alcohol-free alternatives 2023

7 No-Lo Drinks You’ll Actually Want to Try

7 no-lo drinks you'll actually want to try best alcohol-free alternatives the three drinkers

Underwhelmed by the non-alcoholic alternatives you’ve tried before? Need something to keep you going through the rest of Dry January? We’re here to help.

We’ve tried lots of No-Lo concoctions and know as well as you do that many of them are lacking. But it’s a flourishing industry and there’s more and more effort and innovation going into it, meaning some tremendous bottles are out there. We’ve listed 7 top notch No-Lo alternatives for some of the most loved boozy drinks below that we think deliver.

The Best Gin Alternative Non-Alcoholic Drink

Pentire Seaward Spirit

pentire 7 no-lo drinks you'll actually want to try best alcohol-free alternatives the three drinkers

This coastal gem takes influence from the botanicals found growing around it in North Cornwall. Expect a refreshing selection of sea rosemary, sea buckthorn, wild seaweed, and a characterful maritime feel, as well as zesty grapefruit and floral woodruff – it’s really so unique. It has a great reputation for winning round first-time sippers, and in the world of No-Lo gin, that’s high praise.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £19.95 (usually £22.95!)

The Best Pink Gin Alternative Non-Alcoholic Drink

Warners Distillery Pink Berry Spirit

warners pink berry 7 no-lo drinks you'll actually want to try best alcohol-free alternatives the three drinkers

This is an exquisite effort that captures the botanical beauty of a top gin. The floral nose is indistinguishable from a pink gin, and as the medley of succulent strawberries, raspberries, and vibrant, tangy citrus blossoms, it’s heaven. The juniper comes to the fore, and there’s so much balance with herbal and warm spicy notes too. The complete package.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £17.89

The Best Rum Alternative Non-Alcoholic Drink

Lyre's Non-Alcoholic Dark Cane Spirit

lyre's 7 no-lo drinks you'll actually want to try best alcohol-free alternatives the three drinkers

We’ve featured bottles from the Lyre’s range before, because they’re such a reliable and expansive provider of No-Lo deliciousness. Inside the charming bottle is a full-flavoured spirit that delivers on its molasses promise right away. Caramel, vanilla, maple, fig, and toasted nuts are in tow. It’s indulgent, and mixed with cola, ginger ale, or other rum favourites, it will not disappoint.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £20.95 (usually £23.49)

The Best Tequila Alternative Non-Alcoholic Drink

CleanCo Clean T

clean t 7 no-lo drinks you'll actually want to try best alcohol-free alternatives the three drinkers

CleanCo have produced this stylish bottle that you can now find in some supermarkets. It’s their take on a blanco tequila, with a vegetal agave hint coming through nicely. Herbs like mint and basil gently intertwine with lime and lemon, the latter of which is particularly tasty on the finish when joined by some warm pepper. It goes down so well with pretty much anyone that tries it, so find out for yourself!

Size: 700ml
ABV: Less than 0.5%
Find here: £16

The Best Irish Cream Alternative Non-Alcoholic Drink

Twisst Irish Caramel Cream

twisst irish cream 7 no-lo drinks you'll actually want to try best alcohol-free alternatives the three drinkers

The aim of this one is to unashamedly replicate Bailey’s, and if you ask us, they succeed. It’s ready to go in the can, greeting you with rich cream aroma after cracking open. It’s velvety smooth, with chocolate and vanilla coating the mouth and an opulence to every sip. It’s sweet, sure, but it’s surprisingly refreshing, particularly when served chilled. Many people’s go to Irish Cream replacement!

Size: 235ml
ABV: 0.5%
Find here: £17.40 (8 x 235ml)

The Best Spritz Alternative Non-Alcoholic Drink

Salcombe New London Light Aegean Sky Spirit

7 no-lo drinks you'll actually want to try best alcohol-free alternatives the three drinkers

This is a super refreshing aperitif carrying a lovely bit of sun from the Mediterranean. Citrus notes burst through, with inviting layers of bitter blood orange and aromatic bergamot enveloping herbaceous rosemary and savoury olives. The balance is deliciously harmonious and the result is a stand-out spirit… and one that also donates some sales to the Marine Conservation Society!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £23.99

The Best Whisky Alternative Non-Alcoholic Drink

Three Spirit The Nightcap

7 no-lo drinks you'll actually want to try best alcohol-free alternatives the three drinkers

If you’re after something with the soothing warmth of whisky, then this is it. Botanicals like turmeric, ginger, vanilla, and lemon balm are all distinct yet mellow in an expression feels self-assured. It’s decidedly complex too, sweetened with a little maple syrup and holding onto the natural herbaceous Ness that’s there. With valerian, hops and ashwagandha, it really comes into it’s own before bed (hence the name) rather than as a day time whisky replacement.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £22.49

If it’s wine you’re after, then we’ve got an entire article dedicated to Alcohol-Free Wines here!

The Best No-Lo Alternatives To Enjoy This Winter

the best no-lo alternatives for each drink the three drinkers

Dry January isn’t far away, but alcohol-free drinking is increasingly becoming much more than a one-month experiment. More and more people, especially under the age of 30, are cutting down on booze, which means better alternatives every year.

It is still an emerging area however, and there are loads of underwhelming No-Lo alternatives out there charging a lot of money for something not far off water. Fear not, because we’ve been on a scouting mission and found the best alternatives for pretty much whatever drink you like. Let’s dive in!

The Best Rum Alternative

Caleño Dark & Spicy

the best no-lo alternatives for each drink the three drinkers

Caleño is inspired by the vibrance of Colombia, distilling a tropical smorgasbord including pineapple, coconut, ginger, vanilla, and kola nut, which come through vividly. You get the rich deliciousness of dark spice and the brightness of the tropical fruits, with a surprising sweetness considering no sugar or sweetener is added. It’s not so much a direct swap for dark rum, but a super tasty versatile rum alternative, that can be paired with ginger ale for a spiced mix, or white rum mixes like piña colada.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £13

The Best Tequila Alternative

CleanCo Clean T

the best no-lo alternatives for each drink the three drinkers

This is CleanCo’s take on blanco tequila, and beautiful it is too, inside, and out. The fresh agave aromas are instant, and the first seep reveals subtle melon and hints of olive, before the signature peppery finish. They even manage a little tingle on the tongue. Everyone that tries this seems to love the taste, so see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

Size: 500ml
ABV: <0.5%
Find here: £16

The Best Gin Alternative

Salcombe New London Light First Light Alcohol Free Spirit

the best no-lo alternatives for each drink the three drinkers

Gin is probably the best candidate for no-lo alternatives because it’s all about the botanicals, and First Light might just be the best of the best. Free from alcohol but full of flavour, 15 hand-picked botanicals such as orange, sage and lemongrass join juniper, ginger and habanero for a versatile, supremely well-rounded blend. The juniper and citrus are clear and bright, the floral wafts are inviting, and there is a gorgeous warmth with the ginger and pepper, as well as grassy freshness. Such an all-rounder, and comes to life with a little tonic and orange garnish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £24

The Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Savyll Collection

the best no-lo alternatives for each drink the three drinkers

Mocktails are more plentiful than spirit, wine, and beer alternatives so it can be hard to pick out the best, but we love Savyll. Not only is the packaging on point, but the flavours inside match that sophistication, bringing the special elegance a good cocktail should always have. This includes their refreshing Bellini, clean-cut Mojito, tangy Paloma, and easy-drinking Moscow Mule, which has a delicious fiery ginger kick.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £9.99 for 4

The Best Beer Alternative

Adnams Southwold Ghost Ship 0.5%

the best no-lo alternatives for each drink the three drinkers

This Citrus Pale Ale, mirroring their 4.5% beer of the same name (aside from most of the booze of course) is a very impressive effort indeed. It gets rave reviews, loved for its light freshness, zest and distinct hoppiness. The grapefruit and blood orange shines too.

Size: 330ml
ABV: 0.5%
Find here: £3.70 for 4

The Best Wine Alternative

Wednesdays Domaine ‘Sanguine’ Red

the best no-lo alternatives for each drink the three drinkers

Conveying the lighter bodied reds, this expression begins with de-alcoholised Tempranillio from La Mancha in Spain, which is artfully intertwined with the dark fruity depths of plum and blackcurrant. Bad no-lo wines suffer form a lack of intensity and complexity – this does not. Plus, you wake up feeling hydrated and refreshed – a win win,

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0.18%
Find here: £14

The Best Champagne Alternative

Oddbird Blanc de Blancs

the best no-lo alternatives for each drink the three drinkers

Oddbird started in Sweden and have made a name for themselves across Scandinavia for their top of the range alcohol-free sparkling wines. This is made from 100% Chardonnay in Languedoc-Roussilon, picked young to capture vibrant freshness, before a year of aging in oak imparting nutty richness. The difficult part comes with keeping the signature elegance and intensity when removing the alcohol, but they manage it, and there’s a bounty of crunchy Granny Smiths as well as notes of almond croissants and a delicious minerality.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £11.99

The Best Sparkling Tea

Saicho

the best no-lo alternatives for each drink the three drinkers

Tastefully designed, this is a delicate Jasmine sparkler (though they do Darjelling and Hojicha too). They’re fairly new, and have a great, distinctive tea flavour that some sparklers miss out. Jasmine blossom registers with the nose, as does the Fujian province green tea’s gentle floral aroma. There’s apple sherbet, vanilla, and lychee to be enjoyed too, and it’s honestly a very interesting and refreshing experience that won’t be like anything you’ve tried before.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £17.99

If you’re new to the bubbly world of sparkling teas, then here are some others well worth trying!