Last month, one in five adults pledged to cut out alcohol. Though it's a challenging stretch of time to cut out alcohol given the stress many of us are under due to the global pandemic, there is some good news. If you're choosing to cut out alcohol from your diet and lifestyle, the nonalcoholic options available to you have never been better.
By this point, you've likely heard of the wellness-centric sober-curious movement. Keep your ears perked. As more and more consumers choose not to drink, more major brands are churning out solid nonalcoholic drink options. And key players in the food and beverage world are taking note and investing in the market.
In case you're skeptical about how these beverages actually taste (we don't blame you), let us assure you: These nonalcoholic drinks are not just an alternative to alcoholic cocktails — they comprise a whole new exciting category that can easily stand on its own. An alternative to the carbonated, fruity, or sugary mocktails that bars all too often treated as an afterthought, the following nonalcoholic drinks offer a nuanced, delicious, even euphoric alternative for those who choose not to drink.
Here’s what we’re drinkin’ when we’re not, you know, drinkin’.
Ghia stands out from the pack not just for its chic genie-like bottle, but because of its complex, layered flavor profile. A tasty zero-proof aperitif made with botanical ingredients inspired by summers in the Mediterranean, this ruby-hued nonalcoholic drink is made with bitter gentian root extract, lemon balm, fig extract, elderflower, orange peel, rosemary, and ginger.
A key player in the nuanced wave of nonalcoholic drinks that are made with brain-boosting adaptogens and natural botanical ingredients, Ghia is a beverage formulated to be enjoyed without the looming possibility of a hangover the next day. Read more about my current obsession if you're still curious.
It should come as no surprise, really, that Acid League — makers of superbly sour, flavor-tripping vinegars — has expanded into a new territory: nonalcoholic wine. Launched in December, Wine Proxies operates on a wine club-type membership, offering three unique flavors per month, delivered straight to your door.
You can pre-order your February box now. If you're looking for a much more interesting riff on wine without the alcohol, give Acid League a try.
This spicy, botanical, nonalcoholic spirit tastes and smells almost shockingly similar to a traditional London dry gin. The first time I popped open this bottle, I was truly baffled by how much it smells like the real stuff, and a taste test yielded similar results.
I recommend serving this on the rocks with a hefty splash of your favorite seltzer and a fresh squeeze of lime. It doesn't replace a G&T — but it will make you wonder: Why add alcohol to the equation in the first place?
The first nonalcoholic drink charged with crystals, Rock Grace Crystal Elixir is a witchy option indeed. Made with natural ingredients, including rose water, rhodiola extract, and powerful adaptogens like schisandra berry, Rock Grace contains zero calories, zero sugar, and zero carbs.
This crystal-charged nonalcoholic elixir gives new meaning to the term “on the rocks.”
5
Sweet CBD Relief
Recess Sparkling CBD-Infused Water Sampler (6-Pack)
You've probably seen Recess everywhere by this point and might be rolling your eyes, but hear us out — it's a solid nonalcoholic option with added benefits thanks to 10 milligrams of broad-spectrum hemp oil.
Plus, your can will be an instant conversation-starter at the party. The new black cherry flavor is not to be missed.
If you love the taste of a hoppy IPA, but don't want to consume alcohol, Hoplark HopTea will be your new favorite beverage. A zero-sugar, low-calorie alternative to traditional brews, these craft sparkling teas are brewed with real hops and come in four seriously unique flavors. These teas are also collecting accolades as they continue to expand nationwide.
The Citra Bomb One stands out from the pack, as it's brewed with Simcoe and Citra hops and has a zesty, lemony kick.
A booze-free riff on a classic Negroni, Curious Elixirs No. 1 is made from a blend of adaptogens and superfoods, including powerful rhodiola to help promote circulation and prevent fatigue.
Bitter and herbaceous with notes of juicy pomegranate, we love serving this elixir topped with a splash of grapefruit soda and an orange wedge.
Creating an entirely new category of nonalcoholic, euphoric beverages, Kin Euphorics High Rhode is unlike anything else we've ever tasted. Created from a blend of adaptogens, replenishing nootropics for brain function, and nourishing botanical ingredients, High Rhode helps foster a sense of calm and bliss.
Kin's High Rhode has a tart, slightly bitter taste with notes of hibiscus, gentian root, and licorice. Pour Kin over ice, top with soda or tonic water, and serve with an orange slice.
Crisp and refreshing with a light vegetal aroma, DRY Sparkling's cucumber flavor is our favorite from the entire line (it also contains the least amount of sugar).
These botanically inspired sparkling waters are all food-friendly and also make a delicious mixer when paired with your favorite spirits. Try this cucumber riff with gin, or sip it solo.
It's sort of become the unfortunate norm that oftentimes, nonalcoholic drinks offered at small get-togethers are less than stellar, way too sugary, or basically meant for the kids. TÖST changes all of that. This super dry sparkling white tea has delicate cranberry notes and a little bit of spice from ginger.
Formulated by chefs specifically to be ultra food-friendly, I recommend you pick up a case of TÖST for your next dinner pairing at home.
James Beard Award-winning chef Andy Ricker, of Portland's Pok Pok, is behind this line of sweet and spicy vinegar-based cordials. With flavors like ginger, berry, and our personal favorite, Thai Basil, these vinegary nonalcoholic cordials taste great topped with soda.
Created by Momofuku’s longtime bar director John deBary, Proteau is a nonalcoholic botanical aperitif here to delight the senses. A mixture of blackberries, dandelion root, black pepper, fig vinegar, and licorice, this aperitif isn't an alcohol replacement — it's simply its own nonalcoholic animal.
One of the many delicious Seedlip flavors currently on the market, Garden 108 is truly a special spirit (distilled without alcohol, of course). An herbaceous blend reminiscent of gin's botanical structure and aroma, this nonalcoholic drink tastes like garden-fresh sweet peas, basil, and mint.
Try Seedlip on the rocks with a splash of sparkling or tonic water and a fresh mint sprig. Then thank us later.
14
For Cardamon Lovers
DRAM Apothecary Cardamom & Black Tea Sparkling Water (12-Pack)
This ready-to-sip nonalcoholic canned beverage from Colorado-based brand DRAM Apothecary is made from organic herbal bitters, cardamom, and black tea with just a touch of black pepper. Most people like sipping these bad boys chilled straight from the can, but we've heard they also make a mean mixer.
15
A Much Better Mixer
Perrier & Juice Flavored Sparkling Beverage (18-Pack)
We know it can be a pain to buy (and schlep home) both seltzer water and fruit juice mixers. Perrier thought ahead with these genius Perrier & Juice flavored sparkling beverages in fun flavor combos like Peach & Cherry, Strawberry-Kiwi, and Pineapple-Mango. No mixer required.
Danielle St. PierreSenior Food & Drink EditorDanielle is the former food & drink editor for BestProducts.com, where she put her knowledge as a cocktail consultant and connoisseur to use; her work can also be spotted on Thrillist, Food & Wine, and Delish.
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