacement for those who don't drink or want a change. It's refreshing and smooth and tastes like the real thing."

Best non-alcoholic rum

CleanCo Clean R
Price: £12 (was £16)

www.waitrosecellar.com

Description

Clean R is a great non-alcoholic take on Spiced Caribbean Rum. A warming spice, golden caramel and cayenne pepper; it's delicious and perfect for the festive season. A secret blend of spices is used to create this non-alcoholic alternative to spiced Caribbean rum. Pour over ice and top up with cola or ginger ale. Cheeky.

Customer review: "Bought this to make virgin daiquiris. Has a reasonable flavour made in this way but is also good with ginger ale. Good product if reducing alcohol but still want to feel like you're having a drink in the evening."

Best no-alcohol vodka alternative

Description

Embark on a journey with Seedlip Garden 108 Alcohol-Free Spirit, an exquisite alcohol-free spirit capturing the essence of the English countryside. Crafted with peas, hay, and traditional garden herbs, it offers a refined, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly taste for creative cocktail concoctions. It makes a great vodka alternative.

Customer review: "All the Seedlip drinks are excellent, though a bit pricey."

Best non-alcoholic cider

Description

The original Kopparberg hero but now alcohol-free, the sweetness of fresh pear delivers bags of fruity flavour, for a revitalising non-alcoholic drink. The Kopparberg Alcohol-Free Pear Cider is best enjoyed chilled with family and friends.

Customer review: "Bought a few packs over my time. Always tastes nice. No problem with delivery."

Best selection of non-alcoholic beer

Description

Low and no-alcohol beers have raised their game in recent years, so if you're looking for a booze-free alternative to your usual craft brews you're in for a treat! This Drop Bear Beer Bonanza (16 Cans) is low-alcohol, vegan and gluten-free - perfect for everyone. Each bottle is an adventure in itself, packed with bold, exotic tastes and invigorating aromas that'll make you feel like you've discovered a treasure trove of liquid gold.

Customer review: "Probably the best low alcohol beers I've had. Applause for Drop Bear brewers!!!! Magic stuff!!! Only Guineas 0.0 and Big Drop's Pine Trail in the same league!!!"

Best for fizzy drinks

Belvoir Farm - low alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks
Price: £3.75 (was 4.75)

www.waitrose.com

Description

Free from artificial colours and flavours, as well as preservatives and sweeteners, Belvoir Farm's Raspberry Lemonade is a must-have for everyone on your dinner table this Christmas.

Reviewed by Arabella Horspool, our Commercial Content Writer: "Belvoir Farm Delicious & Light Raspberry Lemonade certainly lives up to it's name because it is, frankly delicious! These cans contain natural sweeteners, giving you a refreshingly good drink."

Best non-alcoholic cocktails in a can

Description

Reawaken your senses with Savyll Alcohol-Free Cocktails (Pack of 4). This range of familiar cocktails you know and love. Ready-to-drink, no mixers required, this variety tasting pack has low calories, low sugar, is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and most importantly hangover-free. The cocktail flavours in this set are Mojito, Moscow Mule, Paloma and Bellini.

Customer review: "We are trying to cut down on our alcohol consumption as part of a plan to live more healthily so bought these to have an alternative for a weekend treat. We absolutely loved them; they taste fabulous and are clearly made from good quality ingredients. All the cocktail flavours work well and taste as they should. We did not miss the alcohol at all and still felt that we had had a treat. The serving size is just right and cans are always useful to take on picnics and outings etc. Also, very handy to have in for drivers over the festive period."

Best non-alcoholic red wine

Description

The vegan-friendly DC Red Shiraz 0.5% Wine (Pack of 3), a ruby beauty with ripe red fruit notes, originates from Darling Cellars' cool west coast vineyards in South Africa. Made with 100% Shiraz, it offers a bold, fruity taste complemented by oak-aged smokiness. Perfect for hearty meat dishes and full-bodied wine lovers.

Customer review: "I loved this red - nearest I have tried to the real thing and helping me get through a roast dinner without opening a real bottle!"

Best non-alcoholic sparkling rose wine

Description

Celebrate any special occasion with a bit of bubbly, but make it alcohol-free. This Belle & Co Sparkling Rose Alcohol-Free Wine is made from grapes and green tea, for a vibrant and deliciously fresh drink.

Customer review: "Bought for friends who don’t drink alcohol to celebrate a special occasion and they loved it. They left it out and other partygoers drank the lot leaving them with nothing! The white version is also good but the pink is a bit more special."

Best non-alcoholic punch

Description

A rich, spicy, fruit drink, delicious served warm - ideal as a non-alcoholic winter punch. Hand-made with masses of real elderberry, blackcurrant and orange juices, mixed with real spices for a rich taste. This Belvoir Mulled Winter Punch (Pack of 6) is non-alcoholic and ready to drink!

Customer review: "Without doubt this brand for me is the best on the market. Really delicious and refreshing drink and ideal if you've given up alcohol. Love it!!"

Recipe Inspiration

Non-alcoholic Eggnog recipe

Great for all the family, this non-alcoholic Eggnog mocktail is an incredible Christmassy drink, perfect for serving with dessert. This is our favourite eggnog recipe, alcohol-free:

Eggnog recipe
©Photo: Getty Images

INGREDIENTS

6 large eggs

2 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar (plus 2 tablespoons)

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 cups whole milk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1/4 cup heavy cream (whipped to soft peaks)

Garnish: additional grated nutmeg

METHOD

For the full recipe visit the spruce eats here.

Non-alcoholic mulled wine recipe

Make a warming and festive mulled wine minus the alcohol, perfect for the whole family to enjoy with this fruity recipe. Combining pomegranate juice, blackberries and spices, it's just as warming as the real deal.

Mulled wine recipe
©Photo: Getty Images

INGREDIENTS

500ml pomegranate juice

25g golden caster sugar

handful of frozen blackberries

250ml apple juice

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise

4 cloves

3 black peppercorns

1 orange, quartered

METHOD

For the full recipe visit BBC Good Food here.

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.

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