Elderflower is over: here are the best of the grown-up alternatives

Is it just me or does elderflower cordial need to be banished to the back of the cupboard, never to be seen again?

For too long, this early summer floral bloom has blandly dominated non-alcoholic party pours the length and breadth of the country. And while I’m partial to a Shloer (so many happy memories at my wonderful nan’s house), it’s not my immediate choice if I’m not feeling like a glass of wine.

But there’s something invigorating happening in the world of “no and lo” drinks, and as someone who not only loves wine (and whisky and gin too), I’m feeling excited. All the data indicates that this booming category is hitting its stride.

Britain has swiftly emerged as one of the most dynamic places for no- and low-alcohol drinks. Data released by market intelligence agency Mintel shows that the no- and low-alcohol drinks market was worth £380m at the end of 2024, and could grow to £800m by 2028, according to projections by the drinks analyst IWSR.

It’s fair to say I’m curious about all drinks of all descriptions, so my interest was really piqued after attending a recent tasting that focused solely on no- and low-alcohol drinks. The atmosphere was buzzing. But the best part? It wasn’t about virtue signalling or embracing “wellness” (which feels like yet another way to instil guilt and make us part with our money).

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Instead, it embraced greater fluidity in how people consume drinks. It seems we’re all seeking balance and moderation, and revelling in the pleasure that comes from having access to a diverse array of drinks, whether they contain alcohol or not. It’s so refreshing.

I feel that the real excitement lies in those products that aren’t trying to be a substitute for wine, but are a delicious drink in their own right. I’m particularly drawn to those that have an apple cider vinegar (ACV) or tea base. The complexity of the fermentation process and the underlying acidity create a product which seems to have greater structure and overall appeal, and they tend to hold other aromatics and flavourings well too.

Unfortunately, I still find that many alcohol-free wines don’t inspire me – they invariably feel unbalanced, flabby and highly manipulated. It’s an intensive process to make them, and it all feels a bit unnecessary when there are so many decent alternative non-alcoholic options available now.

Instead of trying to fill the void of wine, it’s about finding options that are genuinely delicious and aren’t pretending to be something they’re not.

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Believe by Jukes

Jukes Cordialities, £42, 4x750ml, 0% ABV

I suggest you always have a bottle of this knocking about in your fridge. It’s a glassful of racy lemon, and something akin to walking along a windswept coastline with great saline freshness. Its sparkling lift is invigorating, and a world away from insipid sugary drinks – it feels seriously grown up and a great, affordable alternative to cava or cremant.

Le Blanc French Bloom

Fortnum’s, £32.50, 750ml, available in Waitrose late October, 0%

Having said I don’t really enjoy alcohol-free wines, this one recently made me do a double-take. Made by Rodolphe and Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger (yes, of that Champagne family, though it’s not made by the Champagne house), it really does offer a sense of refinement and elegance that all feels rather special – and at its price, it needs to. Made from a base of de-alcoholised Chardonnay grapes, this sparkling number is brimming with fresh citrus, Granny Smith apples, a touch of sweet vanilla and apricot. They suggest serving it in a large wine glass over ice to prolong the pleasure of the experience.

Bolle Blanc de Blancs

Amazon, £24.9p, 750ml, <0.5%

Another stand-in for sparkling wine that is super-classy in both looks and flavour profile. Bursting with orchard fruits and twists of mouth-watering lemon zest, this is a chic pour for those looking for an alternative with real weight and texture.

Sprigster, Garden Brut

Sprigster, £15, 750ml, 0%

This is the epitome of walking through the English countryside. It’s so utterly refreshing with notes of fresh rhubarb and green plums and a warming ginger twist. It’s beautifully dry with real depth to it, and it looks smart too.

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Bitterlekker

The Newt, £10, 6 x 100ml , 0%

A distinctly South African drink that combines warming honeybush tea with bitter orange zest, blood orange and quinine in a zingy, slightly herbal aperitif. Serve in a large glass with a wedge of grapefruit over ice, or add a splash of sparkling wine if you fancy something a little stronger.

Everleaf Marine

Amazon, £22, 500ml, 0%

I feel a lot of non-alcoholic spirits are a little bit “emperor’s new clothes”, but not this aperitif. Made from a combination of 16 sourced botanicals including bergamot, kelp and sea buckthorn, it’s a briny, invigorating alternative to a G&T.

Botivo

Waitrose, £27.50, 500ml, 0%

A steadfast favourite for me, this feels so smart and tastes fantastic. It’s a barrage of bitter-sweet citrus orange joy, the lifted bitterness of wormwood and rosemary wrapped in the comforting warmth of a touch of honey. A little goes a long way with this drink. Best served simply with ice, slice and a good glug of soda.

Mother Root

Ocado, £27.95, 500ml, 0%

Another of my ACV favourites, this is a wonderfully refreshing drink to have ready to go. You don’t need to serve a lot to get the full impact of flavour, so a bottle goes a long way. The key is to shake it at least eight times before serving to release the vibrant ginger kick. Simply serve long with soda water over ice.

Jukes 6, The Sparkling Red

Jukes Cordialities, £20, 4x250ml , 0%

This feels like a wondrous autumn tipple. Made using an apple cider vinegar base, it feels abundant in blackberries, blackcurrants and soft plums but is definitely not too sweet. There’s a real depth of flavour that feels so grown-up. Understandably, this is a sommelier favourite.

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Intune Grapefruit and Mint CBD Soda

Ocado, £4.50 until 4 Nov, 4x250ml, 0%

This is like a paloma without the punch. The addition of hops gives it a classy bitter note alongside the refreshing lift of grapefruit and mint. Serve over ice with a slice and a large sprig of mint, and hope that mental clarity awaits you.

Future Chateau Sauvignon Vermentino

Future Chateau, £19.99, 750ml, 5%

OK, so it’s not technically low or no, but it's fairly low in alcohol… and I’m really interested in this project. Future Chateau has managed to capture the essence of wine without the higher alcohol levels and is an enjoyable mid-way offering for more “sessionable” drinks. It’s super bright, fresh and uplifting with a zesty citrus kick. A delightfully easy glass.

Pavari 17

Amazon, £19.99, 700ml, 0%

I know that enjoying no-alcohol drinks shouldn’t be about finding a replacement for their alcoholic counterpart, but this really is a great alternative to Aperol. Mix with soda and slices of fresh orange, or even add a dash of prosecco if you want to lower the alcohol in your usual spritz of choice.

Mash Gang Lesser Evil

Mash Gang, £13.99, 4x440ml, <0.5%

I am rather partial to a stout, and this is a super-classy no-alcohol alternative to a certain Irish brand but, dare I say it, with heaps more flavour. It feels opulent and decadent, like devouring a slice of black forest gateau with a gorgeous, fresh, sour cherry finish.