No & Low Summer Drinks

Low and no alcohol drinks are driving a dynamic and growing category. Our judges are striving to find the best options currently available to recommend to inquisitive and engaged customers.

This category is open to zero to <1.2% ABV drinks.

Aperitif, spirit or wine alternatives are welcome. Kombuchas, RTD’s and pre-mixed mocktails, too. Our judges are looking for excellence in low or no alcohol drinks that match well with food for the summer season.

Victoria Moore, chair judge for No & Low Drinks

Chair judge for the Low & No Drinks category, Victoria Moore said, “The no and low space is one of the most creative, exciting – and important – in the drinks’ world. I’ve really enjoyed watching it grow and flourish over the last seven years or so and I’m looking forward to seeing that continue and getting to know it even better.”

Results

July, 2024

Product Name	Score	Producer	Country	Vintage
Brown Brothers Moscato Zero	1	Brown Family Wine Group	Australia	2023
	No & Low Summer Drinks Region: Victoria Judges’ Tasting Notes: The grapey flavours and low alcohol of sparkling moscato make for an easier transition to a low-alcohol drink. With notes of white sherbet, a hint of freesia and the sweetness of fresh grapes this is a good pick for a summer afternoon serve or as with richly fruity desserts like Christmas Pudding.
Brown Brothers Cienna Zero	1	Brown Family Wine Group	Australia	2023
	No & Low Summer Drinks Region: Victoria Judges’ Tasting Notes: A sweetish and uplifting red that tastes like red plum compote with a hint of cinnamon and a touch of rosehip linctus. There is a fair bit of sweetness in here but that could work as a pairing with sweetly fruity and/or chilli-hot dishes such as spicy duck noodles or pork and apricot tagine.
ZENO alcohol-liberated Rosé	1	Vinolo Ltd.	Spain	2023
Purchase	No & Low Summer Drinks Region: Castille-La Mancha Judges’ Tasting Notes: With a fragrance of red berries and watermelon, this alcohol-liberated rosé has a creamy feel and a clean finish. A good, aperitif-style drink.
Monarch Pinot Noir	0	Villa Noria	France	2023
	No & Low Summer Drinks Region: Languedoc Subregion: Coteaux de Bessilles Judges’ Tasting Notes: A mid-alcohol (8.5% alc) pinot noir with flavours of jammy red fruits and some boiled sweet notes. Very light on the palate.
Skye Sauvignon Blanc	0	Lake Chalice Wines	New Zealand	2021
	No & Low Summer Drinks Region: Marlborough Judges’ Tasting Notes: A bright, mid-alcohol (9.5% alc) sauvignon blanc with vivid notes of lime and lemon sorbet as well as elderflower and passion fruit, a style that offers some popular appeal but which could be more honed and nuanced.
Seven Giants — Añejo Style	0	Spirits of Virtue	United Kingdom	N/A
Purchase	No & Low Summer Drinks Region: Scotland Subregion: Glasgow Judges’ Tasting Notes: With notes of caramel and a bitter twist that easily make their presence felt through a mixer, this tequila-substitute could be an option for use in cocktails. The powerful medicinal and caramel notes do need some taming, though.
Saicho Sparkling Tea - Darjeeling	2	Saicho	United Kingdom	Darjeeling
Purchase	No & Low Summer Drinks Region: India Subregion: Darjeeling Judges’ Tasting Notes: Notes of black tea mingle with flavours of ginger and wood spice, lifted with notes of lemon balm and mandarin and leading to a slightly astringent, tannic finish. This sparkling tea would pair well with dim sum and other cantonese dishes.
Saicho Sparkling Tea - Jasmine	3	Saicho	United Kingdom	Jasmine
Purchase	No & Low Summer Drinks Region: China Subregion: Fujian Province Judges’ Tasting Notes: Very bright, floral and elegant, with a fragrance of sweet, delicate white flowers and then, on the palate, notes of yuzu, water lily and jasmine. A great option as an aperitif or for use in summer-time cocktails.
Saicho Sparkling Tea - Hojicha	3	Saicho	United Kingdom	Hojicha
Purchase	No & Low Summer Drinks Region: Japan Subregion: Shizuoka Prefecture Judges’ Tasting Notes: Hojicha's depth of flavour and fine nuances make it an excellent option for gourmet food pairing. Made from roasted green tea, it has toasty, nutty notes with hints of roasted chestnuts and delicate florals. Match it with fish and mushroom aromatics.