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If, like me, you want to kick start the year with a money-saving detox, then the Dry January challenge is an attractive prospect. And if, like me, you’re unsure where to start when it comes to alcohol free drinks, then we’re here to help.
We spent an evening testing out a whole range of drinks to find the best 0% and low alcohol beverages around, including cocktails, supermarket own-brands, Stowford Press, Koppaberg, and Madri.
Some of the alcohol alternatives we tried were downright disgusting, others were palatable, some drinkable and pleasant, while a few were enjoyable. It’s those enjoyable few that made it onto the list below.
We’ve also included a few we’ve heard good things about from friends and family, like Guinness and Heineken. So, whether you’re on a detox, always the designated driver, or on medication, read on for our recommendations.
Quick look
- Best alcohol free cider: Kopparberg Strawberry & Lime
- Best alcohol free cocktail: Funkin Pina Colada
- Best low alcohol lager: Bud Lime
- Best realistic low alcohol apple cider: Stowford Press
Our Dry January favourites
Best alcohol-free cider: Kopparberg Strawberry & Lime
Of all of the drinks we tried, this tasted the most like its alcohol counterpart. Our testing panel decided that the Kopparberg was their overall favourite, with all stating it smelt and tasted exactly like its alcoholic brother. It’s a 0.0% ABV, making it fine for everyone, no matter your reason for not drinking.
Best alcohol free cocktail: Funkin Pina Colada
We tried two pre-made Pina Coladas in our group test: Funkin beat M&S by a majority vote. While we all agreed it smelt more like pineapple than coconut, the drink looked more like a pina colada than the M&S one, it was also thick, flat, and wasn’t a chore to swallow.
The pineapple flavour was sharp, but not offputtingly so. Overall, the Funkin Alcohol Free Pina Colada got a thumbs up from us.
Best low alcohol lager: Bud Lime
This had a bit of a mixed reception, but each tester decided the same thing: a lemonade top would make it better. And it did. Without the top, it was incredibly limey, with faces scrunching at the sourness of it. It was tolerable as Bud Lime, but a Bud Lime top was thoroughly enjoyable.
Bud Lime isn’t completely alcohol free, it does have a 0.3% ABV you need to be aware of.
Best realistic low alcohol cider: Stowford Press
In general, the test group responded to their swigs with satisfied nods. It tasted just like a regular alcoholic Stowford Press, with a good flavour of apple.
One tester happily finished the remainder of the test bottle. Like the Bud Lime, the Stowford Press isn’t alcohol free as it contains a low 0.5% ABV.
Ones we tested but didn’t like
Doom Bar Zero
Four of our testers found this watery, four found it overly fizzy. In general, it wasn’t too dissimilar from a soapy soda water.
La Chouffe (0.4%)
Before we even tried it, most were put off by the smell. It had a nicer mouth-feel than the Doom Bar. Some compared it to Citra. Only one tester responded positively.
Madrí Excepcional Zero
While this one also doesn’t smell much like lager, it didn’t smell as bad as La Chouffe. The group decided that while it did have a general lager taste and was generally quite drinkable, no one felt it deserved a recommendation.
Thatchers Zero
Unlike the two above, the Thatchers didn’t smell of anything… not even apples. While it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t good, being likened to ‘sherbert’ and ‘Babybel wax’.
Sheppy’s Low Alcohol Classic Cider
Again, another scentless cider. Even though it was watery, it left mouths feeling dry. All but one taste-tester enjoyed the experience.
M&S alcohol free raspberry margherita
The margherita drinkers enjoyed the initial taste of this one, but agreed with the rest of the group when it came to the weird aftertaste. It’s that aftertaste that kept it off our recommended list.
M&S alcohol free G&T
This received a resounding “Yuck!” from all of our testers. One resorted to spitting theirs in the sink – the flavour was strong, harsh, and had a prominent lavender flavour.
M&S alcohol free lime mojito
The lime flavour is incredibly sharp, but at least we all agreed it smells like a lime mojito. What did we think it tasted like? Mint sauce, mouthwash, toothpaste, spearmint Mentos. Take your pick, but you get the hint.
M&S alcohol free pina colada
Even though it smelt like pina colada, it looks quite thin. The main question the group had? “Why is it fizzy?” You know what? We don’t know. The coconut flavour was artificial.
Nozeco Rose Sparkling
If this was a perfume, we’d recommend it. As it’s a beverage, we weren’t all that keen. All but one of the group thought it tasted like perfume, which isn’t something you want your sparkling wine flavoured with.
Recommendations
- Guinness 0.0%: This is a popular one and we’ve not heard anyone say a bad word about it yet
- Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5%: This has had a few good recommendations, but we’ve not tried it ourselves
- Heineken 0.0: Although we’ve discounted the Madri above, the Heineken is apparently quite nice. Again, we haven’t tried it so buy it at your own risk.
