Cocktails can be a mixed bag from an ABV perspective. It’s easy to assume that most cocktails only contain one measure, or possibly two, of spirits – like with a gin and tonic or a Piña Colada. But others, especially summery-sounding concoctions like the Mai Tai (two different types of rum plus orange curaçao) and Long Island Iced Tea (vodka, tequila, light rum, triple sec and gin) can certainly pack a punch (circa 20-22% ABV). Occasionally, it’s the combination of alcohol content and the speed at which it takes effect – as with a French 75 (gin and champagne).
With more of us being conscious about drinking responsibly, having a handful of low-ABV cocktails on speed dial could be a smart choice.
Aperol Spritz
Depending on your ratios of Prosecco to Aperol and soda water, an Aperol Spritz can come in at 8-11% ABV. We recommend mixing your cocktail in a 3-2-1 ratio and serving over lots of ice. But if you want to err on the lighter side, just up the quantity of soda water.
Americano
Created by Gaspare Campari in Milan in the mid 1900s – but made famous by Ian Fleming’s Bond in 1953’s Casino Royale – this characterful cocktail could be described as a Negroni lite. The Americano retains the Negroni’s bittersweet flavour profile but omits the gin completely, simply pairing equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth before topping off with soda water. Typically under 10% ABV.
White Wine Spritzer
A simple blend of white wine and soda water served in a tall glass with a slice of lemon is a light and refreshing cocktail that, assuming a 125ml serving of wine topped up with 50ml or so of soda will come out at under 10% ABV. Edmunds Elderflower Collins makes a good, slightly stronger option, too at 13.9% ABV.
Chambord Spritz
Edmunds’ Chambord Bramble (13.9% ABV) is a classic choice, combining Chambord black raspberry liqueur with gin, ready to serve as it is or to top with soda water for a longer drink. Make a fruity Spritz at home by pouring a measure of Chambord into a glass and topping with half Prosecco and half soda water.
Adonis
A simple, two-ingredient, spirit-free aperitivo, the Adonis, is perfect with charcuterie or bar tapas. Combine 45ml each of sweet vermouth and fino/manzanilla sherry, stirring with plenty of ice before straining into a martini glass or champagne coupe and garnishing with a thin twist of orange. Add a few dashes of orange bitters to turn this into a Bamboo.
