Now that Dry January is behind us, you might be taking a moment to rethink your drinking habits. Maybe you’ve fallen for the art of mindful sipping, or maybe you just want to sample a few cocktails without going overboard. Whatever your reason, low-proof cocktails are a solid choice for keeping things balanced without giving up alcohol entirely. These “sessionable” drinks — made with lighter ingredients like fortified wines, amaro, beer and liqueurs — deliver all the flavor without the usual punch.
Why Choose Low-Proof?
Balance and Enjoyment: Low-proof cocktails allow you to pace yourself while still enjoying the social and sensory aspects of drinking.
Flavors First: With less alcohol, the nuanced flavors of the ingredients can truly shine. Think of sherry’s nutty richness or Lillet’s citrus-forward elegance.
A Healthier Alternative: While not nonalcoholic, these drinks are a middle ground, offering a mindful option for those seeking moderation.
Low-Proof Staples to Have on Hand:
• Vermouth: A versatile fortified wine that’s perfect for spritzes or simply enjoyed over ice with a twist of citrus.
• Sherry: Dry styles like fino or manzanilla are crisp and refreshing, while sherries such as cream or moscatel add a touch of sweetness.
• Amaro: Bitter liqueurs like Aperol, Cynar, Campari or Montenegro provide depth and complexity.
• Flavorful Liqueurs: Options like St-Germain (elderflower), Cointreau (orange) or Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant) can add a burst of sweetness and aroma.
• Beer: Beer might not be something you always think of adding to a cocktail but light and flavorful beers, like wheat beers, sours or lagers, can add effervescence and depth to any drink. Think beer-based shandies or a refreshing Radler.
• Sparkling Additions: A splash of soda water, tonic or Prosecco can elevate any low-proof creation.
Recipes to Try:
1. Vermouth & Soda
- 2 oz. dry vermouth
- 2 oz. soda water
- Orange slice or a sprig of thyme for garnish
- Fill a glass with ice, add vermouth, top with soda and garnish. It’s light, aromatic and endlessly refreshing.
2. Sherry Cobbler
- 3 oz. Amontillado sherry
- 1 oz. orange juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup
- Crushed ice
- Seasonal berries and mint for garnish
- Shake sherry, orange juice and syrup with ice. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice and garnish generously.
3. Cynar Spritz
- 1 1/2 oz. Cynar
- 3 oz. Prosecco
- A splash of club soda
- Lemon wheel and Castelvetrano olives for garnish
- Build in a highball glass with ice, stirring gently. It’s a bit like an adult cola with an herbal kick.
4. Lillet Elderflower Fizz
- 2 oz. Lillet Blanc
- 1 oz. St-Germain
- 1 oz. soda water
- Lemon wheel and fresh mint for garnish
- Combine Lillet Blanc and St-Germain in a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water, stir gently and garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint. This elegant cocktail is light, floral and perfect for any occasion.
5. Grapefruit Radler
- 3 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz. simple syrup
- 4 oz. wheat beer or lager
- Grapefruit wedge for garnish
- Combine grapefruit juice and simple syrup in a glass with ice. Top with beer, stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit wedge. This drink is zesty, refreshing and perfect for a sunny afternoon après-ski!
Find Low-Proof Drinks Around Town:
900 Wall
Order the michelada, a classic beer cocktail that combines beer, lime juice, chili puree, clamato and spices for a bold and refreshing drink. For a twist, try it with Negra Modelo!
Hasta que Olvidemos
Try a Vermouth Spritz, made with vermouth and soda water, or a Tinto de Verano, a refreshing mix of red wine and orange soda served over ice.
Lady Bird Cultural Society
Opt for the Saint Tropez! Its main ingredients are rosemary shrub, Pernod and nonalcoholic Prosecco, offering just a touch of alcohol.
Dogwood at the Pine Shed (Opening Soon!)
Rumor has it that Dogwood, now open in its new location on NE Second Street, will have a menu with low-proof and no-proof options!
Unique Low-ABV Options:
I’ve always had the best luck finding new and unique liqueurs and amaros at these liquor stores:
A Cocktail Culture Shift:
Low-proof cocktails represent a growing trend toward moderation without compromise. They’re about savoring flavors, embracing creativity and staying in tune with your body and the moment. Whether you’re extending your mindful drinking habits post-Dry January or looking for a lighter choice on a night out, these cocktails let you savor the moment and the flavor.
What are your favorite low-proof ingredients or cocktails? Share your ideas — there’s a whole world of flavor to explore!
Alyson Brown is a beverage photographer and drink stylist with an appreciation for a well-built cocktail. Her passion for cocktails led to her first book, “The Flower-Infused Cocktail: Flowers With A Twist.” Presently, Brown resides in The Stacks Art Studios & Gallery in the Old Mill District, situated right in the heart of Bend.
This article appears in Jan 28, 2025 – Jan 28, 2026 and Toast! 2025.
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