Sometimes, less is more—especially when it comes to alcohol content. Low-ABV (alcohol by volume) drinks are having a moment, offering all the flavor of a great cocktail without the heavy buzz. They’re perfect for those who want to sip and savor without overindulging. From spritzes to sherry-based delights, this collection is all about light, vibrant drinks that prove you don’t need high-proof spirits to have a great time.

1. Appetizer à L’Italienne

A bittersweet digestif that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Ingredients (Serving: 1):

2 ounces sweet vermouth (preferably Cocchi Vermouth di Torino)
1 ounce Fernet-Branca
1/4 ounce absinthe (preferably Kübler)
1/4 ounce Demerara syrup (1:1 ratio of Demerara sugar to water)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Source: Imbibe Magazine

2. Fernetea

A chilled peppermint tea cocktail that’s as refreshing as it is comforting.
Ingredients (Serving: 1):

2 1/2 ounces chilled peppermint tea
1 ounce Fernet-Branca
3/4 ounce Demerara simple syrup
Oat milk, to top
Mint sprig for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Add peppermint tea, Fernet-Branca, and syrup to a Collins glass filled with ice.
Stir to combine.
Top with oat milk and garnish with a mint sprig, if desired.

Source: Punch Drink

3. Perroquet

A minty twist on a French aperitif that’s light and refreshing.
Ingredients (Serving: 1):

3/4 ounce pastis or Pernod
3/4 ounce mint shrub
Water, to top
Mint bouquet for garnish

Directions:

Combine pastis and mint shrub in a rocks glass filled with ice.
Top with water and gently stir.
Garnish with a bouquet of fresh mint.

Source: Cocktail.fr

4. Rebujito

A Spanish-inspired highball that’s zesty and effervescent.
Ingredients (Serving: 1):

2 ounces fino sherry
3/4 ounce Key lime cordial
Soda water, to top
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Fresh mint and lemon wheel for garnish

Directions:

Combine sherry, Key lime cordial, bitters, and ice in a highball glass.
Top with soda water and stir gently.
Garnish with fresh mint and a lemon wheel.

Source: Food and Wine

5. The Seven-Per-Cent Solution

A tropical low-ABV cocktail that’s all about vibrant flavors.
Ingredients (Serving: 1):

1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce coconut water
3/4 ounce Midori
3/4 ounce Cointreau
1/4 to 1/2 ounce lemon juice (adjust to taste)
1 bar spoon banana liqueur
Pineapple fronds for garnish

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice.
Shake well and double-strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with decoratively cut pineapple fronds.

Source: Punch Drink

6. Tamarind Mate Cooler

An earthy, tart drink that’s just as good with mezcal as without.
Ingredients (Serving: 1):

4 1/2 ounces roasted yerba mate tea
1 1/2 ounces mezcal (optional)
1 1/4 ounces chai-tamarind syrup
2 ounces soda water

Directions:

Combine yerba mate tea, mezcal (if using), and syrup in a Collins glass.
Top with soda water and stir gently.

Source: The Bar India

7. Brunelle Frappé

A citrus-forward absinthe cocktail with a nod to the 1930s.
Ingredients (Serving: 1):

1 1/2 ounces lemon juice
3/4 ounce absinthe
3/4 ounce simple syrup
Lemon wedge for garnish

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a shaker with pebble ice.
Whip-shake and pour into a chilled double rocks glass.
Top with more pebble ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Source: Garnish

8. Kapri Robinson’s Adonis

A balanced aperitif that’s simple yet elegant.
Ingredients (Serving: 1):

1 1/2 ounces amontillado sherry
1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth
3 dashes orange bitters
Orange peel for garnish

Directions:

Combine sherry, vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until chilled and strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

Source: Bar News

9. Nonalcoholic Negroni

A booze-free take on a classic Italian cocktail.
Ingredients (Serving: 1):

1 1/4 ounces nonalcoholic aperitif
1 1/4 ounces Martini Floreale
3/4 ounce Lyre’s Italian Orange
Orange twist for garnish

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a glass with a large ice cube.
Stir briefly and garnish with an orange twist.

Source: NIO Cocktails

10. Japanese Slipper

A bright green cocktail that’s a celebration of citrus and melon.
Ingredients (Serving: 1):

1 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce Midori
1 ounce lemon juice
Maraschino cherry for garnish

Directions:

Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.
Strain into a chilled Martini glass.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Source: Cookist

Low-ABV cocktails are proof that flavor and sophistication don’t have to come with a high alcohol content. They’re versatile, approachable, and perfect for any occasion—from a casual brunch to an evening wind-down. With these recipes in your arsenal, you’ll be mixing up drinks that delight your palate while keeping things light. So, grab your ingredients, and toast to the beauty of balance. Cheers!