As the year draws to a close, many are prepping for their New Years soirees, which — in many cases — involve copious amounts of alcohol. Conversely, many others are planning on partaking in “Dry January,” which marks an entire month of sobriety.
As Salon Food has previously reported, the no (or low) alcohol movement is most certainly picking up speed. While attending an event while sober used to be potential pressure or trigger for some, it’s become incredibly simple to merely order a nonalcoholic beer or enjoy a spirit-free libation at many bars or restaurants. Heck, I even saw a few dealcoholized bottles of wine at a Christmas party a few weeks back.
Clearly, this is no fad. Abstaining from alcoholic — for whatever reason — is becoming more in vogue. This is evidenced in the sheer breadth of products now available, many of which are being produced by young, new companies. No matter if you’re in the mood for wine, beer, spirits, sparkling wine or something else altogether, there’s a delicious option for everyone.
The other cool thing about nonalcoholic drinks? You can sip on them at any time. They make a great addition to your repertoire of beverages to enjoy, no matter if you’re attending a rollicking jamboree, cuddled on the couch or simply working at your desk.
As noted on MONDAY’s bottle, “a cultural shift is underway. A mindset toward self-care staying sharp, and living without compromise. A movement that refuses to choose between good health and great taste. Whether you don’t drink alcohol or are just sober curious, Monday is here to help you cheers with delicious drinks.”
And that about sums it all up.
So no matter if you’re book-ending your Dry January with a riotous, liquor-filled New Years Eve and February or you plan on remaining “dry” for the bulk of 2023, here’s a list of terrific alcohol-free libations to enjoy whenever you’re feeling thirsty.
Smelling, tasting and feeling uncannily like beer, Visitor is the real deal. It truly transported me back to the Solo cup-ridden townhouses of my glorious college days.
This 0.0 Classic Italian Rosso also has “accompanying mineral undertones on the palate,” and pairs beautifully with various foods, from grilled proteins to pasta dishes. It’d also be excellent in red wine reductions or drizzles.
“So whether you are the DD, the marathon runner, the early riser, the parent-afraid-of-a-hangover, or the water-between-wines friend, grab a glass and enjoy,” said the company.
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Mocktail Club produces “premium crafted non-alcoholic cocktails made with natural ingredients and flavors,” according to their packaging. Their Manhattan Berry flavor is tart and complex, while also being downright delicious and refreshing. It’s a lightly sparkling beverage made with blackberry, pear shrub and ginger. A percentage of their sales also goes to clean water access support.
The Monday bottles say “free of alcohol, full of spirit,” which really encompasses the ethos of the nonalcoholic “movement,” if you will.
Who knew? You learn something every day.
The gin is zero carbs, no sugar, made from natural ingredients, vegan, gluten-free and keto. Win-win!
Perhaps most importantly? Their gin tastes fantastic and just like “the real thing.”
DRY’s spiced pear botanical bubbly has one of the most appealing aromas of any beverage I’ve consumed, with a full, robust effervescence. As the packaging notes, the beverages are perfect to “toast. pair. mix.” Their Lavender 76 is also a fantastic option.
Their Highland Malt is amazingly complex, with deep, sharp flavors, “evoking notes of the finest grains, toffees, peat and oaks,” according to the bottle. My brother, who is home for the holidays, especially enjoyed the Classico!
Perhaps the most unique product on the list, this “active botanical drink” lives up to the words on the bottle — and then some: “Energizing. Juicy. Fiery. Non-alcoholic.”
It also contains caffeine and less than .5% ABV. The flavor is bright, vegetal and herbal, with a peppery, sharp finish.
It can be enjoyed on its own or enjoyed with seltzer, tonic, or still water over ice. The bottle notes “a fierce, fiery elixir powdered by guayusa, schizandra and energizing plants used for centuries in remedies and potions. Lifted by vibrant berries, bright aromatics and heat for a lively, euphoric feeling.”
Think of it as a mix between a natural energy drink and a potent nonalcoholic beverage. It is so wholly original; you won’t be able to stop sharing it with friends, family and loved ones.
Also, they don’t need to be mixed with anything! They’re delicious enjoyed all on their own. I found the hibiscus and pomegranate to be especially refreshing and tart.
Spiritless produces a Kentucky spiced non-alcoholic cinnamon whiskey, which is deemed a “distilled non-alcoholic spirit for whiskey cocktails,” according to the packaging (which also has a “less is yes” moniker on the top of the bottle). The flavor is rounded, festive and rich, with that trademark burn towards the back of your throat after each sip.
The product also has notes of vanilla and baking spices in addition to the cinnamon and can be enjoyed in any of your favorite whiskey cocktails — or just straight out of the bottle. In addition their award-winning whiskeys, they also produce tequilas.
Truthfully, I’m not a huge wine guy, but I might be if all wines tasted like this. It is everything that white wine should be and more. The Eins Zwei Chardonnay is fruity, light and crisp; I found it really terrific in a thirst quenching type of way. It’s a really terrific product.
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