Everything you need to live your best no-alcohol / low-alcohol lifestyle.
Firstly, a little NoLo Lingo 101. What is the difference between an AF cocktail and a mocktail? AF cocktails use alcohol free spirit alternatives to recreate the flavour and complexity of traditional cocktails without the alcohol. Mocktails traditionally rely more heavily on juices, syrups, sparkling drinks and other mixers.
Mixing the perfect AF cocktail at home is easier than you might think, and there is plenty of room to get creative. By using quality alcohol free spirits, fresh juices, syrups and mixers, you can make sophisticated NoLo drinks with flavour and complexity that can rival traditional cocktails. Here is your guide to becoming a NoLo mixology pro.
Great AF cocktails depend on balance. A good recipe combines flavour, sweetness, acidity, aroma and texture so the finished drink feels like a thoughtfully crafted cocktail rather than simply a mixture of juice and soft drink.
Start with these key components:
Alcohol Free Spirits: Brands such as Lyre’s, Seedlip and Brunswick Aces offer alcohol free alternatives inspired by gin, whisky, rum and other traditional spirits. These products can add botanical, smoky, citrus or spiced flavours to your cocktails.
Juices: Freshly squeezed lemon, lime and orange juice add acidity and brightness. Fresh juice will usually provide a cleaner and more vibrant flavour than bottled alternatives.
Syrups: Simple syrup is traditionally made using equal parts sugar and water. You can infuse it with rosemary, mint, berries, ginger, spices or citrus to add another layer of flavour.
Mixers: Tonic water, sparkling water and ginger beer can add fizz, bitterness or spice.
Garnishes: Fresh herbs, citrus twists, fruit slices and edible flowers can improve both the aroma and presentation of your drink.
No professional bar kit? No problem! Start with these essentials:
Shaker: Helps combine ingredients while quickly chilling and slightly diluting the drink.
Jigger: Makes it easier to measure ingredients accurately and keep your recipes balanced.
Muddler: Helps release flavour and aroma from fresh herbs, fruit and citrus.
Strainer: Useful for removing ice, herbs or fruit pieces before serving.
Bar Spoon: Helpful for gently stirring drinks and combining ingredients without excessive dilution.
eady to give NoLo mixology a try? These three easy AF cocktails use alcohol free spirits and simple ingredients that are easy to prepare at home. Choose your favourite or make all three when friends come over and let everyone discover just how creative alcohol free cocktails can be.
Citrus & Herb Spritz
– 50ml alcohol-free gin (e.g., Seedlip Garden 108)
– 30ml freshly squeezed orange juice
– 15ml rosemary simple syrup
– Tonic water
Shake the first three ingredients with ice, strain into a glass, and top with tonic. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
NoLo Mojito
– 50ml alcohol-free white rum (e.g., Lyre’s White Cane Spirit)
– 15ml lime juice
– 10ml simple syrup
– Fresh mint leaves
– Sparkling water
Muddle mint with lime juice and syrup, add AF rum, and top with sparkling water.
Serve over ice with a mint sprig garnish.
Spiced AF Mule
– 50ml alcohol-free whiskey (e.g., Lyre’s American Malt)
– 15ml ginger syrup
– 15ml lime juice
– Ginger beer
Layer ingredients in a copper mug over ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh citrus, herbs and fruit can make a noticeable difference to flavour and aroma.
Taste as you go: Alcohol free spirits can behave differently from traditional spirits, so adjust citrus, syrup or mixers until the drink feels balanced.
Use plenty of ice: Ice helps chill and dilute your cocktail, both of which influence the final flavour.
Think about presentation: A good glass, plenty of ice and a simple garnish can make an alcohol free drink feel just as considered as a traditional cocktail.
Experiment: Once you understand the basics, try different spirit alternatives, herbs, syrups and mixers. Creating your own signature drink is part of the fun of NoLo mixology.
AF cocktails made with alcohol free spirits can offer much of the complexity, ritual and presentation associated with traditional cocktails, without the alcohol. They are a great choice for entertaining, mindful drinking or simply experimenting with something different.
Start with these three recipes, play around with flavours and create your own signature NoLo drink. With a few ingredients and some basic mixology skills, there are plenty of ways to make alcohol free drinking interesting.
