Martinis and Negronis are great, don’t get us wrong. But some occasions, like a chill night in or day drinking in the park, simply call for more sessionable cocktails.
Luckily, when the time comes to dial back the booze, there are plenty of options out there. Some low-ABV cocktails lean into the light and refreshing vibes like bubbly spritzes and thirst-quenching highballs. But that’s not all that’s out there. Others still manage to pack in complexity just like something stiffer, so there’s a low-ABV drink for everyone and every occasion.
We tapped nine bartenders from across the country to learn about the low-ABV drink they turn to when they want to lighten things up a bit. From classic cocktails popular across the pond to dependable formats that you can mix and match as you please, here are the low-ABV drinks bartenders think you should order when you want to keep it low key.
The best low-ABV cocktails, according to bartenders:
- Adonis
- Pimm’s Cup
- Vermouth spritz
- Sherry cobbler
- Carajillo
- Bamboo
- Tinto de Verano
- Collins Cocktails
- Tepache
“My favorite low-ABV cocktail is the Adonis. It is wonderful not only for its simplicity, but also for its complex taste. Its nutty, dried fruit, and rich flavors are beautifully complemented by the brightness of orange bitters and orange oil, making it an incredibly easy cocktail to enjoy all night long.” —Kapri Robinson, bartender, Allegory, Washington, D.C.
“A Pimm’s Cup is fun, festive, and refreshing. Behind the bar, we like to say we are making fruit salad because we pack so many fresh garnishes into ours. Pimm’s No. 1 is a well-loved, gin-based liqueur, that’s equal parts herbaceous, fruity, and spiced. When you add a little fresh lime juice and ginger ale, the drink sits at 5 percent ABV, which is about the same as a pint of beer.” —Laurel Delany, head bartender, Dean’s, New York City
“My go-to daytime drink is a vermouth spritz. They’re light, refreshing, and low in alcohol without sacrificing any flavor. It’s as simple as pouring your favorite vermouth over ice and topping it with Prosecco, and every bottle brings something different to the glass, making it a great way to explore the category. At Mother, we lean into that idea with our Vermouth of the Month Club: Prosecco, elderflower tonic, and whatever bottle of vermouth we’re in love with at the moment.” —Nate Hayden, beverage director, Mother Pizzeria, Newport, R.I.
“I’ll never forget the first time I had a Sherry Cobbler from Maison Premiere. I was young and really new to the cocktail scene, learning about bars and drinks, and I’ll always remember how lush and fresh it looked with a huge tuft of mint and berries and glistening ice. It was fruity and perfectly balanced. I could drink them all night long. Not all Sherry Cobblers are created equal but when they’re good, they’re great.” —A-K Hada, co-founder, dokidoki, Brooklyn
“My favorite low-ABV cocktail is the Carajillo. As a coffee lover, I appreciate its creamy, bitter, coffee-forward notes that balance beautifully without the punch of a high-ABV drink. It provides a nice energy boost, making it the perfect choice to start a night out or enjoy casually while staying fully engaged in the social aspect of drinking. Plus, it is widely available, and while fresh espresso is best, it still tastes great even when bars use a cold brew substitute.” —Gabe Ford, bar director, Modern Bar, Austin
“The Bamboo cocktail is a delightful and invigorating classic that boasts a low alcohol content, making it one of my top picks for low-ABV drinks. It pairs beautifully with Spanish tapas, whether enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening. For a sweeter twist, consider swapping the dry vermouth for sweet vermouth to create an Amber Bamboo, or use a combination of both for added depth.” —Yordi Coyotecatl, head bartender, Sugar Monk, NYC
“Personally, the best low-ABV cocktail is the Tinto de Verano. It’s red wine with a sparkling lemon soda. It’s low-ABV and easily crushable. We do it at Whoopsie Daisy on crushed ice with an Italian Limonata that’s slightly bitter and it really goes down smooth! It’s also fantastically easy to make and you can experiment with different red wines and lemon sodas to see what fits for you.” —Ivy Mix, beverage director and partner, Titán and co-owner, Whoopsie Daisy, Brooklyn
“We went through a big phase at Johnny’s Gold Brick a while ago of “Collins-ing” all the cocktails when we wanted a lower-ABV drink. Essentially, the process is to make your favorite cocktail and then dump it over ice in a Collins glass and top with soda. Daiquiri Collins? Why not? Sidecar Collins? Delicious!” —Justin Ware, beverage director, Johnny’s Gold Brick, Starduster Lounge, and Winnie’s, Houston
“My favorite low-ABV beverage is Tepache because it reminds me of home. I grew up with my grandfather drinking it on the porch and my mother making her own recipe, so it has always been part of my life. It’s a naturally fermented drink that’s simple to make, only requiring a bit of technique and patience, and it is perfect to drink over ice on a hot day. The memories I have associated with it are exactly why it’s become a foundation for many of the low-ABV cocktails I create behind the bar.” —Gerardo Bustamonte, bartender, Monkey Thief and Sama ‘Za, NYC
