Once upon a time, non-alcoholic drinks were reserved for designated drivers and those focused on sobriety. Non-alcoholic options have long been limited to soft-drinks and tasteless simulacrums of alc bevs.
Today, however, the non-alcoholic beverage landscape–from mocktails to zero-proof spirits–has evolved to include complex flavors and high-quality ingredients refined by premium craftsmanship. And you don’t have to be the designated driver to enjoy a deliciously curated mocktail – the non-alcoholic beverage scene welcomes and includes everyone, from mindful drinkers to non-drinkers, offering a vast array of non-alcoholic wines and spirits to sip!
In celebration of our First Bottle non-alcoholic collection growing, here are some occasions for trying out these tasty products:
Zebra Striping: The Mindful Drinking Trend Everyone’s Talking About
Zebra striping (sometimes referred to as tiger-striping) refers to alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in your evening or throughout your week, allowing you to enjoy without overdoing it. It gives your body time to metabolize the alcohol and hydrate between alcoholic drinks while still enjoying an exciting and tasty beverage. Zebra striping with non-alcoholic spirits or wines is the perfect way to enjoy in moderation without sacrificing taste.
For example, if you’re enjoying a romantic date night or a wine night with friends, you could open a bottle of wine and then pour yourself a glass of non-alcoholic wine between drinks. You can drink a non-alcoholic wine similar to the bottle of wine you already opened, or you can sip something totally different to keep the party going while staying mindful and pacing yourself in style.
When zebra striping, we love the Kally Sparkling Rosé Sonoma Non-Alc NV for its bright aromas of red berries, crisp finish, and touch of florality that make it a perfect aperitif or brunch pairing.
Non-Alc Mixology
With the rise of non-alcoholic cocktail recipes and zero-proof mixology, you can craft beautiful drinks with balance and flavor, buzz optional. If you’re opting to forgo alcohol, you can create a fully non-alcoholic drink that feels curated and special. Or you can use non-alc spirits to make lower-ABV cocktails, using half spirit and half NA spirit.
At First Bottle, our go-to is Clean Co non-alc spirits, adding the Clean Co Clean R London Spiced Rum Alternative NA to craft spiced versions of mai tais, mules, mojitos, and even festive piña coladas – complete with a tiny colorful paper umbrella, of course. If we’re craving an old-fashioned or a cozy fall maple mocktail, we’ll pour some Clean Co Clean W London Whiskey Alternative NA. And for margarita-style sips, we opt for Clean Co Clean T Tequila Alternative, tossing in muddled jalapeño for the perfect spicy marg.
Thoughtful Gifting
As the holiday season approaches, we make our gifting list and check it twice. Non-alcoholic gift ideas are trending for the holidays, and NA wines and spirits make a tasteful and inclusive gift for your friend, coworker, or family who doesn’t drink, allowing you to share a thoughtful pour for every palate. You can also add in stunning glassware to complete the present. For holiday mocktails, we love the Clean Co Clean V London Apple Vodka Alternative NA, and for giftable non-alcoholic wine, we’re reaching for the Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay Non-Alcoholic La Mancha NV (this one is especially good with New Year’s coming up!).
The Host with the Most: Non-Alcoholic Bar Cart Ideas
Every great host knows the key to a well-stocked bar cart is variety. Build a stylish non-alcoholic bar cart with versatile NA wines and spirits so every guest feels included, whether they’re zebra striping to pace themselves, acting as the designated driver, or simply opting out. Our NA bar cart includes the bubbly Prima Pavé Blancs de Blancs Friuli Non-Alc NV for effortless elegance and pairing versatility.
With such a wide array of non-alcoholic beverage choices, you can curate your NA selections to every moment, every craving, every guest. Explore the First Bottle Non-Alcoholic Collection, and discover your new favorite non-alcoholic wine, spirit, or mocktail—because great taste doesn’t need to require alcohol.
