Everything you need to live your best no-alcohol / low-alcohol lifestyle.
NoLo Lingo covers the growing vocabulary used around no alcohol and lower alcohol drinks. Some terms describe how a beverage is made, while others describe its style, alcohol content or the experience it is designed to offer. Knowing the difference can make navigating drinks menus and bottle shops much easier.
Confused by NoLo Lingo? Alcohol free, alcohol removed, alcohol alternatives, low alcohol and mid strength drinks can sound similar, but they do not always mean the same thing.
Understanding the language makes it easier to choose drinks that match your preferences and lifestyle. So, refresh your vocabulary with this simple NoLo Lingo guide and learn how to talk the NoLo talk.
Not on your NoLo Life!
Refresh your vocab so you can talk the NoLo talk, even if you don’t walk the NoLo walk!
“Non-Alcoholic” is Non-Cool
We don’t use “non-alcoholic” these days. The negative connotation of “non” is, well, negative! And who wants to associate with the label: “alcoholic” (there’s a reason why AA meetings are held underground)? So, NA is now N/A! Ditch the term in favour of the far more choice-affirming AF!
“Alcohol-free” is Cool AF!
Alcohol free, often shortened to AF, is commonly used to describe drinks designed for people avoiding alcohol or choosing alcohol free options. However, products can vary in alcohol content and labelling, so always check the ABV on the individual product if avoiding alcohol completely is important to you.
“Alcohol removed” for NOLO Fence-Hoppers
Alcohol removed drinks usually begin life much like their traditional alcoholic counterparts. After fermentation, some or most of the alcohol is removed using specialised production techniques, with producers then working to preserve or rebalance the flavours.
These options can appeal to people who enjoy the familiar style of wine or beer but want to reduce or avoid alcohol.
“Alcohol Alternatives” for Adventurous NoLo Pioneers
Alcohol alternatives take a different approach. Rather than simply trying to recreate traditional wine, beer or spirits, many use botanicals, herbs, fruits, teas and spices to create sophisticated flavours of their own.
Some even include warming ingredients such as cayenne pepper or ginger to recreate some of the sensory experience people associate with stronger drinks.
In NoLo Lingo, this category is useful because it reminds us that a great adult drink does not always need to imitate alcohol.
“Mid-strength” for Safer Drinking
Alcohol consumption no longer needs to be an all or nothing decision. There are now many beer and wine labels who have introduced mid-strength (or “middies”) to their range. This is the ideal option for designated drivers, on-call workers and anyone wanting to reduce their alcohol intake without giving it up all together. Mid-strength drinks, as the term indicates, usually has about half the alcohol of a regular serve. But it’s worth checking the actual alcohol content, as it can vary.
“Adult soft drinks” for No-Nevers
Don’t you just hate it when you ask what AF options are available and get pointed to the kiddie’s drink section of the menu?! Adult soft drinks go beyond the typical coke or lemonade and offer a sophisticated carbonated experience bursting with flavour but not necessarily with sugar and colourants! These drinks are the favourites of the No-Nevers (those who have never been alcohol drinkers), who aren’t looking for an alcohol-mimicking non-tipple, but rather, a delicious drink to accompany their night out with style, taste and flair.
Knowing your NoLo Lingo makes it easier to understand what you are ordering and what you are actually getting. Someone looking for a familiar wine experience may prefer an alcohol removed wine, while another person might enjoy a completely different botanical alcohol alternative.
Alcohol content can also vary between products that appear similar, so checking the label remains important. In Australia, alcoholic beverages containing 0.5% ABV or more are subject to specific alcohol labelling requirements, including standard drink information.
The Australian Government also recommends checking a drink’s label rather than assuming alcohol content based solely on the category or serving size.
Ultimately, the growing NoLo category is about giving people more choice. Whether you prefer zero alcohol beer, an alcohol removed wine, a botanical alternative or an adult soft drink, understanding the terminology helps you find an option that works for you.
