Whether you’ve taken the brave decision to lay off the sauce, expecting a bouncing baby in the near future, or are just looking to skip the morning-after hangover – the world has never before been so plentiful for the sober crowd. The demand for more ‘adult’ non-alcohol spirits has been on the rise in recent years, with grown-ups admittedly pushing for beverages that won’t leave them aching to go home and brush their teeth – or worse, pay a swift trip to the dentist. Thankfully, an array of brands have popped up, and are ready to take on the noble cause of creating non-alcoholic spirits that can still titillate your tastebuds.

So don’t wait until Dry January, we’ve put together our favourite non-alcoholic spirits for you to enjoy all the year round.

Surendran & Bownes

Coming from Britain, London merchant Borough Wines & Beers has introduced a spirit of the non-alcoholic variety Surendran & Bownes, assuring their clientele that the bottle “mimics the aromatic profile and complexity” to which they have become accustomed to expecting from their gin.

Not only a friendly choice for the sober crowd but also to those looking to be a bit more ethical in their food and beverage consumption, as the gin is both organic and vegan. Further, the blend is fitting for those who crave a woody taste as the keynote of the gin is made with Australian sandalwood.

Stryyk

British alt-alcohol brand Stryyk had millennials in mind whilst creating their Not Rum, Not Vodka and Not Gin collection. The project was spearheaded by Funkin cocktail mixer founder Alex Carlton who wanted to give young adults the option to sit a night out from drinking the boozy mixes.

Of the collection, Stryyk‘s Not Rum stood out the most as its subtle hints of clove provided our mocktails with a refreshing twist, while the Oakwood offered the sweet taste of grapefruit.

Ceders

From the humble beginnings of husband and wife team Craig Hutchison and Maria Sehlstrom, Ceder‘s Gin began its journey into our (non) alcohol cabinets from South Africa’s Cederberg mountains.

Combining botanicals such as Roobis and Buchu found in Hutchison’s native Western Cape, and the Swedish water of Sehlstrom’s home country Sweden, together they make a crisp and refined taste that will easily erase all memories of cringe-worthy mocktails.

Seedlip

   

Dubbed as the first non-alcoholic spirits company, Seedlips founder Ben Branson promises the thirsty populace  a “sophisticated alternative” to alcoholic drinks.

Hailing from England, the bottle is blended and bottled with a supposed 400-year old distilling recipe which includes herbal remedies with the added touch of copper stills. Currently, Seedlips comes in three flavours, Spice 94 a rich blend of spices, peels and barks. Garden 108, a brighter brew of herbs, peas and garden notes, and Grove 42, for those looking for a zesty kick of citrus and fragrant spices.

Text: Bailey Atkinson