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Why non-alcoholic drinks are catching on at Bankstown Sports

Bar hopping could become more fun and safer if you stick to non-alcoholic spirits as punters are finding out at Bankstown Sports.

Bankstown Sports Club has introduced a new non-alcoholic range of spirits which taste and smell like the real thing.

Non-alcoholic spirits could catch on if they are as close to the real deal as the drinks we checked out at Bankstown Sports Club.

With a trend towards healthier options and with an eye for the designated driver, Bankstown Sports, one of the biggest registered clubs in Australia, has begun stocking up on a range of non-alcoholic spirits to whet the appetite.

From Heineken’s zero alcohol beer to drinks that mimic whiskey, coffee liqueur, gin and white rum, the club is catering to punters who love a good drink without the alcohol.

Bankstown Sports beverage team leader Phoebe Lambrou with some of the combinations she has made from the alcohol-free spirits. Picture: Robert Pozo
Bankstown Sports beverage team leader Phoebe Lambrou with some of the combinations she has made from the alcohol-free spirits. Picture: Robert Pozo

The ones we tried, made by Lyre’s, were remarkably similar to the real thing. Except for the slight absence of the traditional kick an alcoholic drink gives you, they do have a winning taste.

The American malt and coke was similar to a bourbon and coke while there was hardly any difference between the real and “fake” gin and tonic.

Our experienced bartender Phoebe Lambrou served up a delicious mojito, except it did not have alcohol.

It was blended superbly with Lyre’s White Cane Spirit and went down smoothly.

Reporter Lawrence Machado trying out the delicious mojitos with and without alcohol.
Reporter Lawrence Machado trying out the delicious mojitos with and without alcohol.

All the non-alcoholic drinks tasted good and it will certainly be something that anyone can try specially if they have to drive afterwards.

Another non-alcoholic drink offered at Bankstown Sports, is Silver Princess, a fruity “gin” with berry, spice and lime characteristics. This beverage is produced by Sydney firm ALTD Spirits.

Australian company Lyre’s produce the well packaged American Malt, Highland Malt, Coffee Liqueur, Dry London Spirit and White Cane Spirit bottles.

Some of the alcohol-free products at Bankstown Sports: American Malt, Highland Malt, Coffee Liqueur, Dry London Spirit and White Cane Spirit. Picture: Robert Pozo
Some of the alcohol-free products at Bankstown Sports: American Malt, Highland Malt, Coffee Liqueur, Dry London Spirit and White Cane Spirit. Picture: Robert Pozo

Bankstown Sports is also serving up drinks from Seedlip’s Spice 94 and Grove 42, which can be served with tonic or mixed to create a sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktail.

In addition to fooling yourself and your guests that you are enjoying alcohol without the after effects, it is also cheaper than a regular spirit costing slightly more than a soft drink.

Some non-alcoholic suggestions when you next visit Bankstown Sports’ bars:

Lyre’s American Malt with cola (bourbon and cola)

Lyre’s Coffee Liqueur in an espresso martini

Lyre’s Dry London Spirit with tonic and a wedge of lime (gin and tonic)

Lyre’s White Cane Spirit in a mojito

All these are priced at $4.50.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-express/nonalcoholic-trend-at-bankstown-sports/news-story/f4f1c944766eaabd1e1d083d9ad90d84