Removing the alcohol…

For those interested in science, no or low alcohol drinks are typically distilled as normal, with the alcohol removed at the end.

Vacuum distillation is one common method to do just that. The beer or wine is put under a vacuum, allowing the producer to distil off the alcohol at low or no temperature.

With reverse osmosis the wine or beer is passed through a micro-fine filter that only alcohol and water can pass through. The alcohol is removed from the alcohol water mix and the water is added back to the tasty stuff caught behind by the filter.

• Any beverage with an alcohol content of no more than 0.05% ABV will be considered a no alcohol beverage or alcohol-free.

• Any beverage with an alcohol content of between 0.05% and 0.5% ABV will be considered de-alcoholised.

• And a low-alcohol drink will contain no more than 1.2% ABV.

Why low alcohol beverages are beneficial

If you have FOMO – or fear of missing out, low and alcohol-free drinks offer you a range of options to enjoy without feeling like you’re losing out.  Most pubs and clubs are starting to stock these alternatives so your order at the bar shouldn’t be met with a blank stare.

Low alcohol wine and beer are a great way to manage the early stages of cutting down or stopping as you learn to adjust your drinking behaviour.  Our DrinkCoach coaching clients have reported that having alternatives is important, especially in the first few weeks, as they started to make changes.

Your decision-making is not affected by low or no-alcohol alternatives like it is with intoxication, so you can, and naturally do, stop your drinking session in control and clear headed.

Also, many low alcohol and alcohol-free alternatives compare favourably with the real thing in terms of taste, but with none of the negatives, like hangovers.

If you’re aiming to stay within the Chief Medical Officer’s guideline amounts then simple swaps and alternating your alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks are a great way to do this.

Tips for finding low alcohol alternatives to suit you:

• Check out some online forums for recommendations.

• Try a few different ones, don’t let one bad alternative put you off. There are plenty out there to choose from.

• Google reviews. You’re sure to find something you’ll like.

• Have a look at Wise Bartender - an online store that specialises in alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks.

• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. We’re always trying out low alcohol drinks!

And if you need a little extra reinforcement sticking to your new drinking goals, you can also download the DrinkCoach app to track the units, calories and cost of drinking on the go.