The cherry blossom is bursting into bloom in Japan, even as Autumn approaches in the Antipodes. So to celebrate the spring fling that the rest of the world is enjoying, we’re casting a dry-eye over some petal-coloured, zero-alcohol beverages that are as dainty as they are delicious.
Ara Select Blocks Zero
Ara Select Blocks Zero Rosé is an alcohol-removed wine from New Zealand that’s just landed in Australia. Made made from aromatic and red grape varietals, it has notes of apple and strawberry, and is perfect for cooling down in the current heatwave. It has a tangy, fizzy quality – even though it’s still, not sparkling – with hints of lime and hibiscus. Certified vegan-friendly, the Zero Rosé is made using spinning cone technology to remove the alcohol. Ara has been making no-alcohol wine for several years, and was awarded Best Wine and Best White Wine at 2022 WinePilot Zero Alcohol Wine Show in Sydney. It’s $19 and available exclusively at Coles.
Ginologist Turkish Delight
Rose, chocolate and gin: a winning combination, and a way for non-drinkers to get in on the flavoured gin craze. If you’ve had FOMO – fear no more! Ginologist’s Turkish Delight now comes in a zero-alcohol variety, infused with Rose Geranium and distilled chocolate. The South African brand is available through several Australian suppliers, such as Curious Spirit.
Artisan Violet Blossom Tonic
This is an absolute favourite of mine. The Artisan Drinks Co’s Violet Blossom Tonic is glorious as a mixer and just as wonderful by itself. It contains real violet blossom as well as other botanicals, and is a delicate pale purple matching its delicate fragrant flavour. No soapy parma violets here: this is a fresh forest glade with the faintest scent of violets drifting through. There are multiple stockists in Australia, from Dan Murphys to Sans Drinks and even Woolworths.
Fitch & Leedes Pink Tonic
This sugar-free tonic is the perfect mixer for spirits as well as delicious by itself. It’s a sparkling rose and cucumber flavoured drink with citrus notes and a good kick of quinine to cut the sweetness. The one I tried did contain artificial sweeteners, keeping the calories low, but not so natural (however it still tasted great). Fortunately there’s also a full-fat version available!
Two Boys Brew French Kiss
I’ve been a huge kombucha addict for a while, and after flirting with various varieties, I’m now lip-locked in a passionate French Kiss with Two Boys Brew. They make two delicious varieties, but for the sake of pink (and it is my fave of the pair) we’re featuring French Kiss: Hibiscus, Chamomile, Lavender & Vanilla. It’s a bouquet in a bottle, and the gentlest, most aromatic, floral kombucha you’ll ever try. There’s zero harsh beeriness here. The vanilla comes through distinctly – like cream soda – and the hibiscus is super subtle and not at all sour. If you’re on a health kick and you’ve previously struggled to appreciate kombucha, give this one a try. (The other flavour is Silk Road: Ginger, Lemon Myrtle, Cinnamon & Clove, and it’s also super gentle and easy on the palate).
