As the trend for zero alcohol bubbles over, we raise a glass to the best brands in the UAE – and where to drink them.

Whether you’re doing dry or damp January, non-alcoholic brands in the UAE are having a moment. We’re not just talking about sugary mocktails or an orange juice but carefully concocted zero-alcohol drinks and beautifully presented bottles, so you don’t have to feel like you’re missing out on the ceremony of popping a cork and pouring a drink. 

The non-alcoholic movement in the UAE is picking up pace, and the trend shows no signs of fizzing out. Today, you can get cans of zero-alcohol beers in local supermarkets, and mixologist-worthy mocktails in leading bars. Plus, Dubai’s first non-alcoholic bar, NoLo, recently opened, serving classic mocktails, grapes and hops.  

If you’re sober curious, we’d recommend the homegrown brand, Drink Dry, as a fantastic starting point. Not only was it the first online platform to sell non-alcoholic brands in the UAE, but it has an extensive range of premium drinks, so you’re sure to find something that will suit your taste. 

Here are the best non-alcoholic brands in the UAE. Cheers to that. 

Bôtan Distillery

Made from herbs and flowers cultivated within Bôtan Distillery’s garden in Belgium, Bôtan’s pure botanical distillates offer Halal-certified organic spirits containing no alcohol, sugars or artificial flavours or preservatives. By developing a groundbreaking liquid technology – from analysing the molecular structure of herbs, flowers and spices – Bôtan’s team of scientists have been able to skip the industrial process of de-alcoholisation and establish a new category of N/A spirits. Offering wines, cocktails and spirits, including Pine Haze (a refreshing blend with notes of pine, citrus herbs and fennel blossoms), Bôtan products are available to sip at Address Boulevard and via the Bôtan website.

GO: Follow @botan.distillery on Instagram for more information.

French Bloom

Add a little ooh la la into your life. The French born brand, French Bloom, is launching in the Middle East. The female-led company consists of friends, Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger and Constance Jablonski, who are the drinking force behind the business. The range includes Le Rose with de-alcoholised Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines, organic grape juice, Gensac spring water and lemon. Le Blanc consists of de-alcoholised organic French Chardonnay wine, organic grape juice, Gensac spring water and lemon. Plus, the collection comes in stylish bottles, foil wrapped and ready to uncork. The bottles are available at Roberto’s DIFC in Dubai and Drink Dry.

GO: Follow @french.bloom on Instagram for more information.

Lyre’s 

Rumour has it that The Dubonnet was The Queen Mother and The Queen’s drink of choice. If you want to recreate a drink fit for royalty – sans alcohol – we’d recommend Lyre’s. The flavours include Lyre’s Amaretti (for an Amaretto Sour), Lyre’s Dark Cane (for a Ginger Mojito) and Lyre’s Dry London (for a G&T). The product is used in Dubai at Bulgari Bar and Zuma, both of which feature on The World’s 50 Best Bars. In Abu Dhabi it is used in venues including Emirates Palace and The Abu Dhabi EDITION. Plus, it is available at Drink Dry and MMI.

GO: Follow @lyresspiritco on Instagram for more information.

Nirvana Brewery 

All the way from Leyton, East London, Nirvana Brewery is a family-run brewery. Created back in 2016, it has been paving the way when it comes to non-alcoholic beers. So, when you want to watch the game and have a beer, you can still enjoy the ritual. The brand offers non-alcoholic alternatives to IPAS, lagers, stouts and pale ales. Nirvana Brewery is available at Drink Dry. 

GO: Follow @nirvanabeerco on Instagram for more information.

Thomson & Scott

Thomson & Scott are popular among Dubai’s sober crowd. When you’re feeling mischievous, we’d recommend Noughty Organic Non-Alcoholic Wine. The sophisticated bottle has a silver foil wrapping and cork, so you still feel like you’re getting a treat. Certified as organic, vegan and halal, it’s a great go-to for when you’re hosting. Blending ripe apples with a touch of sweetness, it’s a neat aperitif. Plus, it only has 2.9g of super per 100 ml, which means 14 calories per glass. Thomson & Scott is available in Spinney’s and Drink Dry. 

GO: Follow @thomsonandscott on Instagram for more information.

Vintense

When only glam will do, we suggest Vinese’s Bubbles 0.0 collection. The non-alcoholic Champagne alternatives are top notch. The Prestige has that celebratory appearance, thanks to its gold-coloured drink, label and wrapping. Blending a Chardonnay grape variety, it is great for a special occasion. Vintense is available at Carrefour and Drink Dry. 

GO: Follow @vintense_0.0 on Instagram for more information.

Wild Idol

If you’re after non-alcoholic Champagnes or fine wine alternatives, it’s all popping off with Wild Idol. The brand is making its debut in the Middle East, and prides itself on non-alcoholic drinks that do not compromise on taste. The range includes the Sparkling Rose with notes of grapefruit, gooseberry, rhubarb and vanilla, and the Sparkling White with notes of green apple and lemon zest. Plus, the drinks are vegan and gluten-free. Grab yourself a drink at Amazónico, Nammos, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, and Caesars Palace Dubai,

GO: Follow @wildidol.official on Instagram for more information.