Here’s a quick guide to preparing a flavour-forward Nolo bar this Diwali

Diwali parties mean bejeweled guests, tables laden with sweets, grazing boards and a bar to match the menu. But, what if you could reinvent the Diwali party with a nolo (no alcohol) twist? Gen Z is drinking much less alcohol than the Millennial generation and when they do drink, they choose beverages with lower ABV (alcohol per volume). In fact, according to Precedence Research, the global non-alcohol beverages market is projected to grow from $1.41 trillion in 2025 to $2.68 trillion by 2034, and in India, the NoLo (no- and low-alcohol) segment is already valued at ₹67,000 crore, which is expected to more than double by 2030. So we talk to bartenders, industry experts and mixologists about how to spruce up a bar menu that’s taste-friendly, but doesn’t leave you with a nasty hangover.

taste without soul

Vikram Achanta, founder and CEO of Tuliho and co-founder of 30BestBarsIndia and India Bartender Week, keeps it simple, “People are experimenting with celebrations, giving them more control. They can adjust the alcohol, sweetness or flavor to suit their tastes. Sober & Co, India’s non-alcoholic spirit is now available in four variants – gin, pink gin, rum and Whiskey. In addition to working on dedicated non-alcohol cocktails with these variants, they are also working on a Conscious Cocktail menu – mixing 15ml of sober with 30ml of spirits to create mindful low-ABV drinks. These are strong signals of how seriously the industry is taking this change.”

For Suzanne Homan, director of Goa-based Kantala Spirits, which pioneered the flavor of the Indian agave spirit, Gracia Cero (Raw ‘n’ Wild Mango and Pineapple Piñata) is a 0 ABV tequila option, so you can take a shot without the buzz. “I realized that young Indians are health conscious, experimental, progressive and trying to understand sophistication. We wanted to give them a new option to savour. It’s called Sero as a tribute to Ayrabhatt who gave us Zero,” says Sussanne.

Available on eCommerce websites, “A spirit like agave can be used in a non-alcohol margarita to cut some of the spice and fat at the party table. We’ve added agave flavoring, made from the agave plant, which provides the same viscosity, warming sensation and mouthfeel as the spirit.”

Hydration for the win

For party-hoppers, hydration is important, and not just in sodas or mixers. Mixologist, Fay Barreto, who has created the menus at Scarlet House, Mumbai, says simple drinks and water can be game changers at parties.

“You can make a zero proof picante with a 0 ABV spirit, some peppers, lemon and simple syrup (sugar solution). Use different mixers like tonic or soda, low ABV vermouth or liqueurs, and then layer them with kombucha. You can also make the drink using matcha and coffee.” Barreto also suggests the hydration potion served at Scarlet House, “The hangover cure is simply water, cherry tomatoes, oregano, jalapeños, pickled onions, sea salt and cucumbers soaked for eight hours and then refrigerated.” Other water combinations use herbs and berries, citrus fruits and cucumbers that work well for hydrating at parties or between heavy meals.

Layering for lower ABV

Devana Vermouth Indica, India’s first vermouth (an aromatic, fortified wine, flavored with various botanicals) makes low-ABV drinking more interesting, keeping guests in a high spirits minus the high ABV spirit. Adarsh ​​Gadvi, Founder of Davana, explains, “During the festive season, there is a growing appreciation of lighter, more balanced drinks that complement rather than compete with food. That’s where vermouth fits in beautifully. At just 15% ABV, vermouth is a refreshing aperitif that pairs seamlessly with Indian cuisine. What really appeals to curious audiences is the What resonates with it are the layers of flavor of Indian botanicals, which is exactly what many people in this movement are looking for.”

Instead of frozen colas and flavored sodas, mixers today have stepped up the bar – from flavored tonic waters, think grape and hibiscus, to sugar-free syrups, or flavored ginger beer or Eleanor (coconut water) kombucha, today a rum-free mojito can be prepared with coconut water, mint, sugar and 0 ABV rum or, for some, soda. Sprinkles can be added. Excitement.

prepare your drinks

Today the bar is equipped with decorations and special ice for every occasion. “Just because you’re not drinking a traditional drink doesn’t mean it shouldn’t look like one. For our zero ABV margarita with agave, you can rub your glass with a slice of lime followed by a dash of pepper and salt,” says Suzanne.

Pairing ice cubes with herbs, or edible flowers is another way to add a festive touch to the drinks table. For those who like a healthy dose of drama with their drinks, soak some dried butterfly pea (blue pea) flowers in hot water for ten minutes and add it to any lemon drink so that it changes color from blue to lavender! Try different-sized sugar and salt rimming glasses for some festive flair – tall glasses for highballs or spritzers, flutes for sparkling drinks, stemless goblets for most others. The use of colored syrups or Aperol (11% ABV, Italian bitter aperitif with a clear orange color made from gentian, rhubarb and cinchona) keeps the drink tasty and light.

Germaine Araud, managing director of Monin India, suggests layering not only colour, but also spice, herbal notes and texture. “The challenge is to ensure that these drinks feel equally layered and satisfying as spirits-forward cocktails. Syrups, such as hibiscus, rose, saffron, or spice, play an essential role in bringing complexity, texture, and cultural resonance through the flavors,” he shares.

For those who want to drink a drink but keep its ABV low, Tanisha Bhatia, mixologist at Simba Beer and ZigZag Vodka, says, “You can easily prepare low-alcohol cocktails by paying attention to balance and dilution. By using fresh ingredients, sparkling mixers, kombucha, or cold-pressed juice, you can elevate the drink, and its overall Can reduce alcohol content. Mixing 30ml vodka (40% ABV) with 90ml tonic or soda, topped with herbs or citrus, gives you a balanced drink that is very low in ABV but still packed with goodness. Low-ABV cocktails aren’t about sipping the spirit, they’re about redefining how we enjoy it. Are. It’s about creating drinks that are easy, delicious, and perfect for sipping throughout the day.”

So whether you’re hosting or partying this festive season, being cool or serious doesn’t have to be boring; It’s all about keeping the drinks and conversation light and full of flavor.