This article comes to us from Deb Podlogar of Louisville, KY — AKA “Mocktail Mom.” Deb broke up with Chardonnay in December 2020 and started Mocktail Mom to share her love for non-alcoholic drinks. Here, she’s sharing her favorite alcohol-free spirits!
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The non-alcoholic movement has gained considerable traction in recent years, leading to the emergence of mocktails and other drinks that don’t contain alcohol. Several factors, including health consciousness, the rise of mocktail bars, and the influence of social media, have fueled this trend.
If you are participating in Dry January or have removed alcohol from your diet for whatever reason, be encouraged — you don’t have to sit at the kiddie table sipping Shirley Temples. Mocktails are all the rage and have come a long way from sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice. In this article, I will share some favorite non-alcoholic spirits to take your mocktails to the next level.
Behind the scenes of a weekly Happy Half Hour, which is included in Deb’s membership for Thriving Alcohol-Free with Mocktail Mom.
Before we start with which non-alcoholic spirits I recommend, grab your cocktail shaker cup. You remember that silver thing, right? Find it. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, no problem! A mason jar or a protein shaker cup will work just fine to mix up most mocktails.
Approach mocktails with a relaxed attitude of adventure and fun. Just because you aren’t “drinking” doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and enjoy a delicious drink. No need to be nervous! Let’s get into a few alcohol-free spirits I recommend if you want to drink less or no alcohol. You can purchase these non-alcoholic spirits online, but many are also available in local shops. More than ever before, stores are stocking large non-alcoholic sections. Even CVS, in some states, has a huge specialized non-alcoholic section!
5 Must-Try Alcohol-Free Spirits
LYRE’S
Lyre’s has revolutionized the non-alcoholic drinking experience with its enormous range of spirits crafted to mimic the taste and aroma of popular alcoholic spirits. Founded in 2019, Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits have grown in popularity and are now selling to over 60 countries worldwide. The brand has developed a range of spirits that replicate the flavors of traditional drinks like gin, whiskey, rum, and vodka, as well as a range of aperitifs.
Lyre’s non-alcoholic spirits can make your mocktail a blast in a glass (or a can if you’re opening one of their premixed drinks). One of my favorites within the Lyre’s range is The Highland Malt. It is a must-try if you’re looking for an alcohol-free whiskey that can be enjoyed neat or in a mocktail.
THE PATHFINDER
The Pathfinder Hemp & Root is a newer player in the non-alcoholic spirit game, but don’t let that deter you from trying this alcohol-free spirit! The Pathfinder is fermented from hemp, refined through a copper pot distillation process, and blended with a plethora of natural herbs and spices to give the spirit its unique and delicious flavor. The Pathfinder is one of the most unique non-alcoholic spirits I have come across, and it is very easy to use in beginner-level mocktail recipes.
One of Deb’s top picks for a non-alcoholic spirit is The Pathfinder Hemp & Root. Definitely worth trying!
AMETHYST
Amethyst Non-Alcoholic Spirits is a force to be reckoned with. Not only do they have two phenomenal alcohol-free spirits, but the company is rooted in the south. Amethyst spirits are crafted with a spirit of inclusion, so you’ll have an elevated cocktail missing nothing but alcohol. The Blueberry Ginger Mint Amethyst is at the top of my 2023 non-alcoholic spirits “must-try” list.
SPIRITLESS
Spiritless is a female-founded southern company offering non-alcoholic spirits, cocktail kits, and ready-to-drink cans. The foundation of their current offering is two delicious alcohol-free spirits that mimic the flavors of their alcoholic counterparts. Spiritless Kentucky 74 is a whiskey alternative, while the Spiritless Jalisco 55 is a beautiful Tequila alternative.
If you can get your hands on the sold-out Spiritless Kentucky 74 Spiced bottle, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven. It has been described as a non-alcoholic alternative to Fireball. The Kentucky 74 Spiced can be enjoyed neat, in a mocktail, or heck — straight from the bottle. I promise you’ll thank me if you can get yourself a bottle. It is that good!
RITUAL ZERO PROOF
Ritual Zero Proof was the first alcohol-free spirit I fell in love with when I made my first Spicy Alcohol-Free Margarita using their Tequila alternative. Not to be overly dramatic, but that first non-alcoholic margarita changed my life. It was a tremendous realization to find a spirit that didn’t compromise quality or taste just because it was made without alcohol. In addition to the amazing spirits that Ritual Zero Proof offers, they enjoy providing flavors that are all-natural and gluten-free. Ritual currently has four zero-proof alternatives: Tequila, Whiskey, Gin, and Rum.
One recipe I love is my Cranberry Mule Mocktail using Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey, which you’ll find below. This drink is a showstopper, and I hope you’ll try it! A keto-friendly version of this mocktail can easily be crafted using zero or low-sugar ingredients. This mocktail is easy to make and even easier to drink!
Check out Deb’s famous cranberry mule recipe below, featuring Ritual’s Zero Proof Whiskey.
Cranberry Mule Mocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz Ritual Zero-Proof Whiskey
- 6 oz ginger beer
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- 1 lime wedge or several cranberries
Instructions
- Fill a cup with ice (preferably a traditional mule copper cup).
- Add 2 ounces of Ritual Zero-Proof Whiskey, 6 ounces of ginger beer, and 1-2 ounces of cranberry juice.
- Stir to combine.
- Top with freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries or lime wedges.
Nutrition
Please Note: If mocktails or non-alcoholic spirits might be a trigger for you, please refrain from trying them. Non-alcoholic spirits and alternatives help me to “surf the urge” and continue to join in the festivities without the alcohol, but they aren’t the most appropriate option for all individuals.
All photography provided by Deb Podlogar. Learn more about Mocktail Mom on Instagram.
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