Drinkers ditch booze for award-winning non-alcohol spirit that 'tastes delicious'

Whilst many participate in Dry January, there are some people that are looking for longer-term solutions to cut down on, or eliminate, alcohol consumption entirely. Fortunately, this doesn't mean sacrificing enjoyment, as numerous 'delicious' alcohol-free alternatives are now on the market.

Smiling Wolf, a brand created by the minds behind Tanqueray 10, Baileys and Purdey's, combines the authenticity of traditional spirits with an approach 'designed for today's more health-conscious, moderation-minded consumer'. The brand aims to close the divide between conventional alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic alternatives through its functional spirits range, providing consumers with greater flexibility in their drinking preferences.

Beyond taste, the brand claims its products deliver a 'sense of calm, smooth energy and clarity by releasing dopamine, serotonin, GABA and endorphins'. Among its offerings,Smiling Wolf Aperitivo is presently priced at £28 on Amazon.

Marketed as an 'alcohol free aperol', it's ideal for spritz and negroni cocktails, and features 18 different Mediterranean herbs and bitters in its composition.

The brand's website states this has been distilled from authentic spirit ingredients and crafted with Italian wine. It also highlights that it contains 23 kcal per 25ml serving, is low in sugar and suitable for vegans, whilst avoiding any crashes or hangovers, reports the Mirror.

Smiling Wolf claims its range delivers 'buzz without the booze', crafted using authentic spirit ingredients combined with nootropics - supplements designed to boost cognitive function, memory, creativity and motivation - alongside vitamins. The Smiling Wolf Aperitivo is characterised on Amazon as possessing 'rich floral, citrus and bitter flavours'.

According to the brand, Smiling Wolf's Aperitivo received the highest rating for a non-alcoholic spirit at the 2025 London Spirits Competition, assessed by prominent bartenders and bar managers. Beyond Amazon, it's stocked at over 300 on-trade establishments and more than 80 independent stockists, including Partridges, Panzer's, Eat 17 and all Amathus Stores.

Those keen to sample another Smiling Wolf offering could try the Botanical drink, available on Amazon for £28. This is marketed as an 'alcohol free gin' distilled from six botanicals and blended with the brand's 'natural Mood Enhancing Blend'.

Alternatively, there's Smiling Wolf Spiced at £28 - an alcohol free rum 'made from molasses and gently spiced with cinnamon and oaky vanilla',according to the brand's website.

For shoppers exploring alternative brands or options, M&S also stocks no-alcohol and low-alcohol wines. Its 0.5% ABV Fresh and Bubbly Low Alcohol Sparkling Wine (75cl) is produced with de-alcoholised white wine and presents crisp notes of green apple.

Alternatively, Dry Drinker's website stocks the slightly pricier Three Spirit Livener - Alcohol Free Spirit at £29.75. This product is described as 'a 0.0% ABV alcohol free spirit crafted with guayusa, guava leaf and green tea'.

Returning to the Smiling Wolf Aperitivo on Amazon, customers have posted glowing testimonials. One said: "Being able to make and share a non-alc Aperitivo spritz is a real game-changer. It tastes delicious, everyone feels included and it provides the great buzz / experience. Such a clever set of products, that helps you moderate your alcohol intake without sacrificing taste or feeling - will be buying again."

A second added: "Tastes like booze, great flavour and excellent alternative to alcohol. Does contain caffeine so we stick to just a couple of drinks. Has a nice feel-good effect."

Some customers offered constructive feedback, with one writing: "This is very herbal but with lemonade very pleasant. Did feel the benefits though, very relaxing."

Nevertheless, the majority expressed satisfaction with their purchase, as another person said: "Was initially looking for an option for the Xmas dinner to make a spritz/negroni on the light side, as this time of the year it's a bit too boozy (for me) so I like to pace myself... tried the Smiling Wolf and BINGO! Tastes just like the real thing, especially in my spritz. Also, after a few I felt a little buzz - which makes me relaxed and chilled. Will most definitely buy again."