Disclosure: Palate Express earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure for details.
The non-alcoholic spirits category has exploded in quality over the past few years. Gone are the days when “non-alcoholic cocktail” meant fruit juice with sparkling water. Today’s best NA spirits are complex, sophisticated, and genuinely satisfying — crafted specifically to replicate the flavor experience of spirits without the alcohol.
Whether you’re sober curious, taking a break, pregnant, or simply want a great drink without the effects, these are the best non-alcoholic spirits available.
Our Top Picks
| Spirit | Best For | Price | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seedlip Spice 94 | Best overall NA spirit | ~$35 | Herbal/spice |
| Lyre’s American Malt | Best NA whiskey | ~$35 | Whiskey-style |
| Monday Gin | Best NA gin | ~$30 | Gin-style |
| Ritual Zero Proof Tequila | Best NA tequila | ~$30 | Tequila-style |
| Aplós Arise | Best NA aperitif | ~$48 | Aperitif-style |
1. Seedlip Spice 94 — Best Overall Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Price: ~$35 | Style: Herbal/spice blend
Seedlip pioneered the premium non-alcoholic spirits category and their Spice 94 remains one of the best. Distilled from allspice and cardamom with oak, lemon, and grapefruit, it has genuine complexity and warmth without alcohol. Mix with tonic for the simplest excellent NA cocktail, or use as a base for more complex drinks.
2. Lyre’s American Malt — Best Non-Alcoholic Whiskey
Price: ~$35 | Style: American whiskey
Lyre’s has built the most comprehensive NA spirits range available, and their American Malt is the standout. Oak, vanilla, and caramel notes that genuinely evoke bourbon — it works in an Old Fashioned-style drink better than any other NA spirit we’ve tried.
3. Monday Gin — Best Non-Alcoholic Gin
Price: ~$30 | Style: London Dry gin
Monday Gin captures the juniper-forward character of gin with botanical complexity — cucumber, citrus peel, and spice. Works beautifully in a NA G&T or as a base for NA versions of classic gin cocktails. One of the most convincing NA spirits available.
4. Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative — Best NA Tequila
Price: ~$30 | Style: Blanco tequila
Ritual’s tequila alternative captures agave’s vegetal, slightly smoky character better than most competitors. Works in NA margaritas and palomas with genuinely convincing results.
5. Aplós Arise — Best Non-Alcoholic Aperitif
Price: ~$48 | Style: Aperitif
Aplós Arise contains hemp extract (broad spectrum CBD) alongside botanical flavors — citrus, herb, and a gentle bitterness that mimics an aperitif like Aperol or Campari. Served with sparkling water and orange, it’s one of the most satisfying NA drinks available.
How to Make Great NA Cocktails
The secret to great non-alcoholic cocktails is the same as regular cocktails — balance. You need:
Bitter: NA spirits, tonic water, bitters (most bitters are technically 0% by volume in cocktail amounts)
Sour: Fresh citrus juice — lemon, lime, grapefruit
Sweet: Simple syrup, honey, agave nectar
Aromatic: Fresh herbs, expressed citrus peel, spices
The best NA cocktails don’t try to exactly replicate alcoholic drinks — they lean into the complexity of their own ingredients.
Last updated: April 2026. Prices may vary. Check Amazon for current pricing.
Founder of Palate Express. Based in Plainsboro, New Jersey. I write honest reviews of coffee gear, kitchen tools, meal kits, wine clubs, and specialty food — focused on what genuinely earns its place in your kitchen.

