Whether you're driving tonight or just fancy a break from booze, the world of alcohol-free drinks has gone up a level in recent times, with more people taking an interest in their health. Gone are the days when the options were a sad orange juice or a fizzy water. Today's zero-alcohol market is packed with delicious alternatives that don't make you feel like you're missing out.

Here are our top five picks that actually taste good.

1. Tennent's Zero

Let's kick things off with a proper lager that just happens to be alcohol-free. Tennent's Zero has nailed what many non-alcoholic beers struggle with: that authentic beer taste without the weird aftertaste. It's crisp and refreshing, and a good option whether you're watching the football or having dinner.

What makes it stand out is how close it is to a traditional can of Tennent’s. You get that familiar golden colour, a decent head of foam, and a clean finish that doesn't leave you thinking "well, it's almost like beer." It just tastes like a good lager. Plus, at around 26 calories per 330ml can, you can enjoy a few without the guilt.

Perfect for: Pub nights when you're the designated driver, or anytime you want that beer experience minus the hangover.

2. Seedlip

If you're a gin lover, Seedlip is probably up your street. This non-alcoholic spirit has proper complexity and flavour, made with botanicals like peas, hay, spearmint, and rosemary (depending on which variety you choose). Mix it with tonic to make it a sophisticated drink that holds its own at any gathering.

The Garden 108 is herbal and fresh, while Spice 94 has warming notes of cardamom and oak. They're not trying to be exact gin replicas; they're doing their own thing, and doing it brilliantly.

Perfect for: Dinner parties where you want something more interesting than soft drinks.

3. Lucky Saint

This alcohol-free lager from Germany has won over plenty of beer snobs, and for good reason. It's brewed like a traditional pilsner, then the alcohol is gently removed, leaving you with a beer that's clean, crisp, and genuinely refreshing. The taste is balanced with just the right amount of hop bitterness.

It's become a go-to for people who want a proper beer alternative without compromise. Many pubs now stock it on tap, which says something about how good it is.

Perfect for: Sunday lunch or a summer BBQ.

4. Pentire

From the coast of Cornwall comes Pentire, a botanical non-alcoholic spirit that captures the essence of the seaside. Made with plants like sea rosemary, rock samphire, and sage, it's absolutely gorgeous mixed with tonic and a slice of grapefruit.

There's something about Pentire that just works; it's fresh, slightly saline, and genuinely unique. It doesn't taste like anything else on this list, which is exactly why it's here.

Perfect for: When you want something coastal and refreshing that tastes like summer.

5. Guinness 0.0

Yes, Guinness has cracked it. Their alcohol-free stout is remarkably close to the original; rich, creamy, and full of those roasted malt flavours that give Guinness its distinctive taste. The texture is spot-on too, with that signature smooth cascade when you pour it.

At just 17 calories per 100ml, it's a brilliant option if you love the taste of stout but not the effects. The fact that Guinness themselves are behind it means they've taken it seriously, and it shows.

Perfect for: Cosy pub evenings or pairing with hearty food like stews and pies.

To Conclude

The alcohol-free drinks market has absolutely transformed over the past few years. These aren't compromise drinks anymore; they're legitimate choices that stand on their own merit. Whether you're cutting back, cutting out, or just cutting down for a bit, you've got brilliant options that don't make you feel like you're missing out.

So next time you're at the pub or the supermarket, give one of these a try. You might be pleasantly surprised at just how good they are.

 

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