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Holiday without a hangover

The Independent

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December 12, 2025

From booze-free bubbles to clever aperitifs, Rosamund Hall rounds up the very best no- and low-alcohol wines and drinks to see you through this festive season – minus the fuzzy head

Just because it’s Christmas, it doesn’t mean you need to be feeling fuzzy-headed. Whether you're the designated driver, want to moderate your intake, never drink, or just love experimenting with new flavours, there’s never been a better time to enjoy no- or low-alcohol drinks.

It’s still the case that there are a large number of misses that are trying too hard to be the nonalcoholic version of something that already exists. But I’ve been supremely impressed with the “hits” I’ve found in putting together this guide - and honestly, some of them are quite surprising.

Who knew that Sainsbury’s Pop! Alcohol-free Buck’s Fizz would be such a crowd-pleaser when I blind-tasted it with some friends, and a £1 can of pina colada mocktail too! There’s also mixology fun to be had, and combining Aperiniets, Botaniets Original and Martini Vibrante made a really delicious NOgroni.

So, from special treats to wallet-saving wonders, read on for some seasonal inspiration to enjoy and share.

imageAmazon, Bolle, £24.99, less than 0.5%

A super-chic alternative to sparkling wine, it’s just bursting with mouthwatering lemon zest, layers of orchard fruit, and a beautiful texture and weight, too. An elegant wine alternative to enjoy throughout a special meal, and one of the best available.

Zeno Alcohol-Liberated White

Waitrose, £10.25, 0.3%

I think this might be the first still, no- or low-wine that’s really impressed me. It’s a fresh, invigorating glass with notes of delicate citrus peel, fresh green herbs and biting green apples. Served chilled, it’d also make a lovely spritz.

Believe by Jukes

Fukes Cordialities, £12, 0%

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Holiday without a hangover

From booze-free bubbles to clever aperitifs, Rosamund Hall rounds up the very best no- and low-alcohol wines and drinks to see you through this festive season – minus the fuzzy head

time to read

5 mins

December 12, 2025

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