IWSC 2025 Results: A Stellar Year for the Alternative Drinks Category

Today, Wednesday 28th May, sees the results of the IWSC’s Alternative Drinks categories released to the public.

The Alternative Drinks Category encompasses a wide range of products, from low and no-alcohol alternatives to wines, spirits and beers, to RTDs (ready-to-drink products), pre-mixed cocktails, adult soft drinks and mixers. It also includes mid-strength wines, vermouth, sake, rice wine and cider. These entries are assessed and grouped by category by the IWSC’s expert judges, overseen by our judging committee.

This year’s medal winners come from 36 countries across Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. We received a strong line-up of entries, resulting in 50 gold medals being awarded, scoring between 96 and 99 points out of 100.

Ready to Drink and Pre-Mixed Drinks lead the way

Ready-to-drink (RTD) products and pre-mixed cocktails were the stars of this year’s competition, taking home all of the top-scoring gold medals – those awarded 98 and 99 points – in the Alternative Drinks Category.

The top-scoring drink in this year’s competition was Pelin & Tonik, a Croatian pre-mixed drink based on Pelinkovac, a wormwood liqueur. It was the only gold medal-winning drink to receive Gold 99 points. Judges praised it, commenting on the “longest finish on an RTD ever” and described it as “a beautifully balanced drink that culminates in a hugely impressive long, rooty finish.”

Another stand-out brand in this year’s competition is Wat Cocktail, a Taiwanese producer that received three 98-point gold medals for its: Wat Cheese Cake Sparkling Cocktail, Wat Sake Lychee & Sea Salt Sparkling Cocktail, and Wat The Public #1 Sparkling Cocktail. Judges described the Wat Cheese Cake Sparkling Cocktail as “mixology in a can. The custard notes are the winner.”

An Australian company tops the low and no wine category

Edenvale Beverages led the way in our low and no-alcohol wine category, with two gold medal-winning wines scoring 97 points: Premium Reserve Shiraz NV, a sparkling red from Australia, and Expedition Series Verdejo-Sauvignon Blanc NV from Spain. Judges recognised the “good concentration of red fruits and some dark chocolate character. The palate has good structure with nice tannins and a good fresh acidity” in the red. David Kermode, who was among the panel tasting the Edenvale white, remarked that “the importance of starting with good fruit in the process of making de-alcoholised wine was underlined by the wines, where great fruit quality shone through on those wines achieving the highest scores.”

A standout Vermouth

In the Vermouth category, Bianco Vermouth from Vermut Miró came out on top with 97 points. Judges highlighted its “beautiful aromas of buttery biscuits… nuances of oregano, rosemary, and warming baking spices” and noted its “silky texture” which “reveals a harmonious blend of sweet citrus and aromatic herbs, culminating in a long finish.”

Low and no alternative spirits

The top-scoring alternative spirit was Amaro Liborio Analcolico from Liquorificio Italia, which received 97 points. Its “herbal and medicinal aromas” captivated the judges, who were impressed by its “rounded and complex palate” and its “long, focused finish with dry wood notes and a satisfying bitterness.” This was followed by Sober Spirits Whisky Bourbon 0%, which was awarded 95 points. Judges called it “fabulously inviting, revealing a harmonious aromatic blend of sweet spice, vanilla, and whisky.”

For the full results, visit the results section of the IWSC website.

In a break from tradition, we will be releasing detailed insights from our judging sessions and from some of the experts who make up our judging panels. From mid-June, keep an eye on our website, social media, and emails to learn more.