Alcohol-Free Spirits

You can, but most aren't designed for it. Gin and vodka alternatives really come alive with a mixer and plenty of ice. The exceptions are the darker, sippable ones. Sobour Doublewood is made for sipping, Glen Dochus Highland is a slow sipper, and Three Spirit Nightcap is built for the end of the evening. Start with a small measure and see how you get on.

Tonic is the classic, and it matters more than you'd think, so use a good one and lots of ice. London Dry styles like Pearsons London Botanic, with citrus, elderflower and juniper, suit a classic tonic and a slice of lemon. Pink and fruity ones such as Rhubarb & Ginger can take a lighter tonic. Smiling Wolf's gin alternative is made to be topped with tonic too.

Many are, not all. 0.0% means no alcohol at all. In the UK, anything at 0.5% or under counts as alcohol free. We show the exact ABV on every drink. Pearsons, Glen Dochus, Sobour, Seven Giants and USKO are all 0.0%. Smiling Wolf and Pathfinder are 0.5%. If you only want 0.0%, head to the zero range.

Smiling Wolf Spiced is made from molasses, spiced with cinnamon and oaky vanilla, and the makers say it's brilliant in a dark and stormy or a rum and cola. It's 9 calories per 25ml. Fancy something more tropical? Caleño Dark & Spicy brings pineapple, coconut, ginger and kola nut, while Caleño White Coconut is a piña colada waiting to happen.

I'll be honest, I don't know, and I won't pretend to. Three Spirit make theirs with botanicals, and Smiling Wolf add natural nootropics and B vitamins. Ten years in public health taught me to be wary of anything that promises to fix your Tuesday. What I can tell you is how they taste. Three Spirit Livener is watermelon, ginger and hibiscus. Social Elixir is dark, herbal and bittersweet. Judge them on that.