The short answer: The best non-alcoholic drinks for a party are swaps for what everyone else is holding: alcohol-free sparkling for toasts, a zero spritz, craft non-alcoholic beer for the esky and canned mocktails for easy mixing. You join in every round without the alcohol. Nobody needs to know what's in your glass.
How we chose: every drink below was in stock at Craft Zero when we wrote this guide. ABV and calories come from our product pages.
Why more people are going zero at parties
If you are planning a lighter party season, you are in good company. A few numbers from the past year:
- A DrinkWise survey found 76 per cent of young Australians prefer to socialise in ways that don't involve alcohol, as reported by Nine in March 2026.
- Nearly a third of Australians (31 per cent) now buy alcohol-free products. And 78 per cent of people buying no- or low-alcohol drinks also drink full-strength alcohol, switching depending on the occasion. Both figures are from Hospitality Magazine in June 2026.
- In a 2026 Circana shopper survey reported by the Drinks Association, 24 per cent of shoppers said they had bought less alcohol or stopped buying it in the past six months.
That last group includes people cutting back for cost as well as people watching how much they drink. Either way, zero is no longer an unusual choice at a party.
Swap, don't add
Here's the most useful tip in this guide. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says zero alcohol drinks can be a good alternative for people cutting back when they are drunk instead of alcoholic drinks. If they are drunk on top of your usual drinks, the ADF says they are unlikely to make much difference.
So the idea is simple: when the next round comes, make it a zero one rather than having a zero as well.
Party swaps for every drink on the table
Instead of champagne for the toast: Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay
When the glasses go up, Thomson & Scott Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay looks and pours like the real thing. It is made from organic Chardonnay grapes grown in Spain and de-alcoholised to 0.0% ABV. Expect crisp apple, fine bubbles and a touch of sweetness balanced by bright acidity. It lists 14 calories per 100ml and has sold more than 2,500 bottles with us. It also comes in six and 12-bottle cases if you are hosting. Shop Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay.
Instead of an Aperol spritz: Sammy Piquant Sparkling Aperitivo Spritz
Australian-made Sammy Piquant Sparkling Aperitivo Spritz is a ready-to-pour, prosecco-inspired spritz made from macerated white grapes, spiced citrus peel and botanicals. It is 0.0% ABV, dry and bright. Pour it over ice with a slice of orange. Shop the Aperitivo Spritz.
Want to build your own? Lyre's Italian Spritz brings bitter orange, rhubarb and gentle herbal bitterness. Top it with soda or an alcohol-free sparkling wine for a spritz that looks right at home on any party table.
Instead of beer in the esky: Bach Brewing All Day Mix (24 cans)
The Bach Brewing All Day Non-Alcoholic Mix gives you six cans each of four styles from New Zealand's Bach Brewing: Original IPA, Hazy IPA, Pilsner and Lemon Radler. It covers the hop lovers, the lager drinkers and anyone who wants something light and lemony on a hot afternoon. All four are under 0.5% ABV. Shop the All Day Mix.
For more beer ideas, see our guide to the best non-alcoholic beer in Australia or browse the non-alcoholic beer collection.
Instead of mixing cocktails: Clever Mocktails Party Bundle (28 cans)
If you don't want to play bartender all night, the Clever Mocktails Party Bundle has four cans each of seven ready-to-drink mocktails, including Gin & Tonic, Mojito, Pink Gin & Tonic, Red Sangria and Margarita Zero Sugar. Made in Canada, they are designed to be poured over ice and served. It's an easy way to give guests a choice without a single measuring cup. Shop the Party Bundle or browse the Clever Mocktails range.
Instead of a G&T
Prefer to mix your own? Our guide to the best non-alcoholic gin in Australia covers our top picks and how to serve them.
How to handle the "why aren't you drinking?" question
Choosing not to drink is your business. You don't owe anyone a reason. A few things make it easier:
- Bring your own. Turn up with a bottle of alcohol-free sparkling or a six-pack of zero beer. Nobody looks twice at a person holding a drink.
- Pour it into a glass. A spritz in a wine glass or a beer in a pint glass looks like everyone else's.
- Keep your answer short. "I'm good with this one, thanks" usually ends the conversation.
- Have your next one ready. It's easier to say no to a top-up when your glass is already full.
For more ideas, our popular post on ways to pretend you're drinking has plenty of tried and tested tactics.
Hosting? Make zero easy for your guests
If you are throwing the party, put the alcohol-free options where guests can see them rather than hiding them at the back of the fridge. A bucket of ice with sparkling, spritz and zero beer next to the regular drinks makes it a normal choice. Label the zero drinks so nobody has to ask. Offer at least one option that isn't sweet, such as a dry sparkling or a crisp pilsner.
Shopping for gifts as well? See our non-alcoholic Christmas drinks and gifts guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good non-alcoholic drinks for a party?
Alcohol-free sparkling wine for toasts, a zero spritz, craft non-alcoholic beer and canned mocktails cover most of what people drink at parties.
How do I avoid drinking at a party without being asked about it?
Bring your own alcohol-free drinks, pour them into the same glasses as everyone else and keep a full glass so top-ups aren't offered.
Are non-alcoholic drinks better for you than alcohol?
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says zero alcohol drinks can be a better alternative when they replace alcoholic drinks, but they are unlikely to help much if they are drunk as well as your usual drinks.
Do non-alcoholic drinks contain any alcohol?
Some are 0.0% ABV and others are under 0.5% ABV. Check the alcohol content on each product page. In this guide, Noughty and the Sammy Piquant spritz are 0.0% and the others are listed at under 0.5%.
