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8 of the tastiest zero%* drinks to try this party season


Read time 3 Mins

Posted 09 Nov 2023

By
Emily Reed


Trying to cut down on alcohol over the holidays? These zero%* beers, wines and spirits are where it’s at.

The end of the year is fast approaching whether you’re ready or not. By now the party invites are flowing and your family group chat is popping off about who’s in charge of the turkey and pud this year. They don’t call it Silly Season for nothing, but it’s absolutely possible to make it a little less silly – the key is to be organised and know in advance what you’re bringing to all those parties you’ve been invited to (well, aren’t you popular!). Having plenty of non-alc options up your sleeve means all bases are covered, and everyone can enjoy a glass of something refreshing. On that note, we’ve thrown together a line-up of our favourite zero%* alcohol beers, wines, spirits and other tasty picks that’ll be right at home in your fridge this holiday season.
A can of Little Creatures Flying Low Non-Alcoholic Cans

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1. Little Creatures Flying Low Non-Alcoholic Cans

These babies are Little Creature’s first ever non-alc beers. The Flying Low offers everything beer drinkers love about a crafty pale ale at no more than 0.5% ABV. In terms of what to expect when you crack open a can, there’s plenty of fruity and fairly full-bodied flavour thanks to careful dry-hopping. A nice little mix of passionfruit, stone fruit, zesty citrus and sweet mandarin flavours will tickle your tastebuds thanks to a combination of Chinook, Mosaic and Simcoe hops. If the brand’s first foray into zero%* beers tastes this good, then things are only going to get better – watch this space.

2. James Squire Zero

A craft lager that’s brimming with flavoury goodness but no alcohol? Old mate James Squire has done it with this Zero. It’s nicely balanced with just the right level of malt and hop notes, which gives it a clean, crisp finish. On the malt front, its base consists of two different types: roasted malt and pale lager malt, and together they create a nice bready base that offers that typical hearty lager vibe. The hoppy notes are refined and fruity, while a bouquet of floral aromas and a lingering finish between sips rounds out this non-alc option nicely. Plus, at only 70 calories per bottle, it’s a great option for the often-indulgent party season.
A bottle of James Squire Zero

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A non-alc sparkling wine of Nozecco Peach Bellini

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3. Nozeco Peach Bellini

An alternative to the original cocktail, Nozeco’s Peach Bellini is a non-alc sparkling wine produced in France, and it’s here to ensure you can still enjoy a glass of something bubbly over the holidays. Think aromas of white peaches, nectarines and a little touch of almond blossoms for good measure. The palate is zesty and fresh with white peaches, cranberry and apple with a vibrant fizz to boot. We also love its soft pink colour (which looks super cute in a coupe glass). Serve it chilled on a sunny afternoon.

4. NON 7 Stewed Cherry & Coffee

You may have spotted NON’s name under the ‘Non-Alcoholic’ heading on your favourite restaurant’s drink menu. A wine alternative, rather than a non-alcoholic wine, NON was dreamed up by Australian chef William Wade and entrepreneur Aaron Trotman – and it’s bloody brilliant. Just like every bottle in their range, this Stewed Cherry & Coffee number is inspired by wine flavour profiles – specifically rich, dark fruits, a spiced nose and undertones of coffee – but it’s really its own thing altogether and truly delicious.
A bottle of NON 7 Stewed Cherry & Coffee

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A bottle of Tread Softly Everything Except Zero Alcohol Prosecco

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5. Tread Softly Everything Except Zero Alcohol Prosecco

All the fizz without the fuzz is the name of the game with Tread Softly’s Everything Except Zero Alcohol Prosecco. It’s bright and crisp with a touch of citrus – perfect as a non-alc alternative for your aperitivo hour or paired with an antipasto plate. When you do crack a bottle for anyone who’s having an AFD (alcohol-free day), you’ll also be doing your part for Mother Nature: Tread Softly is an eco-conscious brand committed to reducing its carbon footprint by planting an Australian native tree for every six bottles sold. We love to see it.

6. Banks Botanicals Non-Alcoholic Spirit

In every bottle of Banks Botanicals you’ll find a blend of five ingredients all sourced from Victoria’s Yarra Valley and distilled in the region’s town of Healesville. Think mountain-fresh Yarra Valley water married with unique cinnamon notes of cassia alongside lemon myrtle and lime. There’s also a nutty, roasted flavour that comes through thanks to wattleseed, while wild Tasmanian pepperberry makes for a strong finish that lingers. We suggest sharing a bottle when you’re craving the typical flavours of a G&T – serve it chilled over ice as is or with your favourite tonic water.
A bottle of Banks Botanicals Non-Alcoholic Spirit

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A bottle of Lyre's Non-Alcoholic American Malt Spirit

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7. Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic American Malt Spirit

Lyre’s spirits look, taste, smell and even, in the words of the brand, “sashay around your palate just like the original”. This is a non-alc brand built on a simple ethos: to not just provide an alternative to those who don’t fancy drinking alcohol but to also ensure everyone can enjoy the mirth and merriment of a soiree or shindig. We’re sold. Their American Malt Spirit offers distinct and contemporary flavours, capturing the essence of a gently mellowed American classic bourbon malt; a nice mix of vanilla and toasted nuts with herbal notes is offset by a long, mellow finish. Enjoy this with your favourite mixer or in a non-alcoholic Old Fashioned if you don’t want to miss out on cocktail hour.

8. Vera Spirits Aperitivo Classico

When you want to partake in aperitivo hour without the actual aperitivo, reach for this. The Vera Spirits Aperitivo Classico has a hint of bitterness and lingering sweetness. The first smell delivers mouth-watering sweet and herbal notes thanks to bitter orange, rosemary and thyme before a full-bodied and citrusy flavour lands,leaving you with a long herbal and bitter finish. Typical of the type of drinks you’d sip before dinner in Italy, it’s tart yet balanced – and the perfect way to wet your whistle (sans alcohol) before you dig into a big old bowl of spaghetti bolognese.
A bottle of Vera Spirits Aperitivo Classico

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Got Christmas gifts to sort out? Check out our gift guides for beer-lovers, wine-lovers, spirit-lovers and Kris Kringle.

 

* “zero%*” means zero% alcohol, which means the product contains not more than 0.5% ALC/VOL