The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Drinks in Singapore
Cracking open a bottle of wine after a hard day. Enjoying a relaxing beer on the beach as the sun goes down. Popping the Champagne cork to celebrate some good news. Alcohol is oft associated with some of life’s biggest occasions, however, an increasing focus on health and wellbeing has caused many to re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol.
This growing trend for a no-alcohol or low-alcohol life has inspired the creation of viable non-alcoholic alternatives, which offer those opting out of booze a tasty and healthier alternative. Rather than going all-out with a glass of sparkling water, non-drinkers can now enjoy craft spirits and aperitifs that are just as (if not more) delicious as alcohol. Some of the key players are already available in Singapore.
With over a decade of experience within the Asia Pacific drinks industry, Lyre’s Regional Asia Manager Rachel Ling is optimistic about Singapore’s growing non-alcoholic drinks movement: “While there is still some level of education to be done both with consumers and in the industry, we’re seeing an increasing number of great bars offering non-alcoholic cocktails that differ significantly from your standard mocktail. Far from a sugary drink that tastes nothing like a cocktail, non-alcoholic Lyre’s cocktails look, taste and sashay around the palate just like the original alcoholic version. Bartenders in Singapore are becoming increasingly comfortable with whipping up non-alcoholic cocktails, especially as you don’t have to change the recipes at all when you use Lyre’s spirits. Through the amazing non-alcoholic drinks that the bars come up with, consumers are then presented with these unforgettable taste experiences which is enough to educate and convince them.”
Crafted from 26 individually selected Asian botanicals, Singapore-based Melati was designed as a restorative non-alcoholic aperitif. A complex palate-setter, Melati is at once refreshingly fruity, floral, and spicy. With a classic spritz serve, drinkers can build one-part Melati and one-part tonic or soda water in a wine glass over ice, garnishing with an orange slice. Melati can also be combined with alcohol to create a low ABV cocktail.
Non-alcoholic spirits brand Lyre’s has crafted the world’s most comprehensive range of alcohol-free spirits and liquors, revolutionising the way we drink. Whether it’s a boozy brunch, laidback happy hour or a special celebration, the Australian-based brand places emphasis on the freedom of being able to opt for a low or no ABV tipple, no matter the occasion. With that in mind, Lyre’s has teamed up with some of Singapore’s favourite drinking spots – Manhattan, Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall and DON HO – to create inspiring non-alcoholic cocktails and offer guests an entirely different drinking experience. Indulge in the Vega from Manhattan which showcases the Lyre’s American Malt mixed with clarified apple juice, chamomile ole Saccharum and lapsang souchong tea, the Isn’t Life Grape, which is a mix of Lyre’s Aperitif Rosso, white grapes, red wine vinegar, egg white and soda or the Grapefruit Spritzer with Lyre’s Italian Spritz, grapefruit, grapefruit soda and olives.
Whether you’re looking to cut down, cut out or just try something new, Big Drop has crafted a great beer for any beer lover. These alcohol-free craft beers are of the highest quality of care, skill and innovation. Known for having bolder, hoppier flavours, it’s all about thinking outside the box to brew what beer drinkers love. Opt for the alcohol-free craft lager, which is vegan-friendly and gluten-free. The libation features light herbal and floral hop aromas, a hint of caramel with peppered spiciness on the palate and a touch of orange at the end.
Responding to global moderation trends and consumers seeking alcohol-free alternatives, McGuigan’s winemakers set out to find a way to make generous fruit-forward and balanced wine, just with the alcohol removed. The result is McGuigan Zero, a range of zero-alcohol wines featuring the same high-quality and varietal characteristics you would expect from full-strength wine, free from alcohol yet full in flavour.
