More Than Zero

In recent years, the dry market has gotten so good that you could replace almost every element of your traditional home bar with non-alcoholic options.

Looking to cut back on your alcohol consumption but still want something fun to sip?

Whether for a night, a month-long challenge, or for good, you’re in luck. Only a few years ago, it seemed like Seedlip’s array of alternative zero-proof spirits (still very good options, by the way) were the only pick if you wanted to make a no-alcohol version of a cocktail. But realizing the potential size of the dry market, many investors and producers have rushed into the space. The array of options has gotten so good, in fact, that you could replace almost every element of your traditional home bar with non-alcoholic options.

Any good bar or restaurant menu will have a selection of dry cocktails (let’s agree to move on from the word “mocktail” — these are the real deal), but you can also get in on the game at home. The next challenge? How to separate the truly good picks from the growing masses. A general tip: if you’re in a bind looking at unfamiliar labels in a shop or trying to design a menu for the night, look for options that go big on botanicals, like no-alcohol amaros. The heavily spiced formula (Campari’s secret recipe is said to have 60 to 70 ingredients, after all) helps bridge the flavor without all the alcohol baggage.

Looking for some more specific advice? Whether you’re planning to “zebra stripe” (a.k.a. picking one low- or no-alcohol drink for every regular drink) or going zero-proof for the night and beyond, here are some options worth trying out. Having trouble finding the bottles in your local stores? Try the internet. Because there’s no alcohol, these are usually quite easy to ship.

WILDERTON LUSTRE

This light, tangy, and citrusy botanical spirit makes a good zero-proof dupe for anything in the orange liqueur family (curaçao, Triple Sec, Grand Marnier) but also works delightfully in a highball spritzer or topped off with tonic water over ice. The clear profile lets your garnishes shine — load up on orange wheels, grapefruit twists, or a few sprigs of thyme to complete the springy picture.

WILFRED’S NON-ALCOHOLIC APÉRITIF

No need to miss out on the Negroni trend if you’re not drinking alcohol. Make a “No-groni” with this excellent non-alcoholic, amaro-like spirit. Flavored with a raft of botanicals like bitter orange, clove, and rosemary, it’s got the telltale Negroni-red color too, so you’ll fit right in at the fête — but wake up the next day without the accompanying hangover.

ALMAVE BLANCO NON-ALCOHOLIC BLUE AGAVE SPIRIT
This entry is made almost exactly like tequila, from processing Mexico-grown Blue Weber agave to distillation (it’s actually distilled!). The only thing missing? Fermentation, which means this vegetal, spicy, zero-proof spirit is perfect for your non-alcoholic margarita or Paloma.

RITUAL ZERO-PROOF RUM ALTERNATIVE
Just as with the botanical-heavy amaro family, dark rum’s super-bold vanilla, caramel, and baking-spice flavors lend themselves well to a no-alcohol alternative, as with this entry from Ritual. Consider whipping up a Dark & Stormy with spicy ginger beer on a blustery day, or drawing up a virgin Mai Tai for some tropical vibes.

LYRE’S AMERICAN MALT

Whiskey can be a challenge to replace, but this bottling from Lyre’s totally works in zero-proof Rum & Cokes or Whiskey Bucks (whiskey and ginger beer). Their no-alcohol Amaretti and Italian Spritz are also worth a look.

GHIA ORIGINAL APÉRITIF

With extracts of gentian root, rhubarb, elderflower, ginger, and lemon balm,
this non-alcoholic spirit swings for the fences flavor-wise. Bonus: it has a fun and festive bottle, too. Comparable to Campari or Aperol, use it in your favorite spritz recipe or just add tonic or soda water for a set-it-and-forget-it formula for easy, breezy toasts.

CUT ABOVE ZERO-PROOF MEZCAL

Missing the smoky vibe of mezcal? This option brings the campfire flavor—and
a bonus hit of spice from cubeb and chipotle peppers. Go ahead and mix up a citrusy grapefruit Paloma or bring your spicy margarita dreams to life.