Low Alcohol & Alcohol Free Drinks

Alcohol free drinks are a great option if you are pregnant, and low alcohol drinks if you are watching your weight, on a diet, or simply want to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.

And who can forget the designated drivers amongst us?

At BBQs and summer get-togethers, some people want to join in with the fun while others are drinking.

That is one reason why low alcohol drinks remain so popular. They also make a great alternative to high-sugar, high-calorie soft beverages.

So, if you are looking to discover a range of alcohol alternatives, we have plenty of options to tantalise your tastebuds while avoiding that dreaded hangover.

You can thank us later!

How much alcohol is in low alcohol drinks?

ABV stands for Alcohol By Volume.

Alcohol free drinks have no more than 0.05% ABV. By contrast, low alcohol drinks have no more than 1.2% ABV.

To put these figures into context, a pint of 1% ABV beer measuring 568 ml contains over half a unit of alcohol.

According to UK government guidelines, men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week.

This is the equivalent to six pints of standard-strength lager, six small glasses of wine, and five pints of cider.

And because spirits contain more alcohol, you are supposed to have even less.

Similarly, officials advise that these units should be spread out throughout the week, rather than saved for the weekend.

Drinking to get drunk or drinking alcohol in a short space of time is known as binge drinking.

Alcohol is okay in moderation, but too much can damage your health, causing liver damage, heart disease, and mental health issues.

What types of low alcohol drinks are there?

There are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks for you to enjoy – and the good news is that they taste just like the real thing.

At Holland & Barrett, we have a great range of low alcohol spirits to choose from.

If you’re a gin lover, why not try CleanGin Pink Rhubarb?

It contains only 1.2% ABV, making it an excellent low alcohol option.

It is also free from sweeteners and artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. And at only 15 calories per 50 ml, it has got a full-bodied, fruity flavour with none of the guilt. Happy days!

Or, if you prefer a more traditional gin flavour, try CleanGin’s low alcohol botanical spirit.

Again, it is only 1.2% ABV, making it a fantastic replacement for your full strength favourites.

It also boasts a crisp juniper taste that is perfectly balanced with botanicals. Now that’s cool and refreshing.

Maybe rum is more your thing? If so, give CleanRum a go.

Created using traditional distilling methods, CleanRum is a 1.2% ABV version of spiced Caribbean rum.

It is packed with flavour and contains notes of golden caramel, cayenne pepper, and warming spice – perfect on a cold day.

When you are on the go, CleanRum also has a range of pre-mixed low alcohol cans.

This includes CleanRum & Cola and CleanGin & Tonic.

Both contain only 0.5% alcohol and are low in calories. Perfect for an impromptu picnic.

Can you get fake alcohol?

If you are looking to cut out alcohol altogether, enjoy a tipple from the Rochester range.

Ginger lovers – this Rochester Ginger Drink has your name on it.

Containing a ginger fusion combined with cowslip, elderflower and raisins, it is warming from the inside out. And the best news is it contains absolutely no alcohol.

Try mixing it with tea, water or something stronger – the choice is yours.

Alternatively, Rochester Organic Mulled Berry Punch Drink offers something a little fruitier.

It is similar in taste to mulled wine and is the perfect blend of spices and mulled fruits. 

How to make your own mocktails

Nothing says ‘party’ better than non-alcoholic cocktails.

If you are looking to create your own fruity mocktails, why not make your own?

Using a few simple mocktail ingredients, including store-cupboard essentials such as honey, sugar and lemon juice, you can create a medley of marvellous mocktails in no time.

Simply browse our collection of non-alcoholic drinks and pick your favourites as your mocktail base.

Non-alcoholic gin pairs perfectly with a range of ingredients.

In fact, gin is often used as the main alcoholic ingredient in a range of classic cocktails, including martinis, Tom Collins and, of course, gin and tonic.