Everything you need to know about non-alcoholic drinks in 2025

Today, non-alcoholic drinks are growing in popularity, even during festive evenings! This phenomenon reflects a significant evolution in the consumption habits of the French who are now looking for tasty and responsible alternatives.

Notably, these non-alcoholic drinks have many health benefits. Healthier and 2 to 3 times less calories because they often have no added sugar, they are an ideal option for those who are watching their figure or their health. Furthermore, they are now available in a multitude of flavors and textures to satisfy all desires, from the most classic to the most adventurous.

Indeed, the market for the best non-alcoholic drinks has grown considerably in recent years. Brands like Opius, a Belgian company founded by Lucas Lambrechts and Leander Beuckels, or even Pierre Chavin, leader in non-alcoholic wines and cocktails in France, offer quality alternatives. Without forgetting Crodino, this Italian drink which has seduced consumers for more than 60 years.

Perfectly suited to all profiles, these drinks are particularly suitable for pregnant women, diabetics and athletes. Additionally, they cater to all ages and diets, providing an inclusive solution for gatherings.

In this expert guide, we'll explore the fascinating world of non-alcoholic beverages in 2025, from alternatives to classic spirits to ready-to-drink cocktails and no-sugar-added options. We will also discover how to integrate them into your meals and festive events.

Overview of non-alcoholic drinks in 2025

In 2025, the market for non-alcoholic drinks undergoes a remarkable transformation. The figures speak for themselves: 65% of generation Z and 58% of millennials say they are open to alcohol-free alternatives, compared to only 35% of generation X and 25% of baby boomers. This significant development pushes players in the sector to constantly innovate.

1. Sparkling and festive drinks

Notably, alcohol-free sparkling wines are emerging as a major trend, having generated a turnover of 22.9 million euros in 2023, with an impressive annual growth of 12%. Furthermore, these drinks are no longer confined to "Dry January" alone - in December 2024, their sales recorded an increase of 15% compared to the previous 12 months, a sign of consumption now spread over the entire year.

2. Alternatives to classic spirits

Indeed, the non-alcoholic spirits sector has grown considerably. Brands like Tanqueray now offer 0.0% versions that retain the soul of the original, thanks to a perfect balance between four carefully selected botanicals. Likewise, JNPR Spirits uses five times the amount of juniper berries than a traditional gin, creating an exceptional aromatic intensity that compensates for the absence of alcohol.

3. Ready-to-drink cocktails

In addition, ready-to-drink non-alcoholic cocktails are revolutionizing the market. These creations are no longer watered down versions of the classics, but drinks designed to appeal to modern palates: less sweet, more natural and better balanced. Thus, alcohol-free versions of the famous Spritz, like those from Chavin or ISH, fully embrace the bitterness of the orange, without a drop of alcohol.

4. Non-alcoholic and sugar-free drinks

Finally, the non-alcoholic and sugar-free drinks are gaining popularity among customers concerned about their well-being. For a healthy life, many people opt for alternatives such as flavored waters without artificial sweeteners, teas and infusions without added sugar, or even plant-based drinks such as kombucha. These options provide hydration and nutritional benefits without the calories and harmful effects of sugar and alcohol.

Consumer profiles and their preferences

Various categories of consumers are turning to non-alcoholic drinks for different reasons, each meeting specific expectations.

1. For athletes and pregnant women

In particular, athletes are looking for non-alcoholic drinks which combine performance and pleasure. Brands like Run'Hard offer alcohol-free beers specially designed for recovery after exercise, rich in polyphenols and minerals. Likewise, Goxoa, awarded “best non-alcoholic beer in the world”, offers an alternative low in sugar and enriched with vitamin D. Furthermore, pregnant women must absolutely avoid any drink containing even traces of alcohol. For these future mothers, alternatives like Le Petit Béret or ready-to-drink non-alcoholic cocktails allow them to maintain a social life without risks.

2. For lovers of intense taste

Thus, flavor enthusiasts are looking for best non-alcoholic drinks with complex profiles. Non-alcoholic spirits like those of the brand Lyre's, developed from natural essences and extracts, faithfully imitate traditional spirits. In addition, the BTTR brand offers an alcohol-free bitter which does not claim to be a classic spirit but finds its characteristic flavors.

3. For wellness enthusiasts

Indeed, this consumer profile favors non-alcoholic and sugar-free drinks for their health benefits. These alternatives reduce the risk of chronic diseases while promoting better weight management. For these people, functional drinks based on natural electrolytes, superfoods or plant extracts are an ideal choice.

4. For the curious and flavor explorers

Finally, the “sober curious” and taste explorers appreciate the growing diversity of the market. This profile, also called "explorer", is constantly looking for new things. In 2025, this trend called "zebra striping", which consists of alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during festive events, is gaining popularity. To satisfy this clientele, the offering has expanded considerably with artisanal elderflower creations, natural sparkling wines and spirits that go beyond the simple imitation of classic alcohols.

How to consume non-alcoholic drinks

The art of tasting non-alcoholic drinks goes way beyond just drinking them. This practice involves careful attention to preparation, serving and culinary pairings for an optimal experience.

1. Simple mocktail ideas to make

In particular, the Virgin Mojito is an excellent entry into the world of mocktails with its fresh mint leaves, lime juice and sparkling water. Furthermore, Bora Bora offers an explosion of tropical flavors by combining pineapple juice, passion fruit and grenadine. Thus, the apple-ginger mocktail brings a spicy touch thanks to fresh ginger and raw apple juice, complemented by ginger ale for more intensity.

2. Serving and temperature recommendations

Indeed, the serving temperature plays a crucial role in the expression of aromas. Les jus de fruits et smoothies révèlent leurs saveurs entre 8°C et 10°C, tandis que les mocktails doivent être servis entre 5°C et 8°C. Additionally, the choice of glass influences the experience: use a Martini glass for a sophisticated mocktail or a tumbler for a juice creation.

3. Combine non-alcoholic drinks with meals

Cependant, l'accord mets-boissons sans alcool, ou "soft pairing", constitue une tendance en plein essor. Les jus d'agrumes accompagnent parfaitement les salades et poissons, tandis que les mocktails aux agrumes subliment les plats épicés. Likewise, kombucha, with its light acidity, pairs ideally with sushi. Some fine dining restaurants now offer completely alcohol-free pairings, prepared in-house.

4. Boire sans alcool lors des fêtes et événements

Finally, for your festive events, choose a variety of alcohol-free options. Offer a discovery workshop with different bases and garnishes to create personalized mocktails. Also consider playing with temperatures by serving hot kombuchas or cold infusions. Today, around 30% of restaurant customers opt for alcohol-free pairings, for reasons of taste, health or simply moderation.

What you need to know before buying

Before embarking on the purchase of non-alcoholic drinks, several aspects deserve particular attention to make the best choices.

1. Read labels: ingredients and sugar

First, carefully examine the labels of non-alcoholic drinks. Favor products containing natural ingredients and avoid those with artificial colors or preservatives. De plus, vérifiez la teneur en sucre, certaines alternatives peuvent contenir jusqu'à 25g de sucre par verre, soit l'équivalent de 5 morceaux.

2. VAT on non-alcoholic drinks: what the law says

Furthermore, the VAT non-alcoholic drinks varies depending on their composition. The reduced rate of 5.5% applies to 100% natural juices without added sugars, while the standard rate of 20% applies to most sodas and non-alcoholic and sugar-free drinks containing sweeteners.

3. Where to buy the best non-alcoholic drinks

However, to find the best non-alcoholic drinks, you can explore the specialized wine merchants who now offer a few dedicated departments, which are still too few in number for our taste. Alternatively, online stores like Sanzalc offer a varied selection and personalized advice for all budgets.

4. Brands to watch in 2025

Finally, certain innovative brands stand out in 2025: Nolow Plurielles or Seedlip with their botanical spirits, Everleaf for its complex aperitifs, and Copenhagen Sparkling Tea for its sparkling tea blends. Also note, French creations such as Osco or Jardins aperitifs which are quickly gaining popularity.

Conclusion

Ultimately, non-alcoholic drinks represent much more than just a trend in 2025. Their remarkable evolution reflects a profound change in the consumption habits of the French, now favoring taste and well-being without compromising the pleasure of tasting.

Thus, the offer has diversified considerably to meet the expectations of all consumer profiles. From athletes to pregnant women, including lovers of complex flavors and well-being enthusiasts, today everyone can find an alternative adapted to their specific preferences and needs.

Furthermore, the quality and sophistication of these non-alcoholic drinks have reached an unprecedented level. Botanical spirits, dealcoholized sparkling wines and artisan mocktails now rival their alcoholic counterparts in terms of aromatic complexity and taste experience.

In particular, the art of “soft pairing” is gradually establishing itself in the gastronomic world, offering new perspectives for food and drink pairings. This practice enriches the culinary experience while allowing consumers to remain lucid and responsible.

Finally, non-alcoholic drinks in 2025 are part of a broader approach to conscious and balanced consumption. Far from being seen as a substitute by default, they are now valued for their own qualities and their contribution to a healthier lifestyle. Whether for a festive evening, a gourmet meal or simply for pleasure, these alternatives seduce with their creativity and their ability to adapt to all convivial moments, without the undesirable effects of alcohol.

Key takeaways

Discover the essential points for navigating the rapidly expanding world of non-alcoholic drinks in 2025:

• Strong growth market : 65% of generation Z adopts alcohol-free alternatives, with a 15% increase in sales in December 2024

• Diversity of profiles : Specialized options for athletes, pregnant women, lovers of intense flavors and well-being enthusiasts

• Qualitative innovation : Botanical spirits and artisanal mocktails now rival their alcoholic equivalents in complexity

• Art of “soft pairing” : The non-alcoholic food and drink pairing is essential in gastronomy, enriching the culinary experience

• Responsible consumption : Check labels to avoid hidden sugars and favor natural ingredients

This revolution in non-alcoholic drinks reflects an evolution towards more conscious consumption, where taste pleasure is no longer sacrificed for the benefit of health and responsibility.

FAQs

Q1. What are the main trends in non-alcoholic drinks in 2025? Top trends include non-alcoholic sparkling wines, alternatives to classic spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails, and alcohol-free and sugar-free drinks. These options meet a growing demand for sophisticated and healthy drinks.

Q2. How do I choose a non-alcoholic drink suited to my profile? The choice depends on your preferences and needs. Athletes and pregnant women can opt for vitamin-enriched drinks, lovers of intense taste for complex alcohol-free spirits, and wellness enthusiasts for options without added sugar.

Q3. What are the best ways to serve non-alcoholic drinks? The serving temperature is crucial: serve juices and smoothies between 8°C and 10°C, and mocktails between 5°C and 8°C. The choice of glass is also important for the taste experience. Feel free to experiment with different toppings to enhance the flavors.

Q4. How to combine non-alcoholic drinks with meals? “Soft pairing” is an emerging trend. For example, citrus juices go well with salads and fish, while kombucha goes perfectly with sushi. Some restaurants even offer completely alcohol-free pairings for a complete dining experience.

Q5. What should you check before buying a soft drink? Examine labels carefully to check ingredients and sugar content. Choose natural products without artificial colors. Also pay attention to the VAT applied, which varies depending on the composition of the drink. To find the best options, explore specialist wine merchants or dedicated online stores.