Low-proof cocktails are having a moment, and for good reason. They're not about drinking less—they're about drinking better. You get all the ritual, complexity, and satisfaction of a proper cocktail, just without the next-day regret.
With Free Spirits, you've got options. Split the base with a full-proof spirit, build entirely from our non-alcoholic lineup, or zebra-stripe your way through the night. Whatever works for how you want to feel.
What Makes a Cocktail "Low-Proof"?
Simple: it's any drink with less alcohol than the classic version, but without sacrificing flavor or experience. A split-base Old Fashioned made with half traditional bourbon and half Free Spirits: The Spirit of Bourbon still has that rich, warming complexity you're after. It still stirs the same way, smells the same way, and hits all the right notes. The only difference? You can have twice as many without writing off tomorrow.
Low-proof doesn't mean watered down. It means intentional.
The Split-Base Technique
This is bartending 101 for the modern drinker. Take any classic cocktail recipe and replace half the base spirit with its Free Spirits counterpart. Same proportions, same method, half the alcohol.
Here's how the math works out:
| Cocktail | Classic ABV | Split-Base ABV |
|---|---|---|
|
Old Fashioned (The Spirit of Bourbon + bourbon + simple syrup + bitters) |
~32% | ~16% |
|
Gin & Tonic (Free Spirits Gin + full-proof gin + tonic) |
~8% | ~4% |
|
Margarita (Free Spirits Tequila + tequila + lime + agave syrup) |
~18% | ~9% |
Want to go even lower? Build with Free Spirits only. Our spirit alternatives come in around 0.3% ABV, or less than 0.1% when you lengthen them with soda or tonic. That's basically nothing, but it tastes like everything.
Zebra Striping: The Art of Strategic Drinking 🦓
One alcoholic, one non-alcoholic. Repeat as needed. That's zebra striping in a nutshell—alternating between full-proof and Free Spirits cocktails throughout the night.
Start with a classic Old Fashioned, follow it with the same build using our bourbon alternative. You stay in the conversation, stay in the mood, but don't end up three sheets to the wind by 9 PM. It's not about depriving yourself—it's about pacing yourself smartly.
This isn't about giving anything up, it's about staying in control.
Can You Spike Our Ready-to-Drink Cocktails?
Absolutely. Our RTDs are designed to be perfect as-is, but they also make excellent bases for customization. Want to add just a touch of alcohol? Try this:
- Add half an ounce of bourbon to our Kentucky Mule
- Splash some blanco tequila into our Margarita
- Top a Negroni with a dash of prosecco
Now you're building your own proof level instead of settling for someone else's.
Watch It in Action
Want to see exactly how to split the base? Watch our step-by-step video on making a Half-Proof Old Fashioned where we walk through the splitting the base with Free Spirits.
The Bottom Line
How do you make a low-proof cocktail? Split the base with Free Spirits, build entirely with non-alcoholic spirits, or alternate between full-proof and alcohol-free drinks. Whether you're cutting back permanently or just want options for different occasions, you don't have to choose between good drinks and feeling good.
Your Night, Your Call
You don't need to go all-or-nothing on alcohol. Sometimes you want the full experience, sometimes you want to dial it back. Free Spirits gives you that flexibility without the compromise.
No lectures, no judgment—just better options for however you want to drink tonight.
