If you’re cutting back on booze, but still want something grown-up to sip on, zero alcohol spirits just might be your new go-to.
These clever non-alcoholic drinks are expertly created to look, taste and mix just the real thing. And with the sober curious movement growing, they’re becoming a reliable staple for mindful sippers here in Australia and worldwide.
To help you discover some of the best alcohol-free spirits available here in Australia, we’ve compiled a shortlist of six of the most popular. But first, let’s take a peek at some of the ways you can use these smart and tasty spirits with classic mixers to breathe new life into your favourite cocktails and mixed drinks.
What To Make With Zero-Alcohol Spirits
Try swapping out the traditional alcohol-based spirit for a zero option in these classics. Trust us, you’ll be going back for another!
- Gin & Tonic – Use a botanical-style zero gin with tonic and lime
- Margarita – Shake up an alcohol-free tequila lime and agave (don’t forget to salt the glass!)
- Espresso Martini – Use a zero white spirit base with cold brew and coffee liqueur
- Negroni – Try a zero gin, alcohol-free vermouth and bitters
- Mojito – Muddle mint and lime with zero white rum and soda
- Whisky Sour – Use a non-alcoholic dark spirit with lemon and sugar syrup
- Dark & Stormy – Mix alcohol-free dark rum with ginger beer and lime
- Spritz – Top an alcohol-free aperitif with soda and orange
7 Of The Most Popular Zero-Alcohol Spirits Right Now
We’ve rounded up six of the most popular zero-alcohol spirit brands available in Australia right now, many of which produce multiple flavours and varieties. Ready to find your new fave? Let’s dive in!
Seadrift Distillery
Proudly sustainability focussed, Seadrift is a gold medal award winner based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Uniquely, the brand uses fresh-cut botanicals grown in NSW and distilled with an hour of delivery and combines a touch of sea kelp for authentic beachy flavour profiles. Each drop is made in the traditional method using small batch copper pots.
- Price: $55
- Varieties: Coast, Wild Hibiscus, Marine and Whiskie
- Where to buy it: Seadrift Distillery, Dan Murphy’s
Abstinence Spirits
The vibrant botanicals that go into each flavour-filled Abstinence drop are sustainably sourced from South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom – the world’s smallest and most diverse plant region in the world! The brand was founded by an expert gin maker and includes the Cape series of white and dark botanical spirits, bittersweet aperitifs and ready-to-drink spritzes.
- Price: from $30.99
- Varieties: Cape Spice, Cape Malt, Cape Citrus, Cape Floral, Cape Agave, Blood Orange Aperitif, Lemon Aperitif, Blood Orange Spritz and Lemon Spritz
- Where to buy it: Dan Murphy’s
Ovant
Ovant was born in Western Australia’s Margaret River region – and it shows. Blending the art of winemaking with the science of distilling, each zero-alcohol spirit feels refined and elegant, like something to savour. alcohol-free spirits. The range includes the fresh and floral Grace, woody and spiced Royal and citrusy Verve. Each is free from alcohol, sugars, sweeteners and artificial flavours. They are also gluten-free and vegan.
- Price: from $45.99
- Varieties: Ovant Royal, Ovant Verve and Ovant Grace
- Where to buy it: Dan Murphy’s
Artisan Distillers
Adelaide-made and multi-award-winning, Artisan Distillers craft alcohol-free ‘counterfeit’ spirits using the finest local and imported ingredients. Each element is individually distilled, then carefully blended and aged in vats for at least two months to develop complex, unforgettable flavours. A top favourite is The Imposter Lime Finger Counterfeit Gin, a must-try for a zesty booze-free spin on your classic G&T.
- Price: $42
- Varieties: The Imposter Lime Finger Counterfeit Gin, The Pretender Riberry Counterfeit Gin, The Charlatan Macadamia Pure Counterfeit Liqueur, Saboteur Zero Alcohol Superior White Rum
- Where to buy it: Artisan Distillers, Dan Murphy’s
Lyre’s
Lyre’s has become a household name in the world of zero-alcohol spirits for good reason. Its massive range covers just about every type of spirit you could think of, from gin and rum to vermouth and triple sec and each bottle is crafted to taste as close as possible to its alcoholic counterpart using the finest natural essences, extraacts adn distilates from around the world. If you’re making cocktails, Lyre’s is a brilliant place to start.
- Price: $46.99
- Varieties: Dry London Spirit, American Malt, Italian Spritz, White Cane Spirit, Italisn Orange, Amaretti, Dark Cane Spirit, Pink London Spirit, Orange Sec, Coffee Originale, Traditional Reserve, Aperitif Rosso
- Where to buy it: Lyres, Dan Murphy’s
Barnes And Brown
Delicately crafted to taste just like the real thing, Barnes & Brown alcohol-free spirits are developed alongside food scientists and distilled right here in Australia. Each 700ml bottle looks good enough to gift, and there’s a flavour in the lineup to suit any and every taste bud.
- Price: $35
- Varieties: Southern Belle Bourbon, Miss Agave Tequila, Señorita Bianco Rum, Lady Marmalade Triple Sec, Lady Juniper Gin, Countess Cora Vermouth
- Where to buy it: Barnes And Brown
Caleño
If you’re looking for something fun, fruity and a little bit tropical, Caleño hits the mark. Inspired by Colombian culture, each 500ml bottles are packed with feel-good energy and make a sensational gift. Light & Zesty has citrus and spice notes, while Dark & Spicy leans into pineapple, coconut and ginger – delish!
- Price: $29.99
- Varieties: Light & Zesty, Dark & Spicy, Mango & Passionfruit, White Coconut
- Where to buy it: Dan Murphy’s
FAQs
Zero alcohol spirits are drinks designed to taste like traditional spirits but without the booze. They’re made with botanicals, spices and natural extracts for complexity and depth.
The best absolutely do! Favourite brands focus on quality ingredients and layered flavours, so they taste grown-up and complex, not sweet or bland.
Most are 0.0% ABV or contain less than 0.5%, which is about the same as kombucha. Always check the label to be sure.
Yes, just swap them in for the alcoholic spirit. You might need to adjust the sugar or citrus levels slightly depending on the brand.
You’ll find them online through the brand’s website, at major bottle shops like Dan Murphy’s and in some supermarkets in the drinks aisle.
Top image: Instagram/ovant_distillations
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Already a fan of zero-alcohol spirits? Let us know your favourites in the comments below!
