THE NOLO MOVEMENT

A heady mix for a spirited evening need not necessarily come from alcohol. Here are some of Spice's favourite zero proof drinks.

- Magandeep Singh

Courtyard Memories

This is the closest I have come to trying a natural extract in bottled form. They make concentrates which can then be dialled down as per your taste. Their range of gingerales is what appealed the most to me, with balanced sting and sweetness. I worked them into various recipes but I equally enjoyed them just by themselves, mixed with ice and soda. The fact that I can mix them to my desired balance scores extra points for the brand.

Price ₹650-1,800 for 410 ml

Time is a great teacher. So often I have looked back at my own self from the not-so-distant past and pitied my general state of ignorance then. The world is changing fast and we won't know which way the trends will sway. Often, things that one found laughable or irrelevant suddenly become mainstream. The internet, phones without keyboards... Crocs(!) So if you are feeling (or have recently felt) the urge to laugh at the idea of non-alcoholic drinks for socialising grown-ups, well, I'd stifle that smirk.

NoLo is the name of the movement and it encompasses drinks which either have 'no'-alcohol or have very 'low' alcohol. I say "movement" and not merely a "trend" because of the rate at which this is growing and marking its global presence. Let's face it, the debauched likes of my generation have unknowingly taught the Gen-Z and the soon-to-come-of-drinking-age Gen Alpha a thing or four about the virtues of sobriety.

Tipsy Tiger

Some of the most balanced mixers that I have tried came from this brand. They aren’t too sweet; have a fair sense of balance that mixes well with spirits without drowning them out entirely. My pick: Orange & Kaffir Lime Mojito mix which is a fun refreshing take on a classic.