They came, we drank, they conquered.

It was the year of “girl dinner”, “quiet luxury” and thinking about the Roman Empire – or sharing with the world what your own personal Roman Empire happens to be. It was also the year zero%* alcohol drinks went off. Cementing themselves not as a token drink for the non-drinkers, but as a seriously good option for everyone.

Makers got real about their alcohol-free options, putting as much attention and skill into their creation as their top shelf. Interesting, nuanced and layered spirits and wines, without the alcohol, are now aplenty. Praise be. Whether you’re wanting to consume less alcohol, stick to lower ABVs or just try something new in 2024, here are eight of our absolute favourite zero%* concoctions we drank in 2023.

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1. NON 3 Toasted Cinnamon & Yuzu

NON drinks are made from extracts of real food (with a lot of dehydrating and reducing in the process). This is not surprising when you learn it’s the brainchild of Aussie chef William Wade and entrepreneur Aaron Trotman. It’s not trying to be non-alcoholic wine, it’s more of a wine alternative. And a damn good one. The flavours found in NON 3 Toasted Cinnamon & Yuzu are warm, tart and absolutely delicious.

When we drank it: At foodie-friends’ dinner parties.

2. Vera Spirits Aperitiv

Vera Spirits may be from Slovenia, but their Spirits Aperitiv is typical of a classic Italian aperitivo. Bitter up front but long and sweet, it has a herbaceous medicinal quality. The brand even describes it as having notes of “surgical bandage”. Different, unusual, we like it. Serve a shot over ice and top with soda water or add prosecco and make it a Spritz – something we’ve found really unleashes those pine and forest notes. All in all, Vera is pretty special (as well as just pretty – what a great colour!).

When we drank it: Before we hit fancy, trendy restaurants.

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3. Doc Sensibles Zero Alcohol Spiced UnRum

For the past few years, rum has been on the up and up with makers creating loads more special, interesting and creative rums to spice up Daiquiris and Mai Tais. This Spiced UnRum from Aussie producer Doc Sensibles is one such riveting rum, and there’s none of the alcohol to weigh you down. Being “spiced” it can feel like a wintery non-spirit, but don’t be fooled, it’s excellent in sunny, summery drinks. Think spiced pineapple on the barbecue.

When we drank it: On holidays, in Piña Coladas while lazing on a sunbed.

4. Heaps Normal Half Day Hazy Pale Ale

We love the premise of this brew. Picture this: It’s Friday, late summer, and you’re itching to finish work for the day and get in an arvo swim, but there’s one more Excel spreadsheet that needs your attention. Heaps Normal Half Day Hazy Pale Ale is all the knock-off vibes without affecting your efficiency. Fruity, fresh, flavoursome and slightly fizzy, it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend early.

When we drank it: Alongside excellent snacks at every picnic.

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5. Bridge Road Brewers Free Time Alcohol Free Pale Ale

With low bitterness and juicy hops, Free Time is such a tasty and layered zero%* beer. It gets rave reviews from people who really know their ales, be it academically or from experience, which really reflects the effort and care that’s gone into making it. A winner for the people and the critics. The only thing about Free Time is that once you try it, you’ll instantly be part of the fan club and not be able to stop telling people how good it is.

When we drank it: At our partner’s work events, giving us time to contemplate how good the beer is and something to talk about to all the people we vaguely recognised but couldn’t remember the name of.

6. Crodino Aperitivo Non Alcolico

The zero%* category may have hit its stride in 2023, but this little pop-top bottle of premixed non-alcoholic Crodino Aperitivo Spritz dates back to 1965! It is, of course, Italian, and made in the style of a Campari or Aperol Spritz, just without the alcohol. It’s also great that the bottle mimics that of the premixed Campari, so if aesthetics are important to your entertaining repertoire, these will be your new favourite thing.

When we drank it: On mid-week pizza nights.

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7. Monday Distillery Paloma

These make the list because they’ve really nailed the tequila taste in these non-alc Monday Distillery Palomas. The grapefruit, passionfruit, yuzu and finger lime flavours are all zesty and amazing, but it’s that faux tequila earthy, acidic warmth that’s really impressive. Refreshing and, frankly, fun, these are quick and easy celebratory sips for a crowd.

When we drank it: After taking out the championship of the mixed indoor netball comp.

8. Tread Softly 'Everything Except' Prosecco

For fans of Tread Softly’s regular prosecco, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a fully non-alcoholic version waiting for you to pop. Everything Except has all the crisp, citrusy, bubbly goodness you’re looking for, just without the alcohol. Carefully balanced acidity gets us as close to the real thing as possible, which means those brunch-time Mimosas are a go.