This is a Guest Post by Henry Martin at The Bottle Barn, Santa Rosa, Ca
Low-alcohol drinks are enjoying a moment with around 10% of American adults consuming non-alcoholic beer, wine or spirits at least once per week. And 23% of 21 to 29 year olds drink them several times a week. With everything from non-alcoholic tequilas and gins to low-alcohol wines that taste like the real thing, it’s easier than ever to enjoy sophisticated drinks without the hangover.
Highlights:
- Low-alcohol drinks with an alcohol content of 0.5%-10% ABV and non-alcoholic drinks are booming as people seek lighter, healthier options.
- Quality and variety have improved hugely in the last decade, with everything from tequila and whiskey alternatives to alcohol-free craft beers, wines, and pre-mixed drinks now available.
- If you’re new to low-alcohol drinks, start with ones that resemble the drinks you already like.
- For wines look for labelling terms like “alcohol-removed” or “dealcoholised” that indicate its been made using regular winemaking techniques. The alcohol is then removed afterwards, leaving the same profile as normal wines.
Why Low-Alcohol Drinks Are Booming
Health-conscious drinkers have helped push low-alcohol beverages into the mainstream, and the industry has responded with a whole rainbow of options. Low-alcohol drinks typically have an alcohol content of 0.5%-10% ABV and appeal to those looking for lighter choices, while non-alcoholic beverages are ideal for those avoiding alcohol for religious, health, or lifestyle reasons.
Browse the shelves of any large drinks retailer and you’ll see a huge range of low-alcohol spirits, aperitifs, craft beers, wines, and pre-mixed drinks. Quality has also improved significantly in the past decade, with many alcohol-free drinks tasting virtually the same as traditional alcoholic drinks. Going alcohol-free no longer means missing out.
The Future of the Low-Alcohol Drinks Market
Some projections show the value of the low-alcohol drinks market will grow to $18.5 billion by 2035, indicating this category is just getting started. Non-alcoholic drinks in particular are expected to account for 4% of the total alcoholic drinks volume by 2027, with non-alcoholic beer and cider the largest sub-category.
Both non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic drinks are also being launched at a faster pace than traditional alcoholic drinks, introducing even more options for those looking to cut down on their alcohol consumption.
Recommended Non Alcoholic Wine and Spirits for Beginners
The best non-alcoholic drinks for beginners are those which seem familiar. Start by picking drinks you’d normally enjoy and look for lower or alcohol-free versions.
- If you’re a wine drinker, look for crisp white wines or fruity rosés since these tend to keep their character and flavors better during the process of dealcoholization.
- For low-alcohol spirits start with botanicals and lighter styles like tequila or vodka. The bright herbal or citrusy notes carry well even when alcohol is removed, and these clear spirits are easier for beginners to enjoy than heavier rums or whiskies.
- Look for terms on the label that indicate how the drink has been made. Wines that are labelled as “alcohol-removed” or “dealcoholised” are made using the same method as normal winemaking. The alcohol is then removed afterwards, leaving the same flavor profile as regular wine.
- Drinks labelled as “wine-alternative” tend to be lower quality since they’re blended from juices and concentrates to mimic wine flavors. They don’t taste the same as regular wine and they can be pretty sweet.
The Best Low Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Try Right Now
The best alcohol-free drinks in the USA are usually made by dedicated non-alcoholic or low alcohol producers who try to create authentic drinks in a lighter style. Many craft their drinks using the same methods and techniques as regular beer, wines and spirits. Alcohol is then removed using a process like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis.
- Non-alcoholic wine producers to look out for include Ariel, Giesen, Nozeco, and Noughty who make a range of red, white and sparkling wines.
- Seedlip is a great option if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic gin alternative. They make botanical blends which work perfectly in cocktails.
- Tequila lovers should try Ritual Zero Proof’s non-alcoholic agave spirit mixed up in a Paloma or Margarita. They also do a whiskey alternative for Old Fashioneds.
- Athletic Brewing Company is one of the most popular non-alcoholic beer producers in the US, offering creative IPAs, golden ales, lagers, and stouts.
There are also non-alcoholic beers from the big-name breweries like Budweiser and Coors which can be much easier to track down in your local store. These can be a great starting point if you want to try alcohol-free beers that taste like your old favorites.