Not just for January: make low alcohol work for you

Consumers are increasingly health conscious and, coupled with the boom in premium mixers, it has never been more topical – or easy – to go low alcohol. Not only good to prevent a hangover, drinking less is easier on the liver and doesn’t necessarily have to mean going ‘dry’.

Generation Z* are predicted to be the most health-conscious and environmentally-friendly generation yet, indicating a growing demand for low-alcohol alternatives in the future.

While there are lower-alcohol wines available, the trick lies in the cocktail scene. Often synonymous with heavy mixing of different spirits, many of the classic cocktails contain close to 100% alcohol. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

We take a look at three low-alcohol options for those partial to a mixed drink or four:

Not just a mixer: Vermouth 

Long pushed into a dusty corner along with mixers and secondary cocktail ingredients, vermouth is perhaps wrongly known only as a component of the classic martini. It wasn’t always this way. In fact, up until the 1800s vermouth was mainly drunk neat as an aperitif. But it makes a cracking primary cocktail ingredient, too.

For our take on an Espresso Martini, we swap vodka (usually around 40% ABV) for Belsazar Red Vermouth, which sits at 18% ABV. For a little natural sweetness without the coffee liqueur – and extra ABV – the secret is agave syrup.

Method

• Shake all ingredients vigorously in a Boston Shaker

• Strain into a chilled coupe glass

• Garnish with coffee beans

Been here all along: The Long Cocktail

Low-ABV cocktails have been sitting on cocktail menus since the dawn of, well, cocktail menus. Drinks like the classic Mule and Cuba Libre – which combine fresh lime juice with one type of spirit and ginger beer – are perhaps the more understated low alcohol alternatives.

If you’ve tried these old favourites, we’ve got a delicate, summery cocktail with a green tea zing for you. And the only alcohol in this refreshing long drink is Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur, at 20% ABV (and a dash of bitters!)

Method

• Shake the Fiorente, sugar syrup, lemon and bitters together in a Boston Shaker

• Pour into a highball glass filled with ice

• Top up with light green tea

• Garnish with a lemon slice or flower

Teetotal tipple: Seedlip

This new non-alcoholic distilled spirit is taking the market by storm. Appealing largely to gin drinkers, Seedlip is made from six distilled botanicals and can be enjoyed simply with tonic or in a cocktail. “From a cocktail point of view, Seedlip isn’t sugary or sweet – you can sip and enjoy,” says sales ambassador Tori Udale.

Seedlip creators love to experiment with vinegars and herbs, and you’ll find a host of homemade shrubs in their suggested cocktails, which adds a complex texture and flavour that feels uncannily spirit-like.

Method

• Shake all ingredients vigorously in a Boston Shaker

• Strain into a coupe glass

• Garnish with a sprig of rosemary

*Also known as Post-Millennials, Gen Z is the demographic cohort after the Millennials.