Best Non-Alcoholic Spirits 2026
Zero-proof gin, whiskey, tequila, rum, and aperitif alternatives — reviewed and ranked by taste, mixing versatility, and value.
Lyre's American Malt (Bourbon Alternative)
Lyre's
Lyre's is the world's best-selling non-alcoholic spirits brand, offering alternatives to practically every spirit. Their American Malt (Bourbon Alternative) is a standout — delivering genuine warmth, a robust mouthfeel, and a finish reminiscent of maple syrup. Mix it in a NA Old Fashioned or sip it neat over a large ice cube.
Why We Like It:
- Authentic bourbon warmth and depth
- Widest NA spirit range available
- World's #1 NA spirits brand
- Available in 60+ countries
Where to Buy:
lyres.com, Total Wine, Amazon
Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative
Ritual Zero Proof
Born in Chicago in 2019, Ritual Zero Proof became the #1 NA spirits brand in U.S. bars before being acquired by Diageo in 2024. Their Whiskey Alternative nails the warm, slightly smoky profile of American whiskey. The Aperitif alternative is equally impressive — bursting with citrus, cranberry, and rhubarb.
Why We Like It:
- #1 NA spirits brand in U.S. bars
- Backed by Diageo (spirits industry experts)
- Wide range: whiskey, tequila, gin, rum
- Great in cocktails
Where to Buy:
Most bars, Total Wine, Amazon
Ghia Aperitif
Ghia
Ghia has become one of the most recognizable NA brands nationwide. The flagship Aperitif is bitter, ginger-forward, and loaded with citrus and florals. It's designed to be mixed into a spritz with sparkling water and a slice of citrus. The Berry version (launched 2023) is juicier with strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry notes.
Why We Like It:
- Stunning award-winning bottle design
- Available in major retailers nationwide
- Canned spritz versions available
- Two excellent flavor profiles
Where to Buy:
Whole Foods, Urban Outfitters, Target
Almave Ámbar
Almave
Co-created by legendary master distiller Iván Saldaña and Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, Almave is the first premium NA agave spirit. It's actually made using the same process as real tequila — Blue agave distilled in Jalisco — then dealcoholized. The Ámbar delivers an añejo-like profile with peppery agave, caramel, and vanilla notes.
Why We Like It:
- Made with real Blue agave in Jalisco
- Authentic tequila production process
- Three expressions: Blanco, Ámbar, Humo (mezcal)
- Celebrity backing with genuine credentials
Where to Buy:
almaveagave.com, select retailers
Aplós Ease
Aplós
Co-founded by beverage industry vets and developed in partnership with James Beard honoree Lynnette Marrero, Aplós uses hemp as its base. Ease delivers refreshing cucumber, mint, and basil notes — a profile you simply won't find anywhere else in the NA space. Best enjoyed neat or over a large ice cube.
Why We Like It:
- Genuinely unique botanical flavor profile
- Hemp-based with calming qualities
- Developed by award-winning bartender
- Also available in canned cocktails
Where to Buy:
aplos.com, Erewhon, specialty stores
Empress 1908 0.0 Indigo
Empress 1908
The zero-proof sibling of the famously purple butterfly pea flower gin. Empress 0.0 Indigo drinks similarly to its full-proof sibling — citrus-forward with a weighty botanical palate and even a subtle burn that mimics real gin. The striking indigo color makes it a showstopper in cocktails.
Why We Like It:
- Genuinely mimics gin character
- Stunning indigo/purple color
- Familiar brand recognition
- Great in gin & tonic format
Where to Buy:
empress1908.com, Total Wine
Figlia Fiore
Figlia
Figlia's Fiore is a bitter, red aperitif with punchy ginger and pithy orange peel notes — the closest thing to a non-alcoholic Campari. Their newer Sole expression leans sweeter with peach and lemon. Both are excellent in spritzes.
Why We Like It:
- Closest NA equivalent to Campari
- Beautiful deep red color
- Excellent in spritzes
- Also available in canned Frizzante format
Where to Buy:
figladrinks.com, select retailers
Three Spirit Livener
Three Spirit
Three Spirit doesn't try to replicate specific alcoholic spirits — instead, their 'social elixirs' are named for the mood they're designed to create, thanks to adaptogens and nootropics. Livener bursts with cherry, pomegranate, and watermelon notes. Nightcap is saffron-forward and warming. Social has cold brew-like depth.
Why We Like It:
- Uses functional adaptogens and nootropics
- Three distinct mood-focused expressions
- Complex layered flavor profiles
- UK brand with cult following
Where to Buy:
threespiritdrinks.com, Whole Foods
Frequently Asked Questions
How are non-alcoholic spirits made?
NA spirits are made using a variety of techniques. Dealcoholization takes full-proof spirits through reverse osmosis or vacuum distillation to remove the alcohol while preserving flavor. Maceration/infusion products are made by steeping botanicals in distilled water without ever creating alcohol. Brands like Almave use the full tequila production process and then remove the alcohol at the end.
How long do open bottles of NA spirits last?
Without alcohol as a preservative, NA spirits last 6-12 weeks after opening. Always store in a cool, dark place and refrigerate if the label recommends it. This is much shorter than alcoholic spirits, which can last years or decades.
Why are non-alcoholic spirits so expensive?
NA spirits often cost as much as their alcoholic counterparts because they require the same high-quality ingredients and, in many cases, the same labor-intensive production process. Dealcoholization adds additional processing costs on top of that. Small-batch production with premium botanicals also contributes to higher prices.
Can you use NA spirits in cocktails the same way?
Yes, with some adjustments. NA spirits mix well in cocktails but may require slightly different ratios since they don't have alcohol's viscosity and warming properties. NA Old Fashioneds, NA Negronis, and NA G&Ts are all popular and can be excellent. Brands like Ritual Zero Proof are specifically designed to substitute 1:1 in classic cocktail recipes.