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Dry January is over, but that doesn’t mean you have to dive straight into high-proof drinks. Low-ABV (alcohol by volume) drinks offer a perfect middle ground—flavorful, refreshing, and easy to enjoy without the heavy effects of stronger spirits.
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Low-Alcohol Cocktail Recipes
Whether you’re easing back into alcoholic cocktails or just love a lighter drink, here are six fantastic, low alcohol drink options to try.
Americano
A classic aperitif style drink, the Americano is bitter, bubbly, and incredibly refreshing. Mixing Campari, sweet vermouth, & soda water, it’s an easy-to-make, low-ABV favorite. Full recipe here →
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz Campari
- 1.5 oz Sweet Vermouth
- Soda Water to Top
- Garnish: Orange slice
Directions: Build in a tall glass with ice, stir gently, and enjoy!
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Aperol Spritz
Another classic aperitivo cocktail, the Aperol Spritz is an Italian favorite that balances bitter and sweet– It’a a staple of summer (but also perfect for any time you need a light, bubbly drink). Full recipe here →
Recipe:
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz Soda Water (to top)
- Garnish: Orange slice
Directions: Build in a wine glass with ice, stir, and sip.
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Chartreuse Float
Herbal and complex, the Chartreuse Float is a simple, fun way to enjoy the unique flavors of Green Chartreuse with just a hint of botanicals and bubbles. Full recipe here →
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz Green Chartreuse
- 4-6 oz Root Beer (to top)
- 1 scoop Vanilla Ice Cream (optional– It’s still delicious without!)
- Garnish: Blood Orange Peel or (regular) Orange Twist
Directions: Pour Chartreuse over ice in a glass, top with root beer, and give it a light stir. Add ice cream if designed.
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Valencia Cobbler
Sherry-based cocktails are an excellent choice for low-ABV sipping, and the Valencia Cobbler is no exception. With Amontillado sherry, citrus, and just a touch of sweetness, it’s a beautifully balanced drink created by one of our community members. Full recipe here →
Recipe:
- 2.5 oz Amontillado Sherry
- 1 oz Triple Sec
- 1 dash Celery Bitters
- 3 Cherry Tomatoes
- Garnish: Cherry Tomato, Orange Slice, Celery Stick, & Torched Rosemary
Directions: Muddle the tomatoes in the bottom of your tin. Shake all ingredients with ice, and strain over crushed ice in a wine glass.
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Pimm’s Cup
A quintessential British refresher, the Pimm’s Cup is light, botanical, and packed with fresh fruit and herbs. This classic cocktail is excellent on warm days (so as not to get “sun drunk”) or when you just want something crisp and easy. Full recipe here →
Recipe:
- 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1
- 2-4 oz Lemon-Lime Soda
- Cucumber Slices
- Orange Slices
- Lemon Slices
- Fresh Strawberries (cut in 1/2 or 1/4)
- Garnish: Fresh Mint
Directions: Build liquids and citrus/fruits in a tall glass with ice, and stir gently. Garnish with mint.
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Bellini
For a touch of elegance, the Bellini is a delightful Prosecco-based cocktail with fresh peach purée, making it fruity, bubbly, and perfect for brunch or a light aperitif. Full recipe here →
Recipe:
- 1 oz Homemade Peach Purée or Premade Peach Syrup
- 4-5 oz Prosecco
- Garnish: Peach Slice
Directions: Pour peach purée into a flute, top with Prosecco, and gently stir.
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Whether you’ve taken a break from alcohol and want alternatives to mocktails, just love a light, flavorful drink, or want to sip on something that won’t get you wasted at cocktail parties, these low-ABV drinks are perfect for keeping things refreshing without overindulging. Try one (or all!), and find your new go-to sip for the rest of the year– without the high alcohol content. Cheers!
