No, and Low Drinks for Autumn – The trend to reduce alcohol consumption is increasing rapidly still, with a host of new 00 versions of popular drinks being launched. With the lead up to the festive season, I thought I’d share with you some of our recent discoveries.
Now available here in the UK following early success in Switzerland, Bel Nada has blended elevated European apéro culture with mindful drinking. Founded by Rebecca Coombe after her own sober-curious journey, the brand was created to fill a gap in the market for beautifully crafted non-alcoholic alternatives that feel as premium and celebratory as traditional spirits. Inspired by the Swiss Alps and developed over 18 months alongside award-winning Swiss drinks experts, there are three in the range, but I’ve only tried L’Aperitivo – a vibrant floral spritz alternative with grapefruit, rose, lavender, and rosemary. If you’re a fan of Campari and similar drinks, I thoroughly recommend it! £29 from www.belnada.co.uk
Created in the heart of Hampshire, Hydes Cyder has since been highly acclaimed, and especially praised for its authentic, refreshing taste and elegance. It is delicious, but now this small start-up producer has also created a non-alcoholic cider that mirrors the taste of its original 5% one. Made through wild fermentation and crafted with zero artificial ingredients, it boasts fewer calories than broccoli or a banana. It’s also naturally gluten-free and suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. It’s produced using a secret recipe that begins with their original cider base, diluted and back-sweetened using concentrated apple juice from English orchards. This ensures no added sugar or malic acid is present. This lightly carbonated medium dry cider is light on the palate, with gorgeous aromas of pronounced apple and citrus translating into a full flavour with bold apple notes. £4 per 330ml can from hydescyder.com and you may be lucky enough to find a pub or hotel that stocks it, as we did when in Hampshire.
If you are a fan of a drink with a ‘kick’ then I thoroughly recommend Picoso. Meaning ‘Spicy’ in Spanish, it was created to blur the lines between drinking and sobriety with flavour-led drinks that are as exciting solo as they are mixed with alcohol. Picoso’s spicy sodas are a market first, targeting major consumer trends and the huge rise in the demand for chilli infused products. Using two of the world’s favourite chillies: Habanero – synonymous with Mexican culture, and Scotch Bonnet – a favourite in Caribbean and West African cuisine, They are in slim 250ml cans – the ideal size for solo sipping or for mixing with spirits for a delicious spicy cocktail. They’re low in sugar and absolutely delicious. They’re available in Waitrose in multipacks of four for £7.50
Most of us are familiar with the Fever-Tree brand – the one that pioneered the premium mixer category. It recently launched the Classic Mojito, bringing a zesty, refreshing serve to its growing collection of alcohol-free cocktails. Joining Mediterranean G&T and Italian Spritz (which is also fabulous), the new non-alcoholic Mojito is inspired by the timeless classic. Using natural ingredients and no artificial flavourings or sweeteners, Mojito delivers a sophisticated non-alcoholic liquid in a convenient ready-to-drink format. Available in elegant 250ml cans at Ocado, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s – RRP: £1.90 and in a 4 x 250ml format at Tesco, Ocado and Amazon priced – RRP: £6.
Another great drink from Fever-Tree is Blood Orange Ginger Beer. The fiery, full-bodied taste of ginger beer, is balanced with the subtle citrus flavour of Italian Blood Orange, creating a bold, but refreshing soft drink. The blood oranges used have a very distinctive flavour, which is sweeter and softer than table oranges. The sweet notes of the blood oranges, combined with the signature blend of three real gingers to make this deliciously refreshing mixer. In bottles and cans from major supermarkets, including Sainsburys and Ocado.
Blue Nun is back. Yes, once one of the most recognisable wine brands on British dinner tables, the famous German wine has returned with a new look and two lower-alcohol wines for a new generation of drinkers. Founded in Germany in 1921, Blue Nun became a household name around the world, with more than one billion bottles sold and available in 64 countries. For its UK return, the famous blue bottle remains, but Blue Nun has been given a makeover for 2026, with two easy-drinking wines: Blue Nun Authentic White – 10% ABV Available at Ocado and DrinksSupermarket.com, £7.50 (Fresh, with flavours and aromas of apple, peach and citrus, plus a touch of sweetness. Its fruit-forward style makes it good with spicy dishes, Asian food and anything with a little sweetness or umami.) Blue Nun Authentic Riesling – 9% ABV Available at DrinksSupermarket.com, £8.49 (Made from grapes grown in Germany’s Rheinhessen region, this is a fruit-forward 100% Riesling with tropical flavours, lively acidity and a subtle sweetness. At just 9% ABV, it’s a lighter option for wine drinkers and pairs well with sushi, seafood, aromatic and lightly spiced dishes, Alternatively, it can be enjoyed as a light dessert wine.)
Another cider that’s slightly easier to buy, of course, is CHANCE Clean Cider, a Great Taste award-winning non-alcoholic cider made with British cider apples and available from M&S. It starts life at 8.2% ABV before the alcohol is carefully reduced, retaining a crisp, full flavour and character of a traditional cider at 0.5% ABV. Best served chilled, CHANCE is gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making it an easy addition to the shopping basket when in Marks. And as evenings become colder, CHANCE makes a delicious non-alcoholic mulled cider. Gently heated with cinnamon spices, cloves and fresh apples, it makes a comforting winter warmer serve for anyone who wants to embrace seasonal rituals without the alcohol. CHANCE Clean Cider is now available in M&S stores priced at £2.25 per 330ml bottle.
With Christmas planning starting earlier every year, innocent is getting ahead of the festive season with the launch of Winterberry Spice, a new limited-edition winter punch. Inspired by cosy get-togethers and seasonal celebrations, Winterberry Spice brings together a rich, festive blend of cherry, cranberry, grape and apple, finished with a warming hint of mixed spice. Made with 100% real fruit, Winterberry Spice is a natural source of Vitamin C and contains no added sugar. While delicious served chilled straight from the fridge, innocent is encouraging shoppers to try something different and gently warm their Winterberry Spice for a comforting, fruity alternative to traditional winter drinks.
I discovered some delicious sodas at the Hampton Court Food Festival recently – Libeau. It is a unique and delectable sparkling blend of botanicals, aromatics and citrus fruits made specifically for adult tastes. Barely sweet, slightly bitter, and very refreshing, Libeau offers three signature sparkling blends: Floral Pressé: Rose, artemisia (wormwood), and elderflower with a bitter-sweet floral and citrus profile. Exotic Citronnade: Lemongrass, exotic bitters, and lemon zest and Aromatic Apéro: Yerba maté, aromatic bitters, and bitter orange (my favourite). They are made from 100% natural ingredients with low sugar, no artificial preservatives, and plant extracts sourced from an organic farm in Herefordshire or global growers. It’s listed in Michelin-starred restaurants, smart hotels and discerning delis. Around £3.50 a can from libeaudrinks.com and I’d suggest buying the mixed case at £34.50 for 12 cans.
Alcohol-free wines generally received mixed reviews, especially compared with beers and ciders. But ZENO was born out of a desire to create high-quality alcohol-free wines, a vision shared by its founders David Hodgson and Will Willis, both wine trade veterans. With their partner winery in Spain and a team of experts, including a leading Master of Wine, they developed techniques that redefine alcohol-free wine potential. Taking grapes from their organic vineyard in Spain, they use traditional winemaking techniques to make the best base wines possible. Then they gently remove alcohol using low temperature, high vacuum distillation, followed by skilful blending for flavour & balance.
The wines are widely acclaimed, and some multi award-winning, especially the reds like Tempranillo Cabernet (Vibrant ruby red with bright salmon pink edge. Pronounced aromas of red and black forest fruits, sweet spices and a hint of sweet green pepper. On the palate, ripe blackberries and raspberries merge with juicy plums and hints of crisp cherry. There is spice, pepper and bright tannin adding weight to a creamy mouthfeel and textured, satisfyingly long finish.)
There is also a Sparkling White NV – again highly acclaimed (Yellow/green straw appearance with a fine, persistent mousse and aromas of green apple, elderflower and creamy lemon zest. On the palate, delightfully crisp with creamy bubbles and notes of crisp apple and elderflower, followed by mouth-filling citrus and fresh lemon thyme and hints of brioche on a long satisfyingly fresh finish.)
And the fact that ZENO is stocked by people like The Wine Society, Waitrose, Majestic and Hedonism Wines is itself a testament to the quality. From around £8 a bottle. For further info and to buy online visit zenowine.com
The Seasoned Gastronome