If you are starting January with a new or ongoing plan to drink less alcohol, you are not alone. Non-alcoholic alternatives have grown in number and quality over the last few years, making these intentional choices way more enjoyable and exciting than ever before and we’ve gone one step further to bring an extra buzz to Dry January with some great alcohol-free cider cocktails.
Dry January
Back in 2013, when Dry January was launched in the UK, it was a chance to reset after the excesses of the Christmas period. It is estimated that a couple of thousand people got on board with the idea that year, but many looked on in bemusement. Those that did go alcohol-free for a month would have had fairly slim pickings when it came to alternative drinks, making the whole experience a considerable challenge for many taking part.
The Rise of No & Low
Fast forward to 2026 and it’s no longer Dry January but Dry Everyday, Dry Quite A Lot or Dry More Often Than Not, for a growing section of the British population. What we are experiencing is a generational lifestyle shift. More and more people want to enjoy the buzz of a night out without necessarily drinking alcohol. The great news for anyone looking to moderate their alcohol consumption is that, unlike in the early days, there is a wealth of fantastic no and low alcohol products to choose from. Producers, like us, have responded to this growing demand and created a range of premium quality, alcohol-free alternatives that allow consumers to readily make this positive choice without the need to compromise on taste and experience
Red Zero
Our Red Zero is a fantastic example of what is on offer. We had been keen to create an alcohol-free cider for some time, but we knew it had to stand up to our existing ciders. We didn’t want to put an apple juice in disguise on the shelf. We wanted to offer the same great taste, complexities, tannins and mouthfeel as our full-strength ciders, simply without the alcohol. To achieve that, we use a process called reverse osmosis to gently filter out the alcohol while preserving the authentic, fully fermented flavour. The result is Red Zero, a cider crafted with the same care and quality as the rest of our range, offering drinkers a satisfying, premium cider experience without the alcohol. It is versatile with a complex flavour profile that makes it the perfect base for alcohol-free cocktails that will liven up any Dry January. Here are a few of our favourites.
Cider Spritz
This simple mocktail uses just four ingredients. Combine 120mls of Red Zero with 30mls of (preferably freshly squeezed) lemon juice and 15mls of cinnamon syrup (if you can’t find it in the shops you can make your own or substitute with a pinch of ground cinnamon). Pour into a spritz glass and top up with 60-90mls of non-alcoholic sparkling wine or, for more of a zing, ginger beer. Stir gently to combine and finish off with a garnish of apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
Cider Punch Mocktail
For parties, you can easily swap ingredients to make a batch of alcoholic cider punch and one of cider punch mocktail. In a large jug, combine a litre of Red Zero, 250ml of orange juice, 60ml of maple syrup, 2 sliced apples, 100g of cranberries, the seeds of a pomegranate, 1tsp ground cinnamon,1tsp ground nutmeg, 0.5tsp ground ginger and 0.5tsp ground allspice. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Add crushed ice to a glass and fill three quarters with the punch and top up with ginger beer. Make sure you include a good share of the sliced apples, cranberries and pomegranate seeds to garnish.
Non-Alcoholic Mulled Cider
A lovely warming drink with fabulous aromas, this non-alcoholic mulled cider is a sure fire winner in the colder months. In a large pan, combine a litre of Red Zero, a cinnamon stick, 2 star anise, a clove-studded apple, and half an orange sliced. Bring the mixture to a simmer (never boil) over a medium heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low for 20 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse. Serve warm and, for that finishing touch, garnish with apple slices.
Time to Experiment
Many find it hard to tell that our Red Zero is non-alcoholic. It holds its own against its alcoholic peers so it is more than capable of replacing them in any cider-based cocktails. Choose your favourite cider cocktail and give it a mocktail makeover this Dry January! To add to the party feel, employ garnishes that elevate the look and aroma, use ice creatively from fruit-filled cubes to crushed ice and serve it all in a carefully chosen glass that will showcase your creation. Let us know if you come up with a showstopper!
