Non-alcoholic spirits are growing rapidly in popularity. Over the past few years, more people are becoming aware of the impact regular drinking habits have on our health, so it’s not surprising that so many Brits have begun searching for alternatives to their favourite spirit.
Drinking is a social experience that many of us feel inclined to partake in which is why, here at Wise Bartender, we thought we’d explain how you can enjoy the luxury of sampling your favourite tipples without the after effects.
They’re tasty
It goes without saying that non-alcoholic spirits wouldn’t have the opportunity to take over bar menus and drinks cabinets without first being good enough to do so.
Let’s be honest, the majority of us don’t fall in love with an aged single malt Scotch because of the high ABV (alcohol by volume). It’s the smokey, smooth flavour that draws us to the spirit; those little notes of cherry or hints of citrus delight that swirl on our tongues.
The AF market has taken a huge step forward in terms of replicating these flavours without alcohol. This means more and more spirit lovers are being provided with a suitable non-alcoholic alternative to their favourite beverage.
The rise in AF beer and cider
The interest in AF beer and cider has grown massively in recent years. If you’re familiar with the brands Kopparberg, Lucky Saint, Desperados and Thatchers, you’re probably already aware that top breweries offer ‘virgin’ alternatives.
In fact, awareness for non-alcoholic beer and cider has become so prominent lately that Heineken 0.0 are sponsoring the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
So it only made sense for spirits to follow suit. That’s not mentioning that the availability of these products has brought higher levels of attention to AF products and, by extension, non-alcoholic spirits.
Mocktail fever
Mocktails are everywhere.
It’s not just cocktail lounges and brunch bars that are invested in the idea of providing their customers with alcohol-free cocktails. From sit down restaurants to your favourite bar, you’d be lucky to find a menu without a mocktail section on it now.
Why? Because the nation has mocktail fever and it’s unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
All the flavour without the hangover
This is a big one.
Why are more people invested in the idea of non-alcoholic spirits?
Because you get all that smooth richness that dances on your tongue without the adverse effects of a hangover.
I don’t think we need to say any more here.
Inclusive evenings
Alcohol-free spirits allow groups of friends and families to indulge in a naughty drink together without leaving anyone out. This means that you can still enjoy a cheeky cocktail or dash of rum in the evening if you’re pregnant, returning home to young children, have health conditions that prevent you from consuming alcohol or simply don’t want to.
You can even include the designated driver in your liquor fuelled adventures when you drink alcohol-free.
This is undoubtedly one of the biggest reasons why non-alcoholic spirits really are taking over.
Dry January
Dry January is a phenomenon that began in 2013 when Alcohol Change UK began encouraging people to take a month-long break from alcohol following the country’s typical overindulgence at Christmas.
Dr Richard de Visser, a volunteer from the University of Sussex, conducted a survey and discovered that after partaking in Dry January, 7 out of 10 people drank ‘less riskily’.
The initiative began with only a few thousand participants and has since grown to hundreds of thousands, with 130,000 Brits taking part in 2021.
With more and more people recognising the benefits of cutting down on alcohol consumption, it’s no wonder that alcohol-free spirits have taken off.
The market is growing
As the years go by, companies are becoming more eager to jump on the non-alcoholic spirit market.
Whether you prefer a tequila, rum, whiskey, gin or aperitif, there are plenty of options for you. With varied brands from Lyre’s, who have just released their first 0.0 Alcohol Free Highland Malt, to Pallini’s Limonzero Alcohol Free Limoncello, you can drink alcohol-free, whatever your tastes may be.
Which is why, at Wise Bartender, we put all of our spirits in the same place so that you can find the ones you adore without hassle.
