The 13 Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks, According to Taste Testers

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Photo: Courtesy of Ritual Zero Proof, Wildwonder and Monday

The holiday season can leave you feeling a little sluggish. All the extra booze and sugar-filled sweets call for a reset. Enter Dry January, the month when many voluntarily choose to abstain from drinking alcohol for 31 days. Because of its benefits—including better sleep and a stronger immune system—this challenge might encourage you to reduce or eliminate alcohol in your diet beyond the 31-day mark.

Alcohol is a big part of our culture, which is why it can be hard to give up booze. Some people like the taste of it and how it makes them feel, while others partake in drinking simply to blend in at social events. If you're sober curious or want to reduce your intake, nonalcoholic drinks are a great alternative to spirits. The ingredients vary from brand to brand, but overall, the booze-less beverages below make sipping on mocktails a satisfying experience.

There are substitutes for wine, whiskey, beer, liquor, and basically every type of alcohol imaginable. You can buy alcohol-free spirits that literally taste like the real thing but have an ABV of zero, or you can reach for canned beverages, like these spritzers from Kin Euphorics or WildWonder, that help boost gut health or elevate your mood. No matter what you choose, you can rest assured you'll wake up without a hangover.

Below, we've highlighted the best nonalcoholic drinks to have on hand for parties, date nights, and everyday enjoyment. Don't forget to stock up on mixers, like club soda and tonic water, as well as citrus fruits and herbs for garnishes. Who says booze-free drinks have to be boring?

The Best Nonalcoholic Drinks of 2023

Best Alcohol-Free Tequila: Ritual Tequila Alternative
Best Gin Alternative: Monday Zero-Alcohol Gin
Best Nonalcoholic Rum: Ritual Rum Alternative
Best Spirit-Free Whiskey: Monday Zero-Alcohol Whiskey
Best for Mixed Drinks: Bonbuz Alcohol-Free Spirit
Best for Gut Health: WildWonder Mocktails
Best Aperitif Alternative: Lyre's Italian Spritz

Best Alcohol-Free Tequila: Ritual Tequila Alternative

ritual zero proof tequila alternative non alcoholic drink — Courtesy of Bridget Degnan and Ritual Zero Proof

FROM $27, RITUAL ZERO PROOF

Spicy margs are my go-to drink, and Ritual Zero Proof helped me nail the spirit-free version. This nonalcoholic tequila is made with natural botanicals, contains zero calories, and does an outstanding job of mimicking the peppery finish of tequila. It smells and tastes like the real thing but allows you to wake up the next morning feeling refreshed. In my mocktail, I muddled a sliver of a jalapeño with a lime wedge, added about 2 ounces of tequila alternative, and then mixed in agave and club soda. Ritual Zero Proof gives you the option to subscribe and save for delivery every 15, 30, 45, or 60 days, which saves you 10% each time, or to buy one bottle at a time.

Best Gin Alternative: Monday Zero-Alcohol Gin

zero monday no alcohol gin — Courtesy of Bridget Degnan

FROM $36, MONDAY

Craving a gin and tonic? Your taste buds, mind, and body will thank you for using this zero-alcohol gin. The booze-less beverage contains natural spring water and natural extracts, like juniper, coriander seed, and cucumber, giving it a pleasant aroma and refreshing flavor. Unlike other brands' spirits, Monday's version didn't have much of a burn or bite, which I enjoyed. The nonalcoholic gin doesn't have any carbs, sugar, or calories and is suitable for vegan, Paleo, and gluten-free lifestyles. There are a lot of delicious drink recipes you can try (think: bees knees and French 75), but you can never go wrong with a splash of tonic and lime juice. You can subscribe and save to receive a bottle every 30 or 60 days for $36 per shipment or buy one bottle at a time for $40.

Best Nonalcoholic Rum: Ritual Rum Alternative

ritual zero proof rum alternative non alcoholic drink — Courtesy of Bridget Degnan

FROM $27, RITUAL ZERO PROOF

I don't drink rum often, but when I do, I prefer it during the colder months. Featuring hints of warm vanilla and spice, this spirit-free rum has the same fragrance and flavor profile of the dark and stormy liquor. Plus, the drink features zero calories and only 2 grams of sugar per serving, so it won't sabotage your health goals. Rum-loving reviewers on the company's website say that it "tastes better than Captain Morgan and Diet Coke," and that they "would bet money it would fool the most seasoned rum drinker!" If you like the bite of rum, you might enjoy it on the rocks. However, if you're kind of a wimp (like myself), I recommend mixing it with ginger beer or club soda and fresh lime juice.

Best Spirit-Free Whiskey: Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey

monday zero alcohol whiskey mocktail — Courtesy of Bridget Degnan

FROM $41, MONDAY

OK, I'm not a whiskey drinker—whether or not it contains alcohol. But luckily, my fiancé volunteered to be the taste tester of this booze-free whiskey since his favorite cocktail is an old-fashioned. He said, "It tastes similar to Chivas, with a nice balance of sweet and heat." The nonalcoholic whiskey features notes of caramel, coffee, and citrus and has zero calories, sugar, and carbs in each serving. You can subscribe and save for consistent deliveries every one or two months or purchase one bottle at a time. Drink it on the rocks to feel the burn, or add a splash of Diet Coke for an easy-to-drink mocktail.

Best for Mixed Drinks: Bonbuz Alcohol-Free Spirit

bonbuz mocktail — Courtesy of Bridget Degnan

FROM $40, BONBUZ

Want a mixed drink that doesn't taste like liquor? And makes you feel good? Bonbuz has the opposite effect of "hangxiety," featuring serotonin boosters like 5-HTP, gingerroot, and Rhodiola rosea. Along with its mind-elevating effects, Bonbuz has a tangy, earthy, and herbal flavor profile that reminded me of a ginger kombucha but without the intense fermentation. One serving of the drink has five calories, 2 grams of fiber, and 0 grams of sugar, plus a nice dose of vitamin B6 for your immune and nervous systems. I recommend pouring 2 ounces of Bonbuz over ice, topping with club soda, and garnishing with an herb of your choice.

Best for Gut Health: Wildwonder Mocktails

mango turmeric mocktail — Courtesy of Bridget Degnan

FROM $42, AMAZON

I love Wildwonder mocktails for many reasons: They're produced by an Asian- and woman-owned brand; have gut-healing, immune-boosting ingredients; and taste absolutely delicious. Not to mention, the colorful packaging is a mood booster. I tried all four flavors, including Lemon Ginger, Guava Rose, Mango Turmeric, and Peach Ginger, and enjoyed each one. I've recently become very interested in trying different probiotic sodas, and Wildwonder exceeded my expectations, offering 5 grams of plant fiber along with live vegan probiotics. It's mildly carbonated, and the slim can resembles a seltzer, making it a great alternative for tailgates, girls nights, and outdoor gatherings. Sip straight from the can, or pour it over ice in a Mason jar.

Best Aperitif Alternative: Lyre's Italian Spritz

Lyre aperitif nonalcoholic spritz spirit — Courtesy of Bridget Degnan

FROM $36, LYRES

I lived in Florence, Italy, for four months, so I'm no stranger to an Aperol spritz. Lyre's Italian Spritz takes me back to my favorite hangout. The vibrant orange liquid looks gorgeous in the glass and has the same citrusy, floral, and bitter flavor profile as the real deal. If you want your drink to taste like a true Aperol spritz, add one part nonalcoholic sparkling wine to one part Italian spritz, and garnish with an orange slice. For those who want something extra light, top the spirit-free spritz with club soda and lemon juice.