The Last Word with Matt Cooper Non-Alcoholic Drinks To Enjoy This Festive Season
Dec 8, 2025
Vaughan Yates, founder of the TVM Collective and drinks industry specialist, shares insights into the growing trend of non-alcoholic beverages. He highlights the flavorful Wicklow Wolf non-alcoholic IPA and discusses other alternatives available in Ireland. The conversation delves into unique brewing techniques for non-alcoholic beers like Fierce Mild, and introduces functional cocktails that incorporate adaptogens and nootropics. Vaughan even shares a refreshing hibiscus spirit cocktail and an innovative energy drink with live cultures.
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Wicklow Wolf As A Sessionable NA IPA
- Vaughan describes Wicklow Wolf's non-alcoholic IPA as his go-to sessionable beer with citrus and grapefruit notes.
- He says it has a clean fruity finish and is very easy to drink.
Schneider Weissbier Matches The Real Thing
- Vaughan recalls loving Bavarian Weissbier when he was younger and praises Schneider Weissbier alcohol-free for matching the alcoholic version in blind tests.
- He highlights its banana esters, light spice and fluffy head that make it flavoursome and filling.
Fierce Mild: Brewed Specifically Non‑Alcoholic
- Vaughan tells the origin of Fierce Mild, an Irish brand that brews specifically as non-alcoholic using selected malts, hops and yeast.
- He notes their extra pale ale has bitter passion-fruit notes and good mouthfeel, and they're in many accounts and supermarkets.