There was a time, in the not so distant past, when the best non-alcoholic option you could hope for at a wedding was an orange juice served in a champagne flute.
Those days are behind us, and thanks to the flourishing non-alcoholic drinks market there are literally hundreds of drink options to offer your guests. But in the interests of keeping things simple, here are six non-alcoholic drinks that every wedding reception should have.
Alcohol-free cocktails on arrival
Mocktails give any celebration an air of festivity. At many weddings cocktails are served immediately after the ceremony while the new bride and groom (or bride and bride, groom and groom) are having their photos taken.
With the rise of non-alcoholic sprits over recent years, non-drinkers are totally spoilt for choice when it comes to mocktails.
I recommend the Ms Sans Sunset In A Bottle Blood Orange Spritz which taste exactly like a traditional Aperitif spritz.
Take us to the alcohol free bar!
Alcohol-free table wine for a sit-down dinner
I shudder when I think about how dire alcohol free wine used to be – grape juice would definitely not be a good look for a wedding. But thanks to disruption in the wine industry, alcohol-free wine has come a really long way.
Now, rather than trying to recreate a wine-like drink, wine makers are sticking to traditional methods and removing the alcohol via cutting edge innovation. The result is a new generation of high quality zero-alcohol wine.
Whether you are sitting down for a three-course wedding breakfast, or serving fish and chips on paper plates, red and white wine options are an absolute must.There are plenty of options including Australian wines, and French wines.
My recommendations are;
Wolf Blass Zero Shiraz
A bestseller - this Shiraz has the aroma, flavour, and mouthfeel of a traditional Australian full-bodied and Shiraz, featuring aromas of lifted red fruits and subtle dark plum along with hints of white pepper and exotic spices.
McWilliam's Balance Alcohol Removed Sauvignon Blanc
Everything you would expect from a classic Sauvignon Blanc including flavours of fresh lime, juicy redcurrant and blackcurrant, smooth passionfruit and zesty lemon shortbread.
Non-Alcoholic Champagne alternatives to toast
No wedding is complete without a glass of bubbles to toast the newly married couple. The popping of corks, the energy of the bubbles and the clinking of glasses – it is as much a tradition as ‘you may kiss the bride’.
And, thanks to alcohol removal technology, there are plenty of options for zero-alcohol bubbly that will not leave you feeling flat. There are lots of non-alc alternatives to champagne that I can tell you about, but my top picks are:
Noughty sparkling wine
Our best selling bottle, and one of the closest in taste, mouthfeel and aroma to an excellent French Champagne. Made from Chardonnay grapes, this sparkling wine is pale in colour with an extra dry, crisp taste.
Hitting the dance floor
We all love a dance floor – especially if there is a good wedding band belting out some classics. But when the dancing starts it’s a good idea like to have a nice thirst quenching drink nearby.
The beauty of alcohol free drinks is that they’re naturally hydrating. And that means you can round off the evening with a classic G&T. Cool, refreshing and grown up. And 100 times better to celebrate with than a glass of juice!
Monday Classic G&T
This pre-mixed gin mocktail boasts all of the aroma, mouthfeel and taste of a traditional Dry G&T. It has notes of sea salt, cinchona bark, quinine, bitter lemon, lime, and juniper berry.
Don’t forget the Non-Alcoholic beer
Of course, there will always be some wedding guests who prefer a nice cold beer to whatever else you are serving. Beer might not say ‘celebration’ the same way that bubbles do, but it can definitely get a party started!
Heaps Normal
This is an independent craft beer. It's a deliciously refreshing pale ale with a balanced bitterness and a subtle malt sweetness and notes of tropical citrus.
NORT Pacific Ale
With aromas of tropical passionfruit this flavoursome craft beer has a light body and a long refreshing finish.
