He’s the Sober Sommelier who went from a disastrous weekend on to co-create Sober Sound System Ibiza, bringing his personal drink & drug story full circle after seven years.

Join me and Alex Norwood Hill on his amazing journey of self-discovery on the party island.

Can you go sober in Ibiza? Hell yes, you can! 

0:00 The early days of drink & drugs
9:48 Alex's Spiritual Awakening in Ibiza
17:39 From DJ to Sober Sommelier
23:12 Launching Sober Sound System Ibiza
35:56 What to expect at SSS 2025
39:35 Drinks & sponsors at SSS
43:03 Cordus: Made with crystals
45:44 Finding Alex & The Sober Sound System
49:10 The BBQ-Q

@SOBERSOMMELIER  //  @SOBERSOUNDSYSTEMIBIZA

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Dalston Soda*
Blurred Vines*
Noot
The Pathfinder*
Bolle*
All the Bitter
Three Spirit*
Zeno*

Plus + Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender* & Dry Drinker* with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#84. 5 Hours of Sober Clubbing Bliss with The House of Happiness
#71 The Award-Winning Sober Bartender's Guide to Non-Alc Spirits

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE
https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine *

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

It’s time for some uncomfortable truths about alcohol-free drinks. This episode might make me a little unpopular in the industry, but that’s ok because it needs to be said: Not all alcohol-free drinks are good!

After being asked this very question during my BBC Radio Xtra debut (yay!), I was inspired to share this episode and explore with you why some low/no options fall short. But to keep the balance, it’s not all bad, I’m still sharing the love, but only after some real honesty.

0:00 Are all alcohol-free drinks good?
2:07 Jumping on the bandwagon
3:55 Why some drinks aren't great: sugar
5:36 Unbalanced
6:46 Artificial flavourings
7:19 Confusion
8:51 Trial & error
10:51 Brands will come and go
12:50 Personal taste
15:10 Try & try again

Best episode to listen to next:
#21 Decem: From MasterChef finalist to 10% Spirit Distiller
#59 Plant-powered AF Brewing: On Beer 

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE
https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine *

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

This week, I'm chatting with Jonny Hughes, one-half of the husband-wife duo behind Penthouse Cocktails – a unique at-home cocktail box service offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of the same drinks. Johnny, who also writes for Low No Drinker Magazine, brings his refreshingly honest and sometimes blunt (be warned!) perspective on everything from balancing a business that serves both markets to the challenges of finding quality non-alcoholic alternatives to his perspective on low/no wines.

Johnny also shares practical tips for making non-alc cocktails at home and explains why their 50/50 business model (right down to their pink and blue branding) is both their greatest strength and their greatest challenge in today's competitive alcohol-free market.

WE CHAT ABOUT
0:00 Welcome
2:16 Johnny's story
6:18 Equality between cocktails
9:33 Alcohol consumption in hard times
11:36 What goes into a Penthouse Cocktail
18:15 Building the business around non-alc
22:41 Taste comparison to full-alcohol
25:43 Making cocktails at home
30:55 Socialising and working together as a mixed drinking couple
36:25 Growing the low/no business
41:36 Serving two markets
46:45 Where to find Penthouse Cocktails
50:00 The BBQ-Q
53:33 AF wines taste like s**t

PENTHOUSECOCKTAILS.CO.UK

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Corona Cero*
CleanCo Tequila*
Nozeco*
Lyre’s Malt*
Stryk Not Vodka*
Limonzero*
Twisst Irish Cream*

Plus+ Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender* & Dry Drinker* with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#80 - 12 Years in the Making: From Seedlip to Seasn to Sylva to Shandy with Ben Branson

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE
https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine *

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

This week, I'm busting the myth that Gen Z are the only ones changing their relationship with alcohol. 

Inspired by a 70-year-old Irish gentleman named Eamon who told me he recently decided to quit drinking, I explore how my generation—Generation X—along with older Millennials and even Boomers, are quietly revolutionising our drinking habits. 

With 74% of UK adults now actively moderating their alcohol consumption, this episode delves into the different motivations driving mature drinkers—from health and energy concerns to extending social occasions—and how our approach differs from that of younger generations.

0:00 The sober curious generation
1:13 Inspired at 70!
2:34 A different perspective
4:51 Generational motivations
7:23 Drink expectations
9:21 Money matters
11:14 The role of social media
12:54 Social circles

Also mentioned:
KAM Insights report

Best episode to listen to next:
#68 No.1 mistake made by new low/no drinkers

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE
https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine *

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

This week I'm thrilled to be joined by Neil Hudson-Basing, the “chaotic, queer and kind” co-founder of House of Happiness - London's sober clubbing extravaganza. Neil takes us behind the scenes of creating London's first queer-led sober rave, from its humble beginnings to becoming a glitter-filled, music-pumping daytime party at one of London's top clubs.

We dive into the challenges of launching a sober event in traditional clubbing venues, the careful curation that goes into creating an inclusive space, and the emotional moments that have validated their mission.

From the pre-meet pastries to the confetti cannons, Neil paints a vivid picture of what to expect at their events - and trust me, there's nothing boring about this sober party! With their expansion to Manchester and collaborations open across the UK, House of Happiness is proving that you absolutely can still smash it on the dance floor without a drop of alcohol or drugs.

WE CHAT ABOUT
2:00 Neil's story
18:02 The House of Happiness experience: what to expect
27:21 London to Manchester
33:25 Sober in the queer community
39:27 The bar & managing alcohol in the venue
55:40 Tips for non-drinkers on a night out
1:05:22 The BBQ-Q

HOUSEOFHAPPINESS.CO.UK  //   @houseofhappinessofficial

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Pause & Rewind Podcast
Neil’s Substack
Myth*
Three Spirit*
Thatcher’s*
Stryk*
Lyre’s*
Goat

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE
https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine *

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

In this candid solo episode, I tackle the gatekeeping creeping into the low/no space, particularly around big alcohol brands releasing alcohol-free options. After receiving pushback for sharing Heineken's expansion news, I'm setting the record straight: there's no "right way" to be a mindful drinker. Whether you prefer mainstream alcohol-free beers or artisanal botanical concoctions, what matters is making intentional choices that serve you. Mainstream brands offer accessibility, affordability and familiarity that many people need. While I'll always champion independent brands too, this episode is my passionate reminder that everyone deserves a seat at the mindful drinking table—no justification required.

0:00 How Heineken 0.0 started it
2:11 I don't care what you drink
2:57 Big Alcohol AND Independent Brands
4:11 Not all good / Not all bad
6:24 Finding What Works For You: Supermarket sweep
7:25 It's not a competition

Also mentioned:
Heineken 0.0*
Guinness 0.0*
Peroni 0.0*
Wise Bartender*
Dry Drinker* 

Get 10% off at Wise Bartender & Dry Drinker with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

Best episode to listen to next:
#78 What no one tells you about your tastes when you start drinking low/no
#79 Powerful Mindset Shifts That Will Transform Your Experience with Low/No Drinks – pt1

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE
https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine *

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

Sonja Mitchell is the founder of Jump Ship, the award-winning Scottish alcohol-free brewery making waves in the low/no space. From knowing absolutely nothing about brewing to winning 'Scottish Small Brewery of the Year', Sonja shares her remarkable journey—including launch delays, a pandemic pivot, and even a David and Goliath-esque legal battle. 

0:00 Sonja's story
4:09 Building the business step by step
6:03 When brewing goes wrong
9:44 Pandemic setbacks
13:33 Opening her own brewery
21:24 The Jump Ship Range
24:35 Taking BrewDog to court
28:11 Chuckleberry sour
29:32 Making alcohol-free sour beers
31:08 Why brewing to 0.5% makes a better beer
35:07 Jump Ship non-alcoholic beer on draught
38:22 Why it's hard to find alcohol-free on draught
42:28 Naming the brand & nautical flags
47:05 Getting listed in Selfridges
49:46 Alcohol-free: A growing market
52:30 Led by the consumer
55:10 Labelling confusion
59:06 Finding Jump Ship
59:54 The BBQ-Q

TRY JUMP SHIP*  //  @JUMPSHIPBEER

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Noughty AF*
Love No More
Wilfred’s*
Dry Drinker*
Big Drop*

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#24 Going international with Big Drop Brewing co-founder Rob Fink

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE
https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine *

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

Subscribe to Low No Drinker Magazine free trial

Come with me on part 2 of our mindset shifts discovery.

You can find part 1 at ep#79 

This week, we cover:
1:46 Shift 10 - They're not worth the price
3:52 Shift 11 - Changing my social identity
5:24 Shift 12 - This is just a trend
7:30 Shift 13 - Tried one, tried them all
10:23 Shift 14 - Limiting social occasions
14:03 Shift 15 - I won't enjoy my food the same way
16:37 Shift 16 - Limited options
20:04 Shift 17 - I don't know where to start

Best episode to listen to next:
#78 What no one tells you about your tastes when you start drinking low/no
#80. 12 Years in the Making: From Seedlip to Seasn to Sylva to Shandy with Ben Branson

Also mentioned:
sylvalabs.com
Guinness 0.0*
Heineken 0.0*
Peroni 0.0*
Gordons 0.0*
Tanqueray 0*

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE
https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine *

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

This week, I’m bringing you none other than Mr Ben Branson! The man who turned the drinks world upside down with Seedlip joins me to share the story behind his newest venture, Sylva, with a quick stop off at his innovative bitters range, Seasn.

Sylva is a revolutionary approach to non-alc dark spirits that extracts flavours from trees using sonic maturation. From his humble beginnings as a farming-family-kid-turned-entrepreneur with zero drinks industry experience, Ben opens up about the rollercoaster journey of creating category-defining products. I loved his refreshing honesty about the challenges ("I wanted to close the business every week") and his passionate stance on not mimicking alcoholic spirits. 

Between tales of forest foraging, his changed perspective on mocktails, and a sneak peek at his upcoming shandy project (coming to a BBQ near you this summer), this episode captures what makes Ben one of the most innovative minds in the low/no world today. But above all that, he was just so much fun to talk to – happy listening!

WE CHAT ABOUT
0:00 Ben Branson's story
5:24 Childhood inspiration
8:54 Anti-social behaviour
10:56 The birth of Seedlip
13:29 Small goals: Seedlip was initially a side project
15:27 Genius or lunatic?
17:40 Wavering self-belief: Being his own biggest critic
20:47 How do you stay motivated?
24:31 What is Sylva - how is it made?
30:25 Limited release allocation
31:50 Building a global local brand
36:00 The creative process
39:24 Making a sippable non-alc dark spirit without chilli
44:07 Familiarity of flavour without replication of alcohol
46:19 Dangerous expectations
48:17 Mocktails have their place
50:41 A brief history of bitters
54:38 Seasn bitters
58:57 Find Ben & all his brands
1:00:01 The BBQ-Q
1:03:46 Ben's new Shandy: Daystar

SYLVA
SEASN*
SEEDLIP
@SEEDLIP_BEN
IN/BENBRANSON

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
RAPSCALLIONSODA.COM
DAYSTAR

BEST NEXT EPISODE
#68 No.1 mistake made by new low/no drinkers

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE
https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine *

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

In this solo episode, I explore some of the essential mindset shifts that can transform your relationship with low, no and light drinks. These perspective changes are game-changers on your journey to mindful drinking, helping you appreciate alcohol alternatives for what they truly offer rather than what they're replacing. Whether you're aiming for complete sobriety or just cutting back occasionally, these mental adjustments will help you navigate the vibrant world of alcohol alternatives with greater confidence and enjoyment. 

This week, we cover:
0:00 Why we need a mindset shift
2:37 Shift 1 - It's not a real drink
3:46 Shift 2 - I know what I like
6:02 Shift 3 - Perfect swaps
8:17 Shift 4 - Soft drinks are for kids
10:02 Shift 5 - I'll just grab whatever's available
11:28 Shift 6 - Drinking to impress
13:53 Shift 7 - Ritual behaviour
15:41 Shift 8 - Bland & unsophisticated
18:05 Shift 9 - They don't pair with food
21:04 Food pairings in Low No Drinker Magazine 
 

Best episode to listen to next:
#78 What no one tells you about your tastes when you start drinking low/no
#53 Creating a household legacy with NoughtyAF wines & Amanda Thomson
#21 Decem: From Masterchef finalist to 10% Spirit Distiller

===
🌱 Reset the way alcohol shows up in your life with the 4 Week Midlife Mindful Drinking Reset
https://www.lownodrinker.com/4weekreset

===
🧐 Take the quiz and find out what's REALLY driving your midlife drinking habits
https://www.lownodrinker.com/

===
💰 Get 10% off drinks at Wise Bartender with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE
https://wisebartender.co.uk/lownodrinkermagazine *

===
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.