Award-winning beverage drinkers say provides ‘feel-good impact’ and not using a hangover
Drinkers looking to reduce or remove alcohol from their lives can try Smiling Wolf’s award-winning non-alcoholic spirits, which offer a ‘buzz without the booze’ and ‘taste like the real thing’
Smiling Wolf has different alcohol-free options to try(Image: Smiling Wolf)
Whilst numerous people have attempted Dry January, others will be seeking more lasting methods to cut back on, or entirely eliminate, alcohol from their routines. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean individuals must sacrifice enjoyment, as there are plenty of ‘delicious’, booze-free alternatives on offer.
One label, Smiling Wolf, was created by the minds responsible for Tanqueray 10, Baileys and Purdey’s. The company claims it merges the authenticity of established spirits with a strategy ‘crafted for today’s more wellness-focused, temperance-orientated customer’.
The label’s goal is to connect conventional alcohol with zero-proof beverages through its functional spirits, providing drinkers with greater options regarding their preferred drinking style. The brand doesn’t just claim its products are flavoursome, but they also deliver a ‘feeling of tranquillity, gentle energy and mental sharpness by triggering dopamine, serotonin, GABA and endorphins’.
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One of its offerings, Smiling Wolf Aperitivo, is presently obtainable for £28 on Amazon. It’s marketed as an ‘alcohol free aperol’, ideal for spritz and negroni cocktails, and has been crafted from 18 distinct Mediterranean herbs and bitters.
Based on the company’s website, this has been distilled from authentic spirit components and produced with Italian wine. It additionally states it contains 23 kcal per 25ml portion, is low in sugar and suitable for vegans, and won’t trigger any energy dips or morning-after effects, reports the Mirror.
The Smiling Wolf Aperitivo is available from Amazon
More than 200 bottles have been bought in the past month on Amazon
Smiling Wolf claims its products deliver ‘buzz without the booze’, crafted using authentic spirit ingredients and combined with nootropics – supplements that may boost cognitive function, memory, creativity, and motivation – plus vitamins. The Smiling Wolf Aperitivo is characterised on Amazon as possessing ‘rich floral, citrus and bitter flavours’.
Smiling Wolf’s Aperitivo claimed top honours as the highest-rated non-alcoholic spirit at the 2025 London Spirits Competition, assessed by prominent bartenders and bar managers, according to the brand. Beyond Amazon availability, it’s stocked at 300+ on-trade establishments and 80+ independent stockists, including Partridges, Panzer’s, Eat 17 and all Amathus Stores.
Those keen to sample another Smiling Wolf offering can opt for the Botanical drink, available from Amazon for £28. This is marketed as an ‘alcohol free gin’ that’s been distilled from six botanicals and blended with the brand’s ‘natural Mood Enhancing Blend’.
Alternatively, there’s the Smiling Wolf Spiced for £28 – an alcohol free rum ‘made from molasses and gently spiced with cinnamon and oaky vanilla’, the brand’s website states. For shoppers wanting to explore different brands or options, M&S also stocks no-alcohol and low-alcohol wine.
Its 0.5% ABV Fresh and Bubbly Low Alcohol Sparkling Wine (75cl) is produced with de-alcoholised white wine and delivers crisp notes of green apple.
Alternatively, on Dry Drinker’s website, there’s the somewhat pricier Three Spirit Livener – Alcohol Free Spirit for £29.75. This is billed as ‘a 0.0% ABV alcohol free spirit crafted with guayusa, guava leaf and green tea’.
Returning to the Smiling Wolf Aperitivo on Amazon, customers have posted glowing testimonials. One commented: “Being able to make and share a non-alc Aperitivo spritz is a real game-changer. It tastes delicious, everyone feels included and it provides the great buzz / experience. Such a clever set of products, that helps you moderate your alcohol intake without sacrificing taste or feeling – will be buying again.”
Another said: “Tastes like booze, great flavour and excellent alternative to alcohol. Does contain caffeine so we stick to just a couple of drinks. Has a nice feel-good effect.”
Some customers offered constructive criticism for the item, with one noting: “This is very herbal but with lemonade very pleasant. Did feel the benefits though, very relaxing.”
On the whole, however, most were delighted with their buy, as another individual remarked: “Was initially looking for an option for the Xmas dinner to make a spritz/negroni on the light side, as this time of the year it’s a bit too boozy (for me) so I like to pace myself… tried the Smiling Wolf and BINGO! Tastes just like the real thing, especially in my spritz. Also, after a few I felt a little buzz – which makes me relaxed and chilled. Will most definitely buy again.”
