For many of us January is a time of resolutions and promises to ourselves; whether it’s to join a gym and get in shape, start eating healthier, or to start saving up for a nice summer holiday. One way to help achieve a few of these goals is to cut down on the amount of alcohol we’re consuming.
With ‘Dry January’ becoming ever more popular and Ireland becoming a more health-conscious nation in recent years, we’ve seen some fantastic non-alcoholic alternative drinks emerge on the market.
I’ve listed a few of these from our members below, so you can cut down on the alcohol consumption without missing out on your social life this January!
1. Dundalk Bay Nitro Stout 0.0%
Established in 2015, Dundalk Bay Brewery & Distillery has been producing new beers for all tastes and flavours since. Their brewery is fitted with a de-alcoholisation unit to strip alcohol from any of their Lagers, Stouts or Ales without compromising on taste.
I’ve chosen the Nitro Stout for this list, with a full bodied flavour, complimented by the smooth nitro mouth feel and original creamy head.
2. Wicklow Wolf Non-Alcoholic IPA 0.5%
Wicklow Wolf’s mission is to brew exceptional beers without compromise and with true passion. The first brewery in Ireland to achieve Certified B Corporation, Wicklow Wolf takes its commitment to brewing sustainably seriously.
With juicy, citrus aromas and a clean fruity finish, Wicklow Wolf Non-Alcoholic IPA is crafted to make it high in flavour but low in alcohol.
3. Stonewell 0% Cider
If you usually prefer cider to beer, Stonewell Cider have just the thing for you! Stonewell Cider started life back in 2010, named after the old stone well at the home of founders Daniel and Geraldine Emerson in Nohoval, Cork.
Stonewell 0% Cider is a refreshing alternative for all those looking to avoid the sickly sweet mocktails or fizzy rock shandys at a social occasion.
4. Whiplash Brewing Never Drinking Again Non Alcoholic IPA 0.5%
Founded in 2016, Whiplash started off as a weekend project making one-off beers. It quickly went full time to keep up with demand and now with a team of 13, Whiplash produces both traditional and modern style beers with 4-6 limited edition specials per month, as well as a year-round range of permanent beers.
Whiplash’s non-alcoholic IPA ‘Never Drinking Again’ is a beautifully hazy, unfiltered orange-juice-like IPA bursting with vibrant flavour and has one of our favourite names on this list!
5. Shaker & Co. premium zero-alcohol G&T
Crafted by Ireland West Distillery, Shaker & Co. make their gin “the old-school way,” using traditional steam distillation methods to capture the best of the botanicals. These include juniper, cardamom, coriander and citrus.
The collection features four flavours: The Classic, Lemon, Blood Orange, and Berry Pink, with a refreshing choice for every social occasion!
6. Richmount Cordial Co. Sparkling Elderflower
Founded in January 2013, Richmount Cordial Company took a leap of faith and planted 920 elder saplings. Now with over 2,000 elder trees planted, they create delicious sparkling elderflower drinks that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Their 330ml Sparkling Elderflower drink is made from fresh elderflowers but with the added convenience of being ready to enjoy at any time - perfect refreshment on the go.
7. Poachers Ginger Beer with Irish Chilli and Organic Ginger
Poachers range of drinks embraces the best of natural Irish ingredients. They are lower in sugar with natural herbal finishes. Although mostly used as mixers they can also be enjoyed on their own as refreshing no alcohol alternative.
Poachers Ginger Beer is made with organic ginger, lime zest, Irish apples and their Irish Chilli grown in Galway.
Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards
We were lucky enough to get to meet some of the people behind these innovative drinks at last year’s Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards, having sponsored the Non-Alcoholic Drinks categories.
Interested in entering the awards for 2026? Entries open on 17th March! Visit https://www.irishfoodawards.com/ for more info.
