Smashed Drynks
Neil McDonald
Q&A with Neil McDonald
"I'm Neil, the proud owner of Smashed Drynks–the award-winning brand that's here to prove you don't need alcohol to have a good time. We're all about great taste, proper flavour, and giving you a choice that doesn't compromise."
Discover Smashed DrynksWhat inspired you to create Smashed Drynks and how did your journey begin?
"It started with a simple idea: why should people choosing not to drink alcohol be stuck with bland, boring options? I wanted to create a proper drink that tastes like it's meant to–without the booze. So we decided to brew premium drinks the right way, as a full-strength 5% beverage, and then cleverly remove the alcohol using steam. The result? A 0.0% drink that's full of flavour, low in calories, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free."
How do you approach crafting your flavour in your drinks, and what makes your product unique?
"We're flavour fanatics. Our drinks start their life as full-strength beers, lagers, and ciders, crafted with all the care and quality you'd expect. Then comes our secret weapon–steam! We gently de-alcoholise the drinks, so all the flavour stays where it should: in your glass. That's what makes Smashed unique. You're getting the taste, the aroma, and the proper experience without the alcohol. Oh, and did I mention we've just launched a zesty new Citrus Beer? It's a real belter."
What are the biggest challenges you face in producing a high quality low/no alcohol product?
"Getting it right. Most people think taking the alcohol out is easy–trust me, it's not! Keeping the full flavour, the body, and the character of the drink while removing the alcohol takes a lot of skill, care, and the magic of steam. It's tricky, but we've nailed it. And the reward is seeing people's faces light up when they take that first sip."
How do you envision the future of low and no? Are there any trends you're excited about?
"The future looks bright–and alcohol-free! People are starting to realise they can have all the taste and none of the booze, and it's exciting to see the low and no market really take off. I'm especially thrilled about the variety coming through–there's so much more to explore. At Smashed, we're already leading the way with our range of beers, lagers, and ciders, and I can't wait to see what the future holds."
What is one thing you wish more people knew about your product or the low/no alcohol industry in general?
"I wish more people understood that alcohol-free doesn't mean 'flavour-free'. Our drinks are brewed just like the real thing–because they are the real thing. We're the only company that uses steam to remove the alcohol, leaving you with a 0.0% drink that's full of character. Whether you're cracking open a cider, a lager, or our brand-new Citrus Beer, you're getting proper flavour and zero compromise."
What makes your drink special?
"It's the whole package. At Smashed, we create drinks that start life as premium 5% beverages and then cleverly de-alcoholise them using steam. What you're left with is 0.0% of the booze, but 100% of the flavour. Our drinks are low in calories, vegan, gluten-free, and downright delicious. Whether you fancy a crisp beer, a refreshing lager, or our new zesty Citrus Beer, we've got something for everyone.
Smashed isn't just a drink–it's a choice. A bloody good one."
"Smashed isn't just a drink–it's a choice. A bloody good one.""
Dry Drinker Loves:
Premium quality in every detail
"At Dry Drinker, we love Smashed Drynks because they prove that going alcohol-free doesn’t mean compromising on flavour. These award-winning drinks are crafted with the finest quality ingredients, delivering a taste that rivals the real thing—every sip is well-deserving of the recognition they've earned. Smashed Drynks consistently deliver bold, satisfying flavour that truly stands out in the alcohol-free world."