Feeling Sobercurious? These Non-Alcoholic Spirits Are Sure to Satisfy

The way we drink is undergoing something of a revolution. Health-conscious millennials are leading the charge towards a low-alcohol culture, also known as the sobercurious movement or mindful drinking.

Aside from last year, when two-thirds of Australians admitted to stress-drinking to help deal with pandemic anxiety (guilty as charged), research suggests that, as a nation, we’re actually trending towards drinking less, with per capita consumption at its lowest level since the mid-1960s.

Younger people especially are opting to drink in moderation, with recent research suggesting that millennials are the ones working the hardest to change their relationship with alcohol, and Generation Z, are simply drinking much less, to begin with.

Just look at #sobercurious on Instagram: With 184,000 tags on the platform, it’s clearly more than a niche movement.

But drinking less doesn’t mean we’re drinking less. Our bottle shops are stocked with interesting (and pretty delicious) low-alcohol or alcohol-free drinks.

There are zero-per cent beers (check out Sobah for a craft beer take on the trend) and wines (Non comes highly recommended), but it’s sprits where producers are really making strides.

Here are a few of these modern-day Claytons that are taking the place of high-proof spirits in cocktails and mixed drinks at happy hours around the country.

The Best Non-Alcoholic Spirits

Seedlip

Seedlip was the first alcohol-free spirit to emerge, and was a real pioneer in the scene, letting teetotallers, pregnant women and sober drivers have a cocktail (rather than a mocktail) or mixer that felt like a real drink. It’s premium, both in its ingredients and its beautiful packaging, and comes in three delicious flavours: Spice 94, with notes of allspice and cardamom; Garden 108, which tastes like peas and herbs; and Grove 42, with a citrus flavour.

seelip spice 94 — seedlip, spice 94 ($32)

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Kin Euphorics

You know how alcohol helps you to de-stress, relax and be a better (or so it seems at the time) version of yourself? Well, Kin Euphorics actually does that.

The range of spirits contains something called adaptogens, which help to balance stress, and nootropics, which help your brain work better – hello, sparkling conversation! It’s flavoured with botanicals that taste good and have further therapeutic benefits. Try High Rhode for a tart and floral flavour, or Dream Light for a nightcap that really does help you sleep better.

dream light kin euphorics — kin euphorics, dream light ($39)

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Celtic Soul

If you love a serious Scotch, all peat-smokey and full of depth, it’s hard to find a booze-free replacement. It’s such a specific experience!

Never fear, though, Celtic Soul may be the solution.

It’s got the richness of whisky, with notes of spice, oak and vanilla, and gives you a similar warming feeling. It’s exactly what you want during a cold Dry July evening.

celtic soul non alcoholic whisky — celtic soul, Non-alcoholic dark spirit ($34)

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Monday

Gin is a staple of the liquor cabinet—martinis! G&Ts! Gin fizz!—so we were delighted to discover this alcohol-free gin from Monday. It’s a complex blend of natural botanicals, citrus and spices-- most important of which is juniper, so it tastes like the real thing. Plus, as well as being zero alcohol, it’s also zero carbs, calories and sugars, so you can have that second martini.

Spiritless

An extremely convincing alternative bourbon, Kentucky 74 is great to have on hand for no-booze cocktails. The flavour is spot on, but it won’t leave you with a Southern-style hangover the next day.

non alcoholic bourbon kentucky 74 spirtless — spirtless, kentucky 74 ($36)

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Ritual Zero Proof

We long ago grew out of the idea that tequila meant salt, lime and a shot glass, but what if we could also grow out of the idea that it’s a guaranteed headache the next day?

Ritual has won awards for their alternative tequila, which tastes like the real thing, with flavours of agave, lime and smoke, but has none of the regrets. Shots!

61FO6uJ0sdL._SL1500_.jpg — ritaul zero proof, tequila alternative ($27)

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Lyre’s Italian Orange

Make the most of aperitif hour with a bitter-orange alcohol-free spirit that you can use to make a delicious cocktail or drink over ice. It’ll immediately evoke images of the Mediterranean summer. How luxe!

Lyre’s Amaretti

Another strong offering from Lyre’s is this Amaretti, a marvellous substitute for Amaretto. This spicy and sweet almond liqueur is rich and smooth, perfect for an after-dinner treat. Have it on its own, pour it over ice cream, or use it to poach stone fruit. The hint of bitterness is the perfect foil to your favourite dessert.