‘Tastes like booze, great flavour and excellent alternative to alcohol’
Shoppers have left rave reviews for the Smiling Wolf Aperitivo product(Image: Smiling Wolf)
While many have tried Dry January, others will be looking for more permanent ways to reduce, or completely remove, alcohol from their lives. However, that does not mean people have to miss out, as there are many ‘delicious’, alcohol-free options available.
One brand, Smiling Wolf, was developed by the creators behind Tanqueray 10, Baileys and Purdey’s. The brand says it combines the credibility of legacy spirits with an approach ‘designed for today’s more health-conscious, moderation-minded consumer’.
The brand’s aim is to bridge the gap between traditional alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks with its functional spirits, offering consumers more choice when it comes to how they like to drink. Not only does the brand say its products taste good, but they also offer a ‘sense of calm, smooth energy and clarity by releasing dopamine, serotonin, GABA and endorphins’.
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One of its products, Smiling Wolf Aperitivo, is currently available for £28 on Amazon. It is described as an ‘alcohol free aperol’, perfect for spritz and negroni drinks, and it has been made from 18 different Mediterranean herbs and bitters.
According to the brand’s website, this has been distilled from original spirit ingredients and made with Italian wine. It also says it’s 23 kcal per 25ml serving, low sugar and vegan-friendly, and it won’t cause any crashes or hangovers.
The Smiling Wolf Aperitivo is available from Amazon
More than 200 bottles have been bought in the past month on Amazon
Smiling Wolf says its products offer ‘buzz without the booze’, and they are made using original spirit ingredients and blended with nootropics – supplements that can enhance cognitive function, memory, creativity, and motivation – and vitamins. The Smiling Wolf Aperitivo is described on Amazon as having ‘rich floral, citrus and bitter flavours’.
Smiling Wolf’s Aperitivo was the highest-rated non-alcoholic spirit at the 2025 London Spirits Competition, judged by leading bartenders and bar managers, the brand says. As well as being sold on Amazon, it is available at 300+ on-trade venues and 80+ independent retailers, including Partridges, Panzer’s, Eat 17 and all Amathus Stores.
For those who want to try another Smiling Wolf product, there’s also the Botanical drink available from Amazon for £28. This is described as an ‘ alcohol free gin’ that has been distilled from six botanicals and combined with the brand’s ‘natural Mood Enhancing Blend’. Or there’s the Smiling Wolf Spiced for £28 – an alcohol free rum ‘made from molasses and gently spiced with cinnamon and oaky vanilla’, according to the brand’s site.
For those who want to try other brands or products, M&S also sells no-alcohol and low-alcohol wine. Its 0.5% ABV Fresh & Bubbly Low Alcohol Sparkling Wine (75cl) is made with de-alcoholised white wine and offers refreshing notes of green apple.
Or, on Dry Drinker’s site, there’s the slightly more expensive Three Spirit Livener – Alcohol Free Spirit for £29.75. This is described as ‘a 0.0% ABV alcohol free spirit crafted with guayusa, guava leaf and green tea’.
Back to the Smiling Wolf Aperitivo on Amazon, shoppers have left rave reviews. One said: “Being able to make and share a non-alc Aperitivo spritz is a real game-changer. It tastes delicious, everyone feels included and it provides the great buzz / experience. Such a clever set of products, that helps you moderate your alcohol intake without sacrificing taste or feeling – will be buying again.”
A second wrote: “Tastes like booze, great flavour and excellent alternative to alcohol. Does contain caffeine so we stick to just a couple of drinks. Has a nice feel-good effect.”
Others had some feedback for the product, with one writing: “This is very herbal but with lemonade very pleasant. Did feel the benefits though, very relaxing.”
Overall, though, most were pleased with their purchase, as another person said: “Was initially looking for an option for the Xmas dinner to make a spritz/negroni on the light side, as this time of the year it’s a bit too boozy (for me) so I like to pace myself… tried the Smiling Wolf and BINGO! Tastes just like the real thing, especially in my spritz. Also, after a few I felt a little buzz – which makes me relaxed and chilled. Will most definitely buy again.”
