The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Try Right Now
Non-alcoholic drinks have revolutionized the beverage world, offering tasty and identical alternatives without the alcohol. I just hit 21 months sober, and I’ve tried a ton of options. Whether you’re sober curious, cutting back, or looking to put alcohol behind you altogether, there’s no shortage of options to explore. This guide covers my favorites and some exciting ones I want to try next.
1. Non-Alcoholic Wines
FRE Alcohol-Removed Wines
These are so easy to find at the grocery store, and they’re super affordable. FRE’s lineup includes classic wines you love and (might) crave. For me, I love a glass of red wine every now and then, and FRE hits the spot. They also have a rosé, brut, and some white options I’ve dabbled in. You can’t go wrong here!
Giesen Non-Alcoholic Wines
A more premium (aka expensive) alcohol-removed option for wine. I’ve also found this at some grocery stores. I’ve tried the premium red of this one, and they offer all the options you could want.
How is alcohol-removed wine made?
While alcohol-removed wines are created using different processes, they start as traditional wines. Then, the alcohol is removed after the fact in a way that maintains the flavors and aromas of the original wines.
2. Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Ritual Zero Proof
Ritual offers alcohol-free alternatives for every spirit (whiskey, gin, rum). Before I stopped drinking, my favorite alcohol was tequila, so now I keep a bottle of Ritual tequila on hand for special celebrations (or a day that just needs a spicy marg). This flavor felt a little spicier and smokier than the other tequila alternatives I’ve tried. I’ve found Ritual in grocery stores, Total Wine, etc.
Seedlip Distilled Spirits
I’ve only tried these in zero-proof cocktails at restaurants, but they make GREAT drinks and are semi-accessible in stores. These feel very botanical and feel less of a 1-to-1 replacement for your favorite spirit. Their options are:
Garden 108: Fresh and herbaceous—perfect with tonic water.
Grove 42: Bright citrus notes with a touch of ginger.
Spice 94: Warm, aromatic flavors ideal for cozy nights.
Spiritless
I’ve seen Spiritless listed as the N/A option on restaurant menus in zero-proof cocktails. I’ve tried the Jalisco 55 (tequila alternative), and they also offer a Kentucky 74 (bourbon-inspired alternative).
3. Non-Alcoholic Beers
The beer world has fully embraced non-alcoholic options that don’t compromise on taste. I’ve tried the most options of beer. There are lots of local options as well (like Sun King from Indy, where I’m from). Some of my favorites include:
Athletic Brewing: Perfect for craft beer lovers with a variety of styles like IPAs and golden ales. This is my favorite non-alcoholic beer brand. Not only are they tasty, but I love their branding!
Corona NA: Light, crisp, and refreshing—great for warm days.
Heineken 0.0: Classic Heineken flavor, minus the alcohol.
Guinness 0: Rich, smooth, and velvety like the original.
Best Day Brewing: Another standout with great flavor and style variety. These cans are too cute to pass up!
If you’re a beer lover, these are a must-try!
4. Adaptogens, Nootropics, and Functional Beverages
Looking for drinks that not only taste good but also make you feel good? These functional beverages incorporate adaptogens (stress-relieving herbs), nootropics (cognitive enhancers), and botanicals:
Recess Mood: Sparkling water infused with magnesium and adaptogens to help you unwind. These are perfect to put in a wine glass and sip in a bubble bath (I know from experience).
Recess “Cocktails”: Fun, functional drinks inspired by classic cocktails. I love the Paloma flavor, and I usually grab a package of these if I go to an event where I know other folks will have a drink in hand all day.
Hop Wtr: Sparkling water with hops for a beer-like experience without alcohol. They have refreshing flavors like lime, blood orange, peach, mango, etc. Perfect for a sunny day!
Psychedelic Water: A mood-boosting drink with kava, green tea, and other botanicals. I’ll typically have these before a concert. I don’t know if I would say I feel anything while drinking these, but getting the placebo effect is fun.
Parch (Pinarita — my fave): A tequila-inspired drink with desert botanicals and a burst of pineapple flavor. This is super pungent, smokey, FULL of flavor. Be prepared, but in the best way possible.
Hiyo: The social tonic is designed to elevate your mood and promote relaxation. Each flavor is a duo (watermelon lime, blackberry lemon, etc.) After a few of these, you’re meant to feel like your floating. I can say I’ve experienced this first-hand!
5. Things I Drink Instead of Non-Alcoholic Options
Sometimes, I just want something simple and refreshing that’s easy to grab. Here are my go-to alternatives:
Poppi: A prebiotic soda with a fun mix of flavors.
Lime Sparkling Water: Simple, refreshing, and reliable.
Club Soda and Lime: A classic, no-fuss drink that feels fancy. Perfect when you’re at a wedding or a bar and want a drink without reaching for an N/A beer.
Canned Sparkling Water: Bevvies like La Croix, Fresca, and Topo Chico always hit the spot.
6. Things I Haven’t Tried Yet (But Want To)
There are still so many exciting options I’m eager to try:
White Claw 0.0: A non-alcoholic version of your favorite hard seltzer.
Aplos: A hemp-infused, functional spirit designed for relaxation. It comes in a spirit or a canned option. I can’t wait to try both!
Three Spirits: A plant-based alcohol alternative that blends adaptogens and botanicals for unique experiences. They offer Livener (the pick-me-up), Social (the mood maker), and Nightcap (the dream maker).
Nowadays: A cannabis-infused spirit designed to deliver a light and buzzy experience without the negative effects of alcohol.
7. Where to Find Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Knowing which N/A drinks to try is one thing; finding them is another! Here’s a list of where I’ve found these bevvies.
Local N/A Shops: Looking into these specialty stores as they carry the widest variety, and you can often taste them in-store before buying.
Total Wine: Total Wine surprisingly has a large selection of wines and canned non-alcoholic cocktails. It’s a super convenient place to find these goodies if you have one nearby!
Amazon: Some brands can be found on Amazon. This is a weird concept, but remember, it isn’t alcohol!
Grocery Stores: Local markets, Wal-Mart, grocery stores like Kroger and Meijer typically have a small non-alcoholic section with wine, spirits, and canned options.
Direct Websites: Brands like Ritual, Giesen, and Recess offer direct online orders.
Bars & Restaurants: Many places now feature non-alcoholic cocktails and beer options—just ask your bartender!
Pro tip: Make sure to still bring your ID with you, as some grocery stores and Total Wine require an ID for purchase.
What to Keep in Mind
If you, like me, stopped drinking alcohol altogether, you likely won’t be comparing the taste side-by-side. However, keep in mind that as tasty as these wines and spirits will NOT taste like the alcohol you’re used to. They are similar, and they hit the spot for me, but I’ve had some friends make a face expecting an identical flavor. I have noticed that the non-alcoholic beer is undetectable (honestly, it freaks me out sometimes, ha).
Zero Proof Cocktails vs Mocktails
If I can offer one piece of advice: do not waste your money on a mocktail. And by mocktail, I mean the pineapple juice some restaurants and bars call a mocktail. Mocktails are typically made with juices, sodas, and syrups. Zero-proof cocktails are more sophisticated and closely replicate traditional cocktails but are made with non-alcoholic spirits, bitters, herbs, etc. Zero-proof cocktails are perfect for a night out, and most menus now have a zero-proof menu. If it were up to me, I’d save my money when it comes to a mocktail.
Cheers to great drinks without the buzz!
