Yasmin Spark is an Alcohol Change UK Ambassador and founder of the UK’s first non-alcoholic mobile cocktail bar and she knows a thing or two when it comes to delicious no and low drinks. Yasmin is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for all to enjoy. She gives us her views on how to figure out where to start when it comes to the alcohol-free drinks’ universe!

Social drinking is changing, and it’s about time. Whether you're cutting back, trying out sobriety, or just want more choice, alcohol-free drinks are finally having their moment. So, once you’ve made the decision to try alcohol-free options, how do you know where to start? Let’s break it down and explore how alcohol-free options can fit into your lifestyle.

The rise of alcohol-free drinks

Gone are the days when your only alternative to alcohol at a bar was a sad lime and soda. The alcohol-free drinks market has exploded, and now you can find everything from craft zero-proof beers to botanical spirits that rival the real deal.

What’s even better? Bars, restaurants, and festivals are catching on too. No longer an afterthought, alcohol-free drinks are being crafted with the same level of creativity and attention as their boozy counterparts. High-end cocktail bars now have full alcohol-free menus, meaning you can enjoy a night out without sacrificing taste or experience.

A drink for every social occasion

When I got married last September, I didn’t have a drop of alcohol, and it was one of the best decisions I made. Waking up fresh the next morning, remembering every little detail, and fully soaking in the magic of the day made it even more special.

Drinking is often about the social experience, not just the alcohol itself. And luckily, alcohol-free drinks make it easy to join in on the fun without the next-day regret.

The bottom line? Whether you’re at a wedding, work event, house party, or festival, alcohol-free drinks let you be part of the moment—without missing out. Not sure where to start? Here’s how to find your perfect alcohol-free match:

• Think about what alcoholic drinks you used to drink. These days, most major brands offer alcohol-free versions that taste just as good.
• Explore alcohol-free beer and cider. This category has exploded, with brands like Lucky Saint becoming household names. Want something different? Impossibrew uses functional mushrooms to create a beer with added benefits.
• Try spirit alternatives. Brands like Lyre’s make alcohol-free gin, whiskey, rum, and more, so you can still enjoy a sophisticated cocktail.
• Go beyond the usual. If alcohol-free proxies aren’t your thing, try sparkling teas, kombucha, verjus, or shrubs - grown-up drinks that stand on their own.
• Get creative. Alcohol-free drinking isn’t limiting - it’s an opportunity to enhance your palate and try new flavours. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with making my own kefir water, and my go to spring cocktail is a super simple lychee martini (you can catch this easy recipe at the bottom of this article).

Overcoming F.O.M.O – My perspective

F.O.M.O is real. But I realised that when I felt it, it wasn’t really about the alcohol—it was usually because I was stressed or anxious and wanted to take the edge off. Instead of numbing that feeling with booze, I dug deeper. Therapy helped me work through it, and now I feel more relaxed and you’ll even find that I’m the first one up at karaoke, subjecting everyone to my terrible singing!

Zebra-Striping – The best of both worlds

If you’re not ready to give up alcohol completely, zebra striping or zebra-striped drinking (switching between alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks) is a great way to pace yourself. For example, you could start the night with an alcohol-free prosecco, have a cocktail next, and alternate. Some people find it keeps them in the moment without overdoing it.

Where can you enjoy alcohol-free drinks?

The good news is that you don’t have to search far to find them. You’ll find alcohol-free options are everywhere. Bars and pubs now have dedicated alcohol-free menus or mocktail selections. Restaurants are pairing alcohol-free wines and creative drinks with their dishes, giving you grown-up options when dining out. Festivals and events are now catering to mindful drinkers with more alcohol-free choices. Supermarkets and online retailers offer endless options to stock your fridge with. And even work events and corporate gatherings now include alcohol-free choices as standard. So, now’s the time to dive in and see what all the hype is about!