Taking you from “oh… thanks” to “OMG! Thank you so much!”
You know the old saying: Give a non-drinker a good drink they can enjoy, and they’ll appreciate you until the end of time. Okay, we just made that up, but it really should be canonised because, for decades, we’ve had really poor beverage options for non-drinkers. There’s been a real lack of choice and care, so non-drinkers have low expectations when it comes to their options. But now, you can use this to your gift-giving advantage and absolutely blow them away with a bottle of something truly special that, yes, they can actually drink.
That’s no exaggeration – these zero%* drinks are special. In recent times, distilleries, breweries and wineries have poured their focus into creating zero%* drops that taste just like the real thing. They’ve been fine-tuning, reflecting, testing and taking up the challenge of making good alcohol-free drinks, and they’re running with it.
Ahead, we have six of the best releases that are big on flavour and low in alcohol to hand over next time you need a gift for the sober-curious or non-drinker in your life.
1. A silky smooth savvy b
For: Your cool aunt
Because: You pulled her into the family gift exchange
White wine drinkers can be very particular. Especially if it’s your aunt. She’d never say she didn’t like it, but you’d see it in her eyes. You know that look. If she’s a savvy b drinker, and you give her a bottle of Squealing Pig Zero Sauvignon Blanc, you will not see that look. Instead, you’ll see one of delight. That smooth sip, the punchy tropical fruit, the crisp edge… Again, she won’t say it, but she might just start giving you random compliments to show her appreciation. Remember – it’s all in gratitude because now she can drink a bottle of her fave type of wine and still drive herself home after the family get-together rather than stay at your nan’s and deal with that yappy dog she hates. Wow, you’re so thoughtful. Probably her favourite.
2. A red to pour with dinner
For: Your friend in the trenches
Because: They need to know how proud you are of them
Whether they’re deep in study mode or gunning for a promotion, your pal is burning that midnight oil. You’ve got a rare evening with them and want to show your support. It’s not the time for a leisurely long dinner with a bougie bottle or two, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a red and jump straight back to it. That’s the beauty of alcohol-free bottles, no? Paradox Zero Alc Pinot Noir is a red wine with all the hallmarks of a South Australian pinot: strawberry with spice, light but bold, savoury but sweet. It’s all of the things you want in a dinner wine. They’ll be thrilled and touched by your thoughtfulness. Pat yourself on the back.
3. A beer that will win you brownie points
To: Your mate with a boat
Because: You should thank them for hosting another fishing trip (especially after the last one)
It’s so great to know someone with a boat. It’s less great being that someone. Fuel is expensive, maintenance is expensive, and someone almost always throws up any time you take them out for a spin. So, this time, show your appreciation and bring them something they can enjoy while driving the boat. However, we can’t say bringing Heineken Zero Non-Alcoholic Lager doesn’t also work in your favour. Non-alcoholic beers have been the fishing-trip sip of choice for a while, but these bottles are cleaning up in the reviews – “The best full-flavoured zero beer I have ever had”, “damn close to the real thing”, “best non-alcoholic beer on the market”... So, when you unveil these to your host, you’re going to win at choosing the best beer. And you know, you’re competitive.
4. A G&T that might earn you Godparent
To: Your pregnant sister-in-law
Because: It’s her baby shower and she doesn’t need another swaddle (plus, your brother is meh)
You never thought it was possible, but your brother has found someone to love and adore him so much that she was willing to procreate with him. Pigs do fly. Even though you don’t see it, you do see that pregnancy has gifted her swollen ankles, hot flushes and an onslaught of ‘Are you sure it’s not twins?’. Maybe you could gift her something she actually wants. Like a G&T but alcohol-free. Gordon's 0% Gin & Tonic & Lime is made to satisfy gin drinkers when they’re not drinking, so it’s fresh, tart, bubbly and downright delicious. Especially when it’s exactly what you’re craving.
5. A spirit to pour into a big glass and savour
For: Your dad
Because: It’s his birthday, remember?
He likes YouTube car restoration videos, his lawn, “innovation” chat, ocean dips at 6 am and sipping spirits at 6 pm. He also likes you, of course, and perhaps he will even more after you deliver him Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Bandwagon Non-Alcoholic. It’s designed as an alcohol-free version of the brand’s cult favourite the Bloody Shiraz Gin (itself groundbreaking when it first launched). The highly concentrated shiraz content layered with a complex (and lengthy) ingredients list of native botanicals like pepperberry leaf and orange blossom make this spirit as worthy of savouring and celebrating as any other in the Four Pillars line-up – Dad will be dining out on this ingenious sip story for months.
6. A bottle that covers all bases
To: Your co-worker
Because: He finally got his licence
After years of not pulling their weight in the carpool, your co-worker finally has their driver’s licence. Just like Olivia Rodrigo. To celebrate no longer having them sidle up to your desk every time it’s raining to ask “What time are you leaving today?” or being forced to sit idle in their driveway because “Five more mins, sorry!”, a bottle of Lyre's Non-Alcoholic American Malt Spirit tells them you’re proud of them, and… it’s payback time. We see some solid passenger time in your future – you can be TikTok-scrolling in traffic, take an extra 10 minutes in bed, and enjoy a cheaper petrol bill. Not that they’ll mind – this alt-malt is deeply yummy. Smooth, creamy and a true bourbon style, this is just sans the alcohol. Sip it neat, on the rocks or with cola or ginger ale.
*Contains no more than 0.5% ABV
Written by Alexandra Whiting