Gorgeous Low-ABV Cocktails: Sip All Year Long with These Recipes

Looking for a cocktail that hits the sweet spot between flavor and moderation? Low ABV cocktails are where it’s at. These lighter sips are taking center stage, ideal for daytime hangs, easygoing entertaining, or anyone wanting to keep things chill without skipping the fun. In this guide, we’re covering everything you need to know: what ‘low ABV’ actually means, how to build these drinks at home, and six simple recipes that prove you don’t need a heavy pour to have a good time.

What does low ABV mean?

Low ABV doesn’t mean your drink is alcohol-free; it just means that it is a low alcohol cocktail that isn’t as potent as a traditional one. Popular ingredients in low ABV cocktails are naturally low in alcohol and include vermouths, bitters, liqueurs, and certain liquors. When mixed correctly, your low alcohol cocktails will be as complex and tasty as their more alcoholic counterparts.   

Strength-wise, cocktail ingredients should be between 18 – 21% ABV to qualify as low in alcohol. You should expect a drink that looks the part, and that’s simple to sip. To learn more about ABV and calculating the strength of your drink, read our handy guide. 

Also see: 15 Spritz Cocktails to Sip On This Summer

How to be sure you’re serving low-alcohol cocktails

How can you be sure that what you’re serving is actually low in alcohol? Here are a few tips to help you ensure that your guests stay firmly rooted to the ground during summer get-togethers.  

• Check the ABV on the label of the bottle before mixing. This will give you a good idea of how strong it is and how much you would need to dilute it.  
• Vermouth, bitters, wines, and ports (all naturally low in alcohol) are all safe bets for low ABV cocktails. 
• If you’re using a liquor (at around 40% ABV), turn it into a low ABV drink by using less of it, and combine it with non-alcoholic liquids and serving it in a tall glass. Two great examples of this include whiskey, diluted with sparkling water served on ice, and the classic Mojito recipe, which is naturally elongated and low in alcohol, coming in at around 13% ABV.  

Learn more: 22 Sour Cocktail Recipes to Add to Your DIY Drinks Repertoire

Why are low alcohol cocktails so darn trendy

For some, it’s all about flavor. Others are leaning into moderation, looking for drinks that suit daytime get-togethers, longer catch-ups, or simply a slower pace. Low ABV cocktails tick all those boxes. They’re full of character, easy to enjoy, and perfect for people who want to sip something interesting without going all in. This shift has given rise to a growing interest in mindful drinking cocktails, not necessarily booze-free, but definitely more considered.

The trend has also been fueled by the comeback of ingredients like vermouth, aperitifs, and low-proof liqueurs. These old-school staples are being reimagined in modern serves, especially when mixed with quality mixers, fresh citrus, and thoughtful garnishes. It’s a movement that proves less really can be more, especially when it’s mixed well.

Soju Cocktails: Easy Recipes for Beautiful Drinks You Can Make at Home

Best liquors & mixers for low-ABV cocktails

If you want to master low-ABV cocktails at home, it starts with knowing your ingredients. Certain liquors and mixers are naturally lower in alcohol, but still pack in plenty of flavor. From iconic Italian aperitifs to aromatic vermouths and versatile citrus liqueurs, here are some of the best picks for building balanced, easygoing serves with style.

Aperol

Aperol is a crowd favorite for a reason; it brings bright orange zest, gentle bitterness, and a touch of sweetness to every pour. It shines in spritzes, especially when paired with Prosecco and soda water, but it also works beautifully in citrusy serves over ice. Just add a slice of orange and you’re golden.

Crodino

Crodino is completely alcohol-free, but don’t let that fool you; it’s layered, bitter, and seriously grown-up. Made with a secret blend of herbs and spices, it brings the complexity of a classic aperitif without the buzz. Serve it chilled with a slice of orange, or mix it with tonic for a refreshing low-ABV aperitivo moment.

Cinzano Vermouth (Bianco & Rosso)

Cinzano Vermouth is a go-to for building low-ABV drinks with depth and personality. The Bianco is slightly sweet and floral, perfect with soda and a lemon twist. The Rosso leans warmer and spicier, which makes it great in a simple Americano or sipped neat over ice. Both offer an easy way to create balanced, satisfying cocktails.

Campari

Campari is bold, bitter, and best used with a light touch in low-ABV drinks. Just a small measure brings that signature bite and intense color. Mix it with club soda for a classic Campari & Soda, or stir it into a lower-proof Negroni variation using vermouth and a splash of sparkling wine.

Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier adds a rich, orange-forward backbone to any low-alcohol drink. A little goes a long way; just 1 oz can transform tonic or soda water into something deeply sippable. It’s especially tasty when paired with citrus juices or layered with Aperol for a bittersweet cocktail with serious depth.

Mixers that complement low-ABV serves

When building low-ABV cocktails, your mixers matter just as much as your liquor. Club soda and tonic bring bubbles and balance. Prosecco adds elegance without overpowering the base. Fresh citrus juice lifts and brightens, while herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary dial up the aromatics. Think of them as your flavor co-stars.

6 Low-alcohol cocktails to serve this summer

There are loads of low ABV cocktails to choose from, but we’re going to share six delightful summer favorites.  

1. SKYY Mule

Craving something cool with a gingery kick? The SKYY Mule is an easy-going cocktail that delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss. Add 1.25 oz SKYY Vodka and 0.25 oz freshly squeezed lime juice to a copper mug or highball glass filled with crushed ice. Top with 3 to 4 oz ginger beer, depending on how spicy you like it. Stir gently to combine, then garnish with a twist of lemon peel for a zesty finish.

2. Grand Tonic

Bright, bubbly, and beautifully simple, the Grand Tonic is a citrusy twist on your usual G&T. Fill a highball glass with ice, then pour in 1.25 oz Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge. Top with premium tonic water and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a slice of orange and a fresh berry; either raspberry or strawberry adds just the right pop of color and sweetness.

“Grand Marnier is a blend of cognac and bitter orange essence; more specifically, 51% of the blend is cognac! The cognac brings some subtle notes of vanilla and spices in addition to the vibrant and lively orange essence. Grand Marnier is the perfect ingredient to enhance the flavors in your cocktail,” says Xavier Herit.

3. Major’s Pomme

This laid-back whiskey cocktail brings zesty lime and crisp apple together in a way that works a charm. Add ice to a balloon glass, then pour in 1.75 oz Glen Grant Single Malt Scotch Whiskey and 0.75 oz freshly squeezed lime juice. Top with ginger ale, stir gently, and finish with a few green apple slices for a fresh, fruity garnish.

4. Aperol Spritz

The Aperol Spritz is the original lazy day, slow living, countryside cocktail that everyone should try. With just a splash of Aperol, prosecco, and club soda, an Aperol Spritz is born, and with it, greatness is in a glass.  

5. Campari Soda

Simple, bold, and effortlessly Italian, the Campari Soda is a go-to for lovers of bitter, bracing cocktails with minimal effort. Pour 2 oz Campari into a chilled glass filled with ice. Top with 3 oz club soda and give it a quick stir to combine. Garnish with a slice of orange for that classic aperitivo flair.

“My favorite food pairing with Campari may not be unusual, but it is incredibly specific and delicious. I love late summer heirloom tomatoes on bruschetta with soft cheese like mozzarella, olive oil, and pepper. Add a few figs to the mix and a Campari Soda—a beautiful pairing!” says Olivia Cerio.

6. Vermouth & Tonic

A Vermouth & Tonic is a low-key stunner that works any time of day. It’s light, aromatic, and endlessly sippable, pairing beautifully with big salads and simple sunny day bites. Add 2 oz Cinzano Bianco or Rosso to a glass filled with ice. Top with 3 oz tonic water and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a wedge of orange or some lemon peel to bring out the vermouth’s citrusy notes.

There you have it—the tasty low-down on easy low-alcohol drinks you can make at home. These low ABV cocktail recipes come together easily and will set you up for a fun and festive summer. To learn more about aperitif drinks, seasonal sippers, and how to host like a pro, sign up for our newsletter. In the meantime, visit the Campari and Aperol websites to get some more Italian-style cocktail inspiration.