Best Non-alcoholic Spirits
Top 17 non-alcoholic spirits to try for the mindful drinker - sober, sober-curious or just for the person who enjoys a good non-alcoholic drink! Whatever the case, these are the best non-alcoholic spirits.
The non-alcoholic category has been one of the biggest movements in the drinks industry from the last 5 years. According to Decanter and the IWSR, the non alcoholic category grew “499.5% between 2014 and 2019. And there’s more growth yet to come: volume sales are predicted to increase by 40.5% globally from 2019 to 2024”
This rise in non-alcoholic drinks spurred the practice of mindful drinking. Mindful drinking is an approachable way to change your drinking habits, it’s not just about quitting alcohol all together, its about cutting down where you can and questioning the reasons why you drink and what you drink. It’s perfectly acceptable to still be quite a heavy drinker and still be classed as a mindful drinker as it encapsulates a wide variety of the drinking world. Such as the eco impact, sustainability, mental wellbeing and health. Because of that it’s not as intimidating as the sober movement.
Take me for example. I am massively into the mindful drinking movement however I still have my cheeky weekly bottle of wine. I just lean more towards the sustainability, health and mental stability side of the movement.
You can read all about what mindful drinking is and tips on how to get involved here.
What’s not included in this list?
We will just focus on the non alcoholic spirits category for this list. There are plenty of great non-alcoholic bottled cocktails, complex mixers and cordials. However for today, lets just focus on the spirit/distilled side of things!
So in a now saturated world of non-alcoholic drink options. How do you decide what to buy?
Top 17 Non-alcoholic spirits to try
In no particular order, let’s get into the best non-alcoholic spirits.
#1 Seedlip
Coming in at number 1 we have the biggest name on the list. Seedlip. You could argue that the reason we have all these non-alcohol brands to enjoy today is because of Seedlip. I remember a time 5 or so years ago when if you mentioned an idea for a non-alcoholic spirit you’d get laughed at. Just the thought of something distilled and zero abv was almost sacrilegious.
Fast forwarded to today and everyone’s raving Seedlip. The world's first non-alcoholic distilled spirit. The market leaders themselves.
What started in Ben Branson’s kitchen is now a trend setting global success. But that’s not why it made the list. It made the list because it sets a benchmark for non-alcoholic spirits in terms of flavour and craft. Showing that you don’t need alcohol to make complex drinks.
They also get massive credit for their focus on sustainability. From there process to there innovative mushroom structured sustainable and totally home-compostable packaging. They are one of the most sustainable brands out there and they don’t just do it to jump on a trend. Ben seems to really live by this sustainable and waste free lifestyle.
#2 Lyres
Coming next we have Lyres. Lyres made this list because of their versatility. They don’t just do one thing and do it well, they have a huge range of choices from non-alcoholic gin, whisky and rum alternatives all the way to non-alcoholic absinthe and coffee spirits (which one could argue is just cold brewed coffee but hey-ho)
I’m also a sucker for a good label and I love the branding of Lyres.
Why not check out their bestselling London dry gin alternative below and see what you think? Perfect with a splash of tonic.
#3 Three Spirit
Three spirits makes the list for two reasons. One, its a beautiful bottle, like I said, I’m a sucker for good branding big props to them. Secondary, not only is it non-alcoholic and sustainable but it’s also functional.
The ingredients haven’t just been chosen to mock the flavour of an alcoholic spirit. They have been picked for there individual functional properties. It’s not a spirit that’s trying to be something its not. They know they’re not alcoholic, so why try and taste like something that is? Truly embodying mindful drinking.
Take Nightcap for example. Its powdered by plants chosen to help you unwind and relax.
#4 Everleaf Aperitif
Ok, so technically Everleaf isnt a spirit as it more mimics an aperitif. However, it’s making the list regardless, due to its award winning taste.
Mixing this with soda or a dash of alcohol for a no/low alcoholic summer spritz is a beautiful tipple. As far as non alcoholic summer cocktails go. Everleaf should be a first pick.
#5 Zeo
Nope, not the Power Rangers. Stay with me, I’m talking about Zeo the non alcoholic spirit.
Zeo is one of the newest non alcoholic spirits to hit the market. It’s made in collaboration with legendary bar expert Simone Caporale. With a name like that behind it you know it’s going to be good.
#6 STRYYK
STRYYK have a range of mock spirits. Spirits that taste like there counterparts but without the alcohol, such as; Not rum, Not gin and Not vodka.
This brand was founded by the same man who founded Funkin cocktails in 1999. So you know they have the experience and knowledge behind them. I’m a bit iffy with this one though. When it comes to non alcoholic vodka, I feel as if you’re just trying to make profit. Like, come on? You know damn well that’s just water that you’re charging £19 plus £2 shipping on…
However, the others in the rage - Not gin and Not rum are both delightful. Especially the not Rum. When mixed with coke it offers a beverage similar to that of a standard rum and coke. If you’re drinking non-alcoholic spirits because you have a problem with alcohol then they are definitely the guys to go for.
#7 Sea Arch
Next on the list is Sea Arch. A non-alcoholic spirit made with seaside botanicals. Its a wonderful non alcoholic beverage perfect for mixing with tonic or in cocktails for that “walking on the beach” feel.
#8 Ceders
Ceder’s is another alternative to gin, offering a range of carefully distilled non alcoholic juniper spirits such as a classic, spicy and pink gin offering.
Created in the Cederberg Mountains of the Western Cape, South Africa.
The valley, which they now co-own, is home to many intriguing botanicals, including Rooibos and Buchu, used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples of South Africa.
#9 Caleño
Caleño first came to life in founders Ellie’s kitchen, but it was 5,000 miles later on a trip back to Colombia when she felt re-inspired by her Latin roots. After soaking up the vibrant colours, tropical flavours, and Latin beats of her family’s homeland, she returned home to bottle it.
Fuelled by that Latin positivity, Ellie set out to infuse the sun-drenched flavours of Colombia with her non-alcoholic spirits. The result? Caleño Non-alcoholic spirits for anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Perfect for when you’re tired of gin alternatives. Caleno offers a bright funky feel. The party drink for the sober.
#10 Pentire
Pentire is a non alcoholic botanical spirit perfect for making non alcoholic cocktails complex. It adds a certain level of elegance that you don’t usually get from non alcoholic cocktails.
If you’re the type of person that like heavy hitting complex cocktails and the thing stopping you from going sober is the dismal offering of overly sweet, fruity, non alcoholic “mocktails” then this is the brand you should be mixing with.
#11 Borrago
Borrago is a naturally delicious, steam distilled, botanical, non-alcoholic spirit. Designed to be mixed not drunk straight.
With no alcohol, sugar, fat or calories. Borrago non-alcoholic spirit is full of natural botanical flavours and aromas, built from the ground up to give a complex, dry and flavoursome zero proof botanical.
#12 NLL
NLL, which stands for ‘New London Light’ is a bold and refreshing non-alcoholic spirit Inspired by gin making principles.
Named after an iconic lighthouse marking the entrance to the deep-water harbour in Long Island Sound, ‘New London Light’ was once a beacon for the crews of 19th century Salcombe Fruit Schooners trading cargoes of exotic fruits and spices with the new world of the Americas.
NLL is distilled with a combination of three botanicals: rich Macedonian juniper berries, zesty ginger and warm habanero capsicum.
#13 Siegfield Wonderleaf
Siegfried Wonderleaf is an alcoholic free gin made with 18 botanicals. They note their Perfect Serve as a Wonderleaf & Tonic topped with a rosemary sprig.
#14 Fluere Raspberry blend
Fluere Raspberry blend is I guess a non alcoholic alternative to pink gin. What I love about this is that its a non alcoholic raspberry drink that adds a level of sophistication and complexity.
Usually, a non alcoholic raspberry drink would be a one note overly sweet vicious concoction. But fluere treat it in much the same way a distiller would. Keeping that complexity and blending the raspberries for a sipper with depth.
#15 Mockingbird Alcohol Free Tequila
Mockingbird, you’ll be happy to know. Is not another non alcoholic gin. In a category saturated with non alcoholic gin alternatives mockingbird breaks free of that repetitive formula and makes a non alcoholic tequila alternative. Hallelujah! This is the UK’s first of its type.
The lovely people at Mockingbird use a base of blue weber agave to create their Tequila alternative. Which is the same base as Tequila. They have also spent a long time tweaking the spirit to get that same tequila hit. Making this product as close as you can possibly get to Tequila without the alcohol.
As a side note, I just love the name.
#16 Amplify
Another great choice for a non-alcoholic sipper is Amplify. Perfect for mixing in cocktails with a beautiful and artistic label if I do say so myself!
#17 Xachoh
Xachoh has to be the Chanel of the non-alcoholic spirit world. It has a beautifully designed label, pure chic, elegant and not to mention sophisticated. Just don’t ask me to pronounce it.
Checked the website. It’s pronounced Za-Ko. Xachoh stands for the name of Zakariya Razi who discovered alcohol but he did not drink! I do love a brand with a story.
With an array of botanicals in the mix this truly makes for an exciting product. It was founded by Mohamad Djahanbakhsh. Whose upbringing was heavily influenced by his ancestral passion for promoting good health, great taste and happiness.
His family for six generations developed tasty health remedies made from Silk Road herbs and spices to 'enhance health and enrich lifestyle'. His family business values were firmly placed around high quality, premium and value for money products.
Below is Xachoh Blend Number 7, a dark non-alcoholic spirit. distilled from purposeful and premium Silk Road's botanicals: Ginger, Mace, Cinnamon, Crystal Dark Malt, Star Anise, Saffron and Sumac.
