LAB 2022
Welcome to the WH Lab, where we put health-related products through rigorous testing to see which items deserve a place in your wellness arsenal
This month, our team of expert testers put their drinking caps on to determine the best noor low-alcohol spirit alternatives on the market.
There are few prospects more tempting than happy hour without the headache; if you’ve not already sworn off the sauce like the millions of other teetotallers across the UK, then you’re no doubt at least monitoring your alcohol consumption in the name of good health. And, in answer to this new-found thirst for booze-free choices, distilleries and drinks brands across the globe are creating sober serves to rival the taste and quality of traditional spirits. The days of lukewarm lemonade are behind you. But with ethanol-free offerings increasing all the time, how do you know what’s worthy of your time and glassware? That’s where WH Lab comes in – our team of 10 testers limbered up their taste buds and knocked back an array of no- and low-alcohol spirits – from gin and vodka to rum and Aperol alternatives, to find you the best bottles.
01
Best vodka alt
CleanCo Clean V Non-Alcoholic Spiced Apple Spirit, 0.0%, £19 for 70cl
Score
As early pioneers, CleanCo’s repertoire spans five 0.5% ABV spirits, convenient pre-mixed cans and, now, the 0% ABV Clean V. With minerality, crisp apple and warming cinnamon, this vodka alternative was a big hit with our panel. Enhance it with a sparkling kombucha (we love Remedy’s ginger lemon flavour) and you’ll have a first-class alcohol-free cocktail in no time. The WH Lab verdict: It’s what’s on the inside that counts, but the frosted white glass bottle will look great on your bar trolley, too.
02
Best Aperol alt
Crodino Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo, 0.0%, £5.95 for 3 x175ml
Score
Struggling to say arrivederci to aperitivo hour? Well, thanks to Crodino, you don’t have to. Developed in 1965, this Italian spritz has a cult following – and after tasting its balanced, bittersweet botanicals and lingering citrus flavour, it’s easy to see why. Best served over ice and paired with that other exceptional Italian export: the margherita. Just add sunshine. The WH Lab verdict: Our worthy winner will be a mainstay in our wine fridge. While, it’s not an afternoon on the Amalfi coast, it might just be the next best thing.
03
Best rum alt
Caleño Dark & Spicy Non-Alcoholic Spirit, 0.0%, £15 for 50cl
Score
In terms of rum alternatives for your dark and stormy, Caleño is hard to beat. It’s packed with tropical flavours of pineapple, ginger and kola nut spice, which pairs well with quality ginger beer, a squeeze of lime and a slice of fresh ginger (which is loaded with antioxidants, FYI). Also, it’s zero-sugar, gluten-free and
