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Best nonalcoholic drinks of 2025, tested and reviewed by registered dietitians
O'Doul's is out. These new zero-proof beverages are paving a healthier way to unwind and socialize.
Giving up alcohol and going sober has made socializing sans booze the trendy thing to do, and not just for members of Gen Z. In fact, movements like Dry January and sober curiosity have helped propel the nonalcoholic beverage market upward of $161 billion dollars in 2023 and it's expected to grow to $225 billion by the year 2030. What's even more exciting is that this growth has led to a boom in innovation and creativity that has expanded the nonalcoholic (NA) beverage options from a few watery-tasting beers to truly exceptional alcohol-removed wines, nonalcoholic spirits and functional beverages infused with calming ingredients. This means you no longer have to resort to ordering a soda or tonic water with lemon (or one of those watered-down-tasting O'Doul's) when it's your turn to be the designated driver for a night out with friends.
Not to mention, going alcohol-free or cutting back on your intake can pay off in dividends for your health. Dr. Stephen Holtsford, medical director at Recovery Centers of America St. Charles and of the Kane County (Ill.) Opioid Task Force tells Yahoo Health, "Alcohol is very hard on the body and affects multiple organs. It's hard on our digestive systems, esophagus, stomach, pancreas and liver, and increases the risk of many cancers." While the amount of alcohol you drink matters, the only way to completely prevent these complications is to abstain from alcohol as much as possible. The health benefits of a sober lifestyle go far beyond the surface.
"Physically, you lower your risk of liver damage, heart disease and certain cancers," Dr. Sylvie Stacy, MPH and chief medical officer at Rehab.com tells Yahoo Health. "Many people also notice clearer skin, better digestion and weight loss over time. Mentally, you get better sleep, improved focus and more stable moods," she adds. And socially, you may find yourself making better connections with those around you. "Choosing nonalcoholic options also helps you avoid hangovers, saves money and gives you more control over your health and daily life," notes Stacy.
As a registered dietitian and occasional drinker, I like the idea of sipping a cocktail at a restaurant or having a few beers at a barbecue without the risk of feeling sick. And as I get older, the thought of managing a hangover or laying in bed all day to recover from the previous night's bender is enough to push me toward adopting more nonalcoholic options. Luckily, there are plenty of beverages available that not only drink like alcohol but also keep you feeling good, too.
To help better understand the uses of nonalcoholic drinks, I spoke with two medical experts and then researched 23 products and tried them for myself. My family and I sat down on several occasions with score sheets for organized tastings, including nonalcoholic wine, beer, spirits, cocktails and aperitifs. I also used my expertise as a dietitian to analyze each drink for its health content, giving preference to those that include good-for-you ingredients and avoid excess sugar or other additives.
While many of the drinks were fab, there were also an equal number of flops. It's important to remember that nonalcoholic beverages do not contain alcohol (you know, it's right there in the name) — so they're not going to taste exactly the same. And given that alcohol is a flavor enhancer, many beverages may not taste as good as your go-to alcoholic option, so keep an open mind (and an open palate) as you start your own foray into the nonalcoholic drink market. If you're interested in trying nonalcoholic beverages, we suggest starting with our favorite, tested choices.
Best overall nonalcoholic drink
Shoshana Pritzker
Ingredients: Ginger root extract, dandelion root extract, acacia, lemon balm extract, black pepper extract, citric acid, honey extract, bergamot extract, yerba mate leaf extract, grape-seed extract, guarana, gentian root extract and valencia orange oil | Flavor profile: Bold and spicy | Serving suggestion: 2 fluid ounces served neat, on the rocks, with sparkling water or in a cocktail
Tenneyson Black Ginger is our overall choice for nonalcoholic beverages because it does the best job of providing an alcohol-free experience in a grown-up beverage that tastes good any way you serve it. Technically it's an aperitif, but to me it's more reminiscent of a spirit in the sense that it's not as dry or bitter as an aperitif and instead offers more ginger and pepper with lemon and citrus undertones. It smells similar to black cherry soda or Dr. Pepper, tantalizing sweetness that makes you want to take a sip.
While it's delicious and enjoyable on its own, I plan to use it as a mixer. I think that's the beauty of it — that it can seamlessly take the place of liquor in any of your favorite cocktails with barely a hint of change. And though I did notice ginger and spice, it wasn't enough to stop me from coming back for more. In fact, it's those same ingredients that give you that "back of the throat" heat that you find in traditional alcohol.
The makers of Tenneyson, Graham and Michael, set out with intentions to create a bold and unique nonalcoholic beverage that paved its own way and I think they accomplished that. Whether you're new to nonalcoholic beverages or a seasoned pro, you can't go wrong with Tenneyson Black Ginger. And at $38 per bottle, it's worth the investment.
- Tastes good on its own or mixed into a cocktail
- Comparable price point to other nonalcoholic spirits
- No artificial ingredients or added sugar
- Versatile
- May be too spicy for some people
- Available only online
More nonalcoholic drinks we like for 2025
Shoshana Pritzker
Ingredients: All-natural cascade hops, barley, water, malt, natural grapefruit flavors | Flavor profile: Genuine, real-beer taste | Serving suggestion: 12-ounce bottle or can
Clausthaler Brewery is the historical brewery that helped jump-start the nonalcoholic beer industry in the '70s. For a brewery that's been around for half a century, it has the process down pat and it shows in its stellar nonalcoholic beers. That's why Clausthaler wins our pick for best nonalcoholic beer.
I must admit, I'm not a beer connoisseur or anything close to someone who drinks beer on the regular. The depth of my personal beer history goes as far as sipping my husband's favorite craft beer choices. And since he's the one with the hankering for a good brew, I deferred to him for insight into which beer tasted best during our tasting parties. Don't get me wrong — I did try every single beer shacked up in our fridge myself, and there were plenty I liked more than others, but our favorite beers all hailed from Clausthaler. The Grapefruit was my personal top pick, but its cousins (the IPA and Original) were close competitors.
These beers truly embody what you'd find in a full-strength beer. We tried the original flavor first. It drinks like a quality Dutch beer, similar in flavor to a Heineken. It was well-balanced and had a crisp golden hue. The IPA variety felt very much like a traditional IPA and was more enjoyable than the original, with hints of caramel and citrus shining through the rich amber color. This was my husband's top choice and one he noted he'd drink again.
And as I mentioned, the Grapefruit was by far my favorite flavor. Surprisingly, Clausthaler Grapefruit is a malt beverage, with no hints of malt flavors anywhere to be found. It's a refreshing alternative to traditional beer that most anyone will enjoy. Clausthaler is readily available at grocery stores and beverage chains and typically sells for around $10 for a six-pack.
- Embodies the same flavors, smell, taste and appearance of full-strength beer
- Readily available
- Price point is on par with other craft beers
- Just under 100 calories per 12-ounce bottle
- Grapefruit flavor may be too citrusy for some beer drinkers
Shoshana Pritzker
Ingredients: California grapes | Flavor profile: Apples, pears, strawberries and grapes | Serving suggestion: Served straight in a champagne flute, 4 ounces
FRE's Sparkling Brut drinks more like a bubbling champagne with notes of sweet apple, strawberry and pear. You'd never guess it's missing the alcohol, and that's why we chose it as the best nonalcoholic wine. FRE sources fruit from specific marine regions of California's coast to produce a crisp yet refreshing flavor you won't find in other alcohol-removed wines. The grapes ripen slowly on the vine, which FRE notes is important to allow the development of flavor and acidity. To remove the alcohol, FRE uses an innovative spinning cone technology that helps protect the fragile aromas and flavors of the wine.
When it was time for the taste test, I first took note of the appearance and aroma. The appearance is virtually clear with a light green or yellow hue; the aroma was sweet like grape juice with a clean and well-balanced fruit flavor and no aftertaste, much like champagne. This would be an excellent choice for mixing nonalcoholic mimosas — it would likely be hard to detect the difference between the real thing.
Of the four FRE NA wines I tried, the Sparkling Brut was by far a favorite in my house with the Pinot Grigio coming in close second. Both would make the perfect pairing with a light meal or charcuterie board or to celebrate a special occasion. The price point is the icing on the cake at only $11 per bottle.
If you're specifically a wine drinker and are looking for other options, consider our full list of best nonalcoholic wines.
- Tastes like a delicious champagne
- Affordable at only $11 per bottle
- Widely available in stores and online
- Half the calories of regular wine
- May be too sweet for some people
Ingredients: Natural tequila flavor, agave, oak, mushroom fiber extract | Flavor profile: Caramel, vanilla, roasted agave, oak, mild heat and citrus | Serving suggestion: 2 fluid ounces
Phil & Goode La Planta Reposado Agave Spirit offers flavors of tequila with that same tequila heat as it goes down the back of your throat, and that's why we chose it as the best nonalcoholic liquor. Tequila is a very distinct flavor and La Planta does an excellent job of embodying some of the same notes while leaving the alcohol itself out of the equation.
I'm a big fan of tequila, but I'm not a fan of how sick you can get if you have one drink too many. The initial aroma of La Planta Reposado Agave Spirit took me straight back to my twenties when tequila was a staple. And the hints of vanilla and subtle heat at the finish sealed the deal for me — if you're looking for a nonalcoholic liquor, this is a good option.
At $34.95 per bottle, it's priced comparably to other premium handcrafted non-alc spirits and will give you that same cocktail feeling, minus the alcohol.
- Very reminiscent of tequila
- Comparable price point at $35 per bottle
- Easily swap tequila into your favorite tequila-based beverage like margaritas or tequila sunrise
- Available only online
- Strong flavors may not be for everyone
Shoshana Pritzker
Ingredients: Pear-cranberry-lime and pomegranate juice, maple syrup, red wine vinegar, quassia extract, black tea extract, L-theanine, hibiscus extract, lime, oak, ginger, black pepper and rosemary extracts, lion's mane extract, reishi mushroom extract, chili, gentian, clove, cinnamon and orange | Flavor profile: Pomegranate, cranberry, ginger, rosemary | Serving suggestion: 5 fl. ounces (note: a single can is 8 ounces)
De Soi St. Moritz Mule is a ready-to-drink aperitif that's flavorful and refreshing while helping you unwind and relax. De Soi's mission is to "savor the flavor and lose the booze with adaptogenic aperitifs" and it has absolutely done that with its St. Moritz Mule. The drink was inspired by the Moscow Mule, but honestly shines with its own unique flavor blend of pomegranate, citrus, cranberry and ginger.
All of De Soi's ready to drink (RTD) beverages are rich in the adaptogens L-theanine, lion's mane and reishi mushroom. L-theanine has been shown to help reduce stress and improve cognitive function by increasing alertness and mental clarity, essentially helping you unwind from a long day. Though more research is needed, lion's mane extract is thought to also reduce stress and enhance mood. Finally, reishi mushroom enhances your body's immune response again, reducing stress.
Adaptogenic nonalcoholic beverages are an exciting new option in the expanding NA market. Feeling good should be a top priority, and if there are legal beverages to help you enhance your health, I consider that a win in my book.
De Soi's St. Moritz Mule gives off a ginger aroma and slightly sour flavor profile with pomegranate, cranberry and citrus. It's enjoyable on ice or straight out of the can. At $5 per can, it's a bit of a premium purchase but absolutely worthwhile.
- Delicious and refreshing
- Convenient ready-to-drink cans
- Perfect chilled or on the rocks
- Available at grocery and retail chains like Target, Publix, Sprouts and the Vitamin Shoppe
- Contains adaptogens like L-theanine that promote relaxation and stress relief
- Pricey at $5 per can
- May be too sour for some people
- Serving size on can is deceiving
Shoshana Pritzker
Ingredients: Dealcoholized wine, grape must, acacia, carbon dioxide | Flavor profile: Citrus, floral, minerally, lemon | Serving suggestion: 5 fluid ounces
If you're looking for something to splurge on, Society De La Rassi's Neue Brut Vintage 2023 is well worth the $70 price tag. Wine lovers will appreciate this rich chardonnay to go along with any special occasion.
Society De La Rassi sources the grapes for its Chardonnay from an exclusive fifth-generation vineyard in La Mancha, Alcázar de San Juan, Spain. It practices sustainable cultivation and ecological enrichment to ensure the life and future of the land. The wine is then put through a gentle distillation process to remove the alcohol while maintaining the quality and integrity of the wine's flavor.
We put Neue Brut Vintage 2023 through a taste test and found the initial aroma to be that of a traditional Chardonnay. However, the flavor profile was very pungent, profound and intense with sour and citrus undertones. This may be too strong for some, but for others who like a rich golden brut, this bottle is for you.
- Pairs well with most any meal
- Only 15 calories per glass
- High price point at $70 per bottle
- Intense flavor profile may be too much for some people
Shoshana Pritzker
Ingredients: Canadian maple syrup, hull melon hops, botanical extracts, lemon balm, turmeric, ashwagandha, vanilla, valerian root, licorice, ginger, black pepper, sichuan pepper, habanero pepper | Flavor profile: Maple syrup, citrus and cinnamon | Serving suggestion: 1.7 fluid ounces over ice or with an orange twist
Three Spirit Nightcap is one of the most flavorful nonalcoholic spirits I tried and it contains adaptogens to help you relax. That's why I chose it as the best option for relaxation. Sitting down at the end of the day with a cocktail in hand is the ultimate way to unwind, and Three Spirits Nightcap does a good job of hitting the spot.
The adaptogenic ingredients in Nightcap include ashwagandha, valerian root, hull melon hops and lemon balm. Ashwagandha is an ancient herb that's been extensively studied for its beneficial effects on stress and anxiety. It also may help promote sleep, contributing to those relaxing feelings experienced while drinking Nightcap. Valerian root has also been used for centuries as a sleep aid but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. Hops contain phytonutrients that act as antioxidants and enhance mood. Finally, lemon balm may be effective in combating anxiety and depression, which could improve mood.
I tested Nightcap in its purest form — over ice. The aroma is warm and spicy with subtle hints of sweet maple syrup. You'll notice it's not completely clear and has some sediment floating around. That's because it's made from natural plant-based ingredients. The first sip gets you a bit of citrus notes followed by cinnamon and slight heat. You'll be surprised at how delicious it is and we're excited to keep it in our stash for our nightly wind downs.
- Functional spirit alternative contains adaptogens to boost mood and calm the mind
- Tastes great over ice
- Comparable price point at $39 per bottle
- May be available only online
- Contains 8 grams of sugar per serving
Ingredients: Hops, malt, yeast and water | Flavor profile: Crisp and refreshing blond ale | Serving suggestion: 12-ounce can
If you're looking for an easy-to-drink classic beer, Firestone Walker's 8Zero5 Zero is it. One sip of this California blond will seriously trick your senses into thinking you're drinking a full-strength brew. For someone like myself who does not typically gravitate toward beer, 8Zero5 Zero is a refreshing beverage I'd drink again.
Firestone Walker's brewery is located in the Central Coast of California where it uses only the highest-quality ingredients. Its nonalcoholic beer features a light golden hue and crisp yet refreshing flavor that gives this beer an uplifting feeling when you drink it. The aroma is slightly sweet with subtle, earthy notes of grains and hops. It's brewed with a no-limits vibe and that's absolutely what you get. There's nothing about this beer that says it has no alcohol and having one at a social gathering will surely kick any FOMO you might be feeling. If you're lucky enough to find it at a store near you, you can expect it to cost around $10 to $12 for a six-pack.
- Enjoyable pleasant blond beer taste
- Only four ingredients
- Only 60 calories per can
- Only one nonalcoholic beer flavor available, the other two contain alcohol
- May not be available in your local area
Shoshana Pritzker
Ingredients: Grape juice, cranberry juice, apple juice, sugar, pear juice | Flavor profile: Cranberry and black berry | Serving suggestion: One can, chilled
FREE AF's Sparkling Rosé is an impressive nonalcoholic option in a ready-to-drink can. You'd be hard-pressed to tell that there's no alcohol in the beverage, and the gorgeous can won't give it away. That's why FREE AF is the best ready-to-drink nonalcoholic beverage. And if Rosé is not your thing, FREE AF offers six other flavors, including Paloma, Apero Spritz, Cucumber G&T, Vod%a Spritz, Cuba Libre and Whisk#y Ginger, all in a convenient, RTD package.
I was excited about trying the Sparkling Rosé — partly because the can is something many people would be drawn to, but also because Rosé is usually a more mild sparkling wine (I'm more of a sweet cocktail kind of gal rather than a wine drinker). FREE AF Sparkling Rosé did not disappoint. It's bright and bubbly with subtle notes of fruit juice reminiscent of full-strength Rosé, and it would be the perfect drink to enjoy poolside on a warm day.
FREE AF says its beverages contain something called "afterglow," an all-natural ingredient it claims gives its drinks the feel and taste of the real thing. While I'm not entirely sure what this "afterglow" is (note my semi-skeptical eyebrow raise), the Rosé is fab. In fact, I'd be excited about trying the tasting pack it offers on its website to get a sense of all the FREE AF flavors.
- Convenient ready-to-drink can
- Lots of flavor varieties available
- You'd never know there isn't alcohol in the drink
- Only 50 calories per serving
- At about $4 per can, they're a bit pricey
- Slight aftertaste that was not enjoyable
Ingredients: Varies, depending on the mocktail recipes included | Flavor profile: Varies, depending on the recipes | Serving suggestion: Based on the recipes
While Raising the Bar is not a specific beverage per se, I had to give it an honorable mention because I cannot express how impressed I was with the mocktail box I received. If you're looking to celebrate, Raising the Bar cocktail kits will make your nonalcoholic party a breeze. It provides everything you need to make at least three mocktails with up to 10 drink servings.
While opening the box, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning — I was so excited and couldn't wait to see what was inside. To my surprise, literally everything I needed for each mocktail was in the box, including a gorgeous mocktail stirrer. The only thing missing was the recipes, which were found easily on the company's website.
Mixing the mocktails was exciting and easy, and even my kids helped (there's no alcohol, remember?). My husband and I enjoyed tasting the finished products and discussing which ones we'd like to whip up again.
You don't have to subscribe to buy the boxes. In fact, you can go back and purchase previous months' worth of boxes, making it ideal for celebrations. The boxes are themed and there's sure to be one that matches your preferences and whatever party you're planning. This is one brand I'll definitely be buying from again.
- Everything included for at least three mocktail recipes and up to 10 servings
- Delivered to your door
- It's fun and exciting to mix the mocktails, sip and enjoy
- You can purchase a single box or join the subscription
- You don't get to choose what's in the box
- Boxes arrive monthly (no option for different frequencies)
- Some advance preparation may be required based on the recipe
- Can be pricey
Types of nonalcoholic drinks
You don't have to settle for a basic nonalcoholic (NA) beer. There are so many options available, even within the same category.
NA beers: Though NA beers have been around since the '70s (remember O'Doul's in the '90s?), today, NA beer brewers have gotten creative with craft varieties popping up everywhere. No matter your beer preference — blond, IPA, German, stout, lager or even sour — you're sure to be able to find a NA variety. To me, NA beer tastes the most like its alcoholic counterpart, likely due to the added "hit" of carbonation.
NA wines: There are alcohol-removed wines and wine alternatives. Alcohol-removed wines start off as regular wine that contains alcohol. They're then put through rigorous processing to remove the alcohol down to 0.5% less (yes, there is a low level of alcohol in some NA wines, so be careful when you make your selections). Many alcohol-removed wines taste almost identical to regular wine; however, this depends on the grapes used and the dealcoholization process. Wine alternatives are beverages designed to taste, smell and feel like wine, using ingredients like tea, kombucha or vinegar, and are fermented in a similar manner as in winemaking.
NA liquors: Booze-free spirits are either designed to mimic certain liquors or have their own unique flavor profile. Some NA liquors are infused with nootropic ingredients (herbs and extracts that help you feel calm and reduce stress) like hemp. You can drink them over ice, with tonic and a lemon wedge or mixed into your favorite cocktail recipe.
NA aperitifs: Aperitifs are usually served before a meal to stimulate appetite. NA aperitifs can be used in the same way and often taste very similar to the alcoholic versions. They're light, often bitter and dry. They can be mixed in a cocktail or may be available in ready-to-drink cans.
NA RTD mocktails: There are a growing number of RTD NA mocktails you can purchase in a bottle or a can. These are usually intended to taste like popular cocktails (like the De Soi St. Moritz Mule is inspired by a traditional Moscow Mule), but without the alcohol. Like cocktails, however, you need to be conscious of the ingredients, calories and added sugars. Some of these may not contain alcohol, but may be loaded with sugars or artificial ingredients.
Factors to consider when purchasing nonalcoholic drinks
More people are choosing a sober lifestyle and the benefits are worth it. Here's what you should consider before making a purchase.
Ingredients: Many nonalcoholic beverages are designed to mimic the flavor and feel of drinking an alcoholic beverage. This is accomplished through the use of different ingredients that come together to provide a desired experience. Stacy suggests looking for ingredients that add flavor and health benefits without unnecessary additives. "Natural ingredients like herbs, fruits, extracts or botanicals can make a drink taste interesting without relying on artificial flavoring," she says. NA liquors often contain variations of pepper and ginger to help elicit that spicy feeling that often accompanies traditional spirits. "Some nonalcoholic drinks also include functional ingredients like adaptogens, which help your body manage stress," Stacy says. Functional ingredients including adaptogens, nootropics, botanicals and hemp are often used in nonalcoholic beverages to help give you that calm or relaxed feeling you may also get from sipping alcohol. However, Stacy reminds us to watch out for added sugars and caffeine. "Many nonalcoholic beverages, like mocktails, can be loaded with sugar. It isn't great for your health and adds a lot of calories. Caffeine is another thing to keep in mind. If you're drinking a nonalcoholic beverage as a replacement in the evening, caffeine can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling more tired the next day," she says.
Flavor profile: Choose a beverage you'll enjoy. With so many varieties available today, there's something for every taste preference. Nonalcoholic beers tend to taste similar to their alcoholic counterparts. If you prefer an IPA, start there. The same is true for NA wine, but sparkling wines may taste more like the real thing than their nonsparkling counterparts, thanks to the added carbonation. Spirits and aperitifs offer a much wider spectrum of flavors. Vinegar and fermented teas like kombucha are commonly used in nonalcoholic aperitifs. The acidity helps balance flavors. Some nonalcoholic spirits go through a distillation process to develop greater depth.
Cost: Nonalcoholic beverages are available across every price point and the cost is often comparable to alcoholic drinks of the same nature. For example, a six-pack of Clausthaler nonalcoholic IPA bottled beer is $9.99 and a six-pack of Lagunitas (alcoholic) IPA is also $9.99. The cost comparison of alcohol-removed wine and traditional wine is similar to that of beer with lower-end price points around $10 per bottle to more splurge-worthy purchases closer to $100 per bottle. Most nonalcoholic spirits fall within the $30 to $50 price point per bottle.
Audience: If you're hoping to provide NA beverages to guests for a party, you may want to consider the demographics of your group before stocking up on options. Millennials and Gen Z accounted for 45% of the nonalcoholic beverage market in 2023. This demographic's number one reason to make the switch is to prioritize their health and wellness. Even so, they're not completely leaving alcohol behind; rather, they're using NA beverages to cut back on their alcohol intake. While beer and spirits tend skew toward a younger following, dealcoholized wine traditionally brings in a more mature audience.
Occasion: A rise in "sober bars" (bars that don't serve alcohol) means nonalcoholic beverages can be consumed for any occasion, including a night out. Even if the bar you're at isn't "sober," there are plenty of options for a good time without hitting the hard stuff. "A mocktail might feel more special to you if you're at a social event and help you feel included among others who are drinking," notes Stacy. "For a casual night at home, flavored sparkling water or alcohol-removed champagne might be perfect."
How we chose
Each beverage was tested and scored according to its ingredients and nutritional profile, appearance, aroma, taste, texture, drinkability and aftertaste. The beers, wines and aperitifs were all enjoyed cold, while the spirits were either tasted over ice, mixed in a cocktail or with tonic water. I also mixed some of the aperitifs with tonic water if it was suggested to do so on the label. Any product that contained excessive sugar, calories or artificial ingredients was omitted from the final rankings.
FAQs
What is a good drink for someone who doesn't like alcohol?
If you don't like alcohol, you may be better off trying a mocktail or simply a sparkling flavored seltzer. Nonalcoholic beverages are designed to give you a similar experience as alcohol, and if alcohol is not your thing, you may struggle to enjoy nonalcoholic beverages as well.
What is the most popular nonalcoholic drink?
Nonalcoholic beer and cider is the largest category of NA beverages accounting for 81% of the market.
How do nonalcoholic drinks compare in taste to alcoholic drinks?
Nonalcoholic mocktails and drinks can be comparable in taste to alcoholic drinks; however, nonalcoholic spirits, wines and aperitifs offer their own unique flavor profiles. Alcohol is a flavor enhancer and without it, the beverage may not taste the same. That's not to say there aren't delicious nonalcoholic options out there, but it's important to taste them with an open mind — if you want a nonalcoholic Manhattan to taste just like the alcohol-containing version, you're unlikely to find the perfect match. You may have to do a good deal of personal taste testing to find something you like.
What are some common ingredients in nonalcoholic drinks?
Common ingredients in nonalcoholic aperitifs and spirits include vinegar, bitters, fermented tea and botanicals, herbs, spices like pepper, ginger, citrus peels and kombucha. Alcohol-removed wine is made in the same way as traditional wine so it contains similar ingredients. Nonalcoholic beer is made using the same ingredients as traditional beer (water, grains, hops and yeast); the alcohol is removed after brewing.
Other products we tested
Shiner Non-Alc: Shiner has been around for over a century, but its non-alc beer is fairly new, hitting the market in 2023. It offers three flavors: Golden Brew, Red Amber and Citrus. All three flavors were reminiscent of full-strength Shiner classics — they're a good choice for those looking for a nonalcoholic beer. My personal favorite of the three was the Citrus. It was mild and clean with a hint of orange.
Michelob Ultra Zero: Michelob is known for its lite beer with its Ultra Zero (non-alc) version staying true to their roots. At only 29 calories per can, you can guzzle the stuff without flinching. It tastes like a typical low-calorie, low-carb beer and offers plenty of true beer flavors.
Partake IPA: Partake IPA is very bold with rich flavors. It's a true IPA but with a slight aftertaste that didn't quite work for me. Partake offers a handful of other flavors, including Juicy IPA, Blonde, Pale and Hazy IPA.
UNTITLED ART: Untitled Art brewery has eight flavors, all of which I tried. They all tasted similar to the beer they were representing, just without alcohol. The sour was quite sour, the Grapefruit Radler had notes of grapefruit, the Juicy IPA was a favorite for my husband, the Citra Haze was a citrusy IPA and the Chocolate Dark Brew had a dark, chocolaty flavor. While they didn't quite live up to the Clausthaler beers we selected as our favorites, they're definitely worth trying, especially if you're a diehard craft beer drinker looking for alternatives. It's worth noting, though, that most contain added sugar ranging from 2 to 12 grams per can, depending on the variety in question.
HIVE Hard Honey: HIVE Hard Honey was interesting. You could absolutely taste the honey undertones in each of the four flavors we tried: HOPS, Ginger Beer, Sour and Wine. The only flavor that wasn't a win for me was the Sour, the rest were flavorful and delicious. Each can, though, does contain 10 grams of sugar (9.5 grams added). While it comes from honey, it still may not be appropriate for those keeping an eye on their sugar intake.
Zeronimo Leonis Blend: Leonis Blend is a rich red wine with woodsy and cherry flavors. It was too acidic for me and not something I'd drink again.
Mocktail Club: Mocktail Club are ready-to-drink nonalcoholic cocktails in a variety of flavors, including Manhattan Berry, Bali Breeze, Havana Twist, Bombay Fire and Capri Sprite. My absolute favorite was the Bali Breeze. The coconut flavors put me right back on the beaches of a tropical vacation. Unfortunately, Mocktail Club is sweetened with stevia, which leaves a distinct aftertaste that some people don't like.
Wilderton Apertivo: Apertivos are meant to be consumed before a meal. Wilderton offers two flavors: Bittersweet and Citrus, which are both equally potent and sour. We tried both as-is and also with club soda. While they were better with club soda, neither were options I'd drink again.
Figlia Fiore Frizzante Non Alcoholic Spritz: This ready-to-drink aperitivo is a mocktail in a can suggested to be consumed chilled or over ice. It's bitter, floral and aromatic. For me, it was just too pungent. Each can also contains 10 grams of sugar.
To Be Honest: To Be Honest Bev. Co. Focus is a hemp-infused nonalcoholic spirit designed to be consumed over ice or mixed in a cocktail to help you wind down at the end of a long day. The gorgeous white hue was intriguing; however, the flavor was not my preference.
Mitra9 KAVA and KRATOM seltzers: KAVA and KRATOM in small doses may help you feel relaxed. Mitra9 offers ready-to-drink KAVA and KRATOM seltzers in a variety of flavors including orange dreamsicle, lemonade, coconut lychee, strawberry watermelon, black cherry, dragonfruit, raspberry lime and more. They're also available in single-serve powder packets that you mix with water or seltzer. I found the KAVA drinks to be delicious with only a slight aftertaste but did not enjoy the KRATOM varieties as they were too sour. They're also sweetened with stevia, sucralose and erythritol, which are zero-calorie choices, but have aftertastes that some people don't like.
Deshutes Brewery Patagonia Provisions: Deshutes Brewery has four varieties of nonalcoholic beer — Fresh Squeezed IPA, Black Butte, Super Stoked Golden and Patagonia Provisions Kernza Golden Brew. They're all drinkable with Patagonia Provisions as my favorite of the bunch with bright, crisp flavors reminiscent of other blond beers. Fresh Squeezed IPA is hoppy but not in a bad way. Super Stoked Golden is more mild and Black Butte reminds me of Saranac beers. Deshutes is a solid non-alc beer choice, but just didn't quite make our list of favorites.
Seasn Cocktail Bitters: The biggest reason seasn cocktail bitters didn't make it on the list is that they're technically not a nonalcoholic beverage and instead more of an enhancement to your favorite drink. A few dashes in any beverage has a way of bringing out the flavors and making it better. I tried both seasn Light and seasn Dark in seltzer water and regular cola. Light offered zesty herbal notes while Dark was aromatic and subtly spicy. Both were delicious and something I'd use again.
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Sylvie Stacy, MD, MPH, chief medical officer at Rehab.com
Stephen Holtsford, MD, medical director at Recovery Centers of America St. Charles and the Kane County (Ill.) Opioid Task Force
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
