As the new year begins, many of us are looking to explore lighter drinking options without compromising on flavor. No- and low-alcohol beverages are making waves for their creativity and versatility, offering everything from bold herbal notes to fruity, sparkling sips. Whether you're embracing Dry January, cutting back, or simply curious, these drinks are all about enjoying unique flavors in a new way.

1. Hugo Spritz

Fresh, floral, and fizzy, the Hugo Spritz is a quintessential drink for those who love light, aromatic flavors. Originating in Northern Italy, this cocktail is a favorite for its balance of elderflower and minty notes.

Ingredients:

1 oz Saint Germain Elderflower Liqueur
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz soda water
8–10 fresh mint leaves
Mint sprigs and lime wedge (for garnish)

Steps:

Smack mint leaves between your palms to release their aroma, then drop them into a glass.
Add ice and pour in elderflower liqueur.
Top with Prosecco and soda water.
Stir gently, garnish with mint sprigs and lime, and serve.

Source: Better Homes & Gardens

2. Original Champagne Cocktail

Dating back to the Civil War era, this drink is a simple yet elegant way to enhance any sparkling wine. A sugar cube and bitters create depth, while a lemon twist adds a bright finish.

Ingredients:

1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
6 oz chilled Champagne
1 lemon twist

Steps:

Place a sugar cube in a Champagne flute.
Add bitters over the sugar cube.
Fill the glass with Champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

Source: Epicurious

3. Beermosa

The beermosa brings a playful twist to brunch, combining beer with orange juice for a bright, citrusy refreshment.

Ingredients:

12 oz beer (preferably a light lager)
4 oz orange juice

Steps:

Pour the beer into a glass, leaving some room at the top.
Slowly top with orange juice and serve immediately.

Source: Total Wine

4. Lavender 75

A floral cousin of the French 75, the Lavender 75 uses lavender syrup and sparkling wine for a delicately aromatic and elegant drink.

Ingredients:

¾ oz lavender syrup (see recipe below)
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
4 oz dry sparkling wine
Lemon twist (for garnish)

Steps:

Mix lavender syrup and lemon juice in a Champagne flute.
Slowly pour in sparkling wine.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
Lavender Syrup Recipe:
Simmer 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 oz dried lavender for 3–4 minutes. Cool and strain before use.

Source: My Bartender

5. Suze and Tonic

A minimalist delight, Suze and tonic is all about the herbal complexity of gentian root in Suze, balanced with effervescent tonic water.

Ingredients:

1½ oz Suze
Tonic water (to top)

Steps:

Fill a Collins glass with ice.
Add Suze and top with tonic water. Stir gently and enjoy.

Source: Suze

6. Ginger Snap

This zesty mocktail delivers the spicy kick of ginger beer paired with pear syrup and lime juice, making it a year-round favorite.

Ingredients:

1 oz pear syrup
½ oz lime juice
5 oz ginger beer
Orange wheel and cherry (for garnish)

Steps:

Mix pear syrup and lime juice in a Collins glass.
Add ice and top with ginger beer.
Garnish with an orange wheel and cherry.

Source: Curiada

7. Hop Skip Jump

This beer cocktail blends earthy flavors with the hoppy notes of an American Pale Ale, creating a drink that’s bold and balanced.

Ingredients:

1 oz Cynar
½ oz Punt e Mes
½ oz lemon juice
2 dashes grapefruit bitters
American Pale Ale (to top)
Orange wheel (for garnish)

Steps:

Shake Cynar, Punt e Mes, lemon juice, and bitters with ice.
Strain into a punch mug filled halfway with beer.
Garnish with an orange wheel and serve.

Source: Punch Drink

8. Apricot Mango Mimosa

A tropical twist on the classic mimosa, this drink combines sparkling rosé with apricot mango juice for a fruity, vibrant experience.

Ingredients:

750 ml sparkling rosé
3 cups apricot mango juice

Steps:

Slowly pour sparkling rosé into a chilled glass pitcher.
Add apricot mango juice and stir gently. Serve in Champagne flutes.

Source: Third Age

9. Lemon Shandy

The Lemon Shandy is a crisp blend of beer and lemonade, offering a refreshing escape on any occasion.

Ingredients:

1 cup cold lager beer
1 cup cold lemonade
Lemon wedge (for garnish)

Steps:

Fill a pint glass halfway with beer.
Top with lemonade and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Source: Serious Eats

10. U.S.S. Wondrich

A tribute to David Wondrich, this low-ABV cocktail features sherry, pineapple juice, and spices for a tropical yet elegant sip.

Ingredients:

1½ oz amontillado sherry
¾ oz pineapple juice
¾ oz sweet vermouth
¾ oz Sabra liqueur (or ½ oz allspice liqueur)
1 dash Angostura bitters
Pineapple wedge (for garnish)

Steps:

Shake all ingredients with ice.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Source: Punch Drink

No- and low-alcohol drinks are redefining what it means to celebrate. With bold flavors, creative ingredients, and sophisticated presentations, they’re perfect for anyone looking to shake up their drink routine. This January, raise your glass to a fresh take on flavor.