The best lower-alcohol drinks: taste tested

Susy Atkins

Delicious drinks editor Susy is an award-winning wine and drinks writer, presenter and broadcaster.

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Even if you’re not doing Dry January, after all the festivities it’s good to choose lower alcohol drinks occasionally. Try some of expert Susy Atkins’ top picks – you’ll be surprised how good they taste… Her favourite lower alcohol drinks include a celebratory bubbly and soft red wine – plus she’s discovered a great grown-up soft drink. Cheers to that!

The best lower-alcohol drinks: taste tested

The best lower-alcohol wines

Finest Mosel Steep Slopes Riesling 2022, Germany 11%
Refreshing dry riesling that wakes up taste buds with zesty lime and crunchy green apple. A mouthwatering aperitif – or chill it for spicy, gingery stir-fries. £7.25, available from Tesco

Found Asti Secco NV, Piedmont, Italy 11%
A fizz that actually tastes of green grapes! It’s off-dry, not nearly as sweet as most Astis, and has a fresh, lively froth. Do try it with melon and parma ham. £10, available from Marks & Spencer and Ocado

Torres Viña Sol Light, Catalunya, Spain 8%
Fans of the original Viña Sol (me included) will welcome this new lighter option made from local grapes parellada and garnacha blanca, with some alcohol removed; it’s juicy with banana and pear notes. £7, available from Sainsbury’s

Sunlight by Oxford Landing Shiraz 2021, South Australia 8%
Oxford Landing has done a good job with this reduced alcohol red, which has plenty of fresh blackcurrant, a dark chocolate note and soft finish. £7, available from Sainsbury’s

The best no-alcohol drinks

Eisberg Alcohol-Free Cabernet Sauvignon NV, Germany 0%
The best of the Eisberg range of no-alc wines, this has an elderberry quality, decent acidity and isn’t too sweet. Quite light, so don’t pair it with rich food – ham or mild cheeses would be best. £3.89, available from Morrisons

The London Essence Company Aromatic Orange & Fig Soda 0%
A new drink from mixer wizards London Essence. It’s subtle with delicate, natural and dry flavours of orange peel and fruity fig. An appealing drop on its own, or you could add a splash of whisky. £2 for 500ml, available from Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons