Mindful by design

The answer to non-alcoholic festivities this season? A range of grown-up drinks that deliver a cocktail-style burn without the alcohol.

The Mango Margarita is tropical and tangy; it brings the heat of a classic margarita with a juicy mango punch. For the perfect pour: garnish with a wedge of lime or a slice of mango; a a chilli salt rim for an extra kick.

Playful, fresh, and decidedly stylish, Free AF is the creation of Lisa King — the visionary entrepreneur behind social enterprise Eat My Lunch. Conceived from a desire to offer sophisticated alternatives to traditional cocktails, AF captures the essence of celebratory drinking while remaining completely alcohol free.

This is a collection made for summer. Think Sparkling Rosé by the pool, Mango Margaritas at the beach, or an Apero Spritz shared at a Christmas table — each blend designed to echo the taste and feel of the classics, with none of the compromise. For those who love the bite of a cucumber G&T or the zesty kick of a margarita, there’s an AF equivalent that feels every bit as indulgent.

A deliciously crisp and light Sparkling Rosé. For the perfect pour: serve in a chilled champagne flute. Dress with dried flowers or fresh strawberries.

What truly sets AF apart on the global stage is Afterglow ™ — a signature ingredient developed here in New Zealand. Derived from natural botanicals, it delivers the subtle warmth, tingle, and complexity of alcohol, creating a cocktail-style experience that’s both mindful and memorable. It’s the detail that elevates AF from an alcohol alternative to a sought-after equal.

“When I started AF in 2020, it was out of frustration — I couldn’t find drinks that felt grown-up, beautiful, and intentional,” Lisa says. “AF was born from a belief that we could design something sophisticated, inclusive, and mindful — a drink that didn’t feel like a compromise.”

Apero Spritz, a bold, bittersweet orange up front with a dry herbal backbone and crisp finish. Serve with a slice of orange, skewer of olives, or a sprig of rosemary.

Now, five years on, AF is a multi-awardwinning global brand, recognised for its innovation and design-forward approach. Its range is as diverse as the occasions it accompanies: tropical, tangy Grapefruit Margarita; crisp, celebratory Sparkling Rosé; or the bittersweet sophistication of Apero Spritz.

This summer, whether poolside, beachside, or gathered with friends, AF offers a considered choice — proof that the art of celebration is as much about design as it is about taste.

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