Once upon a time, choosing not to drink meant settling for a sugary soft drink or something vaguely fizzy in a wine glass. Thankfully, those days are over.
The no-and-low movement, referring to beverages that are either completely alcohol-free or contain a very small amount (usually under 0.5% ABV), has exploded in quality, range, and popularity. Whether you're cutting back for health reasons, staying sharp for an early start, or simply exploring new options, today's alcohol-free drinks are anything but an afterthought.
How Are No & Low Drinks Made?
The process depends on the drink. Many alcohol-free wines and beers begin life the same way as their alcoholic counterparts; they’re fermented using traditional methods, and the alcohol is later gently removed through techniques like vacuum distillation or reverse osmosis. The goal is to preserve the flavour, aroma, and body of the original drink, minus the alcohol.
Take Thomson & Scott’s Noughty Organic Sparkling Chardonnay (0%), for example. It starts as a classic Chardonnay but goes through a delicate de-alcoholisation process that keeps all the apple-and-brioche charm you’d expect from a quality sparkling wine. It’s organic, vegan, and perfect for a guilt-free celebration.
Other producers skip the alcohol entirely and build their flavour profile from the ground up. Botivo is a standout here, crafted from a blend of British herbs and botanicals, including apple cider vinegar, rosemary, and dandelion root, resulting in an earthy, slightly bitter, and refreshingly herbal flavour profile.
What Does It Taste Like?
No-and-low drinks might not deliver the exact heat or depth of alcohol, but the best ones are layered, balanced, and incredibly satisfying. Great alcohol-free beers, in particular, have come a long way in terms of flavour and mouthfeel.
One of our favourites is local: Brighton Brew Co. Portslade Pale AF (0.5%). It's brewed to strength so there's no strange after-tastes or additives to make it taste like a beer because it IS a beer. It's a hoppy, refreshing pale ale brewed just down the road, bursting with citrus and pine. It's got all the craft beer flavour you want, with none of the after-effects. Perfect for an after-work pint or a sunny session in the park.
Even red wine lovers have options now. Torres Natureo De-alcoholised Vegan Red Wine is a carefully constructed alcohol-free red with soft spice, juicy berry fruit, and gentle acidity. It’s ideal for pairing with food or enjoying on its own—and it doesn’t taste like grape juice, which is a common deal-breaker in this category.
Why the Buzz?
Part of the no-and-low boom is down to changing social habits with people wanting to drink less without missing out. But it’s also about choice, wellness, and sustainability. Many producers in this space, like those above, are organic, vegan, and low in sugar. It’s an industry focused not just on removing alcohol, but on adding value.
These drinks aren't just "alternatives", they’re thoughtful, considered products in their own right.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re all-in on sobriety or just fancy a few nights off, our collection of no-and-low products at Seven Cellars is always growing. From alcohol-free lagers and botanical spirits to sparkling wines that deserve a proper toast, we’ve got something to suit every taste.
Come visit us in-store or browse the full collection online. We’re always happy to recommend a bottle or a can that proves just how far the no-and-low world has come.
