The great non-alcoholic drinks taste test: from the ‘clean and refreshing’ to a ‘bitter mess’

Two hours, 95 drinks, and a lot of bubbles – Thomas Carr with the line-up of upmarket cordials, sodas, shrubs and spritz. Photograph: Christopher Hopkins/The Guardian

It’s that time of year again when many of us choose to lay off the booze and go dry for July.


Zero- and low-alcohol wines and beers might seem like the obvious go-tos when cutting back on the juice. But the Australian drinks industry has seen a surge in upmarket cordials, shrubs, sodas, spritzes and fermented beverages competing for your attention – and your wallet.