The Best Non-alcoholic Drinks – From Beer to Mocktails

In the not-too-distant past, drinks with friends meant one of two things: consuming booze, or choosing between soft drink, energy drink, and ye-old-faithful H20.

Fast-forward to today, and non-alcoholic drinks are a rainbow of possibilities. From mouth-watering spirits, to refreshing beers, and even wines so fine you’d never know they’re alcohol-free, the world of boozeless beverages is as varied as it is delicious.

What does non-alcoholic beer taste like? How are non-alcoholic spirits made? Does non-alcoholic wine taste good? Scroll down to learn the answers, as well as discover our favourite zero alcohol finds. 

Non-alcoholic Beer – Maximum taste, zero alcohol

Non-alcoholic Pale Lager 

Who doesn’t love sampling chilled lager on a hot summer’s day, in all its refreshing, creamy glory? Now you can enjoy a cold one without any chance of a hangover, thanks to Melbourne’s foremost non-alcoholic beer brewers, Upflow. Discover their Non-Alcoholic Ultra Pale Lager today.

Non-alcoholic Pale Ale

Upflow Non-Alcoholic Classic Pale Ale is our favourite booze-free pale ale. This unique pour offers a malty, complex flavour, Munich malt the centre-stage hero. Gift a 6-pack to the hop-loving hipster in your life; they’ll be impressed on every level and completely sober to tell you all about it!

Non-Alcoholic Beer FAQs

Is non-alcoholic beer healthy? 

We wouldn’t suggest surviving on a diet of non-alcoholic beer alone, but there are certain beers offering benefits above and beyond being a) delicious and b) booze-free.

UpFlow Brewing Co. has released a ‘rehydration’ sports beer range. Smash their crisp pale lager or smooth pale ale when exercising to enjoy that satisfying beer flavour, while replenishing your body’s electrolytes, nutrients, and carbohydrates. 

How is non-alcoholic beer made?

Non-alcoholic beer can be created in two ways:

1. Interrupting the fermentation process mid-way; or

2. removing the alcohol, post-brew.

The resulting beer’s aroma, body and taste will differ depending on the chosen process. For the healthiest, tastiest beer, we suggest choosing brands which shun anything artificial in favour of the highest quality, all-natural ingredients. 

Can you buy non-alcoholic beer online? 

Absolutely. For some of the best non-alcoholic beer Australia has to offer, check out iPantry’s curated selection of alcohol-free drinks: tantalisingly tasty beer, wine, spirits and more, straight to your door? Where do we sign!? 

Non-Alcoholic Wine

Alcohol-free White Wine winners

Bubbly, fruity whites don’t have to be a recipe for your next hangover. Plus & Minus has taken white wine to new heights, with their impressive Zero Alcohol Blanc De Blancs NV. Think notes of sweet citrus and apple, culminating in an effervescent palette worthy of any notable Prosecco.  

Serve chilled with white fish or creamy chicken for a winning flavour combination. 

Impressive zero alcohol Red Wine 

Let’s face it – we’ve all been very well lubricated over the last two years. A great way to reduce your alcohol intake without feeling like you’re missing out is to keep a quality bottle of non-alcoholic red on hand. 

Plus & Minus Zero Alcohol Shiraz is a creamy, chocolatey vintage, with hints of dark fruits and vanilla offset by subtle oak. Pair with steak or a plate of rich bolognese for a delightfully sinless dinner. That’s at least one night of the week your liver will love you.

Non-Alcoholic Wine FAQs

Are non-alcoholic wines any good? 

Demand for non-alcoholic beverages in dry parts of the world, such as the Middle East, has encouraged traditional wine-wakers to diversify. Sizable investments have been made in perfecting the art of the alcohol-free wine, and the results? Nothing at all to wine about.

Is non-alcoholic wine safe while pregnant?

Put simply: non-alcoholic wine is as safe for pregnant women as fruit juice. Even better, the health-promoting polyphenols in non-alcoholic wine have been proven to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure.

Is non-alcoholic wine good for you?

While all wine contains heart-healthy antioxidants, recent studies have shown that alcohol-free varieties win out in the health stakes. 

Thanks to the absence of the naughty part – alcohol – virgin wine can reduce the risks of heart disease and strokes by as much as 20%, while decreasing blood pressure. 

Non-Alcoholic Spirits to lift your spirits

Expert cocktail-making is equal parts science and magic and the results, mouth-watering. The hangovers, however, are not as appealing.

There are now tantalising options if you’d like to partake in a cocktail without the after-effects. In recent times, the world of zero alcohol spirits (yes, you read that right) has been exploding. Both virgin white and brown spirits are all the rage, and they really do taste like the real deal.  Whether you’re health-conscious, an expectant mother, a designated driver, or a cocktail devotee, the latest in alcohol-free spirits awaits you.

Zero alcohol Espresso Martini 

We can not espresso how much we delight in the smooth, creamy bitterness of an expertly-made Espresso Martini. To create this coffee-flavoured sensation, combine vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Pour into a cocktail glass. Garnish with coffee beans. Enjoy. 

For those of us who love this decadent coffee delight but want to pass on the alcohol, choose a virgin vodka, combine it with a high-quality non-alcoholic liqueur such as Lyre's Non-Alcoholic Coffee Originale and voilà: The Espresso Mocktini of your dreams. We challenge you to a blind tasting. You’ll be fooled in the best way possible.

Your (boozeless) summer Italian Spritz fix

The bitter-orange refreshment of an Aperol Spritz can now be replicated sans the alcohol thanks to the impossibly authentic flavours of Lyre’s Non-alcoholic Italian Spritz. Combine this orange-hued aperitif with a top-shelf virgin bubbly and club soda. Serve in a chilled wine glass over ice, garnished with a fresh orange wedge. Viva Italia. 

More delicious non-alcoholic drinks

Imbibe the night away and feel fantastic the next day, all thanks to the latest in non-alcoholic drinks from Australia’s premier zero alcohol beverage makers.

Craft a cheeky mocktail, decant an impressive red, pop a chilled bottle of bubbly or crack a frothy coldie – without an ounce of guilt or hint of a hangover.

Discover your newest alcohol-free favourites from iPantry’s hand-picked selection of virgin beverages today. Cheers to that!