The festive season is renowned for being a party (read: alcohol) heavy period. With our social calendars overflowing — from work Christmas parties, family gatherings and friend catch-ups — the drinks often flow, too.
But while British drinking culture is still very much a thing, in recent years, there has also been a major cultural shift towards healthier lifestyles. In 2025, Drinkaware revealed that 49% of young Brits have chosen to embrace sobriety or reduce their alcohol intake, opting for no and low-alcohol drinks over the harder stuff.
And, as we're very much advocates for the mindful drinking movement, having tested huge swathes of entirely non-alcoholic (see here!) to low % beverages (scroll down!), we thought we'd share some of our favourite options. From 6% wines that pair excellently with food, to barely-boozy cocktails that still hit the spot, there's literally something for everyone.
Plus, even if you accidentally hit the Kylie Minogue rosé too hard, it's likely you'll still remember everything tomorrow. And even better? That dreaded Christmas hangover won't exist. (As ever though, may we remind you to always drink responsibly.)
Here are Cosmopolitan UK's top low-alcohol picks:
The best low-alcohol wines
6Percent wines (6%)
Social butterflies and wine lovers, you need to try 6Percent wines, a Bordeaux-based pioneering wine brand that produces full-flavoured wines with half the alcohol and half the calories. Unlike many n0 and low brands on the market, 6Percent manages to avoid creating drinks that have an overly saccharine taste, instead offering up reds and whites that have a sophisticated flavour – minus the hangxiety the following day. Hurrah! We'll certainly drink to that.
Kylie Minogue Petit Rosé 75cl (7%)
This rosé from pop queen Kylie Minogue is only 7%. For context, the average alcohol percentage (ABV) in wine is typically 11% to 14.5%. With "vibrant flavours of ripe summer berries and a gentle sparkle," and structured with "a crisp, refreshing finish," the wine is described as a "perfectly balanced expression of modern rosé." And, at only £8 per bottle (or £6.75 with a Clubcard), it won't break the bank.
19 Crimes Mid Strength Red Blend 75cl (7%)
Who remembers when the Australian wine brand, 19 Crimes, went viral back in 2020, after they partnered with Snoop Dogg and created Cali Red? While admittedly, that wine was 14% (and tbh... not very nice), it certainly put the brand on the map.
But for those looking for a lower ABV, the 7% Mid Strength Red Blend is the perfect option. The Shiraz red is firm and full, with flavours of red currants, dark cherries, chocolate, and vanilla. Shiraz also goes famously well with grilled and roasted meats, plus hearty dishes like beef stews and casseroles (aka the perfect winter foods).
The best low-alcohol beers
Northern Monk Hazy Pale Ale (0.5%)
Beer drinkers, you need to try this Northern Monk offering ASAP. As someone who loves all kinds of craft beer (from hazy IPAs, stouts, and sours), this pale ale is personally one of my favourite low-alcohol options. The branding is also pretty cool — the visuals just scream refreshing. Speaking of, this light-bodied beer has a sweetness that is balanced by a gentle bitterness and a mild, lingering finish. The citrus and subtle tropical hints are a treat for the taste buds, too.
Lervig No Worries Mango Beer (0.5%)
This is another super-tasty option if you're adventurous with your beers. From Lervig, an independently owned and operated craft brewery located in Stavanger, Norway, this mango beer combines alcohol-free goodness with juicy, tropical flavours and a subtle sweetness. The great thing about this beer (and the one above) is that not only are you enjoying a tasty, low-percentage beer, but you're also supporting independent businesses.
Nirvarna Nitro Stout (0.5%)
I'm also a massive stout fan, so I'm excited to try this low-alcohol option. There's no doubt in my mind that it's delicious, though, as it won the bronze award at the 2025 World Beer Awards. More excitingly, Nirvarna Brewery, based in East London, is the UK's only brewhouse dedicated to the no/low alcohol movement. The brewery describes this beer as being smooth and creamy, with rich, roasted flavours, and a velvety texture. With notes of coffee, cocoa, and caramel, Goldings hops provide a subtle earthy balance, leading to a smooth, clean finish. Oh, and it's gluten-free, too!
The best low-alcohol cocktail cans
Brink Margarita (0.4%)
Brink Brink Negroni & Margarita (0.4% ABV) Twin Pack
Cocktails are notorious for having high alcohol levels. But what if you could enjoy a couple without the booze? Well, thanks to Nought Drinks, an (almost) alcohol-free drinks company, you can get the bold botanicals and bitterness of a Negroni, and the citrusy, tequila flavours of a Margarita, without the hangover.
High Water Hard Seltzer Mixed Pack (5%)
Seltzers (aka alcoholic sparkling water) have been popular for a while now, thanks to their low-calorie and low alcohol combo. Not to mention their refreshing taste, perfect for when you fancy something a little boozy, but don't want to commit to a hardcore cocktail. This pack of 12 comes in three different flavours: mango and peach, lemon and elderflower, and cucumber and mint.
Nio Cocktails Cosmopolitan (10.8%)
How could we not include a Cosmo? Especially when it's a low alcohol version! Specifically marketed for mindful drinkers, the cocktail is described as "vivacious, tangy and as unapologetically pink as the original." It features the classic sweet-sour cranberry taste, as well as the dry bitterness of Cointreau triple-sec, all without the extra booze. You can either purchase the three-pack for £19.50, a six-pack for £39, or a nine-pack for £55.
The best low-alcohol spirits
Luxlo Island Spiced Rum (20%)
OK, rum is definitely one of the tastier spirits. Answer me this: Who doesn't love a Piña Colada on holiday? At Luxlo Spirits, the aim of the game is to create lower-calorie spirits that are lower in alcohol rather than alcohol-free. This spiced version promises a luxuriant combination of golden Caribbean rum with flavours of chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and zesty hints of citrus. Drink it on its own over ice, or add a splash of Coke, lemonade, or my fave, ginger beer.
Quarter Proof - Light Blanco Agave Tequila Spirit (15%)
Low alcohol? Check. Sugar-free? Check. Vegan? Check. Much like the name suggests, Quarter Proof is a brand that offers your favourite spirits with a quarter of the alcohol content. Our favourite of the lot? Tequila! But the gin and vodka options are a great shout too. Get a bottle in next time you want a mini buzz during girls' night but still want to make that 9am yoga class the next morning, too.
Session Spirits - Low Alcohol Gin (25%)
If you're after something that's made with gin, tastes like gin, but is lighter than gin, look no further than this award-winning Session Spirits offering. The London Dry Gin-based spirit infuses 100% English grain spirit with juniper (a must for any gin) and the holy grail of botanicals: smooth and spicy cardamom, a kick of black pepper, and coriander. It's the latter that gives you the classic earthy, citrusy aftertaste.
Sophie Williams is a Freelance Journalist and Copywriter, covering everything from Fashion to Entertainment to music, Lifestyle and Features. She has interviewed a range of musical artists and authors including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Barnett, Confidence Man, The Vaccines, Loyle Carner, Gabrielle, and John Niven, and has written for publications like Metro, Reader's Digest, ITV's Woo! and Vice’s NBGA. She is also working on a book for HarperCollins about Taylor Swift, due to be published in 2024.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
