Technically speaking, any highball cocktail — meaning a combination of alcohol topped with seltzer water — is considered a lower-ABV beverage. Highballs have been around for quite some time. Canned hard seltzer — last summer's darling drink of choice, which is still kicking this year — is also an extension of the highball cocktail formula. These drinks are trendy, for sure, but not really anything new.
However, we have our eyes on a few key brands that are creating seriously delicious low-ABV drinks that can be sipped solo or topped with soda. From light and floral classic apéritifs and vermouths meant to whet the palate before a meal, to a new farm-to-bottle spirits brand that is on a mission to change how we drink socially, here are our current favorite low-ABV drinks to sip this summer — soda optional.
We've been a fan of Haus for quite some time, and the brand continues to churn out exceptional seasonal lower-ABV drinks. An apéritif that allows consumers to hang out and drink socially — without getting hungover — Haus offers a tasty array of farm-to-glass concoctions.
At a more mellow 18% ABV, Rose Rosé tastes like summertime. Packed with juicy notes of raspberry, rose, and tart cherries, we love sipping this low-ABV drink on the rocks or in a spritz. It's a palate primer, it offers a smarter way to imbibe, and it's made with all- natural ingredients.
This bittersweet liqueur is refreshing, citrusy, and complex, made with persimmon berries, tart hibiscus flower, and orange peel. Rhubarb and gentian root add depth to this intriguing blend, making it a dreamy base spirit for low-ABV drinks at home.
Use this in a simple spritz — the vibrant orange hue is gorgeous and perfect for summer. ABV: 27%.
For a little something tart, fruity, and with a slightly lower ABV at 20%, try this handcrafted liqueur from New York-based Heimat. Made with fruit distilled locally from New York, these liqueurs come in flavors like blackberry, raspberry, and rhubarb (our personal favorite).
Delicious mixed in a gin & tonic or simply topped with sparkling wine or soda, this versatile liqueur is perfect for low-ABV drinks at home this summer.
Smooth and fruity, Lillet Blanc is a blend of sémillon, sauvignon blanc, and muscadet grapes. With a lower ABV of 18%, Lillet falls somewhere between a semi-sweet white wine and a dry vermouth. Serve Lillet chilled on the rocks or in a highball cocktail to add delicate floral notes.
California-made spirits brand Lo-Fi Aperitifs makes a number of different vermouths and amaro, but our favorite is their delicious sweet vermouth. This low-ABV drink has an ABV of just under 17%, a wild botanical aroma, and notes of coriander, rhubarb, vanilla bean, and cherries.
Despite its intense aroma and flavor, this vermouth is a bit of a chameleon in cocktails, playing especially well in gin cocktails or sipped chilled before a meal.
Punt E Mes is a super bitter, slightly sweet red vermouth that has intense notes of licorice, cherries, and cinnamon. We think it tastes a little like Dr. Pepper, if that's your thing.
If you're looking for a red vermouth with lots of personality but a lower ABV (16%), this is the one we recommend you sip solo or with a splash of your favorite soda.
This elderflower liqueur is a common ingredient in light, floral summer cocktails. Sipped solo with a splash of soda, this low-ABV liqueur is also sweet and refreshing.
With a mellow ABV of 20%, this is a staple in any home bar for its versatile, approachable flavor.
Danielle St. PierreSenior Food & Drink EditorDanielle is the former food & drink editor for BestProducts.com, where she put her knowledge as a cocktail consultant and connoisseur to use; her work can also be spotted on Thrillist, Food & Wine, and Delish.
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