Key Takeaways:
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CBD drinks are a great alcohol alternative and suit those looking to find stillness and relaxation from a drink.
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Other options include non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits available in shops and bars, designed to be enjoyed in the same way as their alcoholic counterparts.
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Newer alcohol-free drinks include kombucha, kefir and functional drinks that appeal to the newly sober curious.
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Drinkaware says that alcohol-free beers and drinks are permitted to contain up to 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume), so it’s important to always check the label if you’re abstaining completely.
Alcohol use in the UK is decreasing, driven by people either cutting alcohol out completely or cutting down and reducing their weekly intake. It’s estimated that around 32% of adults participate in Dry January each year, an initiative run by Alcohol Change UK to encourage people to give up alcohol for the month of January.
Dry January aside, around 23% of UK adults report not drinking alcohol in the past year, according to an NHS survey from 2024, reported in January 2026.
This level of cutting back and abstinence has led to a boom in non-alcoholic and low alcohol drinks. There’s now far more choice for those who are sober curious and practising mindful drinking, as well as those who abstain completely. Long gone are the days of orange juice or a diet cola being the only non-alcoholic drinks available.
Whatever your reason for cutting down on alcohol, it doesn’t have to mean cutting down on flavoursome drinks. Here are our 13 alcohol alternatives that still taste fantastic!
1. CBD drinks
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a type of cannabinoid extracted from the hemp plant, a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant bred to contain very little THC. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the cannabinoid responsible for the high and psychoactive effects of using cannabis.
Since CBD products contain no or trace levels of THC, they don’t cause a high and are non-addictive. Many people choose to use CBD to help them relax, and the potential benefits include better sleep, reduced anxiety and more managed chronic pain.
CBD drinks, such as the Goodrays range, are easy to drink on the go and make a calming alternative to alcohol.
2. Alcohol-free beer
Alcohol-free beer is now widely available in shops and supermarkets, as well as in pubs, bars and clubs, both in bottles and on draft.
It’s made using the same ingredients as standard beer (water, hops, malt and brewer’s yeast), and therefore tastes similar, but contains no, or very little (0.5% or less) alcohol.
Manufacturers create alcohol-free beer by either stopping the fermentation process before alcohol forms or by removing the alcohol from standard beer using a process called reverse osmosis, in which the alcohol is evaporated or filtered through a very fine mesh.
3. Magnesium drinks
Magnesium is a mineral responsible for hundreds of functions in the human body. We cannot manufacture magnesium, and we therefore need it in our diet. Magnesium drinks are a great way to consume this essential mineral, and if they’re made primarily from water with added botanicals and minerals, they also offer great hydration.
Goodrays magnesium drinks are infused with premium ingredients to support cognitive function and reduce fatigue.
4. Non-alcoholic spirits
Non-alcoholic spirits are usually plant-based drinks designed to taste like gin, vodka, rum, whiskey and other spirits. They’re having a moment in the spotlight, with many new brands now on the market, available both in shops and in drinking establishments.
They’re often distilled in the same way as traditional spirits, using herbs, spices and botanical extracts. The alcohol is either removed during the process or is absent from the start.
Rather than having the ‘burn’ of alcoholic spirits, non-alcoholic spirits tend to be smoother, due to the absence of alcohol. They’re great in mixers and mocktails to give mouthfeel and a sense of alcohol.
5. Non-alcoholic sparkling wine
In days gone by, non-alcoholic wines weren’t always that great. Sweet and fruity, they didn’t give the feeling of drinking wine, and instead felt like fruit juice.
Now, however, things have considerably improved. Non-alcoholic reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines look and taste the same as their original counterparts. Light and crisp or dark and heavy, whatever your tastes, you’ll find a non-alcoholic version.
You might also see dealcoholised wine. This means wine that started off alcoholic, so tastes like the original, but has had the alcohol removed (usually down to around 0.5%) by a process of distillation and evaporation.
6. Botanical aperitifs and spritzes
An aperitif is a pre-dinner drink, often made with bitter ingredients meant to stimulate appetite. These bitter ingredients are plant-based and include leaves, flowers, bark, roots and seeds.
Aperitifs can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic and are usually short drinks, meant to be sipped slowly. But when mixed with soda water or white or sparkling wine, they make a refreshing long drink.
It’s hard to escape spritzes at the moment. First on the scene was Aperol spritz, and now limoncello, Lillet and Campari spritzes are commonplace.
There are many non-alcoholic aperitifs available, such as Botivo, a 0% drink made with apple cider vinegar, honey, herbs and citrus zest. There’s also a non-alcoholic Aperol available.
7. Ready-to-drink mocktails
Mocktails are a take on traditional alcoholic cocktails, made to look and taste the same, minus the vodka, gin, rum and other spirits.
These alcohol alternatives are widely available in supermarkets and food shops, often in ready-to-drink individual cans to emulate the cocktail experience. They’re ideal for picnics, BBQs and festivals.
8. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented, sweetened green tea beverage rich in polyphenols (beneficial plant compounds), antioxidants and probiotics.
Thought to have numerous health benefits, such as gut and immune support, kombucha has a light fizz and makes a sharp, tangy, alcohol-free alternative to sparkling wine.
9. Water kefir
Water kefir is another fermented, non-alcoholic beverage, made with water, sugar and kefir grains. Sweeter than kombucha, but still carbonated, it can also be consumed as an alcohol-free version of sparkling wine.
10. Adaptogen and functional drinks
Functional drinks are drinks that do more than hydrate. They usually contain botanicals, vitamins, and adaptogens to provide additional health benefits. Examples of added ingredients include medicinal mushrooms, herbs, roots and spices.
Adaptogens are plant-based substances that help the body adapt to stress, such as ashwagandha, lion’s mane mushroom and ginseng.
Functional drinks are generally non-alcoholic and may help you relax and unwind over time.
11. Premium sodas and adult soft drinks
Sodas and soft drinks don’t have to mean sugar-laden colas and artificially sweetened diet drinks. Today’s sober-curious consumer has a choice of premium tonics and soda waters. Many are infused with botanicals, vitamins and fruits for a truly grown-up experience, minus the alcohol.
12. Ginger beer and ginger ale
Despite their names, ginger beer and ginger ale are usually non-alcoholic. Ginger beer is a spicy, brewed, fermented drink containing water, sugar and ginger, and is used in cocktails such as a Moscow Mule. As it’s been brewed, it might contain traces of alcohol, but since it’s classed as alcohol free, it’ll only ever contain 0.5% alcohol or less.
Ginger ale is lighter and sweeter than ginger beer, and hasn’t been brewed or fermented. Made from carbonated water and ginger sugar syrup, it’s a refreshing alternative to flavoured water and is usually alcohol-free.
13. Fruit-infused sparkling water
Sparkling water is a carbonated alternative to still water. Fruit-infused versions can be shop-bought or made at home.
Shop-bought versions might look healthy and hydrating, but they may contain high levels of sugar and artificial sweeteners, so check the labels. At home, use standard sparkling water and add the fruit of your choice.
How to choose the right alcohol alternative
The right alcohol alternatives will depend on your personal preference and tastes, who you’re with and what you’re doing. Here’s a few tips to help.
Match it to the occasion
Think about the occasion. Is it relaxed, formal, fun or sombre? If it’s a chilled BBQ or beach picnic, choose light, summery pre-mixed mocktails and hydrating fruit-infused water.
For a more formal event, alcohol-free sparkling and dealcoholised wine are a great idea. These wines work well at a wedding, dressed up with fruit and herbal garnishes.
If the event is more subdued or perhaps a work event, alcohol-free red and white wines can be served in exactly the same way as their alcoholic counterparts.
Think about flavour and sweetness
Some mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks can be quite sweet. Which is ok if that’s your thing, but they might get too sweet if you have a few. Mix things up with plain sparkling water or diet alternatives and sodas.
Botanical aperitifs are generally less sweet, but they can taste bitter, a bit like a standard gin and tonic. Which is again ok if you like bitter flavours. But it’s worth bearing in mind and keeping them to pre-dinner drinks if you’re eating, switching to alcohol-free wine with dinner. Then there’s always room for a mocktail afterwards!
Check the label for sugar and ABV
Sweet mocktails and flavoured waters are often sweet for only one reason: sugar. If you’re looking to avoid too much sugar, always read the label, and if you’re concerned, try making your own mocktails using fresh ingredients.
ABV, or alcohol by volume, is one to watch, as alcohol-free might not mean what you think it means. We explain more below.
Consider budget and availability
Alcohol-free drinks are becoming much more commonplace in shops, restaurants and bars, and this also means that you’ll find some budget-friendly options.
Alcohol-free vs low-alcohol: what the UK labels mean
As we mentioned above, ABV, or alcohol by volume, is one to watch out for on product labels. So let’s explain why.
You might be used to seeing the word ‘proof’ on bottles of wine, beer and spirits. For example, a bottle of wine might be 12% proof, or a can of beer might be 5% proof. In these cases, 12% of the bottle of wine is pure alcohol, and 5% of the can of beer is pure alcohol.
ABV describes the percentage of pure alcohol in a drink. So, in other words, ABV and proof are two ways of describing the same thing.
By law, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) states that drinks containing 1.2% ABV or more must display product names, net volume, manufacturer details, country of origin and alcoholic strength (ABV) on the product label, and all of this information must be visible together in the same field of vision.
Low and no alcohol drinks contain much less pure alcohol than standard alcoholic drinks. However, it’s not always the case that they contain no pure alcohol. So here’s a guide, according to Drinkaware:
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0% alcohol or zero alcohol - contains no detectable alcohol
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Alcohol-free - in the UK, this means 0.5% ABV or lower
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Dealcoholised - in the UK, this means 0.5% ABV or lower
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Low alcohol - in the UK, this means 1.2% ABV or lower
Therefore, if you need or want to completely avoid alcohol, only a product labelled 0% or zero alcohol is suitable.
Why more people are choosing alcohol alternatives
There are many reasons for choosing to cut down or completely eliminate alcohol. Some adults have spent their whole lives avoiding alcohol, while others decide to cut down or give up later in life. Health, religion, careers, social and financial factors are all valid reasons for choosing non-alcoholic drinks over alcoholic ones.
The fall in alcohol consumption in recent years seems to be driven in part by young people. The BBC reports that 31% of young women aged 16 to 24 and 39% of young men in the same age bracket avoid alcohol.
Can CBD drinks replace alcohol?
Yes! Any non-alcoholic drink can replace alcohol. However, CBD drinks can have a calming, relaxing effect that you might not get from other non-alcoholic drinks.
CBD won’t get you high, as it contains no or trace amounts of THC, so you won’t get a ‘buzz’ from it in the same way as alcohol might make you feel. But this also means there’s no hangover either.
How to make drinking less feel less boring
Alcohol Change UK recognises that avoiding or cutting down on alcohol might feel boring, especially if you’ve been used to drinking to have a good time. They suggest taking up hobbies, spending time with uplifting people and valuing your downtime to help shift your focus.
You could also try:
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Experimenting with different alcohol-free drinks.
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Using the right glass for the right drink, for example, there’s no reason why kombucha can’t be drunk from a champagne flute and dealcoholised wine can’t be drunk from your favourite wine glass.
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Playing a video game, crafting, writing or using a fidget spinner to occupy your hands during the times you’d normally drink alcohol.
Who should take extra care with alcohol alternatives?
People who need to abstain from alcohol entirely need to be mindful of alcohol alternatives, in case they contain low levels of alcohol (remember, ‘alcohol-free beverages are allowed to contain 0.5% ABV or less).
If you’re abstaining for any of the following reasons, read the label and opt for products that state they’re zero per cent alcohol:
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Pregnancy
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Being a minor
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You’re in recovery
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You’re being tested for alcohol use regularly or on an ad hoc or for-cause basis
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Religion
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You’re taking medications that may interact with alcohol, such as some sedatives or antidepressants
More information
Drinkaware has lots of support and information on cutting down or cutting out alcohol. They also have a drinking check questionnaire to help you understand your relationship with alcohol.
If you’re concerned about your alcohol intake, or that of a loved one, the NHS also has tips and advice.
FAQs
What is the best alternative to alcohol?
The best alternative to alcohol is the one you enjoy the most. Experiment with a range of alcohol alternatives and alcohol-free drinks to discover which ones you like best.
Do alcohol alternatives give you a buzz?
Generally speaking, most alcohol alternatives don’t cause a high or a buzz. Some functional drinks and adaptogens may create a subtle lift in mood, but it may take consistent use to notice it.
Are alcohol alternatives suitable in pregnancy or for drivers?
Drinks that state they’re zero per cent alcohol are safe as they’re 0% ABV. But if you’re abstaining completely, be mindful of ‘alcohol-free’ drinks as they may contain up to 0.5% ABV.
Do alcohol-free drinks contain any alcohol?
Drinks that specifically state 0% or zero alcohol shouldn’t contain any alcohol. But watch out for drinks that claim to be alcohol-free, as by law, they can contain up to 0.5% ABV. While this is still low, if you’re strictly avoiding alcohol for health, legal, religious or other personal reasons, be aware that 0.5% ABV drinks are not completely free from alcohol.
Can alcohol alternatives help me cut down?
Yes, if you’re practising mindful drinking or you’re sober curious, low and no alcohol alternatives can help you cut down.
References
Differences between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers | Drinkaware. (n.d.). Drinkaware. https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/information-about-alcohol/alcohol-and-the-facts/difference-between-alcoholic-and-alcohol-free-beers
Uk, A. C. (2026, March 4). The Dry January® challenge and its impact on public health and prevention. Alcohol Change UK. https://alcoholchange.org.uk/blog/the-dry-january-challenge-and-its-impact-on-public-health-and-prevention
Alcoholic beverages and alcohol in food | Business Companion. (n.d.). https://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/food-and-drink/alcoholic-beverages-and-alcohol-in-food
Website, N. (2026a, April 14). Tips on cutting down on alcohol. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/tips-on-cutting-down-alcohol/
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications.
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