12 Best Zero-Proof Spirits to Level Up Your Mocktails

Whether you’re in recovery, cutting back, or don’t drink for personal reasons, alcohol isn’t for everyone. But just because you don’t drink doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. You can still enjoy a delicious mocktail — and make it extra special with a non-alcoholic spirit.

Here are the 12 best non-alcoholic spirits to level up your mocktails, plus recommendations for the best mocktails to go with each spirit.

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the cocktail recipes linked within this article contain alcohol. To make them a mocktail, simply replace the alcohol with the zero-proof spirits mentioned below.

12 Best Zero-Proof Spirits

In recent years, non-alcoholic spirits have gained a lot of popularity. Since there are hundreds of options to choose from, we did the research so you don’t have to.

Here’s a quick list of the 12 best non-alcoholic spirits:

1. Best whiskey alternative: Spiritless Kentucky 74

2. Best gin alternative: John Ross The Herbarium Spirit

3. Best vodka alternative: STRYKK Not Vodka

4. Best rum alternative: Lyre's Spiced Cane Spirit

5. Best red wine alternative: Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon

6. Best white wine alternative: Giesen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 0% Alcohol

7. Best rosé alternative: St. Regis Non-Alcoholic Shiraz Rosé

8. Best tequila alternative: Ritual Tequila Alternative

9. Best brandy alternative: Arkay Alcohol Free Brandy

10. Best bourbon alternative: Lyre’s American Malt

11. Best Aperol Spritz alternative: SpritzISH

Best amaretto alternative: Amaretto Liqueur Non-Alcoholic Alternative

1. Best whiskey alternative: Spiritless Kentucky 74

Whiskey lovers, rejoice! This non-alcoholic spirit is a great substitute for all of your favorite whiskey drinks. Reviewers say it's tasty enough to drink straight up or on the rocks, too. It has a smooth finish with notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla.

Spiritless Kentucky 74 is gluten-free, allergen-free, vegan-friendly, and non-GMO. More good news: It only has 15 calories and 4 grams of carbs per 2 fluid ounce servings. Turn it into a virgin whiskey sour, whiskey smash, whiskey highball, Manhattan, old fashioned, or New York sour.

2. Best gin alternative: John Ross The Herbarium Spirit

The Herbarium Virgin Distilled Botanicals by John Ross is a great substitution for gin fans. It's an herbaceous drink with a complex flavor profile. The primary flavors are rosemary and sage, but you’ll also notice notes of lavender, lemongrass, angelica root, lime, coriander, and sage. You'll get a nice hint of juniper berries — the fruit that traditional gin is made from. 

The Herbarium is best served over large ice cubes with a squeeze of lemon. You can also turn it into a classic non-alcoholic gin and tonic or a refreshing gin fizz. 

3. Best vodka alternative: STRYKK Not Vodka

This gluten-free vodka alternative is 100 percent natural with no added sugars or artificial flavors. Capsicum spice gives it a hot kick, while cucumber and menthol cool it off. All in all, it’s a balanced drink that most vodka lovers will enjoy.

STRYKK Not Vodka tastes delish when served chilled or over ice. It’s also the perfect addition to classic cocktails like a vodka martini, Moscow mule, cosmo, Bloody Mary, or a white Russian.

4. Best rum alternative: Lyre's Spiced Cane Spirit

Even though it's non-alcoholic, Lyre's Spiced Cane Spirit represents the best of rum. It's a beautiful blend of toasted nuts, spiced vanilla, caramel, toffee, and fig. A 100 milliliter serving only has 2.5 grams of sugar and contains 90 percent fewer calories than regular rum.

For a sweet treat, add a splash to your favorite cola. Or, transform it into a delicious mocktail version of signature rum cocktails like a rum runner, piña colada, rum punch, hurricane, or hot buttered rum. Yum.

5. Best red wine alternative: Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon

This dealcoholized Cabernet Sauvignon tastes just like the real thing. It has notes of cherry, blueberries, black currants, and chocolate. Reviewers say it has a dry taste and smooth finish. 

Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon has 52 calories per 8 ounce serving. While lots of folks like to drink this wine solo, it can also be used to create virgin cocktails. Some yummy options include an 1870 sour, francophile, figurati, bitter temptation, red wine sangria, or a devil’s margarita.

6. Best white wine alternative: Giesen Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 0% Alcohol

This Sauvignon Blanc alternative has subtle notes of citrus with a hint of melon and passion fruit. Unlike some other varieties of non-alcoholic white wine, Giesen's version isn't overly sweet. Reviewers say it has a clean, dry finish and tastes great when chilled.

This refreshing New Zealand import pairs perfectly with fresh salads, seafood, or cheese. You can also create creative white wine mocktails. Try a bicicletta, white winespritzer, sauvignon blanc punch, St-Germain, or white sangria. 

7. Best rosé alternative: St. Regis Non-Alcoholic Shiraz Rosé

Rosé is known for its pink color and delicate taste. It's a popular option during the hotter months and works well in a variety of mixed drinks. This non-alcoholic rosé — made entirely from Shiraz grapes — is a great substitute for the real thing. It’s simple, refreshing, and satisfying. 

St. Regis Non-Alcoholic Shiraz Rosé has 60 calories per 3.5 ounce serving, which is about half the amount of your average alcoholic rosé. You can use it to make non-alcoholic rosé sangria slushies, pink French 75 cocktail, lemonade rosé, or rosé wine granita. 

8. Best tequila alternative: Ritual Tequila Alternative

A zero-proof tequila that tastes like the real thing? Sounds too good to be true. But wait! The Ritual Tequila Alternative is the real deal. A fan favorite, it has a subtle, smoky aroma with bold notes of lime.

A 1.5 ounce serving has 0 calories and 1 gram of carbs. Enjoy it in a booze-free margarita, paloma, tequila sour, Mexican mule, tequila sunrise, or Bloody Maria.

9. Best brandy alternative: Arkay Alcohol Free Brandy

This alcohol-free brandy from Arkay has the same warm notes and deep aroma that folks love about alcoholic brandy. But unlike boozy brandy, this blend contains no calories, carbs, or sweeteners. 

Arkay Alcohol Free Brandy is a great addition to a non-alcoholic brandy Alexander, brandy old fashioned, milk punch, or brandy Manhattan. Or, sip it over the rocks with a twist of lemon.

10. Best bourbon alternative: Lyre’s American Malt

Lyre's American Malt showcases the best elements of bourbon. It has a beautiful bouquet with notes of sweet spice, vanilla, caramel, and charred oak. Reviewers say it boasts a balanced blend of sweet and smoky flavors.

You can use this bourbon alternative to make a memorable mocktail like a hot toddy, whiskey sour, ginger rabbit, bourbon old fashioned, bourbon Manhattan, mint julep, or vanilla bourbon.

11. Best Aperol Spritz alternative: SpritzISH

Here's one for folks who appreciate the convenience of a cocktail in a can. This alcohol-free mocktail is the best substitute for an aperol spritz you can find. It has a complex flavor profile with pleasant herbal and bitter notes.

SpritzISH is low in sugar and calories. While you can drink it straight from the can, you may also like it poured over ice. Or, make it fancy by serving it in a beautiful glass and garnishing it with sliced citrus fruits.

12. Best amaretto alternative: Amaretto Liqueur Non-Alcoholic Alternative

Amaretto is one of the most popular liqueurs on the market. This substitute has the same deep, rich almond flavor as the original. You may also enjoy its cozy notes of vanilla and cherry. 

A 1.5 fluid ounce serving has 25 calories, which is substantially less than alcoholic amaretto. Perfect for sipping, this booze-free amaretto tastes great in mocktails or on its own. Try it in an amaretto sour, Italian margarita, or French Connection.

Pro tip: Add a splash to your morning coffee for a soothing, warm experience.

Takeaway

There are lots of reasons to avoid drinking alcohol. Those in recovery may prefer to avoid drinks that remind them of real alcohol. However, if you still want to enjoy a mocktail, these 12 zero-proof spirits are the best of the best.