no lo

The 10 Best No-Lo's For All Drinks Lovers

the ultimate winter no-lo guide

Year after year, no or low-alcohol drinks seem to get better and better, so we’ve picked our best up-to-date alternatives to your favourite spirits below! These beautiful drinks feel like a treat, not a compromise, so whether you’re a seasoned No-Lo explorer, or just experimenting for Dry January, pick out your go-to alternative here... let’s get started.

BEST RUM ALTERNATIVE

Caleño Dark & Spicy

Caleño Dark & Spicy

Caleño produces non-alcoholic spirits inspired by the vibrancy of Colombia, and their Dark & Spicy release is a wonderful bottle in the vein of dark rum. It’s built around the tropical tang of pineapple, with a pleasant gingery kick, vanilla pods, subtle coconut, and a splash of lime. They’ve nailed the profile and serving it with ginger ale gives it the extra kick for more of a spiced rum feel if you’re looking for that.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%      
Find here: £17.99

BEST TEQUILA ALTERNATIVE

Mockingbird Spirit

Mockingbird Spirit

For all you tequila lovers, Mockingbird uses Mexican blue weber agave just like tequila and the similarity in taste is remarkable. All those familiar notes are there, with the slightly smoky and sweet profile, but without the hangover that may follow! In fact, Mockingbird includes pure ashwagandha for added health benefits. It’d be perfect in a Margarita mocktail or as an inventive mixer.

Size: 700ml                                          
ABV: <0.5%
Find here: £22.99

BEST GIN ALTERNATIVE

Sea Arch Coastal Juniper

Sea Arch Coastal Juniper

Inspired by the beautiful Devon coastline, this gin-esque creation includes a selection of gorgeous seaside botanicals. The aromatic juniper is front and centre with herbal notes of sage satisfyingly sitting behind. Grapefruit and coriander create a crisp and clean palate, whilst the sweetness of the blood orange and juicy lemon undertones adds beguiling complexity. Sea kelp and samphire, angelica and cardamon complete a fantastically well-rounded, fresh, and bright drink, leaving you fulfilled and refreshed like a long coastal walk! Simply serve with a classic tonic to unfold the vibrant citrus and seaside herbs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: <0.5%
Find here: £17.12

BEST FOR WHISKY LOVERS

Crossip ‘Dandy Smoke’

Crossip ‘Dandy Smoke’

Dandy Smoke is probably the most praised release from Crossip, an alcohol-free brand with some fantastic other releases from Fresh Citrus to Blazing Pineapple. Dandy Smoke is a must try for whisky lovers looking for a booze-free alternative, with perfect smoothness, smokiness, and warming spices. It has that slightly viscous texture required for a truly satisfying sip and underlying punchy aromas similar to Islay drams so a little really does go a long way with this one. Try it over ice with your chosen mixer (ginger ale would be perfect), or knock up some fresh mocktails!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £22

BEST FOR VODKA LOVERS

STRYYK Not Vodka

Best no low alcohol drinks STRYYK Not Vodka

We’ve been keeping tabs on STRYYK for a while because of their Not Rum and Not Gin, and now it’s time for Not Vodka, a spirit that is often ignored in the No-Lo space. The tingling capsicum gently warms the throat, matching the sensation of Vodka sipping, with some fresh cucumber and mint flavour before a peppery finish. It feels fantastically fresh and clean but may get a little overwhelmed with a strong mixer, so we recommend some ice, tonic and lemon to bring out the zesty notes. Super refreshing!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £17.82

BEST VERMOUTH ALTERNATIVE

Feragaia

STRYYK Not Vodka

From the off, we should say that Feragaia doesn’t claim to replicate any alcoholic drink, aiming to stand in its own right instead. However, we think that if you’re on the hunt for booze-free Vermouth, it’s well worth a shot! Hailing from the Scottish Lowlands, it’s a distinctive blend of wild botanicals, grounded in earthy root flavours and warming spice like pink peppercorn. Complimenting well, the lighter top notes of fresh lemon, blackcurrant and kelp provide perfect balance, creating a unique mix of aromatic herbs and bittersweetness. It’s another No-Lo drink that just needs ice and a little tonic to make it sing. It’s seriously invigorating and probably like nothing else you’ve tried before!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £19.94

BEST CANNED NO LO

Something & Nothing Yuzu Seltzer

Something & Nothing Yuzu Seltzer

Winner of a Great Taste award in 2020, Yuzu Seltzer’s star is Yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit with a pleasantly sharp taste – think a blend of lime, lemon, and grapefruit. Super simple and natural, it’s just fresh grape and lemon juice added to swirl around the yuzu base to fill out the flavour, and voila! Healthy revitalising Seltzer that hits the spot.

Size: 330ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.95 / 12 Pack £19.75

BEST NO LO COCKTAIL

Caffè Carnivale Espress0% Martini Nitro Cans

Caffè Carnivale Espress0% Martini Nitro Cans

Let us introduce you to the winner of a Gold Medal at the pre-mixed masters, praised for it’s uniquely crafted sophistication. Cold brew espresso is blended with cocoa and Madagascan vanilla, with everything poised perfectly, from sweet chocolate to earthy coffee. There’s even a somewhat boozy aftertaste you may detect! A must-try for any Espresso Martini lover!

Size: 200ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.50 / 10 Pack £9.99 / 12 Pack £29.99

BEST NO LO APERITIF

Everleaf Forest

Everleaf Forest

Everleaf is a sustainably minded brand with three non-alcoholic aperitifs in their current collection – Mountain, Marine... and our favourite, Forest. This is a fragrant bittersweet concoction with great depth of flavour and mouthfeel, and unlike many no-lo creations, it won’t get lost when mixed. The sustainably sourced botanicals like saffron, Madagascan vanilla, gentian (a purple flower imparting bitterness), and orange blossom to create a satisfying forest flavour palate with a slightly floral touch. It’s stunning complexity has won it awards, and it’s the ideal addition to many mocktails like a Spritz!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £19

BEST CBD NO LO

EDI Spirited Euphoria

EDI Spirited Euphoria

Last up we’re shouting out one of the Best CBD No-Lo drinks on the market, EDI aka Endorphin Dealer Institute and their Spirited Euphoria hemp spirit. Packed with 420mg of CBD, nootropics which support cognitive function and adaptogens to help ease stress, the liquid itself doesn’t replicate any alcoholic spirit in particular, but has a delightful clean mouthfeel, with a citrusy bittersweet dryness and slightly peppery woody finish. A fresh slice of orange with ice is perfect to sit back and relax with this one, adding a splash of fruit juice if you’ve got a sweeter tooth!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 0%
CBD: 420mg
Find here: £40.10

Like the sound of CBD drinks to relax you over winter? Check out 8 Of The Best here! Gin, Rum, Vodka, there are amazing options for all.

calum ecroyd writer bio

The best no and low alcohol drinks

‘Tis the season to let your hair down, which, let’s be honest, usually means indulging in a fair few drinks of the alcoholic variety! For those of you who are looking to moderate or who would just rather drink something non-boozy that actually tastes nice however, we have picked some of our favourite non alcoholic and low alcohol drinks that will still make you feel like you’re treating yourself to something special. Let us know your picks!

Sentia spirits

Sentia is a plant based alcohol-free spirit with a difference. Using special ingredients, it enhances GABA activity in your brain, leading to a feeling of relaxation and calm without the need of alcohol to get you there. It’s floral, bittersweet and has a spiced berry finish. Try mixing it into a non-alcoholic mulled wine – it tastes great! An acquired taste for some, think bitter berry and lavender with cinnamon spice and a hot, ginger kick

Size: 500ml
Price: £30
Find here: sentiaspirits.com

Savyll Non-alcoholic Cocktails

With so many non-alcoholic cocktails out there, it can be really daunting trying to pick your way through them which is why we were so excited when we came across Savyll cocktails. Every detail from the stunning packaging to the liquid inside has been carefully thought about leading to a great selection of vegan-friendly, gluten free, ready to serve cocktails. From an alcohol free G&T to an Old Cuban, there is a delicious cocktail for everyone. Not too sweet and they taste just like what they are supposed to be.

Size: 250ml
Price: 6x250ml cans £11.99 // 4 x 250ml bottles £13.99
Find here: Savyll.com

Wild Life Botanicals Sparkling Wine

One of Helena’s favourites, let us re-introduce you to Wild Life Botanicals - stunning ‘bubbles with benefits’ hailing from Cornwall. Infused with a mix of vitamins, minerals and botanicals, including Lemon Balm, Damask Rose and Rosemary, each 125ml glass contains 15% of your recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals and it is only 0.5% alcohol, meaning you sit back and feel really good about what’s in your glass.

Size: 750ml
Price: £15
Find here: wildlifebotanicals.co.uk

Crossip Rich Berry

Ever fancied trying your hand at a non-alcoholic cocktail but not been sure what ingredients to use? Well, if a hot toddy or even some mulled wine sounds appealing then you can’t go wrong with Crossip Rich Berry. It’s full of delicate spice alongside rich notes damson, blackberry and sour cherry that are a delight on the tastebuds. This one has a lovely viscosity too which means you could sip it alone. Check out their website for more serving ideas as well as their range of other delicious non-alcoholic drinks.

Size: 500ml
Price: £22
Find here: crossipdrinks.com

Blurred Vines ‘Spark’ & ‘Sharp’ by Three Spirit

We’ve been big fans of Three Spirit for some time so we were really excited when they brought out their non-alcoholic, sparkling, cold brew drinks. Lucky for us, they didn’t disappoint! ‘Spark’ is a fizzy elegant, floral, yeasty number made from a base of sake with spice from cayenne and sancho pepper and ripe fruit flavours of gooseberry and strawberry. ‘Sharp’ as the name suggests, is more crisp, mineral and elegant with a citrissy finish.

Size: 750ml
Price: £32 as a duo
Find here: Threespiritdrinks.com

Hofmeister Ultra Low Lager

Hofmeister beers are back with a bang and they are blimmin’ brilliant. This ultra low (0.5% ABV) is perfect for times like these when quantity increases, but you don’t want the hangover. Made with mineral water, locally sourced barley and Hallertau Hops, it’s full-bodied, sweet, fresh, grassy and hoppy with  and bready notes a good crisp finish. Highly drinkable.

Size: 330ml
Price: £17.99 for 12
Find here: hofmeister.co.uk

Sassy Organic Cider  

Sassy seems to have cracked the market, making Cider cool again. Partly, this is because they have got their packing right but really, it’s because the products are so good. Refreshing and tangy, try the Cidre Rosé for punchy, red apple fun that’s only 3% ABV. Gorgeous.

Size: 750ml
Price: £32 for 6 bottles
Find here: MaisonSassy.com

Lyre’s Italian Spirit

Lyre’s have smashed it with this Italian ‘spritz’ that is the perfect non-alcoholic version of Aperol, only slightly more interesting. Can we say that?! Oops, we just did. Check out the rest of their range of non-alcoholic versions of classics such as Vermouths, Triple Sec, Coffee liqueurs, Gins, Amaretto and more. 

Size: 700ml
Price: £23.50
Find here: Lyres.co.uk

Want more guides? Here is our Luxury Whisky guide, our affordable red wine guide, affordable white wine guide, gin guide, rum guide and cheeseboard advice!