Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks for a Christmas tipple

Because this year’s festivities are going to be filled with memories you'll want to remember hangover-free.

Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks for a Christmas tipple

by Piper Huxley |
Updated on

When Christmas comes, we Brits fancy a tipple - but, for those who don't like to wake up on Boxing Day feeling rotten, perhaps some low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks may fit the bill. With plenty to celebrate and indulge in this Christmas, there will be plenty of memories you’ll wish to cherish, so the last thing we want is a hangover to ruin it all.

More and more of us are choosing to go alcohol-free this festive season, but this doesn’t mean it needs to be any less fun and you for sure don’t need to feel left out. Brands are competing to bring you the best low-alcohol beverages and non-alcoholic spirits, so you can enjoy the festivities and remember them all too. There is even vegan-friendly alcohol for plant-based family members. This Christmas, no one has to miss out. That's the spirit, right?

Best low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks at a glance

Best non-alcoholic sparking wine: Lyres Classico Grande (Case of 6) - view at Dry Drinker
Best non-alcoholic cider: Kopparberg Alcohol-Free Pear Cider (Pack of 8) - view on Amazon UK
Best non-alcoholic cocktails in a can: Savyll Alcohol-Free Cocktails (Pack of 4) - view on Amazon UK

What the beverages lack in alcohol contents, they make up for in divine flavour. Bursting with fruits and spices this year’s non-alcoholic offerings will make you feel fabulously festive without the hangover. Non-alcoholic spirits can be used just as they would if they contained alcohol, think festive cocktail favourites like mulled wine or a hot toddy. Rum and wine are replaced by their non-alcoholic alternatives, same taste minus the headache in the morning.

To celebrate the magical festive season in style we’ve highlighted a few of our favourite non-alcoholic beverages and spirits you can shop and enjoy during the festivities. You can also scroll down to find a selection of our favourite Christmas classic drinks made non-alcoholic. Some of them could make gifts for foodies in your life.

The best low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks

Best non-alcoholic sparking wine

A bottle of fizz styled on that Italian wine we all know and love but without the alcohol. The whole experience is spot-on; the bottle is the right shape, the cork fires out as you'd expect, and the first pour threatens to bubble up over the top of the glass. In terms of taste, the Lyres Classico Grande (Case of 6) is a bit sweeter than we expected but is lovely; plus no soreness in the morning. Saluti!

It's perfect for festive toasts or inclusive celebrations that everyone can take part in.

Best low-alcohol white wine

The Darling Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 0.5% White Wine, a superb dry white from Darling Cellars in South Africa, is made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Its lively acidity and fruity zest of grapefruit, lemon, and tropical notes pair exquisitely with seafood and vegetarian dishes.

Customers like this wine - however, a few wish it was a little drier and less sweet.

Best non-alcoholic gin

With only 14 calories per 50ml serving, this CleanCo Clean G is a non-alcoholic gin alternative; it's perfect if you're a lover of a good G&T but are staying away from the hangovers this festive season. Blended and distilled using aromatic botanicals including crisp juniper, with no added sugar or sweeteners. Serve with tonic. Customers love how fabulous this gin alternative is. Bottoms up (!)

Best non-alcoholic mulled wine

Belvoir Farm Mulled Winter PunchArabella Horspool / Yours.co.uk
Price: $19.44

For a truly festive, non-alcoholic beverage, you must try the Belvoir Farm Mulled Winter Punch. Made with natural fruit juices: red grape, elderberry, blackcurrant and orange, it also has those traditional extracts of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove which warm the palate.

Reviewed by Arabella Horspool, Yours Commercial Content Writer.

Best non-alcoholic rum

Clean R is a great non-alcoholic take on Spiced Caribbean Rum. A warming spice, golden caramel and cayenne pepper; it's delicious and perfect for the festive season. A secret blend of spices is used to create this non-alcoholic alternative to spiced Caribbean rum. Customers loooove the Clean R - saying it's perfect when poured over ice - paired with cola or ginger ale. Cheeky.

Best no-alcohol vodka alternative

Seedlip Garden 108 Alcohol-Free Spirit
Price: $31.99

Embark on a journey with Seedlip Garden 108 Alcohol-Free Spirit, an exquisite alcohol-free spirit capturing the essence of the English countryside. Crafted with peas, hay, and traditional garden herbs, it offers a refined, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly taste for creative cocktail concoctions. It makes a great vodka alternative. We think it'll be fab used in your cocktails...

Customers like this pick for its refreshingness. Said to be a great alternative to alcohol, it's a low-calorie treat. We are reassured it does not taste like flavoured water. Some disagree on the taste.

Tried and tested by writer, Piper Huxley

Best non-alcoholic cider

Kopparberg Fruit Cider Alcohol Free Variety Pack
Price: $7 (was £8)

Now alcohol-free, the sweetness of fresh pear, mixed fruits, strawberry and lime (and much more) delivers bags of fruity flavour, for a revitalising non-alcoholic range of drinks. The Kopparberg Fruit Cider Alcohol-Free Variety Pack is best enjoyed chilled with family and friends. We love it!

Piper has tried Kopparberg's alcohol-free cider and loves it. According to her, it tastes the same!

Best non-alcoholic beer

Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPABig Drop
Price: $19.44 (was £25)

Low and no-alcohol beers have raised their game in recent years, so if you're looking for a booze-free alternative to your usual craft brews you're in for a treat! This Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPA is low-alcohol, vegan and gluten-free - perfect for everyone. Each can is an adventure in itself, packed with a citrus zing that'll make you feel like you've discovered a treasure trove of liquid gold.

Tried and tested by writer, Arabella Horspool

Best for fizzy drinks

Belvoir Farm - low alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks
Price: $4.75

Free from artificial colours and flavours, as well as preservatives and sweeteners, Belvoir Farm's Raspberry Lemonade is a must-have for everyone on your dinner table this Christmas.

Arabella loves Belvoir Farm. She said "Belvoir Farm Delicious & Light Raspberry Lemonade certainly lives up to it's name because it is, frankly delicious! These cans contain natural sweeteners, giving you a refreshingly good drink."

Best non-alcoholic cocktails in a can

Savyll Alcohol-Free Cocktails (Pack of 4)
Price: $19.99

Reawaken your senses with Savyll Alcohol-Free Cocktails (Pack of 4). This range of familiar cocktails you know and love. Ready-to-drink, no mixers required, this variety tasting pack has low calories, low sugar, is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and most importantly hangover-free. The cocktail flavours in this set are Mojito, Moscow Mule, Paloma and Bellini.

Best non-alcoholic red wine

The vegan-friendly DC Red Shiraz 0.5% Wine (Pack of 3), a ruby beauty with ripe red fruit notes, originates from Darling Cellars' cool west coast vineyards in South Africa. Made with 100% Shiraz, it offers a bold, fruity taste complemented by oak-aged smokiness. Perfect for hearty meat dishes and full-bodied wine lovers. It layers rich berries with spices for an interesting Christmas-y taste...

Best non-alcoholic sparkling rose wine

Kylie Minogue Wines 0% Sparkling RoseKylie Minogue / Amazon / Morrisons
Price: $6.50 (was £7.25)

Celebrate any special occasion with a bit of bubbly, but make it alcohol-free. This Kylie Minogue Wines 0% Sparkling Rose is made from grapes and green tea, for a vibrant and deliciously fresh drink.

Tried and tested by writer, Piper Huxley

Best non-alcoholic punch

Belvoir Farm Festive Edition Spiced Ginger PuncBelvoir / Amazon

A rich, spicy, drink - ideal as a non-alcoholic winter punch. Hand-made with masses of real ginger and fruit juices, mixed with cloves, nutmeg and cinammon for a rich taste. This Belvoir Farm Festive Edition Spiced Ginger Punch (Pack of 6) is non-alcoholic and ready to drink!

Piper was lucky enough to try a cup at CIJ Group's Christmas Press Show... She's such a big fan of ginger beer, already, and this was the icing on the cake. She was a little unsure about the spices (sceptical) but she was pleasantly surprised. She'll be taking it to her mum's, this Christmas.

Best Amoretto style spirit

Lyre's AmarettiLyre's / Amazon
Price: $37.80

This fabulous Lyre's Amaretti expertly captures the essence of the infamous Amaretto liqueur with flavours that are super distinct. Love the taste of almonds? Well, you're in luck, because this spirit comes with tangy, spicy and candied notes that will pair well with any Christmas cake.

Reviews love this pick for its gentle flavour and lovely smell - without any strong hits of alcohol.

Best pink gin alternative

Warner's 0% Botanic Garden Spirits Pink BerryWarner's / Amazon

If you love a cheeky pink gin, this Warner's 0% Botanic Garden Spirits Pink Berry is perfect for Christmas, if you intend on cutting down on the booze. It's a fruity and vibrant alternative to pink gin - fragrant and tangy, combining various berries with chilli and ginger. What a thrill - with a kick.

Customers love this award-winning drink for its great value for money, taste and nice bottle.

Recipe Inspiration

Non-alcoholic Eggnog recipe

Great for all the family, this non-alcoholic Eggnog mocktail is an incredible Christmassy drink, perfect for serving with dessert. This is our favourite eggnog recipe, alcohol-free:

Eggnog recipe
©Photo: Getty Images

INGREDIENTS

6 large eggs

2 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar (plus 2 tablespoons)

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 cups whole milk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1/4 cup heavy cream (whipped to soft peaks)

Garnish: additional grated nutmeg

METHOD

For the full recipe visit the spruce eats here.

Non-alcoholic mulled wine recipe

Make a warming and festive mulled wine minus the alcohol, perfect for the whole family to enjoy with this fruity recipe. Combining pomegranate juice, blackberries and spices, it's just as warming as the real deal.

Mulled wine recipe
©Photo: Getty Images

INGREDIENTS

500ml pomegranate juice

25g golden caster sugar

handful of frozen blackberries

250ml apple juice

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise

4 cloves

3 black peppercorns

1 orange, quartered

METHOD

For the full recipe visit BBC Good Food here.

Piper Huxley is a Homes and Lifestyle Product Writer for Yours. She will write on anything from décor to beauty. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is snuggled up reading in bed, listening to music or enjoying a cup of tea. Sometimes all at once.

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