This week, I'm diving into the thorny topic of alcohol-free wine and why we need to stop whining about it.

Whilst I'm not claiming it's perfect yet, the constant negativity isn't helping anyone.

I explore why alcohol-free wine faces unique challenges compared to the meteoric rise of AF beer, from centuries of tradition to higher production costs, and why these passionate producers deserve our support rather than our scorn.

It's time to approach alcohol-free wine with curiosity instead of cruelty, give it the same trial-and-error approach we gave full-strength wines, and help shape its future through constructive feedback rather than writing off an entire category.

0:00 Stop Whining About Alcohol-Free Wine
1:52 The wine/beer comparison problem
4:22 Upcoming wine mini-series
6:35 Industry efforts
8:21 Technological costs
10:13 Our responsibility as drinkers
16:12 Communicate with the makers

Best episode to listen to next:
#94. Lifted: The UK's First High Protein Alcohol-Free Beer

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

===
🧮 Drinking Impact Calculator: Find your personal tipping point
https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🧐 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 Tony Robinson, co-founder of Lifted - the UK's first 0.0% high protein craft lager made for athletes.
 
Tony and his wife, Rebecca, launched their unique offering to solve a problem they were both experiencing - wanting additional protein in their diets whilst enjoying alcohol-free options after workouts.
 
With over 250,000 cans sold and a fiercely loyal customer base, Lifted sits at the intersection of fitness culture and mindful drinking.
 
Tony shares the challenges of creating a category of one, the lengthy R&D process of making protein beer actually taste good, and why they're determined to stay true to their "brewed for the stronger you" mission despite knowing that the requests for an alcoholic version would sell a lot easier.

0:00 Tony's Lifted story
6:04 Making an alcohol-free protein lager
11:13 Who's drinking non-alcoholic protein beer?
16:59 250,000 cans sold so far
18:27 Customers & costs
21:52 A category of one
24:16 Developing the range
26:44 Why protein?
35:46 What's the point?
38:59 Where to find Lifted
39:40 The BBQ-Q

TRY LIFTED* - @LIFTED_BREWING

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Big Drop*
Brew Dog Punk IPA*

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#90. How Lu

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

===
🧮 Drinking Impact Calculator: Find your personal tipping point
https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🧐 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.

I get asked constantly whether I still drink alcohol, as my answer will somehow validate my right to speak on the subject. Well, I'm getting fed up of answering that question, and here's why - it's completely missing the point!

In this one-on-one episode, I’m jumping with two feet into why I've built this platform for the messy middle ground, why shame-based messaging from both sides drives me mad, and why you don't need to make lifelong commitments to change something today. This is my honest take on why the Low No Drinker Media platform isn't about demonising alcohol or crowning ourselves as superior - it's simply about helping you figure out what works for you.

0:00 No preaching from the middle ground
5:00 Alcohol isn't evil, but it is powerful
10:02 No shame, no fearmongering, no misinformation
15:00 My business would be easier if I did

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

===
🧮 Drinking Impact Calculator: Find your personal tipping point
https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🧐 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.

Laura Silverman is the founder of Zero Proof Nation, a global platform connecting low and no-drinks & drinkers worldwide. Nearly 18 years sober, Laura’s LinkedIn profile describes her as "the nexus of NA" – a title she's earned through her tireless work building community and resources for the alcohol-free movement, including the most comprehensive global map of booze-free bars and bottle shops.

0:00 Meeting Laura Silverman
2:21 Different worlds, one nation!
3:20 Laura's story: Hospitalised twice by 24
13:10 First steps to building Zero Proof Nation
16:39 What is Zero Proof Nation
28:24 The changing range in non-alc
31:12 Wines Laura loves
35:02 Partnering with All The Bitter
40:38 Finding Laura & Booze Free in DC
44:25 The BBQ-Q

zeroproofnation.com
boozefreeindc.com
zeroproofnation.substack.com

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Bero*
Athletic Brewing*
Bolle*
Go Brewing
One For The Road
Wilderton’s
Hoplark

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT

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

===
🧮 Drinking Impact Calculator: Find your personal tipping point
https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🧐 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 special announcement episode, I'm reaching out to you, my wonderful Low No Nation, as we approach a major milestone - episode 100 of the podcast!

After nearly two years of bringing you conversations about the world of low, no and light drinks, I'm inviting you to be part of this celebration. Whether you've been listening since day one or just discovered us recently, I'd love to hear your voice - share a favourite moment, a quote that resonated, a guest who changed your perspective, or simply where you are on your journey to a life less intoxicated. You can even answer the BBQ-Question and tell me some of your favourite sunny-day-tipples.

Recording a message is simple - just visit lownodrinkermagazine.com/message before 18th June, and share a brief message to be played on the air.

And you'll even be entered into a draw for a thoughtful thank you gift. This podcast has always been about the community we're building together, and I can't think of a better way to mark this milestone than by hearing from you!

0:00 Why your voice matters
2:00 Messages you could share
4:20 How to send a message

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

===
🧮 Drinking Impact Calculator: Find your personal tipping point
https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🧐 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 joined by Lou Pollitt from Lucky Saint, the UK’s best-known alcohol-free beer.

We talk about how the brand’s evolved since launching back in 2018, why they stuck so firmly to perfecting just one lager for so long, and how brewing to the German Rheinheitsgebot purity law plays into that commitment to quality.

Lou also shares some insight into their newest release —a Lemon Lager, and their less new IPA, plus we chat about the growing presence of alcohol-free options in workplaces, what it really means to build a community around a brand, and how Lucky Saint’s pub and running club are helping do just that.

And if you love a stat as much as Lou & I do: Lucky Saint is available on draught in over 1,000 pubs in the UK!

0:00 Lou's story
4:23 The Lucky Saint's story
5:37 A dedicated approach
9:40 Traditionally unfiltered lager
11:40 Hazy IPA
14:45 New Lemon Lager
20:05 Lunchtime meal-deal beers
25:13 Lucky Saint on flights
26:45 Is Lucky Saint for sober drinkers?
29:33 The joy of draught
36:11 The Lucky Saint Pub
38:43 Lucky Saint & sports
42:00 The Lucky Saint Nun
44:53 The BBQ-Q

TRY LUCKY SAINT* //  @LUCKSAINTBEER

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Pentire*
REAL Sparkling Teas*

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#82 “I Though

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

===
🧮 Drinking Impact Calculator: Find your personal tipping point
https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🧐 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.

Today, I’m exploring how years of conditioning led me to make unfair assumptions about my hosts, who were actually on their own mindful drinking journey, at a recent kids’ birthday party. This experience prompted me to question the wider assumptions we all make - about venues, other people's perceptions, and even ourselves and the habitual thoughts and behaviours that dictate our actions when navigating social drinking situations.

0:00 Party time
1:53 My assumption
5:59 Mixed drinking hosting
6:58 Habitual behaviours
8:33 Reflecting with an open mind

Also mentioned:
Zeno Sparkling Wine*
Brew Dog IPA*

Best episode to listen to next:
#21 DECEM: From Masterchef finalist to 10% Spirit Distiller
#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

===
🧮 Drinking Impact Calculator: Find your personal tipping point
https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🧐 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.

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 Gu

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

===
🧮 Drinking Impact Calculator: Find your personal tipping point
https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🧐 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

===
🧮 Drinking Impact Calculator: Find your personal tipping point
https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🧐 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

===
🧮 Drinking Impact Calculator: Find your personal tipping point
https://mindfuldrinkinginmidlife.com/products/drinking-impact-calculator

===
🗣️ Join the growing community on Substack
https://lownodrinker.substack.com/

===
🧐 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.