Step aside, empty calories! These non-alcoholic spirits, beers and wines will leave you in high spirits without a crazy hangover.
So you’ve drunk your way through the holidays and want to give your liver a break. Or maybe you’re taking on a new year resolution or simply practising Dry January. No matter the reason, it’s clear we’re more conscious about what we put in our body. In fact, many bars in Singapore are offering low ABV cocktails or non-alcoholic options in menus. But what about guilt-free moments at home? Look no further than these non-alcoholic spirits, beers and wines that’ll make you hold off the giggle juice and work towards drier, healthy times.
Best non-alcoholic spirits, beers and wines in Singapore
1. Seedlip
Distilled in actual copper stills, it doesn’t get any closer to the real stuff than with Seedlip. The non-alcoholic spirit was first conceptualised when founder Ben Branson experimented with distilling herbs from his family farm. But a bad experience with a sugary mocktail was what pushed Ben to produce Seedlip. Get Spice 94 for a citrusy mix of grapefruit and lemon, with a hint of warm spice. Or get Garden 108 for a floral blend of peas, hay and traditional garden herbs, and Grove 42 for uplifting orange, ginger and lemongrass notes.
Seedlip, available at Tangs, Redmart, Temple Cellars and The Fish Wives
2. Melati
This Singapore-founded non-alcoholic aperitif is not just a booze alternative. Melati is crafted with 26 Asian herbs and botanicals like goji berry, hibiscus, raw cacao, ginger, red kampot and cinnamon. Mmm… we can almost taste the fragrant blend. Each ingredient goes through a traditional cold extraction for up to six weeks to draw out all the good stuff. Not only do you get a perfect blend of fruity, floral and spicy notes, but the antioxidants are also known to help detoxify the liver, increase blood flow and spark digestion. Melati makes a great spritz but go ahead and add some alcohol for a low ABV cocktail.
Melati, available online and at multiple locations including Little Farms and Ryan’s Grocery
3. Lyre’s
With a comprehensive range of zero-proof spirits like dry London spirit, amaretti, American malt, orange sec and even absinthe, we might just convert to booze-free nights. Not only does Lyre’s mimic our favourite classics, it also elevates the flavour. Add a touch of Lyre’s to your cocktail for a low ABV tipple or make it a mocktail – it’s completely up to you. Rest assured, the classic taste will still be present.
Lyre’s, available at selected Cold Storage outlets, Lazada and Amazon SG
4. Brunswick Aces
This non-alcoholic gin from Australia is all about flavour, using native ingredients to mimic the real stuff. Pick the Spades Sapiir bottle to enjoy notes of green cardamom and parsley paired with native Australian lemon myrtle for a sweet citrus kick. Or go for the Hearts Sapiir for a classic summer drink with notes of cassia bark, ginger, sweet citrus and native Australian wattleseed.
Brunswick Aces, available at The Fishwives and Free Spirit SG
5. McGuigan Zero
The popular wine brand has ventured into alcohol-free wines with McGuigan Zero. The range includes a fair mix of shiraz, sparkling, rosé, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc offerings – plenty to curb your cravings. The wines are created with a spinning cone technology at low temperatures to remove the alcohol after the fermentation process. That’s why you still get the original fruit flavours with every sip.
McGuigan Zero, available at Free Spirit SG
6. Heineken 0.0
One of the big guns to jump on the alcohol-free bandwagon is Heineken with Heineken 0.0. Double brewed with the same natural ingredients used in the original, this version removes the alcohol with vacuum distillation and is blended with natural flavourings. The taste is slightly different, with fruity notes and a soft malty body.
Heineken 0.0, available online and at multiple locations including NTUC Fairprice and Cold Storage
7. Big Drop Brewing Co.
With an ABV of below 0.5%, you can throw all your hangover woes out the door. The award-winning Big Drop Brewing Co. creates big bold flavours in stout, lager, pale ale, IPA, brown ale, golden ale, winter ale and a sour. Most beers are even gluten-free and vegan. A mix of barley, rye, wheat and oats is used to create banging flavours and aroma. Plus, they’ve perfected the brewing technique so there’s no need for artificial removal of alcohol.
Big Drop Brewing Co., available at East of Avalon Wines and Lazada
8. Carlsberg
The Danish beer brand offers two sweet alcohol-free options – the Pilsner and Wheat. If cracking a crisp and hoppy cold one will make your night, Pilsner’s your best bet. Craving for something light, fresh and fruity? Try Wheat for notes of citrus and clove.
Carlsberg, available online and at multiple locations including Giant and Jasons The Gourmet Grocer
Which one of these non-alcoholic spirits, wines or beers will suit your taste buds?
