Even today, if you ask for a non-alcoholic option in a social setting you’re often met with an uninspired suggestion like orange juice or Diet Coke.
Worse, you face puzzled looks and probing questions like, "Are you pregnant? Why aren’t you drinking?"
Women shouldn’t have to explain their choices or feel left out in social settings simply because they opt for something non-alcoholic. Fortunately, the world of non-alcoholic beverages has evolved, and now exciting alternatives cater to a variety of needs and tastes, without compromising on quality.
Statistics show a third of us are choosing alcohol-free versions of our favourite tipples, according to the charity Drinkaware. Its latest survey says sales of non-alcoholic spirits, wines and beers are booming, mostly with health-conscious middle-class drinkers and millennials.
The demand for alcohol-free options has surged, driven by increasing awareness around health, sugar intake, and lifestyle. Thanks to experts like Tim Spector and the glucose-awareness movement, more of us understand the impact of alcohol and sugars on our well-being. For many women, avoiding alcohol isn’t just about abstinence—it’s about balance. Whether it’s pregnancy, trying to conceive, navigating perimenopause, managing mental health, or simply wanting to feel fresh and energised the next day, there are countless reasons why we seek out non-alcoholic alternatives. Thankfully, the range of available options has grown to match these evolving needs.
For women, there is often added social pressure when it comes to drinking. Not drinking can invite uncomfortable questions or unwanted attention, as though choosing an alcohol-free option needs to be explained or justified.
Many women still want to enjoy the social aspect of events and feel included—without the spotlight or assumptions. The growing market for sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks allows us to do just that.
Take French Bloom, for example, an alcohol-free sparkling wine brand co-founded by Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger. Initially created with pregnant women, the sober community, and religious groups in mind, the brand quickly found its appeal reached a much broader audience. Their La Cuvée Vintage Blanc de Blancs 2022, at £109 a bottle, is now the world’s most expensive alcohol-free wine. It’s made using organic grapes, French oak, no sulphites, and no dosage—ticking the boxes one might expect of a premium wine.
Women in wine – no and low
There is a growing number of successful, career-driven women creating non-alcoholic beverages. These women are redefining what it means to enjoy drinks socially without alcohol.
Amanda Thomson, a former City professional, is one such. She founded Thompson & Scott, a brand known for its non-alcoholic sparkling wines, including my favourite “Noughty” non-alcoholic sparkling chardonnay which is served at The Ritz Carlton! (£9.99 in Waitrose). Lovely fizz, fresh melon and lemon. And with just 14 calories per glass, it's the perfect answer to a hangover free celebration.
Kylie Minogue has joined the movement with her Kylie Minogue 0% Prosecco Rose. The 0% Prosecco Rose has become a crowd-pleaser and you will see me picking up a bottle at the supermarket for £6 Tesco,Morissons and Sainsburys. It’s very accessible with notes of rose, strawberries and cream!
Non-alcoholic beer is surging in popularity, with the UK market said to be worth a massive £809.7 million in 2023. Sales of low or no-alcohol beer doubled in 2023, according to the analyst IWSR, and the UK was the fastest-growing market of 160 countries it looked at. their ability to replicate the taste and experience of traditional beers, without the alcohol, is remarkable. My father-in-law, for example, now prefers non-alcoholic beer to the real thing!
Sparkling Tea – something a little different
For those looking for something even more unique, the non-alcoholic sparkling tea market is gaining traction. My favourite is Copenhagen Sparkling Tea by sommelier Jacob Kocemba. This drink blends up to 13 different organic teas, to create a beverage with the complexity and tannic structure of wine. It’s fresh, light with delicate aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, white flowers with a fresh finish. The tea’s natural tannins mimic the sensation of drinking a sparkling wine. Serve just like champagne - cold from the fridge in a flute. You can buy it in Fortnum and Mason £18.50.
After our sparkling selection comes the still wine and minus the bubbles and alcohol inevitable compromised the flavour.
Torres Muscat Spain. Big thanks to the Spanish family investing in the technology to remove alcohol on scale and being a leader in non alcoholic wines. I reach for the muscat white wine - refreshing and easy to sip. Delicate floral and fruit aromas with a citrus finish.
Tread Softly Rose, from South Australia are also making good wines. Delicious, intensely flavoured wine with notes of red fruits and floral. So next time you’re at an event or going to a friend’s house take a good no or low bottle with you and you won’t be stuck drinking orange juice all night!
Elizabeth x
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