What to Buy Bar & Drinks The 12 Best Nonalcoholic Spirits, According to Bartenders We found the best nonalcoholic alternatives for whiskey, gin, tequila, and more. By Rochelle Bilow Rochelle Bilow Rochelle Bilow is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, and the former social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines. She has also worked as a cook on a small farm in Central New York and a Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City. Her first book, a food and farming memoir titled The Call of the Farm, was published in 2014. Her second book, a romance novel set in Scotland, will be published in February 2023. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Published on December 19, 2023 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Factors to Consider FAQ Our Expertise We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Food & Wine / Food52 There's a whole lot of buzz about booze-free spirits right now. More than ever, drinkers are opting for low-alcohol and alcohol-free options — like nonalcoholic cocktails and nonalcoholic wine — even if they’re not sober. This has resulted in a wave of popular nonalcoholic drinks made for mixing or topping with soda. But if you want to replicate the drinking experience of a craft cocktail — made with spirits like whiskey, gin, mezcal, or tequila — a spritz or a can of flavored seltzer simply won’t cut it. On the hunt for the best nonalcoholic spirits, we’ve consulted cocktail experts and researched dozens of the best NA options available. As we’ve tasted our way through alcohol-free and alcohol-removed drinks, we’ve found that the best nonalcoholic spirits either taste remarkably like spirits or exist in a category all their own. Our picks for the best nonalcoholic spirits are essential for recreating classic cocktails without alcohol. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Seedlip Trio at Amazon ($90) Jump to Review Best Gin Alternative: MONDAY Zero Alcohol Gin at Amazon ($40) Jump to Review Best Tequila Alternative: Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative at Amazon ($33) Jump to Review Best Whiskey Alternative: Spiritless Kentucky 74 at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review Best Mezcal Alternative: Optimist Botanicals Smokey at Optimistdrinks.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Campari Alternative: Lyre's Italian Orange Non-Alcoholic Spirit at Amazon ($38) Jump to Review Best Aperol Alternative: Wilderton Bittersweet Aperitivo at Amazon ($37) Jump to Review Another Great Gin Alternative: Optimist Botanicals Fresh Non-Alcoholic Distilled Spirit at Food52 ($35) Jump to Review Best Rum Alternative: Ritual Zero-Proof Rum at Ritualzeroproof.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Amaro Alternative: St. Agrestis Non-Alcoholic Amaro Falso at Boisson.co (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Seedlip Trio Amazon View On Amazon $90 View On Thebar.com View On Boisson.co Seedlip has been blending unique botanical-forward NA spirits since 2015, when “sober curious” was just a footnote in the drinking culture lexicon. Their three flagship flavors — warming Spice 94, herbaceous Garden 108, and citrusy Grove 42 — won’t remind you of any traditional booze you’ve tasted. And yet, despite their unique flavors, Seedlip’s spirits play extremely well in cocktails, both classic and modern. A martini made with Garden 108 and olive brine is truly transportive. The whimsical art on these bottles is worthy of display on a bar cart, and their “from the earth” flavors inspire creativity in mixologists. It’s little wonder Seedlip is an industry leader, found at bars across the country. Bottle Size: 700 millilitersTasting Notes: Spice 94: allspice and cardamom; Garden 108: fresh herbs and garden peas; Grove 42: orange and gingerBest Use: Mixing in traditional and modern cocktails Best Gin Alternative MONDAY Zero Alcohol Gin Monday View On Amazon $40 View On Food52 $40 View On Drinkmonday.co Fans of gin praise it for its floral, herb garden-laden flavors. No surprise, then, that the maker of this zero-proof gin is located in California, a botanical paradise. MONDAY’s Zero Alcohol Gin is incredibly fragrant and made in a London Dry style. You can expect a refreshingly herbaceous sip that’s rounded out with bitter citrus and summery garden herbs. Although you could use MONDAY’s 0% ABV gin in a briney martini, we think it shines brightest in a fruity or floral cocktail — it’s also brilliant in a Negroni. We’d be remiss not to mention the packaging, too. With a gilded art deco-style label, it’s easily the prettiest bottle on our list. Bottle Size: 750 millilitersTasting Notes: Juniper, bitter citrus, corianderBest Use: In a botanical or fruit-forward cocktail, like a G&T or gimlet Best Tequila Alternative Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative Amazon View On Amazon $33 View On Drizly $22 View On Walmart $33 Ritual’s nonalcoholic take on tequila has a lot going for it and none of the bothersome side effects of traditional tequila. It’s low-calorie (just 10 per serving), and zero-proof, so you can indulge in a pitcher of cocktails without the fear of a hangover. Ritual uses entirely natural flavors in its spirit alternatives (the company also makes NA whiskey, gin, and rum), and the result is an authentic-tasting drink that blends well. Although traditional tequila isn’t smoky — that’s mezcal — Ritual’s Zero Proof version has just a touch of smoke to boost its flavor profile. Its grassy flavor, smoky aroma, and slightly bitter finish also make it a nice 1:1 substitute in mixed drinks like a margarita or Paloma. Bottle Size: 750 millilitersTasting Notes: Blue agave, sea salt, guava, slight smokeBest Use: In mixed drinks Best Whiskey Alternative Spiritless Kentucky 74 Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On Boisson.nyc View On Totalwine.com You could say that Kentucky knows a thing or two about bourbon. This NA whiskey comes from Kentucky, so although it’s missing the alcohol, it’s got the rest of the package down to a science. The spirit is crafted through reverse distillation, so it is a whiskey with a negligible amount of alcohol (it’s 0.4% ABV). Perhaps more so than other picks on this list, the Kentucky 74 is ideal for mixing half-and-half with its traditional counterpart in a lower-alcohol, lower-calorie drink. It’s a highly decorated bottle that’s won plenty of awards, including a gold medal in the L.A. Spirits Awards. Go ahead and sip on this one neat in your favorite whiskey glass, too: The taste is remarkably similar to the real thing. Bottle Size: 700 millilitersTasting Notes: Vanilla, caramel, and oakBest Use: In an Old Fashioned Best Mezcal Alternative Optimist Botanicals Smokey Optimist Botanicals View On Optimistdrinks.com View On Boisson.co View On Thezeroproof.com The secret to Optimist Botanical’s mezcal alternative is Lapsang Souchong, a black tea made by smoke-drying the leaves. Optimist also brought a little bit of California to the party, as this bottle is meant to evoke a crackling campfire complemented by desert flowers and heady spices. Smokey is a big, bold, and attention-grabbing nonalcoholic spirit that’s not content to be a wallflower — fans of mezcal know just what we’re talking about. This spirit is also diet-inclusive: It’s vegan, organic, carbohydrate and sugar-free, and has zero calories. Bottle Size: 500 millilitersTasting Notes: Smoky black tea, desert flowers, gentle spiceBest Use: In a mezcal margarita Best Campari Alternative Lyre's Italian Orange Non-Alcoholic Spirit Instacart View On Amazon $38 View On Totalwine.com View On Instacart.com Lyre’s is refreshingly bitter yet beautifully balanced, with notes of blood oranges and maraschino cherries. Many Campari purists swear this is the best NA option on the market, owing to its unapologetically bold flavor and familiar bright red color. Whether you use it in a totally NA Negroni or swap out the Campari for a lower-alcohol version, Lyre’s shines brightest in cocktails, where its bitterness can enhance and complement the other ingredients. Heads up: Like many bitter aperitivos, boozy or not, Lyre’s does contain artificial coloring to achieve its crimson hue. Bottle Size: 700 millilitersTasting Notes: Bitter orange, herbs, maraschino cherriesBest Use: In a Negroni Best Aperol Alternative Wilderton Bittersweet Aperitivo Wilderton View On Amazon $37 View On Wildertonfree.com View On Boisson.co Oregon-based company Wilderton prioritizes real botanicals when crafting their NA spirits and tonics, and the reward is a complex yet highly drinkable aperitif. Their Aperol-adjacent Bittersweet Aperitivo, for example, gets its bracingly bitter backbone from gentian, a flower known to stimulate digestion and appetite. But the rest of the ingredient list is just as impressive: cassia cinnamon, chardonnay grape juice, Seville orange, and rhubarb root all make an appearance, without a single artificial flavor in sight. Although good cocktails know no season, Wilderton’s Aperitivo is particularly well-suited for fall spritz recipes. Bottle Size: 750 millilitersTasting Notes: Grapefruit, orange blossom, and herbsBest Use: As the base for an Aperol spritz Another Great Gin Alternative Optimist Botanicals Fresh Non-Alcoholic Distilled Spirit Boisson View On Food52 $35 View On Drizly $35 View On Boisson.co Just like their traditional counterparts, alcohol-free gins vary in terms of flavor profile. This one, from Optimist Botanicals, has less citrus on the palate than the MONDAY bottle. Instead, it leads with a subtly spiced note reminiscent of real anise. You won’t find any artificial flavorings here. On the lengthy list of botanicals added are lime peel, fennel, lovage, jasmine, tangerine, and basil. Another very smart addition: Habanero extract, which replicates the hot “bite” of alcohol in a regular gin. Because it’s so complex on its own, Fresh is a fantastic bottle to have on hand for impromptu cocktails (just add tonic water and a lime slice, and you’re happy hour-ready). Like all of Optimist Botanicals’ drinks, their gin dupe practically wears a health halo. It’s organic, has zero sugar, and has zero calories. Bottle Size: 500 millilitersTasting Notes: Juniper, herbs, aniseBest Use: In a tonic or gin fizz Best Rum Alternative Ritual Zero-Proof Rum Boisson View On Ritualzeroproof.com View On Boisson.co View On Thenewbar.com Rum is such a fun spirit to have on hand. It forms the base of some of our favorite drinks and is one of the most versatile liquors. Its complex, warming flavor profile makes it hard to replicate, but we think Ritual has cracked the code with its zero-proof rum. It’s lower in sugar and calories than a traditional rum but still packs a big flavor that makes it an ideal 1:1 substitute for any situation where you’d use the alcoholic stuff. We like that it’s made with real cane sugar, and has a deep caramel color that announces the spiced vanilla flavors. This nonalcoholic spirit works great for making an alcohol-free Dark ‘n Stormy recipe. Just top it with ginger beer in a highball glass and get ready to kick back and relax. Bottle Size: 750 millilitersTasting Notes: Vanilla, toasted baking spices, ripe bananaBest Use: In a Daiquiri, Mojito, or a Dark ‘n Stormy Best Amaro Alternative St. Agrestis Non-Alcoholic Amaro Falso Boisson View On Boisson.co View On Stagrestis.com View On Thenewbar.com St. Agrestis is unique among the other brands on our list, as it trades in both nonalcoholic spirits and the traditionally boozy stuff (we’ve been obsessed ever since we tried their boxed Negroni). Because St. Agrestis knows what goes into a great cocktail, they’re uniquely well-suited to create strikingly similar NA versions. The newest product in their lineup is the Amaro Falso, a ready-to-drink cocktail that’s the best amaro dupe we’ve tasted. Period. St. Agrestis’ drinks have been known to fool Amaro experts and enthusiasts. The secret is carbonation and nitrogen, which replicate the feel and flavor of an alcoholic cocktail. The single-serve packaging on the Amaro Falso makes it a good option to pack and take on the go, and you can choose from cans or glass bottles. Bottle Size: 200 millilitersTasting Notes: Bitter herbs and potent mintBest Use: Pour over ice and enjoy straight from the can or bottle Best Aperitif Ghia Non-Alcoholic Apéritif Foxtrot View On Amazon $38 View On Drinkghia.com View On Foxtrotco.com We are Ghia superfans, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. Ghia is not meant to be a direct nonalcoholic spirit replacement. Instead, it’s a complex blend of botanicals and herbs that never tastes weak or watered down. Although Ghia sells premixed spritzes in cans, we think their original product, a bottled aperitif, is the best to have at home for making nonalcoholic cocktails. The color and texture of the drink is a rich red, thanks to dates and plum extract — but don’t worry, it’s not sweet or syrupy. Use it anywhere you would a regular aperitif (like Aperol or Campari), drink it over ice, or mix it into cocktails: You really cannot go wrong however you prepare it. All of Ghia’s products are free from artificial flavors, low in sugar, and vegan-friendly. Bottle Size: 500 millilitersTasting Notes: Rosemary, lemon balm, and yuzuBest Use: In a spritz, topped with any sort of bubbles Best Adaptogenic Kin Euphorics High Rhode Boisson View On Amazon $22 View On Boisson.co View On Kineuphorics.com Unlike the other nonalcoholic spirits on this list, Kin Euphorics doesn’t seek to mimic the taste or aroma of a traditional spirit. Instead, its selling point is a mood-boosting blend of adaptogens and nootropics, crafted to soothe stress and regulate the nervous system. Flavor-wise, it’s unique. There’s a mouth-wateringly tangy, astringent note from the addition of hibiscus, a warming backbone from anise, and a refreshingly saline quality thanks to sea salt. This bottle gets its name from Rhodiola rosea, which is thought to boost energy and a feeling of overall vitality. Like most of Kin Euphorics’ products, High Rhode is gently caffeinated. Although Kin sells ready-to-drink cans, this bottle is made for mixing, so you can control how concentrated your cocktail is. Bottle Size: 500 millilitersTasting Notes: Bitter and astringent citrus with a subtle floral finishBest Use: Over ice and topped with bubbles Factors to Consider Flavor Most of the products on this list are made to closely replicate their traditionally alcoholic counterparts, so you won’t taste a difference. They’re ideal for mixing classic cocktails. If you’re looking for a nonalcoholic spirit that tastes just like the real thing, it’s helpful to use all of the other ingredients for an authentic drink experience, including the right garnish. Use Nonalcoholic spirits taste best when mixed into a cocktail. Although you can certainly drink them neat or on the rocks, spirit alternatives lack the traditional bite or hot flavor that alcohol adds. This isn’t very noticeable in a mixed drink, but it is more pronounced when sipping solo. Some companies, however, are producing ready-to-drink mixed drinks, such as Optimist Botanicals Cali Spritz. Ingredients Professional bartenders favor zero-proof spirits made with real botanical and herbal extracts for an authentic flavor. But if you want to truly replicate a traditional spirit, be aware that sometimes coloring has been added — as in the case of rum or whiskey alternatives. This doesn’t affect the flavor, but can enhance a drinker’s perception that the cocktail is “real.” Expiration Date Traditional spirits can last indefinitely — after all, alcohol is a natural preservative. Zero-proof spirits have a shorter shelf life, although the use-by period varies from brand to brand. Most nonalcoholic spirits should be used within a month to a few months. If the beverage is bubbly, the expiration will be much shorter, simply because the carbonation will begin to dissipate once the bottle is opened. Storage With a few exceptions, nonalcoholic spirits should be refrigerated after opening. That said, not everyone follows the rules. “I don't refrigerate all the open bottles in my home bar and they tend to last well for a few months,” says Molly Cheraso, the founder of Verbena, an alcohol-free bottle shop and bar in Cleveland, Ohio. If you’re planning on polishing off a bottle within a handful of weeks, most will be fine on the counter. Frequently Asked Questions How are nonalcoholic spirits made? That depends on which type of NA spirit you want, says Cheraso: ones that mimic traditional spirits, or functional spirits. The first category, Cheraso says, comes closest in flavor and smell to the real deal. Those are made either by mixing totally NA ingredients like tea and grape juice or by putting alcohol through a specialized distillation and filtration process to remove all or most of the alcohol (any drink under 0.5% ABV can be classified as nonalcoholic). Cheraso gives MONDAY as an example of the former variety, and Spiritless as an example of the latter.Functional spirits, on the other hand, are made with ingredients like adaptogens, mushrooms, kava, and CBD, and are intended to provide a mental or cognitive benefit. Cheraso describes these as having a distinctly adult, complex flavor, and cites Kin Euphorics as an example in this category. How do you drink nonalcoholic spirits? The most common way to drink nonalcoholic spirits is in a zero-proof cocktail. At Verbena, Cheraso develops a seasonal menu of drinks that contain nonalcoholic spirits as well as flavored syrups and bubbles to create balanced cocktails. She notes that often, NA drinks can be just as satisfying as traditional cocktails: “I find that there is a placebo effect, and even though I know the drinks don’t contain any alcohol, I often feel ‘buzzed’ when I drink them.”NA spirits are just as versatile as their traditional counterparts, although if you’re ever unsure, just pour over ice, top with the bubbles of your choice, and enjoy. Can nonalcoholic spirits be used in recipes with alcohol? “Yes, definitely,” says Cheraso. NA spirits can be used with regular spirits to reduce the overall ABV of a drink. She also says that NA beer and wine can be enjoyed in alternates with regular beer and wine, so the drinker doesn’t over imbibe. Do nonalcoholic spirits need to be refrigerated after opening? Most do, although Spiritless is a notable exception. NA spirits made with botanicals and real herbal extracts are not shelf-stable and will last longer in the refrigerator. Why are nonalcoholic spirits the same price as spirits with alcohol? Quite simply, because they’re just as labor-intensive as traditional spirits. “They use the same high-quality ingredients and processes that traditional spirits use,” says Cheraso. “And in some cases, they require additional processes to remove the alcohol on the back end which increases the production processes.”The size and industry footprint of the company matters, too. “Of the dozens of products I carry in my shop, most of the brands are small, minority-owned businesses that are very new, many just created within the last 3 years. So these are small producers that don't have the volume manufacturing that big alcohol brands have behind them,” says Cheraso. Our Expertise Rochelle Bilow is a food writer and editor with over a decade of professional experience. Previously a senior associate editor and social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines, Rochelle is also a novelist, a culinary school graduate, and a former professional baker and line cook. Rochelle has written extensively about home and kitchen products in the luxury space. I Tried Jukes—the Nonalcoholic Wine Served in Some of the World’s Best Restaurants Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit