Would you drink alcohol-free beer if it was on draught in your local?

Making alcohol-free beer widely available on draught in pubs and bars could help people who are wanting to switch over to alcohol-free beers. 

That's the belief expressed in a new study published in Addiction today. Pubs and bars which participated in a University of Bristol-led trial of the concept actually witnessed an increase in sales of non-alcoholic draught beer.

In partnership with Bristol City Council, researchers from the University's Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group (TARG) recruited 14 pubs and bars across Bristol which were happy to change the drinks that they offered on draught for a limited period of time.

Previous research by the same group, using an online experiment showed increasing the proportion of alcohol-free options make people more likely to select an alcohol-free drink over an alcoholic one.

In the current study, participating pubs and bars offered only alcoholic beer on draught for two weeks, and an alcohol-free option on draught for two weeks, and did this twice (over two months in total). The order in which this happened was randomised. The researchers measured the amount of alcoholic and alcohol-free beer sold, plus total monetary takings, across the different periods.

The researchers learned when an alcohol-free option was available the pubs and bars sold, on average, 29 litres less of alcoholic beer per week, equivalent to 51 pints and a five per cent reduction in sales. However, this was replaced by an equivalent increase in sales of alcohol-free beer, suggesting customers were simply going for a different option. Vitally, there was no net impact on overall monetary takings, suggesting the change wasn’t hurting the takings of the pubs and bars which took part.

Even small changes in drinking behaviour could have an important public health benefit. A five per cent reduction in consumption, if scaled up, could reduce the harms associated with alcohol.

The research team opined: "Although alcohol-free options have been available for a considerable period in many pubs and bars, they haven't had the same visual prominence as alcoholic drinks and are very rarely sold on draught."

The opinion of That's Food and Drink is that whilst we are broadly in favour of the offering of alcohol-free draught beers, ales and lagers, that the flavour and mouthfeel of the alcohol-free drinks must be as good as if not better than their alcoholic equivalents.

My own experience with an alcohol-free beer on draught in a pub I was visiting when I was on anti-biotics was that it tasted nothing like the alcoholic version of the beer. In fact it tasted pretty vile to be honest.

Embracing the Joys of Visiting a Wetherspoon Pub: A Modern British Tradition

In the bustling streets of Britain (and now in Dublin), amidst the eclectic mix of historical landmarks and modern establishments, lies a cultural gem cherished by locals and tourists alike: the Wetherspoon pub. 

Stepping into one of these establishments is not merely about grabbing a pint or enjoying a meal; it's about immersing oneself in a unique atmosphere where history meets contemporary conviviality, and where the joys of camaraderie are celebrated with every sip.

Wetherspoon pubs, affectionately known as 'Spoons' by regulars, have carved out a special place in the hearts of Britons over recent years. From the quaint market town pubs to the bustling city centre establishments, each 'Spoons' offers an inviting ambiance that beckons patrons to unwind and indulge in the simple pleasures of life.

One of the most endearing aspects of visiting a Wetherspoon pub is the sense of familiarity it evokes. Whether you're a local popping in for a quick drink after work or a traveller seeking respite from a long journey, or staying at a Wetherspoon hotel (Wetherlodge) there's an unmistakable warmth that permeates these establishments. The welcoming smiles of the staff, the comforting hum of conversation, and the inviting aroma of freshly prepared meals all combine to create an atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.

Of course, no visit to a Wetherspoon pub would be complete without sampling their extensive selection of beverages. From traditional ales and ciders (free tastes are normally available) to innovative craft beers and artisanal cocktails, there's something to suit every palate. Whether you're a connoisseur seeking out rare brews or simply craving a refreshing pint of bitter or lager, you'll find no shortage of options to quench your thirst.

But it's not just the drinks that keep patrons coming back time and time again; it's the unbeatable value for money that sets Wetherspoon pubs apart. With their wallet-friendly prices and frequent promotions, 'Spoons' offer a budget-friendly way to enjoy a night out without compromising on quality. 

Whether you're indulging in a hearty meal from their extensive menu or treating yourself to a round of drinks for you and your friends, you can rest assured that you'll be getting excellent value for your money.

Beyond the food and drink, Wetherspoon pubs also play a vital role in the social fabric of their communities. From hosting live music nights and quiz events to providing a space for local groups to meet and socialise, these establishments are more than just places to eat and drink, they're hubs of activity where friendships are forged and memories are made.

In an increasingly fast-paced world, the simple pleasures of sharing a meal or raising a glass with friends often get overlooked. But in the timeless embrace of a Wetherspoon pub, these joys are celebrated and cherished, reminding us all of the importance of slowing down, connecting with others, and savoruing the moment. So the next time you find yourself in need of a dose of warmth and camaraderie, why not step into your local 'Spoons' and experience the joy for yourself?

You can find your nearest Wethspoon pub or Wetherlodge Hotel here https://www.jdwetherspoon.com

And don't forget! Next month it's the Spring Wetherspoon Real Ale Festival, which you can read about here https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2024/02/wetherspoon-spring-beer-festival-is.html

Beat the post-holiday season blues with these healthy alternatives from Japan Centre

With the new year well underway, it’s no secret we all want a fresh start when it comes to our health. After the indulging and exciting period of the Christmas season, there’s no better time to look for healthy alternatives to kickstart our health journey.

Japan Centre, which is the largest Japanese food hall in Europe, has just what you need to curate that healthy lifestyle. From a range of high-quality food and drinks, taking control of our wellbeing has never been more exciting.

Whether you are taking on Veganuary, Dry January or looking for other ways to improve your health in the new year, Japan Centre has great options to help you become the best version of yourself! 

Japan Centre products to keep you on top of your health this January:

Chilled Japan Centre Vegan Kodawari Tofu (RRP: £4.38)

Created to ensure the best quality, this tofu has been given extra care in its creation to ensure the best quality. Packed with nutrients from organically grown soybeans it is great for absorbing soups and sauces. Kodawari tofu was developed to maximise its health benefits, taste and versatility.  

Chilled Japan Centre Vegan Momen Tofu (RRP: £3.59)

Made from organically-grown yellow soybeans, this tofu packs high levels of protein, calcium, and fibre in each sturdy block – an essential vegan-friendly ingredient. With excess water pressed out as it’s formed, this regular tofu is perfect for fried Veganuary dishes.

Vegan Kayanoya Original Vegetable Dashi Stock Pack (RRP £29.99 for 24 packs)

Using the highest quality vegetables, this stock is naturally rich in umami to enhance dishes from ramen and stew to soups and pasta. Simply add the dashi powder to your vegan dishes to add a depth of flavour this Veganuary.

Premium Stone Ground Matcha Green Tea Powder (RRP £6.35)

Start the year off properly with Japan Centre’s own matcha green tea powder, perfect for exquisite cups of green team, creamy matcha lattes, bubble tea, smoothies, and even mocktails!

Yamaei Matcha Green Tea Kudzo Jelly Pots (RRP: £5.55)

Refreshing and chewy in texture, this soft, gelatine-free jelly packs rich aromas and invigorating green tea tastes. Best served chilled, satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious and healthy dessert.

Chilled Japan Centre Vegan Natto Fermented Soybeans (RRP: £3.20)

These much-loved fermented beans of Japan and all their wonderous benefits are made from their very own organically grown soybeans. Packed with nourishing proteins and fibres, these soybeans provide a rich source of vitamins from the abundant fields of Spain where they are grown. They are the perfect addition to breakfasts or snacks, providing a bold flavour and a healthy alternative.

Chilled Japan Centre Vegan Tofu Hamburger with Mushrooms (RRP: £3.20)

Try a new recipe using these nutritious tofu hamburgers full of flavour. Combining tofu, brown rice, oats and seitan for a dense and wonderful hamburger texture. The meaty mushroom comes together with the tofu to enhance each burger’s herby, savoury taste. Low in calories, start your Veganuary off right with these healthy meat-free alternative.

Kirin Perfect Free Alcohol-Free Beer (RRP: £1.69)

This non-alcohol beer from the Kirin brewery delivers a classic, sweet taste packed with satisfying ingredients. Enjoy each sip guilt-free as this zero-calorie beer is rich in fibre and soy protect, reducing the absorption of fats and sugars. Wind-down the chilly evenings with this sugar-free beer.

Kitou 100% Yuzu Fruit Juice (RRP: £9.28)

100% pure, tangy citrus juice squeezed from Tokushima’s Kitou yuzu fruit. With no added sugar, yuzu juice is perfect for pouring and squeezing into all your favourite recipes, whether it be a marinade, dressing, sorbet or ponzu.

FACTFILE: Founded in London in 1976, Japan Centre is one of the largest and most influential Japanese stores in Europe. With a passion for supplying the best authentic goods, the Japan Centre has a range of over 3,000 products spanning food, drink, and lifestyle.

 In-store experts make Japanese sushi and hot souzai, and the fishmonger and butcher counters serve fresh produce cut the traditional Japanese way. The in-store bakery serves a large selection of hand made and hard to find Japanese pastries and breads, which are baked daily.    

In 2005 Japan Centre launched an online store, to bring a slice of Japan to those outside of London and the UK with over 3,000 Japanese and Asian products sourced direct from Japan and across Asia, making it the number one destination for those interested in the very best of Japanese & Asian food and culture.    

Japan Centre now has three food halls in Leicester Square, Westfield White City and Stratford, where it sells a plethora of authentic Japanese food ingredients and food to go stands, alongside a huge selection of sake, and is expanding into the beauty and lifestyle area with cookbooks, crockery and Japanese skincare products. The Leicester Square branch opened London’s first mochi bar back in 2021, where it sells all things mochi including doughnuts, cookies, pan bread, ice cream, daifuku and dango.   

The food halls have also been expanding in recent years. At Westfield White City, the brand launched a Sake & Oyster Bar in April 2022 to highlight how the umami flavours complement each other.    

For those looking for a slice of authentic Japanese cuisine outside of the home, Japan Centre Group has a number of restaurant offerings; Shoryu - Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen specialists and Ramen Yokocho - a ramen bar specializing in regional ramen from across Japan and Ichiba - Europe’s largest Japanese food hall.   

Tak Tokumine - Japan Centre CEO is a successful entrepreneur and a key figure in the specialty food market, Tak gained invaluable business skills working for his family’s steel mill in Fukuoka, before marrying and settling in the UK in 1975. From its beginning in 1976, Japan Centre has grown to become one of the most influential and well-known Japanese stores in the UK and Europe. 

https://www.japancentre.com

TRIP is the official soft drink of Dry January. Find out what TRIP can do for you

Every January, people all over the UK decide to ditch drinking for the month. Considering that a third of adults report feeling anxious after alcohol (TRIP), breaking boozy habits is certainly a good way to start the year feeling healthier and happier.

Last year, 2023, 9 million UK adults participated in Dry January® (Alcohol Change UK), with similar numbers of participants expected this year. 

But one in three fail to make it to the end of the month without reverting to their usual drinking habits (reports YouGov); the tools and support of Alcohol Change UK make it much easier to enjoy lasting success.

Why? Studies show people often drink in order to unwind, and alcohol alternatives generally don't have the same calming effect. Swapping out your usual tipple for a booze-free option might leave you hangover-less, but often the soft drinks we reach for are filled with sugar or have other additives that won't help you to relax in the same way a glass of wine with dinner does.

It's for this reason Dry January® is widely assumed to be a month of sacrifice. We forget it doesn't have to be this way. Not drinking doesn't need to be boring.

Wellness expert and co-founder of non-alcoholic CBD drink brand TRIP Olivia Ferdi that it's possible to take the edge off without reverting to our normal drinking habits: “CBD can be an exciting part in how we socialise.”

But why the sudden demand? Studies indicate people are increasingly giving up drinking, and since most alcohol alternatives generally don't have the same calming effect, only TRIP can help people unwind in a similar way.

In the first month of this year, approximately 8.8 million adults attempted to go without alcohol (Source: Alcohol Change UK), and with its delicious and functional flavours, TRIP helped many of these people stay on track. In fact, among Generation Z - the most likely age group to be teetotal - 1 in 2 have now tried a CBD drink (Source: KAM Media and Drinkaware). 

As part of their awareness driving for Dry January, TRIP has begun working with Roman Kemp, a vocal advocate for looking after your mental health; Olivia Ferdi comments, “Roman was a natural choice to partner with to promote our Dry January campaign, which is encouraging people to unwind naturally with TRIP and avoid the dreaded alcohol hangiexty.”

Roman Kemp adds, "Have you recently been affected by that dreaded word… hangxiety? Well, you don't have to feel like that, that's why I'm sticking with TRIP. A non-alcoholic drink that still gives me that relaxation and feelings of unwinding without the horrible aftermath and only 24 calories, too."

With 30 million impressions on TikTok and Instagram in January alone it's increasingly obvious just how in demand these kinds of functional alcohol alternatives really are. It seems that the only way is up for TRIP. As a result, TRIP now appears above both trip.com and Tripadvisor when searching 'TRIP' on Google! As consumers change their habits to drive soft drink sales, it's no coincidence that the official drink of Dry January®, TRIP, is also the fastest selling soft drink nationwide.

https://www.drink-trip.com

Refresh Your Taste Buds This Dry January With Thatchers Zero

Keen to try a refreshing alternative this Dry January?

Let Thatchers Zero Cider, the UK's #1 alcohol-free apple cider,  refresh your taste buds.

An alcohol-free cider with body, smoothness and character, Thatchers Zero has a crisp, medium dry character and a fruity aroma. This Somerset cider retains the taste and character of a true cider but without the alcohol.

It's the first choice for those who don't want to compromise on taste and enjoyment when opting for alcohol-free.

Crafted using a selection of their favourite bittersweet apple varieties at their mill in the heart of Somerset, they make sure their alcohol-free Zero quenches the thirst for drinkers who want a premium experience, delivering on taste and enjoyment.

Thatchers has been crafting ciders since 1904. Four generations later, they're still independently owned and family operated, with a passion for making the best quality ciders sustainably, always putting their heart and soul into their ciders.

Low and no drinks are now part of regular drinking occasions, and as the UK's #1 alcohol-free apple cider, Thatchers Zero can quench the thirst all year round for those looking for a premium low or no cider.

At Thatchers they've worked very hard to create a 0% cider that delivers on taste. And the result? Thatchers Zero is creating huge interest from drinkers who recognise Zero can provide the social enjoyment but without the alcohol.

Like all other ciders in their range, Thatchers Zero is gluten free and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Giffard Liqueurs Introduces Their No/Low Range

The Giffard House, known worldwide for its liqueurs and syrups, will be launching a new alcohol-free range, inspired by its liqueurs.

Non-alcoholic cocktails have become increasingly popular as modern consumers are looking to cut back on alcohol, or even stop drinking altogether. 

With this new trend, spirits or non-alcoholic alternatives are booming with customers looking for healthier solutions and the taste of a luxurious cocktail.

To meet this growing demand, Giffard has taken advantage of their 138 years of knowledge in the maceration of fruits and plants, and expertise in liqueurs.

Inspired by their classic range of liqueurs, Giffard has developed a new range in which fruits and plants are macerated in wine vinegar. The result is an alcohol-free range with great aromatic richness and a reduced level of sugar, which brings complexity and real added value to the cocktail.

This new range of four flavours including Elderflower, Grapefruit, Ginger, and Pineapple will help bartenders improve their non-alcoholic offering, and will complete cocktail menus by bringing taste, sophistication, and character. Giffard’s no/low will be available to the UK market from this month, October.

In the spirit of this, this delicious recipe for a virgin paloma is a clear example of why Giffard’s no/low range will be sweeping the cocktail scene.

VIRGIN PALOMA

High ball / Shaker / clear ice

5cl Giffard Grapefruit without alcohol

1.5cl Agave Giffard syrup

2.5cl Lime juice

Top up with sparkling water

Garnish with rosemary, grapefruit zest, salt, and pepper

Introducing Chapmans of London: A New Frontier in Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Celebrating Vibrant Flavours and Culture

Chapmans of London, which is visionary non-alcoholic drinks brand, is proud to announce its official launch, introducing an unforgettable experience for consumers who are seeking vibrant flavours and cultural richness in their beverages.

A spokesman said: "Chapmans of London is on a mission to redefine the non-alcoholic drinks landscape by infusing every sip with the vibrant flavour and culture of Nigeria. We aim to satisfy the cravings of both individuals who are seeking an enriching experience and dare to explore new flavours."

The non-alcoholic cocktails are made from sparkling mixed fruits like pomegranate and blood orange infused with cucumber and bitters. Using only premium ingredients, Chapmans ensures it's accessible to everyone, because the drinks are vegan, gluten free, and free from all artificial flavourings, colourings, and preservatives. 

Their drinks are designed to complement your lifestyle, whether you're raising a glass to a special occasion or simply unwinding after a long day.

"I founded Chapmans of London as a response to my personal journey towards reducing alcohol intake and prioritising my health. I discovered the lack of inspiring and creative non-alcoholic drinks. Growing up, I cherished a sparkling, fruity, and uniquely refreshing drink with flavours that couldn't be found elsewhere. I never missed alcohol when enjoying it. 

"And this realisation led to the birth of Chapmans of London, where I put my own spin to bring one of Nigeria's best-kept secrets to London and beyond" says Tolani Agoro, Founder of Chapmans of London. "We believe everyone deserves access to exceptional non-alcoholic beverages."

Chapmans of London is now available online and will be in selected venues, soon. Chapmans of London invites you to embark on a journey of flavour and culture, one sip at a time.

That's Food and Drink believes Chapmans of London will make an excellent contribution to the drinks menu of any Christmas parties.

To learn more and to place your orders please visit https://www.chapmansoflondon.com

Choose Better, Feel Better This Sober October With New London Light

Want to do something for Sober October? If so, you can fully embrace Sober October, and have a good time, with New London Light, an exquisite selection of contemporary non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs crafted by the multi-award winning team at Salcombe Distilling Co in Devon.

Their truly visionary distillers have revolutionised the alcohol-free spirits landscape, redefining standards in taste and ensuring choosing alcohol-free no longer means settling for second best tastes.

You can immerse yourself in the captivating world of New London Light, which is available in three enticing expressions: 'First Light', 'Aegean Sky' and 'Midnight Sun'. 

Whether enjoyed straight, mixed with a tonic of your choice, or incorporated into a delightful and zingy cocktail, each variation promises an unrivalled sensory journey. All are available to order online at New London Light 0% | Salcombe Distilling Co.  (RRP £25, 70cl, 0% ABV).

Catering to both the alcohol-free community and those who are looking to reduce their alcohol consumption, New London Light offers options to effortlessly embrace a healthier lifestyle. 

Crafted using only fully natural ingredients without any artificial flavours and no added sugars, this elegant collection is crammed full of taste and also integrity. 

What's even better, every sip of New London Light makes our oceans healthier, with 1% of UK net sales revenue donated to the Marine Conservation Society, supporting the protection and regeneration of seagrass. 

You can elevate your drinking experience this Sober October with New London Light. Imbibe in the flavours of distinction, embrace new habits and contribute to the preservation of our precious marine ecosystems.

New London Light 'First Light'

Inspired by gin-making principles, 'First Light' is a bold, fully refreshing non-alcoholic spirit, with classic flavours of dry juniper, bright citrus and zesty ginger to create an outstanding spectrum of flavour. 

New London Light 'Aegean Sky' 

Capturing the very essence of the vibrant Mediterranean coast, New London Light 'Aegean Sky' is an innovative and totally complex non-alcoholic aperitif, combining sun-soaked bitter citrus and olive. 

New London Light 'Midnight Sun'

As unique as the rugged Nordic coast from where it takes its inspiration, New London Light 'Midnight Sun' is a layered and totally elegant non-alcoholic aperitif combining wild coastal berries, fresh kelp and pine.  

New London Light 'Midnight Sun' is also available to buy in selected retailers such as Waitrose & Partners stores (RRP £27.50, 70cl, 0% ABV) and available widely to drink in public houses across the UK. 

For further information about Salcombe Distilling Co. and New London Light visit salcombedistilling.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook at newlondonlight.

That's Food and Drink feels that it would be a good idea to buy bottles for your Christmas and New Year celebrations as well as for Sober October.

Mavrik Secures Award-winning Status for Core Range of Alcohol-free Cocktails

Hampshire's top premium alcohol-free cocktail brand, Mavrik, is celebrating a run of success following entries to a number of prestigious food & drink awards this year. 

The brand's core range of four natural, low calorie virgin cocktails presented in a funky ready-to-drink (RTD) can format, now boasts no less than four awards, with each variant now benefiting from an acknowledged industry accolade:

Mavrik's Aromatic G&T won a Bronze in this year's Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards

Mavrik's Cuban Mojito was awarded a Silver in the 2023 Free From Food Awards

Mavrik's Venetian Spritz and Storm & Spice were both winners in this year's Great Taste Awards, each achieving the much sought after 1* ranking

Commenting on the brand's achievements, Director Andrew Mallinson says, “With the no and low category now universally recognised as an important growth category – according to ISWR 2023, half of the UK adult population bought a no or low alcohol drink last year and 5.2m fewer UK adults are drinking alcohol weekly in 2023 vs 2021.

"The awards represent a highly credible, reliable recommendation to consumers who are now faced with such a plethora of no and low alcohol options. 

The accolades, alongside the brand's impressive taste experience, low calorie and all-natural credentials and shelf-shout, underpin the relevance of listing Mavrik to key trade stockists.”

Mavrik produces a full range of canned cocktails in six delicious flavours: Cuban Mojito, Aromatic G&T, Storm & Spice, Venetian Spritz, Passion Star Martini and Espresso Martini. 

For more information visit https://www.mavrik-drinks.com

Finding alcohol free options is even easier at Waitrose

Demand for low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks is growing at such a rapid rate that  the Waitrose company is working with Diageo to introduce bold, dedicated areas in 253 of its shops across the UK to make it even easier for Waitrose shoppers to find Waitrose’s full range of over 70 low and alcohol-free drinks from beer and cider, to wines and also spirits.

Over the past year sales of low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks have grown by 20% at Waitrose, with sales of beer continuing to grow the fastest. The introduction of specialist, dedicated areas means 60% more space will be given to low and alcohol-free drinks across their shops.

Research commissioned for Diageo learned that seven in ten UK adults want to be able to find low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks more easily.

Kantar data found 99% of UK shoppers have bought both low and alcohol-free drinks and alcohol over the past year. 

Separate Kantar research found almost half of UK adults (47%) are switching between alcohol and low and alcohol-free drinks at the same occasion, and two-fifths (40%) of adults say they feel a desire and need to moderate their alcohol consumption. 

Pierpaolo Petrassi, who is the Master of Wine, and Head of Beers, Wines and Spirits at Waitrose said: “Demand for low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks is growing at a phenomenal rate. It’s now the norm for customers to be buying both.  We expect this year to be the biggest year to date for sales and we are preparing for a strong demand at Christmastime.

“We belief this growth is due to our customers feeling a need to moderate their alcohol consumption, but is also heavily driven by the creation of new, great quality drinks like Guinness 0.0, Tanqueray 0.0 and Gordon's Pink 0.0. We’ve also added 10 new low and alcohol-free products this year and will launch more before the Christmas period.”

Nuno Teles, MD at Diageo GB, said: “We know UK drinkers are becoming more sophisticated and thinking more about how much they drink, the alcohol-free and low-alcohol categories play a critical , vital role in providing quality choices for those looking to moderate, without compromising on experience.

“However, barriers still exist when it comes to finding and understanding the options that are available. We are proud to partner with Waitrose to make it easier for consumers to know where to find alcohol-free and low alcohol options in store. 

"Diageo has a long-standing commitment to promote responsible drinking and this partnership demonstrates what is possible when brands and retailers work together to enable greater consumer choice and experience.”

Neil O'Brien MP, who is the Minister for Primary Care and Public Health welcomed the initiative saying: “The government wants to create a supportive environment to help individuals who want to reduce their alcohol consumption, including through encouraging substitution of alcoholic drinks with no and low alcohol alternatives.

“We welcome this initiative to increase the availability and to improve signposting of no and low alcohol alternatives in stores.”

 You can check out Waitrose here https://www.waitrose.com

Good times are here with two New Virgin Cocktails from Mavrik Drinks

The clever folks at the non-alcoholic cocktail brand, Mavrik, have launched two new great-tasting flavours.  

Perfect for non-drinkers and the sober-curious, or the night's designated driver, who still want to enjoy their favourite cocktails, Mavrik's new Passion Star Martini and Espresso Martini are now available to taste alongside the four other great founding flavours.

According to The Portman Group, the no/low drinks category is growing, with 32% of UK drinkers now semi-regularly consuming low or no alcohol products. 

With 18% of people also classed as non-drinkers, Mavrik's alcohol-free cocktails are the perfect option for those searching for a cocktail alternative that still looks good and tastes divine.

Alongside its four original flavours, the new Passion Star Martini and Espresso Martini promise to bring the same 'wow' factor that Mavrik fans have come to expect and fill a demand for virgin versions of these hugely popular combinations.

“We already have four delicious, low-calorie non-alcoholic cocktails, but with the rise in popularity for Martini-based drinks, we wanted to give our customers two new indulgent alternatives they can happily enjoy over the summer months,” says Mavrik director, Andrew Mallinson.

Mavrik's Passion Star Martini is inspired by the much-loved Pornstar Martini - the UK's favourite cocktail for millennial women- and is a smooth and fruity nitrogen-infused passion fruit and vanilla cocktail featuring a rich rum flavouring and sophisticated exotic juices. The perfect super convenient summer cocktail for the free-spirited.

The new Espresso Martini is also nitro-infused to produce a velvety smooth indulgent espresso cocktail with scrumptious coffee flavours, backed with subtle dark chocolate, caramel and vanilla notes, providing customers all the great flavour of a traditional Espresso Martini, but without the alcohol content.

“Our non-alcoholic cocktails are made from the best-quality ingredients, so customers can enjoy all the fabulous flavour combinations whilst still feeling fresh, alert and free from the typical sugary aftertaste you can get from alcoholic cocktails. With our virgin cocktails there is zero compromise on taste or enjoyment,” adds Mallinson.

Each 200ml can offers two servings, when poured into a traditional Martini glass. Alongside its new Martini variants the four original delicious alcohol-free combinations are available in 250ml cans:

AROMATIC G&T: a sublime and refined low calorie pink G&T, without the naughty ingredients (currently shortlisted in the Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards)

CUBAN MOJITO: a totally gorgeous, low calorie, indulgent alcohol-free Mojito cocktail inspired by the renowned Cuban highball.

VENETIAN SPRITZ: a refreshing, spirit lifting, low calorie Spritz that takes its cues from the classic Venetian cocktail.

STORM & SPICE: a fiery, tongue tickling, low calorie Dark & Stormy type drink; the alcohol-free version of the classic and spicy Bermudan rum cocktail.

Mavrik's Passion Star Martini and Espresso Martini drinks are available to stock from https://www.mavrik-drinks.com, RRP £11.80 for a pack of 4.

Core Mavrik drinks have a RRP £9.75 for a tasting pack of all four flavours or a mixed case of 12 for £23.80. All Mavrik drinks are gluten free and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Re-Energised Bolle Returns to the London Wine Fair With an Improved Low/no Wine Offer

Buoyed up by positive initial expert and consumer reactions NEW, improved Bolle will be hitting the alcohol free wine marketplace this Spring.  

Roberto Vanin, who is the founder of Bolle is again shifting the goalposts when it comes to revolutionising best-in-class, alcohol-free wines.  

After extensive trialling, (including buyer reviews, event tastings and awards panels) the Bolle team are convinced this new, improved offering will meet and even exceed the demanding taste aspirations of an increasingly influential low/no movement.

 For the most part, the UK's leading alcohol-free wines are produced via de-alcoholisation, a somewhat heavy-handed process which unwittingly and unfortunately removes not only the alcohol but also all of the volatile components that shape a wine's unique personality.   The result is a one-dimensional proposition devoid of depth and engaging taste, because incumbent low/no wine providers fill the resulting 'flavour void' with lazy juices, sugar and flavourings. 

Bolle's unique pathway opts instead to leverage game-changing Zero GradiTM technology to re-ferment the de-alcoholised wine, revitalising complex flavour and aroma profiles without alcohol.   

Bolle is a stylish sparkling wine with none of the taste compromises historically associated with the UK's low/no wine movement.  Bolle is committed to taking low/no wine in a new pure pleasure direction and was recently shortlisted at The World Innovation Awards.

To learn more visit Visit bolledrinks.com.