As a bartender, it's easy to get caught up in the world of high-proof spirits and boozy concoctions.
But as the world becomes more health-conscious and people seek to reduce their alcohol intake, it's important to remember that there are plenty of delicious and satisfying low-alcohol options out there.
Whether you're a designated driver, a health-conscious individual, or simply looking to pace yourself, there's no need to sacrifice flavor for a lower ABV.
In fact, some of the most delicious and creative cocktails are made with little to no alcohol at all.
From fruity mocktails to herbaceous spritzes, the world of low-alcohol cocktails is vast and varied.
And while these drinks may not pack the same punch as their boozy counterparts, they more than make up for it in flavor, complexity, and creativity.
So if you're looking to explore the world of low-alcohol cocktails, you're in the right place.
In this post, we'll be sharing some of the best recipes, tips, and tricks for crafting delicious and satisfying drinks without the buzz. So sit back, grab a glass, and let's raise a toast to the world of low-alcohol cocktails.
1. Lillet and Tonic
The Lillet and Tonic is the perfect low alcohol cocktail for those who want to enjoy a refreshing drink without the buzz. This light and summery cocktail is a great alternative to the classic gin and tonic, with its honey, citrus, and pine flavors. It's easy to make and perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
The cocktail is made with Lillet, a fortified wine that is usually found near the vermouths, and tonic water. You can garnish it with any citrus you have on hand or skip the garnish altogether. The Lillet and Tonic is a great option for those who want to enjoy a cocktail without the high alcohol content.
2. Chambord Cocktail
The Chambord Cocktail is a must-try for anyone who loves fruity and flavorful drinks. This low alcohol cocktail is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a deep, rich flavor that comes from the Chambord liqueur. The addition of Compari adds just the right amount of bitterness to keep your taste buds engaged.
What's more, this cocktail is incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for any occasion. The beautiful color of the drink is just an added bonus, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. If you're looking for a low alcohol cocktail that packs a punch in terms of flavor, the Chambord Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
3. Diet Cokeagne Cocktail
The Diet Cokeagne Cocktail is a low alcohol cocktail that has taken the internet by storm. Made with only two ingredients, Diet Coke and Champagne, this cocktail has a pleasant cider-like flavor with a subtle sweetness and a touch of acidity. The fine bubbles of the champagne add a refreshing and bubbly texture to the cocktail, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a light and refreshing drink without the heavy alcohol content.
It's perfect for those who are not heavy drinkers and want to have a good time with friends. This cocktail is easy to make and can be served in a highball glass or rocks glass with ice. If you're a fan of bubbly drinks, the Diet Cokeagne Cocktail is a must-try.
4. Aperol Soda
Aperol Soda is a refreshing and simple cocktail that can be made in just a few minutes. With only three ingredients, it's an easy drink to whip up for a group or to enjoy on your own. The low alcohol content makes it perfect for those who want a tasty cocktail without the buzz.
The Aperol gives it a slightly bitter and citrusy taste, while the club soda adds a light fizziness. The blood orange garnish adds a pop of color and flavor to this already delicious drink. If you're looking for a quick and easy cocktail that's perfect for any occasion, give the Aperol Soda a try.
5. Bourbon Amaretto Cocktail
The Bourbon Amaretto Cocktail is a low alcohol drink that doesn't compromise on taste. It has a smooth and nutty flavor with a touch of sweetness from the Amaretto liqueur.
The secret to its unique taste is the use of Spanish sherry as a base. It's a perfect drink to enjoy before dinner or anytime you want a lighter option. Give it a try and discover why it's one of the best low alcohol cocktails out there.
6. Blow Job Shot
The Blow Job Shot is a fun and easy-to-drink low alcohol cocktail that is perfect for parties and events. Made with Amaretto and Irish Cream, this shot has a creamy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor. It is traditionally downed in one without using your hands, making it a playful addition to any gathering.
Although it may not be found in the classiest establishments, the Blow Job Shot is a popular choice among college students and party-goers alike. So, if you're looking for a fun and easy shot to serve at your next event, give the Blow Job Shot a try and see why it's become a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
7. Lemon Lime Wine Spritzer
The Lemon Lime Wine Spritzer is a light and refreshing low alcohol cocktail that combines your favorite white wine with a hint of citrus and club soda. It's perfect for warm weather and easy to make for a group.
You can customize it by using different citrus slices and flavored club sodas. It's great for daytime parties, barbecues, poolside, or even with Sunday brunch.
8. Low FODMAP Strawberry Ginger Fizz
The Low FODMAP Strawberry Ginger Fizz is a refreshing and delicious cocktail made with fresh strawberries, ginger beer, and a hint of lime juice. It's low FODMAP, making it a great option for people with digestive issues.
The combination of sweet strawberries and spicy ginger beer creates a perfect balance of flavors. It's easy to make and can be whipped up in less than 10 minutes.
9. Sloe Gin Fizz
Looking for a pretty, low-alcohol cocktail that's perfect for day drinking? Look no further than the Sloe Gin Fizz. This delightful pink cocktail features sloe gin, lime juice, and sparkling water, resulting in a sweet and refreshing drink that's perfect for sipping by the pool or cuddled up by the fireplace.
Sloe gin, which is made by steeping sloe drupes in gin, has a lower alcohol content than regular gin, making this cocktail a great option for those looking to cut back on their alcohol intake. Whether you're a fan of gin cocktails or just looking for something light and refreshing, the Sloe Gin Fizz is sure to please.
10. Aperol Spritz
Aperol Spritz is a classic low-alcohol cocktail that has been enjoyed in Northern Italy for generations. It's a refreshing and easy-to-make drink that requires only three ingredients: Prosecco, Aperol, and soda water. The cocktail is traditionally served as an apertivo before dinner, but it's also perfect for leisurely afternoons on the patio.
Aperol, a bittersweet spirit, gives the cocktail its signature flavor, and it's usually garnished with an orange wedge. The cocktail can be easily adjusted to suit your taste by playing around with the proportions of the ingredients. Whether you're hosting a party or just want to unwind after a long day, Aperol Spritz is the perfect low-alcohol cocktail to sip on.
11. NOgroni
The NOgroni is a non-alcoholic version of the classic Negroni cocktail. Made with Seedlip Spice, Æcorn Bitter, and Æcorn Aromatic, this complex and bitter cocktail is a perfect low-alcohol alternative. The cocktail is easy to make and doesn't require a cocktail shaker.
It's a great choice for those who want to indulge in a flavorful and sophisticated drink without the buzz. If you're looking for a delicious and exciting low-alcohol cocktail, the NOgroni is definitely worth a try.
12. Cucumber Gin Cocktail
The Cucumber Gin Cocktail is a refreshing and light low-alcohol drink perfect for summer evenings. Made with cucumber water, lime juice, and a touch of gin, this cocktail is a great option for those looking for a low-alcohol alternative. The cucumber water adds a subtle, refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with the gin and lime juice.
The cocktail is garnished with a cucumber slice, adding a touch of elegance to the drink. This cocktail is versatile and can be modified to suit individual tastes by adding different fruits or switching out the gin for another spirit. Overall, the Cucumber Gin Cocktail is a must-try for those looking for a light and refreshing low-alcohol cocktail option.
13. White Port and Tonic Cocktail
The White Port and Tonic Cocktail is a classic aperitif from Portugal that is made with a blend of white wines and fortified with grape brandy. It has a relatively low alcohol content and can be garnished with a variety of citrus fruits or herbs.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for sipping on a sunny day and is easy to make. If you're looking for a low alcohol cocktail that's full of flavor, the White Port and Tonic Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
14. Red Vermouth and Cynar Cocktail
If you're looking for a low-alcohol cocktail that packs a punch of flavor, then the Red Vermouth and Cynar Cocktail is a must-try. This Italian-inspired drink combines the earthy and complex flavors of Cynar, a slightly bitter liqueur made with artichoke leaves, with the sweetness of red vermouth and fresh squeezed orange juice.
The addition of homemade mole bitters adds layers of complexity to the drink, making it a perfect sipper for a midsummer's night. With a low-proof spirit at 16.5%, this cocktail is a great option for those who want to enjoy a delicious drink without getting too tipsy. Give it a try and experience the unique flavors of Cynar for yourself!
15. Texas Ranch Water Cocktail
The Texas Ranch Water Cocktail is a refreshing and low-alcohol drink that is perfect for hot summer days. Originating from West Texas, this cocktail is a simple combination of tequila, lime, and sparkling water. What sets this drink apart is its use of Topo-Chico, a sparkling water that adds a nice bubbly texture to the drink.
The addition of lime gives the drink a bright and citrusy flavor, while the salt rim adds a touch of savory goodness. This cocktail is perfect for those who want a light and refreshing drink without the heavy alcohol content. So, if you're looking for a drink that's easy to make and perfect for summer, give the Texas Ranch Water Cocktail a try.
16. Frothy Aperol Sour
The Frothy Aperol Sour is a low alcohol cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and bitter flavors. Made with Aperol, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and egg whites, this cocktail has a frothy texture and a silky smooth finish. The blood orange juice adds a fruity sweetness to the drink, while the Aperol provides a slightly bitter taste.
The egg whites give the cocktail a creamy texture that is both satisfying and refreshing. This cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a summer barbecue or a cozy winter holiday party. If you're looking for a low alcohol cocktail that is both delicious and unique, the Frothy Aperol Sour is definitely worth a try.
17. Hugo Spritz Cocktail
The Hugo Spritz Cocktail is a refreshing and low alcohol cocktail that is perfect for any occasion, especially on hot summer days. This Austrian spritz drink is made with elderflower, lime, and mint, creating a subtle and delicious flavor that is sure to please. The cocktail is bubbly and cold, making it the perfect drink to sip on while lounging in the backyard or enjoying a cheese plate.
The Hugo Spritz Cocktail is easy to make and can be adjusted to be more or less boozy, making it a versatile drink for any occasion. If you're looking for a delicious and low alcohol cocktail to enjoy this summer, the Hugo Spritz Cocktail is definitely worth a try.
18. Suze and Tonic
Suze and Tonic is a refreshing and easy-to-make low alcohol cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Made with only two ingredients, Suze and tonic water, this cocktail has a pleasantly bitter taste that is sure to please any palate. The French apéritif, Suze, is made from gensian and has a unique flavor that is difficult to describe but is often compared to dandelion greens with a hint of citrus.
When combined with quality tonic water and garnished with a lemon or lime wheel, Suze and Tonic is a beautiful and delicious cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. If you're looking for a light and refreshing cocktail that won't leave you feeling too tipsy, Suze and Tonic is definitely worth a try.
19. Classic Shandy
The Classic Shandy is a refreshing low alcohol cocktail that originated in Europe in the mid-1800s. It is a beer cocktail that is mixed with ginger beer or ginger ale, and sometimes with lime soda or sparkling lemonade. The drink is perfect for summer or any time when you want a light and easy-to-drink cocktail.
The Classic Shandy is a great option for those who want a low alcohol drink that still has plenty of flavor. It is a perfect drink to enjoy with friends and family on a hot summer day. If you are looking for a simple and delicious low alcohol cocktail, the Classic Shandy is definitely worth trying.
20. Elderflower and Mint Chocolate Julep
The Elderflower and Mint Chocolate Julep is a refreshing and low-alcohol cocktail that's perfect for spring and summer. This cocktail uses crushed ice, which is essential for creating the perfect dilution and flavor. The cocktail features mint, St Germain Liqueur, Licor 43, and Dolin's Dry Vermouth, which gives it a floral, rich, and refreshing taste.
The addition of chocolate bitters adds a subtle hint of chocolate, which complements the elder blossom flavor. This cocktail is perfect for those who are looking for a refreshing and light drink that's not too strong. The Elderflower and Mint Chocolate Julep is a must-try for anyone who loves low-alcohol cocktails that are perfect for sipping on a hot day.
21. Sparkling Elderflower Mead
If you're looking for a refreshing and low-alcohol cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer day, look no further than the Sparkling Elderflower Mead. Made with foraged elderflowers, honey, lemon juice, and champagne yeast, this delicately flavored mead is perfect for those who want to enjoy a drink without getting too tipsy.
The subtle elderflower flavor and sparkling bubbles make it a beautiful and refreshing choice for any occasion. So why not try something new and give this unique and delicious cocktail a try?
22. Grapefruit Thyme Fizz
The Grapefruit Thyme Fizz is a refreshing and easy-to-make low alcohol cocktail that is perfect for sunny weekends and special occasions. This sparkling mocktail combines the tangy flavor of grapefruit with the earthy aroma of thyme, creating a unique and delicious taste. The thyme syrup is made with a small amount of Stevia, making it low in sugar and calories.
This mocktail is also a healthy option as grapefruit is a high nutrient, low calorie fruit. The recipe recommends using fresh thyme from the garden, but store-bought thyme works just as well. This mocktail is a must-try for grapefruit lovers and those who enjoy a refreshing, low alcohol drink.
