Alcohol has been a part of my life since I was 15. In Manila where enforcement is notoriously lenient when it comes to underage drinking, it is not uncommon to see teenagers hitting the bars and clubs on weekends. This was especially true in the 90s. Every Saturday, my friends and I would go to town and consume as much Johnnie Walker, Absolut Vodka, and Goldschlärger as our allowances could afford. Benders made up a large part of our adolescent years as did hangovers every Sunday. This extended well into adult life. The presence of alcohol was normalized and justified through seemingly harmless leisure activities like day drinking, happy hour, and nightcaps.

It was that one drink–at the end of a long work day, on a lazy Saturday afternoon, or to toast a special milestone–that made all the difference between staying present and going on autopilot. I was never officially diagnosed as an alcoholic, nor did I ever spend time in rehab. But my relationship with alcohol was certainly long-term, toxic, and unhealthy in ever possible way. It has led me to some of the most exciting yet embarrassing moments of my adult life.

Daily exercise, meditation, a dynamic wellness regimen, and the desire to be part of the 5AM Club slowly weaned me out of the bad habits developed from my teenage years. As I endeavored to cultivate better habits, I unknowingly joined the sober curious movement. It was a healthy shift that by no means qualified as complete abstinence from alcohol. I continued to enjoy champagne at celebrations. I certainly didn’t down fine wine paired with a degustation menu, or a refreshing glass of GNT on a night out with friends. But I began to draw the line at two drinks. These days, I would be naughty if I drank once every two weeks.

With the holiday season only a few winks away, zero-proof libations will definitely be part of the hosting repertoire. I was more inspired after hearing other friends, former drinking buddies, announce that they would be extending their Sober Octobers to the end of the year. Lucky for us, this new way of toasting to the good life is now supported by a wider variety of choices outside of grape juice, club soda, and ginger ale. Since cutting down on my alcohol intake, I’ve discovered some of the most satisfying and delicious 0.0%-0,05 ABV concoctions that add to the joys of celebrating special moments. Unlike other sugary drinks, these beverages are made using natural, health giving ingredients.

APOTHÉKARY: Herbal Tinctures As Wine Alternatives

APOTHÉKARY is a wellness brand that’s on a mission to “empower a more natural way of life.” Its products are made following the wisdom of nature, plant-powered therapy, as well as tried-and-tested herbal remedies. Formulations are concocted the way nature intended–pure, potent, and free of the nasties. Apart from healing tinctures that intend to replace “over-the-counter quick fixes and synthetic vices,” APOTHÉKARY carries a delicious range of Wine Alternatives that lend health benefits to happy hour.

Rose Tinted Glasses ($39)is a rosé alternative made using adaptogenic herbs like Lion’s Mane and antioxidant-rich botanicals such as Hibiscus, Siberian Ginseng, Chrysanthemum Flower, and Rosehip. A few drops mixed with soda water or juice can immediately elevate mood while nourishing skin.

Wine Down ($39)was inspired by the art of wine. This full-bodied, sweet and spicy tincture is infused with L-Theanine, Elderberry, Ceylon Cinnamon, Tart Cherry, Blue Vervain, Black Pepper, California Poppy, and Hawthorn Bilberry. These ingredients not only make up the berry-rich yet earth taste profile of Wine Down, they also help with relaxation, alleviate stress, and promote better sleep.

CleanCo: A Complete Range of Alcohol Free Alternatives

Founded in 2019 by Spencer Matthews, CleanCo was a pioneer in offering a “full suite of alcohol-free alternatives to all full-strength spirits” like gin, whiskey, rum, vodka, and tequila. The brand has since been recognized for creating zero-proof drinks that resemble the flavor profiles of our favorite spirits. Spencer shares, “Only a few years ago, if you didn’t want an alcoholic drink at most bars and restaurants, you were destined for boring water, sugary soft drinks or the dreaded juice-dump mocktail. CleanCo set out to change that… A key part of that is ensuring our drinks are as inclusive as possible and always deliver on taste and experience, so we can continue to champion a good time for those who aren’t drinking.”

This year, CleanCo announced that it has elevated its award-winning recipe from 0.4% ABV (officially non-alcoholic) to 0.0% ABV. “This allows us to meet the needs of those who want to (completely) abstain from alcohol completely for health, personal or religious reasons.” CleanCo’s beverages are sugar-free, low calorie and made using only natural ingredients. This evolution in the journey of the is punctuated by new, sustainable packaging. Clean G and Clean T are top shelf staples for the sober curious connoisseur.

Clean G (£16) is an alcohol-free take on a classic gin infused with notes of Juniper, Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Rosemary, and Lavender. It is an ideal pour for your G&T. This year, the Clean G was given the Gold Great Taste Award. The year prior, it was recognized as the gold awardee at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.

Clean T (£16)was made to elevate your zero-proof Margarita experience. Delicious notes of Green Agave, Olive, Sweet Melo, Black Pepper and Cedarwood bring the deliciously sharp sensations of drinking tequila sans the alcohol induced bloating and hangover the next day. This vibrant concoction from CleanCo has won several awards including: Great Taste Award Gold 2024, New York International Spirits Competition Gold 2024, and ISWC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) Silver.

BLIND TIGER: Zero Proof Speakeasy Cocktails

Blind Tiger was born during the pandemic. Before creating zero-proof beverages, Rebecca Styn, was passionate about running a speakeasy called Room 33. In 2020, establishments like hers were only allowed to serve alcohol-free drinks to-go. “The team rose to the challenge to create top-notch spirit-free cocktails that mirror the flavors of the origins.

Since then, Blind Tiger has been creating cocktails that “let you feel part of the occasion, with or without the alcohol.” Drinks are not just zero ABV, they are also gluten-free and made of only natural ingredients. The brand’s name draws from speakeasies of the Prohibition era, echoing the sophistication and glamor of the roaring 20s. Must-try concoctions from Blind Tiger include:

Lavender French 75 ($14.99), a deliciously refreshing cocktail named after a weapon used during World War I, the French Canon de 75. Historians in the mixology world say that the original version, created at Harry’s Bar in Paris, was so potent, that drinking it was like being hit by the firearm.

Bee’s Knees ($14.99)is a classic from the Prohibition-era, born at the iconic Ritz Hotel in Paris. It is known for its refreshing notes of honey and lemon, which balance out the immense spice of bathtub gin. This alcohol-free version, infused with hints of juniper, captures the very essence and character of the time-honored drink.

ENROOT: Zero Proof Sparkling White Wine For Mindful Living

I first heard about ENROOT in 2022 when co-founder, Cris Patwa, flew to the Philippines to visit her homeland in Davao. During our brief chat, she spoke passionately about community building and how this ethos translated through the then-fledgling beverage company she developed with Brad Pitt and John Fogelman. The inaugural products from the brand were the sparkling brewed teas, created in collaboration with James Beard chef. They carried the vibrance and effervescence of fine champagne, but with refreshing tropical notes familiar to those living in the region. It was a refreshing zero-proof beverage, “meant to be savored, like a fine wine.”

Today, the brand’s product offering is focused solely on the Unwind Non Alcoholic Sparkling Wine ($25.99). As it was at the start, the zero-proof, bubbly alternative lends refined, de-alcoholized flavors to moments that deserve a toast. Unwind Non Alcoholic Sparkling Wine is made using organic grapes, and blended with ingredients that naturally soothe the senses. These include Magnesium, L-Theanine and Ashwagandha.