Buzz
Is January still here? Just about, yes. Is it still dry? That depends on your perspective. Perhaps you’re considering reintroducing a hint of alcohol, or maybe strong drinks have never been your thing, no matter the time of year.
In both cases, the solution is clear: opt for low ABV (alcohol by volume) cocktails. These drinks are light, approachable, and come in a variety of styles to match your taste. Here are three of my top picks to help you begin.
What exactly is a low ABV cocktail?
First, let’s clarify the terminology. ABV, or alcohol by volume, refers to the percentage of alcohol in a drink. For instance, straight vodka might be 30% or 40% alcohol. A vodka martini, mixed with ice and vermouth, could range from 25% to 35% alcohol, which is definitely not considered low ABV.
Wines typically range from 13% to 18% ABV, while beers can vary between 4% and 12%. There’s no strict definition for low ABV cocktails, but I generally prefer them at 5% ABV or lower. This level is enough to add a little excitement without causing any dizziness. If you’re out, bars or restaurants might have their own interpretation of low ABV, so don’t hesitate to ask or check the menu for details.
Creating low ABV cocktails at home
Beyond purchasing a mocktail recipe book and adding a hint of gin (which is a great idea—check out The Mocktail Club, a fantastic book I recently reviewed), you can experiment with your home bar ingredients. Low ABV drinks are an opportunity to let the “supporting ingredients” shine. Think aperitifs, vermouths, bitters, juices, shrubs, syrups, tonics, and sodas—these are where the most vibrant flavors come from.
For beginners, keep it simple with refreshing spritzes. A good ratio to follow is 1:3:3: one part low-alcohol base (like an aperitif or liqueur), three parts juice, and three parts sparkling non-alcoholic mixer. Pick a flavor you enjoy, mix it with complementary juice and soda water, and serve over ice for a delightful drink.
If you’re modifying a classic cocktail, consider substituting the high-alcohol base with a generous splash of seltzer or sparkling wine. While sparkling wine has a higher ABV than seltzer, it’s still a lighter option. For instance, prosecco at 12% ABV is far less potent than gin at 40%. This is the idea behind the negroni sbagliato, which replaces gin with prosecco. Both versions are delightful, but the classic negroni packs nearly double the alcohol.
Three of my favorite low ABV cocktails
I’ve always loved the social aspect of sipping cocktails but not the headaches that come with strong drinks. Here are three easy, reliable options for when I want to keep things light. Remember, simplicity is key—no need to overcomplicate things.
Low ABV bellinis
Bellinis are playful, sparkling cocktails traditionally made with white peach purée and prosecco. To reduce the alcohol content, replace half the prosecco with seltzer water. For a fruitier twist, swap the seltzer with fruit juice. (Feel free to experiment with any fruit purée—peach is just the classic choice.)
Negroni Sbagliato or Americano
As mentioned earlier, the Sbagliato is a lighter ABV twist on the traditional Negroni, while the Americano takes it a step further. To prepare a Sbagliato, combine equal measures of Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco (added last as a topper). Serve over ice. For an Americano, swap the prosecco with soda water. At home, I sometimes add a touch of simple syrup for extra sweetness.
Juicy Aperol Spritz
The traditional Aperol Spritz combines three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol, and one part soda water. To reduce the alcohol content, I skip the prosecco and add juice instead. For a Juicy Aperol Spritz, mix two parts Aperol with one part orange juice in a glass half-filled with ice, then top with three parts soda water.
