Picture this: You’re out for dinner at your friends’ house. They’ve made a selection of wonderful desserts. We all know after dinner drinks go hand in hand with a lovely apple crumble or sticky toffee pudding.
But what if you’re alcohol-free? The designated driver? Don’t worry, we have you covered.
The best non-alcoholic drinks to pair with dessert are usually non-alcoholic wines and champagnes. Alcohol-free Wines and champagnes are a great end to an evening and accompany the taste of most desserts better than anything else with their complex flavours and fruity aromas. Certain sweet alcohol-free cocktails will work perfectly with an after dinner treat too.
We have an excellent selection of Alcohol free wines and champagnes here at Zero Zilch Zip.
All of which have been carefully selected by our Zerologists to offer you only the finest options if you’re leaving out the alcohol. Alongside this, in our Zerology Zone, we have amazing alcohol-free cocktail recipes if you’re looking for a little inspiration.
Non-alcoholic drinks that go with chocolate desserts
Chocolate. Arguably the pinnacle of all things sweet. The best non-alcoholic drinks for chocolate-based desserts are either wines, whiskeys or smooth mocktails, all depending on the style of dessert.
Here’s our favourite alcohol-free pairings with certain chocolate desserts.
1) Chocolate cake and Ariel 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Ariel are a pioneer of non-alcoholic wines. This choice contains aromas of berries and chocolate. Making it the perfect combination for your after-dinner chocolate cake and ice cream/custard.
2) Chocolate fudge cake and Gnista Barreled Oak
Gnista Barreled oak is a smokey, alcohol-free whiskey alternative that accompanies a hot, creamy chocolate fudge cake perfectly. Its warm spices and chocolate rye ensure it’s the perfect match for this classic dessert.
3) Chocolate souffle and Chateau del ISH Sparkling Rose
With both Souffle and Rose being of French origin, it’s only right that they go perfectly together. Its fruity blend of Merlot and Pinot Noir grapes complement the liveliness of the Souffle and its moderate acidity and flavour give you that classic rose experience, without the alcohol.
4) Chocolate fondue and Thomson and Scott Noughty Organic Chardonnay
The rich flavour of this alcohol-free chardonnay matches perfectly with the smooth, rich nature of the fondue. Its bubbles complement the melt-in-your-mouth sensation and ensure that this pairing tingles your senses. If this isn’t up your street, try a smooth alcohol-free espresso martini with Lyre’s Coffee Originale.
All of these chocolate dishes will perfectly match non-alcoholic whiskey/bourbon mocktails with the use of Caleno dark and spicy or Crossip dandy smoke as the fiery nature of these drinks balances the smoothness of chocolate desserts.
Non-alcoholic drinks that go with cakes
Whether homemade, shop bought or part of the three course menu, cake is the ultimate comfort food. The best non-alcoholic drinks that go with cakes are usually fruity, sweet alcohol-free wines, but it depends on the style of cake you’re eating.
Here’s our favourite pairings:
1) Strawberry or Lemon Cheesecake and Van Nahmen Fruit Secco
With its sparkling nature and fruity tones, Van Nahmen Fruit Secco is the perfect partner to a lemon or strawberry cheesecake. Reminiscent of a ripe riesling, the taste combinations are bound to start a party for your palette.
2) Red velvet Cake and Jose Maria da Fonseca
With its smooth and creamy taste and texture, it’s only right to pair red velvet cake with a light, soft and fruity alcohol-free wine to restore balance. Jose Maria De Fonseca is the pinnacle of alcohol-free wines and ensures all is right when tucking into your cake.
3) Victoria sponge cake and fruity gin mocktails
An absolute staple of the cake world. Granny’s favourite. For a classic victoria sponge, try alcohol-free mocktails using Xachoh Blend Number 5, fruit juice and soda water, just to add that hint of fizz. You can even add a hint of Wilfred’s Bittersweet for that extra fruity kick.
Non-alcoholic drinks for other popular desserts
1) Popcorn and alcohol-free beer
If you’re sitting down in front of the TV (or in the cinema, providing they have options!) There's no better feeling than cracking open a cold one with some popcorn. We recommend Days Lager or Lucky Saint.
2) Apple Pie and Drynks Unlimited Smashed Cider
Not much to say on this one. The apples in the pie and in the cider pair together perfectly.
3) Strawberry Ice Cream and LA Brewery Sparkling English Rose
With a blend of organic rose petals and elderflower, the flavours of this traditional alcohol-free rose blend perfectly with the sweetness of strawberry ice cream.
4) Creme brulee and creamy mocktails
The best mocktails for creme brulee are ones that have a creamy texture. Why not try an alcohol-free Pina-Colada or a virgin white Russian using Lyre’s Coffee Originale.
It’s clear that each dessert has its own unique, non-alcoholic drink pairing. For most it’s about matching the taste to each other but with some, it’s about ensuring the taste of the drinks cuts through the flavours of the dessert and ensure they complement each other well, even if the flavours are different.
Check out our other alcohol-free insights in our Zerology zone.
