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.

Latest video features

In the Coromandel, a home with a humble profile and a thoughtful design makes the most of a stunning location.

Built with awe-inspiring attention to detail, this Arrowtown home is a fresh interpretation of a familiar Otago rural vernacular.

This sculptural Northland bach is a perfect north arrow on a remote farm high above the sea.

With the sun on its bow and the community at its stern, this is a house in which the elements are always front of mind.

Trending articles

Design News

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.

Homes

A floating pavilion on Waiheke

On a rugged, bush-covered site on Waiheke’s east coast, Chris Tate envisaged a floating pavilion — crisp and minimal; an expression of geometric clarity; a

Interiors

Eighth wonder

A family retreat in Melbourne defined by light, natural textures, and honest materials, with New Zealand wool at its heart.

Homes

Origami House

In the heart of Ōrākei, RTA Studio has designed a striking addition to a well-known streetscape. Powerful, enigmatic, and dynamic, its jagged roofline and folded