A non-alc distillery on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Seadrift, has taken out two Bronze medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

It was the only Australian distiller to win a medal in the category at SFWSC, for both its Seadrift Coast Non-Alcoholic Gin and Wild Hibiscus Non-Alcoholic Pink Gin. It follows the spirits winning two medals at the London Spirits Competition 2023.

Co-founded by Carolyn Whiteley and her husband Alastair, Seadrift opened the doors to Australia’s first non-alcohol craft distillery in December 2020. Since then, it has expanded its product and service range and opened So-Bar, Australia’s first non-alcoholic bar.

“Cutting back on alcohol has been shown to generate positive feelings such as a sense of self-determination, higher self-esteem and confidence in your social identity,” said Whitely.

“On top of this, the health benefits can include better quality of sleep, hydration, weight loss and improved energy. It’s a real win for physical and mental health.”

Recent years have seen a steady rise of ‘sober curious’ and ‘mindful’ drinkers, with health-conscious millennials leading a wave of consumers who are embracing socialising without booze. According to La Trobe University, the number of 18-24-year-old Australians who don’t drink has doubled in the past 20 years.

Research has also found that 71% of Australian consumers intend to increase or maintain their low or no-alcohol consumption next year. Reflecting this lifestyle choice, the IWSR forecasts that the low and no-alcohol drinks volume in Australia will grow by 16% by 2024, while globally, the non-alcoholic drinks market is predicted to grow a whopping 31%.

Seadrift, which uses locally grown ingredients in its distilled spirits, said it aims to play an instrumental role in cementing this trend with its focus on premium quality, crafted alcohol alternatives that are every bit as sophisticated and complex as their high-proof counterparts.

Here’s a serving suggestion for Seadrift Wild Hibiscus Non-Alcoholic Gin …

Cranberry Fizz

60ml Seadrift ‘Wild Hibiscus’

60ml cranberry juice

15ml lemon juice

15ml sugar syrup

A few drops of pure vanilla extract

10ml egg white

Scoop of ice

METHOD: Add to a shaker, shake well and strain into a short glass. Finish by topping glass with soda water and garnish with a skewer of blackberries and a rosemary sprig.

Low and non-alcoholic drinks boom at Aussie venues