Zero-alcohol celebrity drink brands are ten a penny these days, with everyone from Tom Holland to Kylie making waves (and some top dollar) in what has fast become a seriously lucrative industry. When I heard F1 legend Lewis Hamilton was dropping a non-alcoholic take on tequila, my ears pricked up.
As someone who is currently dabbling with what could be best described as intermittent sobriety (my willpower is also rather intermittent), I often miss my go-to tipple of Mexico’s finest export. Launched back in 2023, Almave is the world’s first premium distilled non-alcoholic blue agave spirit and was created by Hamilton in partnership with Mexican drinks brand Casa Lumbre.
Available in what Almave’s PR team describe as ‘two exceptional expressions’, consumers can choose between Almave Blanco and Almave Ambar, both of which promise uncompromising taste and quality.
Almave Blanco delivers a fine balance between the herbaceous taste associated with tequila and a hint of sweetness, making it a good alternative if you’ve given up booze or are cutting down on your intake. It tastes great on the rocks or mixed with some ice-cold Fevertree Mediterranean tonic.
Almave Ambar adds a little depth and complexity into the mix, with notes of brown sugar, allspice and a hint of cacao. Again, it tastes great over ice, but I liked this one mixed with Old Jamaica Ginger Beer. I’m yet to try an Ambar Old Fashioned, but apparently this makes for an excellent cocktail.
Overall, I was impressed with both releases from Almave and have been converted as a fan, but would like to see a little more oomph when it comes to getting that hit of harshness I like whilst drinking regular spirits. This is something I feel is yet to be truly replicated by any zero-alcohol brand on the market, but I’m sure this will change in the future.
Both come in beautifully designed premium bottles, which look great on display. You can pick up a bottle of Almave Blanco for £24 and Almave Ambar for £27 – both make for an excellent gift for the dry drinker in your life.