For most recovering alcoholics, right after the decision to stop drinking alcohol, healthy lifestyle choices come next. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’re likely thinking of the best replacements for alcoholic drinks that don’t contain too many calories.
We’ve scoured the world and put together 13 unique low-calorie non-alcoholic drinks and mocktail recipes with health benefits you’ll love. Check them out below to find the perfect match for your next event!
The 5 Best Non-Alcoholic Wines and Their Caloric Level
If you prefer wine to self-made drinks, see some exciting, light, and equally delicious options below.
1. Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay (14 kCal)
This non-alcoholic wine is a tasty summer favorite that has a crisp feel. A sip of it reminds you of tart apple cider with a balanced acidity and a dry profile you may mistake for alcoholic wine. Rest assured, it has 0% alcohol with only about 14 calories per 100ml.
It’s the perfect afternoon pick for refreshing drinking while laughing with friends beneath your picnic shade or enjoying some wine in the comfort of your home.
The brand, Thomas & Scott Noughty, is a British non-alcoholic wine producer that takes extra care in growing their grapes in vineyards of Southern Spain, so you can trust the excellent flavor in every glass.
2. 1920 Wines Non-Alcoholic Pinot Grigio (18 kCal)
Australian-produced Pinot Grigio is one of the set of three 1920 wines that always leaves first-time tasters wowed. It’s a finely balanced light wine that releases nashi pear and crisp apple flavors in your mouth. It falls in between being sweet and dry, yet well-rounded.
If you want something unique for your drinking pleasure, this is a good choice. It contains less than 0.5% alcohol and about 18 calories per 100ml.
3. Very Cautious One Shiraz (23 kCal)
If your penchant is red wine, we have something for you as well. Very Cautious One Shiraz comes in a compelling and vibrant red color and its taste is just as inviting. With only 23 calories and 0.5% ABV, you know you’re on track to hit your healthy goals.
Every sip from your glass will remind you of sweet vanilla and strong tannins, a light and warm way to build your flavor palate before your main meal. A bottle of this wine can serve four people.
4. Black Tower Deliciously Light Rosé (29 kCal)
Looking for a fruity non-alcoholic drink with hints of real fruit? This rosé wine is right up your alley. It has a nice scent of blackberries and strawberries and carries that pleasant aroma to its naturally sweet taste.
It’s alcohol-free and perfect for any occasion, dinners included. With just 29 calories per 100ml, you don’t have to worry about ruining your weight loss goals as you sip on the delicious wine.
5. Black Tower Deliciously Light White (29 kCal)
Not a fan of rosé? Here’s a white wine alternative for you from the same producer. This refreshing drink once again gives off that fresh fruit aroma, but this time, you get hints of peach, orange, and passionfruit. It has a crisp taste and is suitable for people trying to avoid alcohol consumption.
It’s also great for weight loss, with only 29 calories per 100ml.
5 Tasty Non-Alcoholic Beers with Super Low Calories
More of a beer person? You can have any of these non-alcoholic beer drinks that are also low in calories. You can let your budget guide your choice as they’re all fine-tasting.
1. Lightning Minds Pale Ale (12 kCal)
Australia makes some of the finest nonalcoholic drinks and Lightning Minds Ale is one of them. It comes from a small-batch craft brewery keen on crafting the foremost non-alcoholic beers in the world.
As you’d expect, the beer is strong and bitter, with a hoppy aroma that keeps the drink fresh in your memory. A 100ml glass of this beer only contains 12 calories and less than 0.5% alcohol.
2. Beneficial Beer Stone Cold Lager (16 kCal)
Crafted by the award-winning gold medallist, Bruce Peachey, this beer has expertly balanced notes — a bitterly soft, gentle body. Unlike most strong-tasting beers, this one is drinkable with hints of hop essence fused within.
The beer is perfect for people concerned about their weight, as it only has about 16 calories per 100ml.
3. PASH Clean & Crisp Easy Ale (19.1 kCal)
Looking for flavorful non-alcoholic beer? PASH’s ale has what you need. It’s a perfect blend of crisp, clean, low sugar, completely alcohol-free, and absolute enjoyability.
It’s an amazing choice for your taste buds and promotes healthy living, at 19.1 calories per 100 ml. The producers choose to make their beers low-calorie to support health and wellness goals, helping you give your body the treatment it deserves.
4. BACH Brewing All-Day Non-Alcoholic IPA (8 kCal)
This beer stands out as one of the lowest-calorie beers on this list at only 8 calories per 100ml.
Its refreshing flavors of citrus paired with mango, papaya, and pine is best served chilled on a hot summer afternoon. It is as delicious as beers get and contains less than 0.5% alcohol, so it’s safe for consumption by recovering alcoholics.
It may interest you to know that BACH was the first New Zealand craft brewery to market non-alcoholic beer, so they have quite the experience in making your taste buds sing.
5. Better Beer Zero Alc (16.4 kCal)
An innovative product designed to put Australian beer on the map, this fine-crafted brew is hailed as the “world’s crisp-est beer.” Its light yet vibrant flavor profile attests to the high praise it’s received and is perfect for that moment you start craving its alcoholic counterpart.
Using the vacuum evaporation method, Better Beer company removed all its alcohol content, while maintaining that unique flavor palate you’re familiar with. A 335ml can of beer contains 55 calories, which rounds up to 16.4 calories per 100 ml.
3 Healthy Mocktail Drinks You Have to Try
If you know your way around the kitchen and don’t mind whipping up fresh juice or a healthy mocktail for yourself or your guests, these exciting mocktail recipes are perfect for hot summers.
For many of these drinks, you’ll be using fresh fruits or herbs for natural sweetness, homemade syrup, and little-to-no concentrated juice. In addition to being alcohol-free, they also help you cut back on processed sugar.
1. Raspberry Lemonade
This summertime recipe is suitable for pregnant women or people abstaining from alcohol.
You’ll need:
- juice from ½ a lemon,
- 5 raspberries,
- 1 can of Original Perrier,
- 5 drops of Stevia (or ½ teaspoon of cane sugar,)
- ice
Lightly muddle the raspberries in a glass jar to release their flavor. In the glass, add the ice, lemon juice, and then the Perrier. Pour in the stevia or sugar and then stir to combine. Top up with the raspberry garnish and serve.
2. Golden Tonic Drink (18 kCal/serving)
Get an amazing combo of anti-inflammatory turmeric, green tea, herbs, honey, sparkling apple cider vinegar, and spices in this refreshing drink. You need these ingredients:
- 2 bags of filtered water
- 2 bags of green tea
- 5 sprigs of lightly bruised thyme
- 1 piece of peeled, finely grated ginger
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp raw cider vinegar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups chilled sparkling water
- ice cubes
- Lime wedges as garnish
To prepare, bring filtered water to a gentle simmer in a saucepan. Use medium-high heat. Add tea bags, thyme, ginger, turmeric, honey, and vinegar to the pan. Stir until honey is dissolved.
Reduce the heat to low, allowing the mix to steep for 15 minutes then strain through a sieve into a jar. Let sit in the fridge for an hour. Next, half-fill four glasses with ice. Pour equal parts of tonic drink into all the glasses.
Top up with ½ cup of sparkling water and add a slice of lime wedge to each cup. It’s ready to serve!
3. Ginger Thyme Sparkling Lemonade Drink (62 kCal)
A super simple recipe that will keep your gut healthy, and is also great for your picnic, this recipe will give you 12 servings. Here are the everyday ingredients you’ll need (you probably have them in your fridge already):
- 2 cups water
- ⅔ cup honey
- 12 sprigs fresh thyme (and a few extra for garnish)
- 3 tbsp finely chopped ginger
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- ¾ cup lemon juice
- 2 liters cold plain sparkling or still water
Add water, honey, thyme, and ginger into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Use medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to allow it to simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add in lemon zest and lemon juice. Allow to steep for 20 minutes.
Strain the mix into a bowl. Throw out the solids then place the mix in the fridge for 2 hours. To make the refreshing beverage, mix ¼ cup of the lemon liquid with ½ sparkling or still water. Garnish with a thyme sprig if you wish.
Wrapping Up
Want to make more healthy life choices?
Cutting out high-calorie foods and booze is a big, bold, and excellent choice. Thankfully, you don’t have to give up thirst-quenching drinks just to make your healthy goals a reality. Choose any of the refreshing beverages we shared above for an enjoyable time alone or with friends.
If you, or your loved one, are just starting the alcohol-free journey, you don’t have to do it alone. Consider getting help from an addiction treatment expert to support you on tough days. Book an appointment today to talk to the team at Curednation.
