Navigating the world of social drinking while maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be challenging. Enter low-alcohol cocktails – a solution that doesn’t compromise flavor or enjoyment.
With an increasing number of people looking to reduce their alcohol intake, these low-ABV drinks have become increasingly popular. They offer all the satisfaction of traditional full-proof cocktails but with less alcohol, making them a great choice for those mindful about their consumption.
If you’re looking to balance your drinking habits or simply curious about the low-proof trend, this article will guide you through the world of low-ABV cocktails. Learn how sometimes, less really can be more in crafting a great drink.
What Makes A Cocktail Low in Alcohol?
A cocktail is considered low in alcohol, or low in ABV, when it combines fewer high-proof spirits with more non-alcoholic mixers or lower-alcohol ingredients to achieve a flavorful drink with an ABV of around 5-15%. This often involves using juices, sodas, tonic water, or lower-ABV spirits like vermouths or liqueurs (such as Aperol and Campari) instead of stronger spirits like vodka or whiskey.
27 Low-Alcoholic Cocktails To Make at home or Order At a Bar
We’ve listed 27 low-alcoholic drink recipes below. They can easily be made at home and in batches for your summer parties.
Spritz
If a Negroni seems too strong, try a Spritz. This Italian favorite from the 1800s mixes Prosecco, Aperol or Campari, and soda water. It’s a bubbly, lighter start to your evening.
Pimm’s Cup
When gin feels too sharp, go for a Pimm’s Cup. A British summer classic, it mixes Pimm’s No. 1 with lemonade or ginger ale, fruit, and mint for a refreshing drink.
Bellini
Choose a Bellini for a light sparkling drink. Giuseppe Cipriani created it in 1940s Venice, blending Prosecco with peach purée for a smooth, fruity drink.
Sherry Cobbler
If whisky or bourbon is too heavy, try a Sherry Cobbler. This 19th-century American drink mixes sherry with sugar and citrus, served over crushed ice for a lighter taste.
Mimosa
For a lighter brunch option, have a Mimosa. Invented at the Hôtel Ritz Paris in the 1920s, it mixes champagne with orange juice for a bright, bubbly drink.
Kir
If wine is too light and cocktails too strong, try a Kir. Named after Félix Kir, mayor of Dijon, France, it mixes dry white wine with crème de cassis for a balanced drink.
Vermouth Cassis
For a lighter option, choose Vermouth Cassis. It blends dry vermouth with crème de cassis and soda water and gives a mellow, sweet drink.
Port and Tonic
If you like gin and tonic but want something softer, go for Port and Tonic. It is popular in Portugal and mixes white port with tonic water and a lemon twist for a smooth, sweet drink.
Lillet Blanc on the Rocks
Choose Lillet Blanc on the Rocks when you want something lighter than strong spirits. This French wine-based aperitif, served over ice, brings a refreshing touch with its blend of herbs and citrus.
Bamboo Cocktail
Go for a Bamboo Cocktail if a Manhattan feels too strong. Created in the late 19th century, it mixes dry vermouth, sherry, and orange bitters for a light, aromatic drink.
Hugo
Pick a Hugo for a lighter, sweeter spritz. It combines elderflower syrup with Prosecco, soda water, and mint, making a refreshing drink perfect for celebrating.
Fino Sherry and Tonic
Try a Fino Sherry and Tonic instead of a sharp Gin and Tonic. It mixes the nutty taste of Fino sherry with tonic water, served over ice with a lemon or lime twist for a refreshing drink.
Adonis
Choose the Adonis when you want a light but flavorful drink. It mixes sweet vermouth with sherry and orange bitters, offering a rich yet light taste.
White Port and Lemon
Switch to White Port and Lemon for a lighter tonic. Mixing white port with lemon soda or tonic water, and adding a lemon slice, this drink is refreshing and zesty.
Red Wine Spritzer
Choose a Red Wine Spritzer for a lighter red wine experience. Mixing red wine with soda water and serving it over ice makes a refreshing, bubbly drink perfect for warm days.
French Spritz
Go for a French Spritz when you crave floral notes. This drink mixes St-Germain elderflower liqueur with sparkling wine and club soda for a fragrant and refreshing experience.
Riesling Spritz
Pick a Riesling Spritz for a fruity, low-alcohol choice. Mixing Riesling wine with soda water and a twist of lemon or lime, this drink is perfect for easy sipping on a relaxed afternoon.
Coronation Cocktail No. 1
Opt for a Coronation Cocktail No. 1 when you’re in the mood for something classic and sophisticated. This cocktail blends dry vermouth with sherry, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. The result is a harmonious balance of flavors
Demi Peche
Go for a Demi Peche when you’re in the mood for something light and fruity. This popular French drink combines half a pint of lager with a dash of peach syrup, resulting in a refreshing and subtly sweet beverage
Queen Elizabeth Cocktail
Choose a Queen Elizabeth cocktail when you’re in the mood for something classic and sophisticated. This regal drink blends dry vermouth with Benedictine, an herbal liqueur, and a dash of lime juice.
Lemon Shandy
This simple yet delightful drink combines equal parts lager beer and lemonade, creating an effervescent, tart, sweet beverage. It’s ideal for laid-back gatherings or sipping on a hot summer day.
Winter Sour
This drink combines bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup with a dash of winter spice syrup – typically featuring flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a comforting yet zesty beverage.
St Germain Cocktail
Opt for a St Germain cocktail when you’re in the mood for something floral and bubbly. This elegant drink blends St-Germain elderflower liqueur with sparkling wine and club soda. The outcome is an effervescent, fragrant cocktail that’s light enough to enjoy any time of day or night.
Negroni Sbagliato
Choose a Negroni Sbagliato when you’re in the mood for a twist on a classic. This cocktail swaps out the traditional gin in a Negroni for sparkling wine while still maintaining the Campari and sweet vermouth. The result is a bubbly, slightly bitter drink
Garibaldi Cocktail
Opt for a Garibaldi Cocktail when you want something simple yet satisfying. This Italian classic combines just two ingredients – Campari and fresh orange juice. The outcome is a refreshing, slightly bitter cocktail with a vibrant citrus kick, making it an ideal choice for brunch or an early evening apéritif.
Americano Cocktail
This classic aperitif mixes Campari, sweet vermouth, and a splash of soda water. The result is a balanced, slightly bitter drink with a hint of sweetness, perfect for sipping before dinner.
Bicicletta
This Italian cocktail combines white wine, Campari, and club soda. The outcome is a bubbly, slightly bitter beverage with subtle fruity notes
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Low-Alcoholic Cocktails
- Focus on Flavor: Just because a cocktail is low in alcohol doesn’t mean it has to be low in flavor. Use fresh fruits, herbs, spices, and high-quality mixers to enhance the taste.
- Experiment with Bitters: Bitters can add depth and complexity to your drink without increasing the alcohol content significantly.
- Try Different Liqueurs: Lower-alcohol liqueurs like Aperol or Lillet can replace stronger spirits for a lighter cocktail.
- Use More Mixer: Increase the ratio of non-alcoholic mixers to spirits to lower the overall alcohol content.
- Explore Non-Alcoholic Spirits: Many non-alcoholic spirits now mimic the flavors of gin, vodka, and other liquors without the alcohol content.
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