Charlee Singleton keeps her Dry January on track with the latest in alcohol-free options. From functional drinks to botanical brews, check out what’s on the menu in the sustainable beverage sector.
If you think back to five or ten years ago – can you remember the non-alcoholic options available? Perhaps there was a lone alcohol-free beer, but more likely, the options were limited to a high-sugar cola or a dull lime and soda. Not particularly exciting.
But in 2025, the options are so much more varied. With a growing awareness of health and wellness, coupled with societal and cultural changes, the demand for low and zero-alcohol options has soared. You can expect at the very least some variation in alcoholic beers to choose from, alongside more artisan soft drinks. It’s also not surprising to find zero-alcohol wine and spirit options thrown into the mix. But just why has this shift happened?
A declining pastime
The way people approach drinking has transformed. Health and wellness are at the forefront of people’s minds, and the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption are well known – liver disease, mental health challenges and digestive problems to name just a few. Sobriety and moderation are no longer stigmatised, with social media playing a huge role in normalising alcohol-free and mindful drinking lifestyles. Initiatives such as Dry January and Sober October have gained widespread popularity, encouraging people to take a look at their alcohol consumption and take breaks from their habitual drinking.
It’s no surprise then that, according to the 2024 Drinkaware Monitor, people in the UK are drinking less frequently and consuming fewer units of alcohol when they do. Binge drinking is on the decline, with the proportion of drinkers who binge at least once a month at its lowest since 2018. Younger drinkers are leading the charge, with a significant rise in 18-34-year-olds who never binge drink. Notably, 19% of this age group report that they do not drink alcohol at all, compared to 13% of 35-54-year-olds and 14% of those aged 55 and over.
Moderation techniques are becoming increasingly popular, with 90% of UK drinkers reporting the use of at least one method to control their drinking—a rise from 87% in 2023. Techniques such as drink-free days, opting for lower-strength drinks, smaller portions, and non-alcoholic substitutes are all gaining traction. For instance, 34% of drinkers now choose lower-strength alcohol, while 31% use non-alcoholic alternatives, both notable increases from the previous year (28% and 25% respectively).
The Role of Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
Non-alcoholic alternatives have advanced tremendously in the past couple of years, with products that replicate the taste and experience of traditional alcoholic beverages becoming mainstream. And the improvements show, as between 2023 and 2024, the proportion of drinkers using non-alcoholic substitutes increased from 25% to 31%.
But if you ask most people what’s missing from alcohol-free alternatives, one of the top comments will likely still be the taste. Whilst the low percentage beer industry has come on leaps and bounds with their alternatives, the same can’t necessarily be said for wine which can tend to taste too sweet or juicy rather than full of depth. Noughty by Thomson and Scott have dealcoholized their still wines to less than 0.5% ABV, whilst retaining the rich flavour and body of the wine.
On to cocktails – born out of personal frustration and wanting to bring some joy to not drinking, Caleño is inspired by founder Ellie’s Colombian roots and the vibrant colours, tropical flavours and Latin beats of her family’s homeland. This B Corp certified brand ranges from white, tropical and dark rum alternatives, to the Light & Zesty non-alcoholic tropical gin, alongside pre-made non-alcoholic cocktails. Another brand on the non-alcoholic cocktail front is Mavrik – the alcohol-free cocktail specialists. The drinks are crafted with a unique appeal in their own right, for those who want the great taste of their favourite cocktails but without the negative effects of alcohol.
Functionality is key
Another thing people tend to miss in their alcohol-free drinks is the feeling alcohol gives – relaxed, destressed, sociable. Enter the functional drinks market, where botanical ingredients and nootropics are combining with science to create alcohol alternatives that will give you all the positive feelings, without any of negative effects.
After a routine health check that left him unable to drink alcohol ever again, Mark Wong set out to find a solution that would give him the buzz without the alcohol. Using traditional Asian herbs and helped along by the scientific expertise of University of Durham professor Dr Chazot, Social Blend by IMPOSSIBREW was born. Social Blend combines L-Theanine, Ashwaghanda and Vitamin B1 with soluble plant fibres and various plant extracts to boost serotonin, promote relaxation, and create a calming effect similar to having a couple of pints, all without the hangover.
Tapping into the CBD market – a sector that has seen fantastic growth over the past couple of years – is INTUNE. Their range of refreshing, lightly sparkling fruity and botanical CBD drinks contain 10mg CBD to help you relax and be in the moment. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t make you high or have any of the psychoactive effects, so you will get the potential health benefits without any of the negative consequences.
SENTIA Spirits, the functional drinks brand designed by British neuropsychopharmacologist Professor David Nutt, is committed to offering consumers a better way to relax, unwind and socialise. The spirits contain carefully selected blends of GABA – a compound found in nearly all forms of life. GABA acts as a natural moderator of brain and central nervous system activity, regulating sleep, emotional balance and promoting relaxation. Just like alcoholic spirits, SENTIA Spirits are designed to be paired with your favourite mixer.
For those wanting to enhance their gut health with their alcohol alternatives, Kombucha is the drink of choice. This low sugar alcohol alternative has seen major growth from both challenger brands and industry giants alike. The lack of regulation for kombucha makers means that some version won’t be as beneficial as others, potentially even causing harm to our delicate gut lining. GO Kombucha is Europe’s longest-established and most trusted kombucha range, having been brewed the traditional way, in small batches and bottle in glass for over 20 years.
Artisan and natural
Of course, there are those of us who simply don’t like the taste of alcoholic beverages and would much rather have a soft drink to unwind, and that’s where artisan soft drinks come in. These natural beverages often prioritise ingredients that are closer to their natural form, using fewer artificial ingredients while still delivering the sensory experience of traditional drinks.
No added sugar, no concentrates, no sweeteners and no shortcuts – that’s the promise Cawston Presse makes with its sparkling drinks. Inspired by the kitchen garden and always made with pressed fruit, the range is a great alternative for classic sodas like Ginger Beer and Lemonade.
Created by Shirely White to uphold the legacy of her elder relatives, OTC beverages preserves the rich culture of Caribbean flavours through it’s 100% organic, non-alcoholic beverage range. Flavours include Sorrel, Ginger and Blue Butterfly Pea Flower & Lime, with ingredients responsibly sourced from Jamaican farmers.
With wild flavour fusions including Rhubarb & Ginger, Bramble & Rosemary and Nettle & Elderflower, Nuisance Drink’s sparkling botanicals are a natural, vegan, low calorie alternative to sugary soft drinks and mixers. Using historically forgotten, left-field ingredients, Nuisance Drinks provide the interesting botanicals found in gin, without the alcohol.
Originally created as a party drink – a natural alternative to the chemical excesses of the 80s and early 90s – Gusto original gives lift, focus and puts a spring in the step of those who drink it. A blend of 14 Chinese herbs with organic apple juice, Amazon guarana and cola nut, this natural energy drink works naturally with your body and is a fantastic alternative to alcohol for a night out.
