Non-Alcoholic Drinks So Satisfying You Won’t Even Miss the Booze. Seriously.
Gone are the days when the non-drinker must be condemned to drink tap water (gasp!) at a dinner party or event. Now more than ever we are seeing people quit, pause or cut back on drinking alcohol. The beauty of that, besides personal health and wellbeing, is that it is fueling innovation. Entrepreneurs, chefs, bartenders and food scientists are creating exceptional alcohol alternatives. Proving that you don’t need the boozy stuff to fill your cup, feel your feels and have a great time. So whether you are sober, sober-curious, pregnant, on a fitness journey or just trying something new, here are our favorite booze-free options to try out the next time you’re in the mood for something to sip.
**A note to our sober friends. Please be mindful that certain smells, tastes or rituals could be triggering. While we fully support these brands and love that there are so many new options for NA drinks, they are not for everyone and NOTHING is worth relapsing for. Please trust your gut and your program (if you have one) to decide if these drinks are right for you.
Acid League, the crew that brought you Living Tonics (divine ACV blends), has launched what just might become your permanent wine replacement. Proxies are like wine, but better. Sans the alcohol content but full to the brim with bright fruity flavors, Proxies are the perfect stand in for any red, white or rosé. Made with tea, fruit, spices and bitters each “varietal” has a distinct flavor profile and will satisfy even the snootiest of your wine snob friends.
Inspired by Mediterranean aperitivo culture, founder Melanie Masarin set out to create an inclusive beverage that could be enjoyed by all. Simple, healthy ingredients like elderflower, lemon balm and fig give Ghia a complex herbal flavor profile. Mix with pomegranate juice and club soda to taste the dark, earthy flavors or switch it up and mix with ginger beer and lemon to pull out those bright, crisp notes. One thing we’re sure of is drinking Ghia invokes nostalgic feelings of warm summer nights, laughing with friends and having the time of our life. So we’re just going to keep doing that.
With the most delicious flavor combinations, Aura Bora is definitely our daily drink of choice. Not only are these zero-sugar, zero-calorie drinks perfect flying solo but they shine as mixers for all of the spirits mentioned here. Founders Paul and Maddie Voge use natural ingredients like cactus, basil, lavender and watermelon to create unique flavor combos you just won’t get anywhere else. Aura Bora is also making a huge impact by donating 1% of their annual revenue to environmental causes.
One more reason to try? How about free shipping on orders over $35
Whether you’re looking for a rosé to serve with brunch or a travel friendly sparkling wine for your weekend trip, you simply must try Surely. After founder Ryan Hanson spent some time not drinking himself, he set out to help de-stigmatize not drinking and make a beverage that non-drinkers could look forward to instead of settle for. With all the crispness and flavor of a true sparkling wine but without the headaches or hangovers, he has “surely” succeeded. If you want to taste what summer feels like, don’t miss out on the limited edition Coconut Passionfruit Spritz.
You may know Amass from their alcoholic spirits or exquisite smelling candles but it may be time to try out Riverine, their non-alcoholic distilled spirit. As masters of flavor and gorgeous branding, there is nothing lacking in Riverine. It’s herbaceous, yet light. Complex without being fussy. It’s a great swap for traditional gin since it is distilled with many of the same botanicals but the subtle differences are what you’ll savor.
Talk about a culture shift. A drinking culture shift, that is. Bonbuz is bringing us Euphoria vibes without the substances, nasty hangovers or bad decisions. If you’re looking for an all natural way to get that Bonbuz (or good buzz), you just found it. Bonbuz OG and Slowburn (OG’s spicy sister) are both full of adaptogens, amino acids and nootropics - meant to chill you out naturally. Both flavors taste great with just a fizzy mixer and lime squeeze but really pack a punch in a margarita, mojito or bloody mary.
Do not be fooled by these little cans, they are packed full of good feels and good flavors. Using plant magic, aka CBD, Terpenes and reishi mushrooms, these gifts from the earth help us feel relaxed and happy naturally. That we can enjoy them as a tasty beverage is the brain child of founder Megan Klein. She used her knowledge of plant based nutrition to create 4 pre-mixed functional cocktails in flavors we know and love: Paloma, Ginger Mule, Espresso Martini and Old Fashioned. Little Saints is absolutely the tastiest way to get lifted naturally.
One of the first and certainly most popular alcohol-free distilled spirits on the market is Seedlip. Founder Ben Branson knew that the world of non-alcoholic drinks did not have to be confined to sugary, fruity drinks. With this in mind, he used age old distilling techniques to create a sophisticated drink that paired well with food and appealed to the masses. Each plant used in the process is separately distilled through a lengthy 6-week process that results in deep, rich, herbal flavors that are 100% alcohol and sugar free. Seedlip’s lineup of non-alcoholic spirits have distinct flavor profiles: Spice 94 - a warm, kind of woody botanical. Grove 42 - a light, bright citrusy blend with notes of ginger and Garden 108 - an herbal blend that includes mint, thyme and rosemary.
Recess puts the “fun” in functional drinks. These pretty cans contain sparkling water enhanced with healthy adaptogens that promote feelings of calm and clarity. We love them on particularly stressful days to help keep us focused and serene. Recess is not only a great alcohol replacement drink, it’s also a healthier alternative to that 2nd or 3rd cup of coffee. Recess has recently introduced a line of Mood Powders - a great way to add adaptogens and electrolytes to any juice, smoothie or coffee. The sample pack is an easy way to try all the flavors and it comes with free shipping and $5 off with code SAMPLER5
Ritual Zero Proof is the full monty, so to speak. With a rum, gin, whiskey and tequila alternative, you have everything you need to make any mocktail your heart desires. This summer we’ve already enjoyed numerous palomas, margaritas, mojitos and piña coladas. What’s great about Ritual is they are crafted rather than distilled, so there is no alcohol created or removed. What’s even better are the flavors. Through countless batches and experiments with ingredients, Ritual has ultimately captured the real essence of these liquor flavors. One sip of the rum or tequila and you would swear it’s the real thing. Lucky for us, it’s not.
While not a beverage in and of itself, trust us, bitters makes every drink better. Traditionally, aromatic bitters were used as a health tonic to aid digestion and while they still have a number of health benefits, they also add incredible flavor to cocktails (and mocktails). During the day we love to mix Orange Bitters with soda water for a refreshing pick me up. At night though, we spice it up with an “old fashioned” made with NA whiskey, maple syrup, Aromatic Bitters and an orange peel. The possibilities are endless thanks to the unique flavors and versatility of ATB bitters. Each batch is hand crafted and contains 2-3X more botanical ingredients than other bitters, plus these are 100% alcohol free. Founder’s Carly and Ian are also committed to giving back. They are1% For The Planet members and also give 2% of their revenue to organizations that support people in recovery.
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic replacement for bubbly, Töst is a fantastic choice. The sparkling beverage made with white tea, white cranberry and ginger is as perfect with an every day meal as it is celebrating a momentous occasion. Created by beverage and culinary experts, Töst is just the right amount of sweet and sparkling to sip alone or add to a fun mocktail recipe. Try adding orange juice for the perfect brunch “mimosa” and definitely try the rosé for a crisp and fruit forward drink. Töst comes in full size and single serving bottles. We keep them both on hand so we’re ready for any occasion.
Aplós is intended to be sipped. Slowly. The company philosophy is that life’s moments should be enjoyed with intention. Couple that with a deep appreciation for nature and the richness of life and you have the starting point for a beautiful and thoughtful project. The drink itself utilizes ethically and locally sources broad-spectrum hemp as the key ingredient which promotes a serene yet uplifted feeling. The flavor is complex with citrus and herbaceous notes that can be sipped on the rocks or mixed into any number of mocktail recipes. Our favorite is Aplós mixed with muddled cucumber, a dash of agave and topped with club soda and lime.
It’s not just about the zero-proof spirits. So much of what makes a tasty mixed drink are the add-ins and for that we are obsessed with Muddle & Wilde. Founders Moira Gilbert and Laura Menz wanted to create low-sugar syrups to enhance their cocktails using only natural, healthy ingredients. And so, Muddle & Wilde was born. Delicious syrups handcrafted in small batches in California with flavors that will blow your socks off: Lime Jalepeño, Lavender Lemon, Rosemary Grapefruit, Lemongrass Ginger Lime and Hibiscus Mint Lemon and more. These syrups also pair great with lemonade, iced tea and just about anything else you’d want to add a little sweet and a LOT of flavor to.
To create a deeper conscious connection between ourselves and the universe. That is the Kin Euphorics approach. Founded by Bella Hadid and Jen Batchelor, this beverage wasn’t made to mimic alcohol, but rather to give us a way to connect mind, body, and spirit more easily. Kin offers a variety of canned and bottled mixtures, each with an intended goal in mind. Our fave is the canned Kin Spritz that features flavors of bitters, citrus, and ginger, with active ingredients like Rhodiola Rosea, 5-HTP, and GABA intended to boost mood and provide social energy. When we want chill vibes, we turn to Lightwave. A crafted spritz using lavender, vanilla and passionfruit in combination with active ingredients Reishi mushroom, L-Theanine, and L-Tryptophan.
True to its California roots, Optimist Botanicals is a brand founded on community and connection. “Rethinking Drinking” is a call to consider how present we are for ourselves and the people around us. Created with a master distiller, each flavor is inspired by a unique California landscape from the sunny beaches to the arid deserts. Whether you prefer a crisp and bright drink or something a little more spicy, Optimist has you covered. The company also started the podcast Optimist In Progress to share stories that help us become more attune to optimism AND they have donated 2% of sales since day one to support mental health access for youth in underserved communities. Truly a company on a mission!
Trade Street Jam Co. is a female chef, minority-owned business and the best thing to happen to our summer mocktails. This Cherry Chipotle Mocktail Elixir infuses everything with bright citrus flavors, slightly spicy chipotle and a hint of sour cherry. We’re over here putting a splash of this in club soda, in lemonade, in margaritas, in sparkling wine, you name it! Looking for more mocktail inspiration? Check out their website and you’ll be drooling over recipes made with their jams like spicy peach margarita and rosehip hibiscus cherry cooler.
Some of our favorite non-alcoholic pre-made cocktails are by Curious Elixirs. They are perfect for popping into a cooler for a picnic or party. The pre-mixed beverages are simply numbered 1-7, each featuring a unique blend of flavors and active ingredients to lift you up or chill you out. From the pomegranate-flavored beverage inspired by the classic Negroni and infused with uplifting rhodiola (No 1) to the lovechild of a Dark and Stormy and a spicy pineapple margarita (No. 2) the flavor profiles are so unique, you won’t miss the alcohol at all.
The Mixoloshe website says inspired by a tropical vacation, and boy do they mean it. Drinking Mixoloshe feels like summer days poolside with friends. The beauty of Mixoloshe’s booze-free cocktails is that now those fun summer days turn into even more fun, clear-headed summer nights. Founder Kristina Roth worked with female mixologists to create a low-calorie, 5 ingredient drink in flavors that you’ll want to gulp not sip. From Mango Chili Crush to Tropical Smokey Margarita, these premixed tropical cocktails are party ready.
The folks are Wilderton are masters of creating flavors and aromas that don’t mimic alcohol but create something new entirely - a botanical distillate that is unabashadly fragrant while at the same time smooth and sophisticated. Using a technique called vacuum distillation, select herbs and botanicals from around the world are gently heated to draw out their unique flavors. Whether you like a drink on the rocks or a cocktail, Wilderton does not disappoint. Unsure of how to enjoy Wilderton? Their drink catalog offers really unique concoctions such as the Earthy Beet, the Wild Bramble, and the Pomme et Terre.
Not sure which one to try first? Want to try just one of each? Enter, Nano Bar. Your one stop shop for all non-alcoholic drinks. Here you’ll find everything from NA beer to distilled spirits to sparkling wines from all our faves plus so many more. Choose from one of their starter packs or dive right in and go for a monthly wine subscription box. Did we mention super fast, super free shipping? Even more reason to get creative and sample a variety of drinks that will make your sober journey more fun and more flavorful!
