Hey there, fellow beverage enthusiasts! Confession: recently I seem to have become completely and utterly addicted to mocktails and alcohol-free spirits. These delightful, alcohol-free drinks have become my go-tos, offering all the fun of traditional cocktails, minus the hangover. If you are looking for a fun and flavorful way to stay sober, or simply want to cut back on your alcohol intake, you’ve come to the right place. Join me on this tantalizing journey as I rank my favorite booze replacements.
Before we dive into my top picks, I want to acknowledge that these beverages are not for everyone. For some, just the taste of alcohol can be triggering, so please proceed with caution if this might be you. For me, however, the placebo effect of these drinks has been a truly integral part of maintaining my sobriety.
Please note, this list does not include anything on it with even trace amounts of alcohol. Everything on the following list is completely alcohol-free!
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—my favorite mocktails and alcohol-free spirit recommendations, ranked in order of deliciousness:
Unfortunately, I am currently going through a breakup. After today’s good cry, I dramatically and desperately wished to play the part of that newly single betch with a bottle of rosé and a face mask watching The Other Woman, crying some more, and allowing myself to both feel the feelings and try to relax from the overexertion and overcompensation post-breakup. Feeling feelings is not something that can be done with an excess of alcohol. Sobbing on the phone to my bestie, I threw on my comfiest and most hideous matching grey sweatsuit and took off to Whole Foods, exhausted from expending all of that emotional stress. There I was, darting through the aisles, a woman on a mission, clutching two bottles of 0-proof wine. Never did I dream this psycho could be me.
I can literally drink an entire bottle of this stuff, but who cares, right? I can now maintain a clear head while doing so, and that’s a total game-changer! This award-winning rosé from New Zealand has distinctive aromas of stone fruit apparently (had to look it up, linked if you were curious too) and fresh strawberries. It’s refreshingly dry and textured, with clean, crisp flavors that make it a light and fresh addition to any dinner table or social gathering. The notes include white peach, apple, and cranberry, and they linger on the palate, mimicking the flavor of real rosé perfectly, in my opinion! It has garnered global accolades, like recognition at the UK’s Global Low & No Alcohol Wine Masters and the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Cheers to this team of winemakers for their stellar work!
Experience the best of New Zealand wine with this premium dealcoholized Sauvignon Blanc. Famous for its fresh aromatics and crisp, clean flavors, this non-alcoholic version delivers the same delightful experience without the alcohol. Imagine enjoying a glass with delicate aromas of fresh lime, redcurrant, and lemon shortbread. The citrus flavors, highlighted by blackcurrant and passionfruit notes, lead to a crisp, dry finish that’s both juicy and invigorating. Join the movement towards non-alcoholic wines and savor the unique style of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with 0% alcohol and 100% flavor. If you choose not to purchase through my provided link, pro tip: Trader Joe’s sells these individually for only $10.99 each!
4. Ariel Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Dealcoholized Wine – Bundled by Louisiana Pantry
Experience the enchanting allure of Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon, inspired by Shakespeare’s ethereal spirit, Ariel. This oak-aged, alcohol-removed wine captivates with lush aromas of black currants, cherries, and blueberries, complemented by subtle notes of chocolate. Soft tannins and a dry finish evoke the poetic and elusive nature of its namesake.
With less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, only 45 calories and 11 grams of carbs per 8 oz. serving, this gluten-free delight offers indulgence without compromise. Perfect for savoring the magic of a great Cabernet Sauvignon, anytime.
5. Clever: Non-Alcoholic Mocktails – Margarita
Enjoy this guiltless Margarita, crafted with botanical distillate of citrus peels and pink pepper. Sugar-free and alcohol-free, it delivers the perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavors. This is the ideal mocktail for those who crave the zing of a traditional Margarita minus the alcohol. This one honestly tastes so much like a margarita I can’t believe it. Pair with street tacos!
6. AF Non Alcoholic Cocktail Whiskey Ginger
7. RITUAL ZERO PROOF Tequila Alternative
Experience the earthy agave flavors and pleasant heat of Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative, an award-winning non-alcoholic spirit that’s perfect for crafting delicious alcohol-free cocktails. This sustainably made tequila substitute, crafted in the USA, delivers the same grassy flavor, smoky aroma, and bright fire as traditional tequila—minus the alcohol, calories, and hangover. If you’re a fan of mezcal, you’ll appreciate its earthy, smoky profile, making it an excellent choice for your next sober celebration.
8. RITUAL ZERO PROOF Gin Alternative
9. Whissin Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternative From Spain 700ml, Vegan & Never Alcoholized
10. Free AF: Non-Alcoholic Paloma
A refreshing blend of lime and pink grapefruit, this Mexican favorite contains a pleasant warmth that mimics the sensation of alcohol. It’s 100% natural, low in calories, and perfect for a hot summer day. Just add ice and a slice of lime or ruby grapefruit, and you’re good to go. PS: did you know that ‘paloma’ translates to ‘dove’ in Spanish?
11. Seedlip: Notas De Agave – Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Seedlip’s latest flavor, Notas de Agave, is a vibrant and refreshing blend of prickly pear, zesty lime, and agave flavors, with notes of vanilla, damiana flower, and peppercorn. One bottle makes 12-14 cocktails, and my favorite recipe, the “Manta Ray,” combines Seedlip Agave with pineapple juice, orange juice, habanero syrup, and lime for a tantalizing treat, perfect for gin enthusiasts.
Below I’ve added an incredible recipe using this spirit called the Manta Ray from a restaurant in Annapolis I schmoozed the bartender for:
- 1/2 parts Seedlip Notas De Agave
- 3/4 part pineapple juice
- 3/4 part orange juice
- 1/2 oz. habanero syrup
- half one lime
It’s seriously amazing. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
12. Martini & Rossi Floreale Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo Alcohol Free Drink Herbal Aperitif Made in Italy
A bartender named Roger at Dear Irving in Times Square made me the best “Nogroni” with this stuff!
13. Mingle Mocktails: Non-Alcoholic Cocktails – Cucumber Melon Mojito
Celebrate your spirit with this invigorating fusion of crisp cucumber, succulent melon, and a tantalizing touch of mint. Mingle Mocktails are crafted with real botanicals and fruit juices, offering a low-calorie, gluten-free, and vegan alternative. Enjoy it on its own or as a mixer for those who still enjoy a light cocktail.
14. Mingle Mocktails: Premium Non-Alcoholic Cocktails – Key Lime Margarita Mocktail
Delight in the ultimate refreshment with this virgin mojito, featuring a vibrant medley of crisp cucumber, succulent melon, and mint. A revitalizing experience that is rare in the world of non-alcoholic cocktails, this one is perfect for anyone looking for a clean and crafted drink.
Mocktails and alcohol-free spirits have truly revived my social life, providing all the fun and none of the drawbacks of traditional cocktails and hard alcohol. Give them a try and let me know what you think! Cheers to delicious, guilt-free indulgence, and here’s to being sober, but still fun!
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