Ultimate Guide to Non-alcoholic Drinks: A Taste for Every Season
The notion of Dry January is ever so popular because people are looking for ways to reduce their alcohol intake after the holiday season. But only a few abstain from alcohol all year round. This non-alcoholic drinks guide is not just for abstainers, but for all those searching for a delicious alcohol-free alternative. Be it warm and cosy drinks for the winter or refreshing sips through the summer, we have a recipe for everything.
A Year in Non-alcoholic Drinks
Each season brings its own flavours and uniqueness. And if you’re looking for cocktail inspiration throughout the year, this is where you need to be.
The crisp autumn air is the perfect excuse to whip up your favourite zero-proof cocktail. Just imagine the delicious autumn flavours like peach, cranberries, cider, caramel, cinnamon, and apple all packed neatly in a cup. These non-alcoholic drinks are irresistible for their spices, complexity and texture.
As winter rolls in, snow covers the bright colours of nature. And as the temperature drops, you start craving something warm like a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate. Since alcohol brings your body temperature down further, trying out these cosy, non-alcoholic drinks is an excellent choice.
Spring is the time for fresh fruits and cold beverages. The non-alcoholic drinks of this season are light and bright on your palette. From a virgin daiquiri to a rhubarb gimlet, fresh fruits are the stars of these drinks. Whether you’re hosting a family picnic or a brunch with your friends, they are season staples.
Finally, it’s time to celebrate summer with vibrant music and exotic delicacies. Summers in Switzerland is a busy time, with so many festivals and parades cropping up everywhere. That’s why you need simple, non-alcoholic drinks that you can make in under 5 minutes. And what’s better than a rose mojito or a Thai basil sangria on a hot summer day?
So, whether you’re exploring sober curiosity or re-evaluating your relationship with alcohol, VE Refinery has the perfect drink for you. Our largest selection of non-alcoholic drinks is a flawless substitute for alcohol in your favourite cocktail. Want to explore mocktail mixology? Try our simple recipes at home or organise a mixology class with us.
Autumn Non-alcoholic Drinks
1. Apple Cider Mimosa
The traditional apple cider mimosa is paired with champagne. The champagne’s fizz and the warmth of the apple cider make it a classic autumnal delight. And if you want to make it sober and stylish, replace the regular champagne with Thomson & Scott Noughty sparkling chardonnay.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple
- 1 bottle of sparkling chardonnay
- 1 cup of apple cider
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Method:
In a champagne flute, add the apple cider and top it off with Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay. Then, slice up the apple and garnish each glass with a slice before serving it to your guests.
On a small plate, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Dip the champagne flutes in caramel and run it through the cinnamon sugar mix to decorate the rims. If you have a sweet tooth, drizzle a little caramel before pouring the drink into the glasses.
2. The Fall 75
The Fall 75 is an autumnal twist to the classic French 75. The champagne in this drink makes it ideal for celebratory occasions. Toast to your friends, family and loved ones this autumn with a well-crafted fall 75.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups Concord grapes (with and without stems)
- 1 lemon
- 50ml of Pentire Adrift
- 25ml of fresh lemon juice
- 20ml of simple syrup
- Sparkling Chardonnay
Method:
Use the grapes to make a grape purée till only bits of the skin are left, in a blender. Pass it through a fine sieve to get the juice, and add ¼ tsp of lemon juice. Pop it into the freezer for later.
Add the Pentire Adrift (alternative gin), grape juice, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Once the drink is visibly chilled, strain it into a wine glass or champagne flute and top it off with the Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay.
3. Ginger London Mule
The London mule is a citrusy twist on the traditional Moscow mule. The gin and the ginger beer bring out the zest of the lime juice to make an ideal fiery cocktail. Only this time, we’ll replace the gin with the bittersweet Wilfred’s alcohol-free spritz.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Wilfred’s Aperitif
- 100 ml ginger beer
- Fresh lime, lime wedge
- Sliced ginger
Method:
Pour freshly squeezed lime juice and Wilfred’s alcohol-free spritz into your serving glass. Fill it up with crushed ice and add multiple lemon wedges. Stir briefly before topping it off with ginger beer. Garnish with a sliced ginger before serving.
4. Spiced Negroni Sbagliato
Tiktok’s favourite drink, a Negroni Sbagliato, is going to make another appearance in 2024 as we gear up for another season of thrilling wars and royal betrayals. Fix yourself a sober spiced Negorini Sbagliato and join the party!
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Pentire Coastal Spritz
- 20 ml cinnamon syrup
- 2 dashes of non-alcoholic bitters
- Sparkling chardonnay
- Orange peel and cinnamon stick (optional)
Method:
In a cocktail shaker, swirl together the Pentire coastal spritz, cinnamon syrup and non-alcoholic bitters. Pour it over ice in your serving glass and top it off with Thomson & Scott Nought sparkling chardonnay. Garnish with an orange peel and cinnamon stick before serving. Play with aromatics by charring the cinnamon stick right before serving.
5. Rosemary Spritz
This citrusy rosemary cocktail is always a crowd-pleaser, regardless of the season. The citrusy flavours make it perfect for summer, and the aroma of the rosemary makes it ideal for autumn. Just replace the gin with Pentire Adrift and Wilfred’s bittersweet non-alcoholic spritz, and you’re good to go.
Ingredients:
- 25 ml Pentire Adrift
- 50 ml Wilfred’s non-alcoholic spritz
- 100 ml premium tonic water
- 4 rosemary sprigs
- 60 ml blood orange juice
- 60 ml non-alcoholic Apple cider
Method:
Add all the ingredients along with ice in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Shake it for at least 30 seconds or till the exterior of the shaker is visibly cold. Now strain it into your serving glass and top it off with tonic water for that extra fizz. Then, garnish it with a sprig of rosemary and serve it to your guests.
Winter Non-alcoholic Drinks
1. (Un)spiked Hot Chocolate
Steaming hot chocolate with a few marshmallows on a winter evening is like nostalgia served in a cup. It's an instant hit with children and adults alike. But to make it more spicy, add a touch of Scottish alcohol-free spirit to the drink and surprise your guests.
Ingredients:
- Regular or nut milk
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla
- Sugar
- Chocolate chips
- Feragaia
Method:
Making the sober version of the spiked hot chocolate isn’t too complicated. Cook the milk, sugar and cocoa powder at medium heat. Once it starts to boil, add the chocolate chips and stir till they melt and mix properly. Before taking it off the heat, add a splash of vanilla.
Pour it into your favourite childhood mug or a serving cup, and add the Feragaia. Decorate the non-alcoholic beverage with marshmallows, sprinkles, crushed candy canes and chocolate chips, and enjoy!
2. Sober Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is a winter staple. Depending on where you are it’s also known as spiced wine, vin chaud, hot wine, glögg, or glühwein. This classic drink exists under a new name in every corner of the world.
Ingredients:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cloves
- Allspice berries
- Thomson & Scott Noughty Dealcoholized Rosé
- ¼ sliced orange (optional)
- ½ tablespoon black peppercorn
- Whole nutmeg
- Star anise
Method:
Mulled wine is one of the easiest cocktail recipes. Take all the ingredients and cook them in a large saucepan on medium-high heat. Reduce the heat once the wine reaches a light simmer and cover with a lead. Keep it simmering for about 15-20 minutes or up to 3 hours. Once ready, strain the wine into serving cups and add sweetener to taste. Add your favourite spices as garnish before serving.
3. Peppermint Eggnog
Tradition eggnog is delicious in itself, but let’s be honest with a splash of bourbon it gets even better. But what do you do when the holiday season feels like a long weekend? You don’t skip the party, you swap your drink with non-alcoholic cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- Granulated sugar
- Whole milk or nut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- Feragaia Scottish Non-alcoholic Spirit
Method:
Heat the milk and sugar over medium heat until it simmers. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until it's fluffy and light in colour. Gradually pour the milk and vanilla mixture into the eggs while stirring continuously.
Pour the mixture back into a saucepan and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until it thickens. Remove it from heat, add the vanilla and peppermint extract, and finish by topping it off with Feragaia. Line the rims with crushed candy canes before serving for a festive touch.
4. Winter Wonderland Peartini
Winter is the time for ciders, but Apple isn’t the only option. If you love pears, we’ve got just the cocktail for you. Slowly cook the pears with the seasonal spices. You can create it in batches, pop it in the freezer and serve it chilled whenever a friend comes to visit.
Ingredients:
- Pentire Coastal Spritz
- 8 medium assorted pears
- 1 medium orange, peeled and sliced
- Spices (cinnamon sticks, ginger, star anise, cloves, allspice)
- 5 whole allspice berries
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup of maple syrup
Method:
Cook the pears, oranges, 5 cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, 2 star anise pods, 5 whole allspice berries and 2 tbsp of cloves in a slow cooker. Make sure the water doesn’t submerge the pears completely. Mash the cooked pears for 30 minutes before taking them off the heat. Now strain it into a large pitcher and store it in the freezer. Before serving add a slash of Pentire Coastal Spritz into the serving cups and pour the cider.
5. Tea & Cider Punch
A party punch with tea and cider? Sounds like the best drink for a sober-inclusive cocktail party. Our tea and cider punch is an instant hit at work events and office parties. Dry Dragon from Real Drinks Co. packs a good punch with its honeydew notes.
Ingredients:
- Dry Dragon from Real Drinks Co.
- 6 cups of non-alcoholic apple cider
- Sliced lemon
Method:
This is one of the simplest zero-proof cocktail recipes for winter. Reduce the apple cider on medium heat for 30 to 45 minutes. Pour it into your serving cups, top it off with Dry Dragon and garnish with lemon slices. The perfect drink for a quick alcohol-free nightcap.
Springtime Non-alcoholic Drinks
1. Fiery Golden Tonic
The deliciousness of this fiery golden tonic packs a healthy punch. Make it in a batch and store it in the freezer to enjoy throughout the week. Or, you can also make it in smaller portions. A splash of sparkling fermented tea makes it the perfect nightcap.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 4 cups of Royal Flush from Real Drinks Co.
- 1 cup of sweet mango juice
- ⅓ cup of lemon juice
- Cayenne pepper
Method:
Replace the chamomile tea of the original recipe with Royal Flush from Real Drinks Co. In a pitcher or your favourite serving cup, pour the Royal Flush, and add the turmeric powder, mango and lemon juice. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an added kick before serving.
2. Sober & Fresh Daiquiri
Daiquiri is one of the simplest spring cocktails. Originally made with rum, lime juice and simple syrup, this drink doesn’t take more than 3 minutes to prepare. For a unique twist, swap out the rum with Pentire Seaward, introducing herbaceous flavours and an alcohol-free alternative.
Ingredients:
- ⅙ shot of lemon juice
- Simple syrup (to taste)
- ½ cup of Pentire Seaward
Method:
Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake till it’s chilled. Strain it into your serving glass and decorate with a lemon slice before serving. An excellent companion to your spring picnics.
3. Twisted Mint Julep
When you think of a bright spring day, whiskey isn’t the first drink that comes to your mind. But it’s the star ingredient of one of the classic spring and summer cocktails, the mint julep. To replicate the fiery taste of whiskey and its warmth, swap it out with a splash of Feragaia Scottish non-alcoholic spirit.
Ingredients:
- 8 mint leaves
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 80 ml Feragaia Scottish non-alcoholic Spirit
Method:
Muddle the mint leaves in your serving glass to release the aromatics. Then add the simple syrup to taste and fill the glass with crushed ice. Lastly, pour Feragaia over the ice and serve it chilled at your next Sunday brunch.
4. Rhubarb Gimlet
What better way to welcome spring than with a rhubarb cocktail? Bid farewell to autumn with this fruity delight, splashed with a hint of rosemary. The rosemary reminds you of the autumnal chill in the air. Replace the gin with, Pentire Adrift, an impeccable gin alternative.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Pentire Adrift
- 25 ml rhubarb, rosemary and lemon syrup
- 1 sprig of rosemary
For the rhubarb syrup:
- 200 gm lemon juice
- 400 gm caster sugar
- Half a stem rhubarb, roughly chopped
Method:
The rhubarb gimlet is a simple, three-ingredient drink that takes no more than three minutes to prepare. The star of the recipe is the rhubarb syrup. Heat the lemon juice over medium heat until it lightly simmers. Before it reaches a boil, add the sugar and remove it from the heat. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the chopped rhubarb and blend.
Combine the ingredients and ice in a cocktail shaker, shake well, and strain the chilled drink into your serving glass. Chill the syrup in the freezer before adding to the shaker. You can decorate with a lemon wheel or a rhubarb strand if you like.
5. Strawberry Tea Refresher
A strawberry iced tea with a twist. Our strawberry tea refresher recipe uses the Peony Blush from Real Drink Co. which is infused with the sweetness of strawberries, yoghurt and summer fruits. The chamomile syrup adds a touch of healing properties and gentle notes of apple and honey.
Ingredients:
For Chamomile syrup:
- 3 cups of water
- 2 ½ cups of sugar
- 8 chamomile tea bags
For the strawberry tea refresher:
- 3 cups of Peony Blush from Real Drinks Co.
- 4 cups of strawberries, freshly chopped
- 4 cups of grapefruit juice
- A few dashes of bitter
Method
To make the chamomile syrup, steep the tea in simple syrup for about 10-15 minutes. Aim for a strong flavour without making the tea bitter. Remove the tea bags and place the syrup in the freezer to chill.
Prepare the purée by blending the chopped strawberries with the grapefruit juice. Strain it into a pitcher and add the bitters to taste. Then, gently incorporate the chamomile syrup and Peony Blush into the pitcher. And, your strawberry tea refresher is ready!
Summer Non-alcoholic Drinks
1. Rose Mojito
A floral mojito is perfect to kickstart summer on a light and refreshing note. This zero-proof cocktail is easy to make and a sure winner at every party. Pair it with the Thomson & Scott Noughty Dealcoholized Rosé for an added layer of sophistication and sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Dealcoholized Rosé
- 7-8 large mint leaves
- 2 tbsp of lime juice
- 45 ml of rose syrup
- Sparkling water (optional)
Method:
In a cocktail shaker lightly muddle the mint leaves to release the aroma. Add the rest of the ingredients and shake well. Strain the concoction into a Collins glass and fill it with crushed ice. Before serving, top it off with sparkling water and garnish with a mint sprig.
You can make the rose syrup from scratch or use a store-bought version. Making the syrup is quite easy; add dried and crushed rose petals to simple syrup and let it cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Virgin Paloma
Margaritas are a crowd favourite all over the world. But Paloma reigns supreme for true cocktail aficionados. This tequila-infused cocktail is easy to make and delicious on a hot summer evening. But to make it more sober-inclusive, we’ll replace the tequila with Feragaia Scottish non-alcoholic spirit.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Feragaia
- 15 ml grapefruit juice
- 1 tsp of honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 15 ml club soda
Method:
Pour freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, lime juice, club soda and honey into a serving glass. Lastly, add the Feragaia and fill it up with ice. Enhance the experience by swapping the typical salt rim for a cayenne pepper and salt rim, adding an extra touch of spice.
3. REAL LIIT
The classic Long Island Iced Tea is a refreshing, citrusy and sweet drink with a kick of gin, tequila, white rum and more. Great for the party, horrible for the morning after. Why not switch it out with a zero-proof LIIT with organic fermented tea from Real Drink Co?
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of Dry Dragon
- 60 ml apple cider vinegar
- 600 ml ginger beer
- 2 lemons (1 sliced and 1 juiced)
- Sprigs of fresh mint
Method:
In your serving glass, pour the chilled Dry Dragon over ice and add the rest of the ingredients. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and a lemon slice and enjoy the classic summer delight.
4. Cucumber & Mint Spritz
Summer is the time for spritz and frozen drinks. And the cucumber and mint spritz is laden with summer flavours. If you’re tired of iced teas, try different types of spritz this summer. Incorporate the stunning Thomson & Scott Dealcoholized Blanc to elevate the taste.
Ingredients:
- 3 mini cucumbers
- 6 mint leaves
- 2 lemons or limes
- 500 ml Noughty Dealcoholized Blanc
- 500 ml sparkling water
Method:
Place thinly sliced cucumber inside a long-stemmed wine glass and fill it up with crushed ice. Pour the dealcoholized Blanc over ice and a splash of lemon juice. Top it off with sparkling water and enjoy the summer bliss.
5. Thai Basil Sangria
When you think of sangria, the image of red wine infused with seasonal fruits likely comes to mind. However, the Thai basil sangria takes a different approach, using white wine and a hint of orange juice for an enhanced flavour profile. For a zero-proof and sober-friendly version, opt for the Thomson & Scott Noughty Dealcoholized Blanc.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 4 Thai basil sprigs
- 1 bottle of dealcoholized Blanc
- 80 ml Feragaia
- 120 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- Chilled club soda
Method:
Create a simple syrup infused with lime and orange zest along with Thai basil. After the syrup cools, mix it with dealcoholized white wine, Feragaia Scottish non-alcoholic spirit (to substitute for brandy), and orange juice. Fill up the serving glasses with ice, add the sangria and finish it off with club soda for extra fizz.
Mixology Tips and Tricks for Non-alcoholic Drinks
Playing around with classic cocktails can be fascinating. Tweak the traditional recipes a little and create a concoction that suits your palette the best. And if you’re planning to try your hand at mocktail mixology, you can’t miss these tips.
Understand the non-alcoholic drinks you want to experiment with. Select a signature cocktail, for instance, LIIT or mimosa and ask your friends to bring their favourite alcohol-free alternative. Now, start making the same cocktail with different non-alcoholic drinks. And you’ll find the best recipe in no time.
Changing the flavour profiles of the cocktails are the riskiest endeavours. But you can gradually incorporate delicate flavours from herbs, spices and bitters. For instance, while making a virgin paloma, shake it with basil or cilantro for a unique taste.
Create an immersive bar experience by inviting people over and sharing the mixology process with them. Involve them in taste testing, have them guess the ingredients of a cocktail and so on.
Host A Cocktail Party with Non-alcoholic Drinks
Once you’re confident in your mixology skills organize your first cocktail party. Extend invitations to your friends for an evening filled with decadence and delightful non-alcoholic drinks.
Begin by crafting a meticulously curated menu that encompasses both beverages and food. The ideal food pairings elevate the experience. Ensure these beverages are easily prepared in batches. It allows you to effortlessly cater to your guests' preferences and serve up a memorable experience at a moment's notice. Let your signature cocktail take centre stage, making your gathering an unforgettable affair.
VE Refinery’s Year-long Guide to Non-alcoholic Drinks
As more people are embracing a lifestyle free of alcohol, VE Refinery is the biggest ally to this transformation. We’re changing Switzerland’s drinking culture one sip at a time.
We don’t just offer drinks; they are expressions of inclusivity, catering to diverse preferences. Vegan, low in sugar, and gluten-free, some in our collection are also certified halal. We take pride in offering the most inclusive range of non-alcoholic drinks for you.
Today, we bring you an exhaustive list of zero-proof cocktails to explore throughout the year. Shop from the most diverse range of non-alcoholic drinks and make every sip a moment of choice and delight.
Comments