In a world where spiritless mocktails and over-sugared pseudo-drinks often disappoint our tastebuds, stumbling upon a nonalcoholic (NA) drink that truly gratifies is like unearthing a treasure. Despite the discouraging experiences with alcohol-free wines and zero-proof spirits, the delight is in the changing tide of the NA beverage landscape. The true charm of the current nonalcoholic offerings lies not in their resemblance to their spirited counterparts, but in their unique, appealing flavors. Crafted with a variety of botanicals and innovative fermenting techniques, these NA beverages offer a satisfying balance of taste without an ounce of alcohol. They're inviting options for those abstaining from alcohol, for those cutting down, and also those interested in a new thirst-quenching adventure. Our trusted editors agreed to share their favorite NA beverages, revealing that they're reaching for these bottles and cans because they genuinely enjoy them, not because they have to. These beverages prove that you don't need alcohol to have a delightful drink. Everleaf stands in stark contrast to the mediocre faux spirits flooding the market. Each product in Everleaf’s range is remarkable, but Mountain, flavored with cherry blossoms, strawberry, and rose hips, is a standout favorite. It brings fun and invigorating flavors, unlike some of the dull NA versions of traditional cocktails out there. The intriguing world of Italian aperitivo liqueurs is where NA alternatives truly excel. Martini & Rossi’s Vibrante and Floreale are excellent examples of how these botanical-forward liqueurs don't need alcohol to shine. Vibrante is packed with bold citrus notes of orange peel, bergamot, and grapefruit, while Floreale brings floral and herbal notes with chamomile, lemon peel, and rosemary. Missing Thorn’s NA Red, made with Malbec, is another commendable offering which manages to avoid the off-putting acidic impact of many nonalcoholic red wines. A small addition of black-currant juice gives it a rich, juicy flavor, making it one of the better-quality nonalcoholic red wines available. Nonalcoholic cocktails by the Siponey Spritz Co. are worth a try, with their focus on quality, sustainability, and an arresting flavor profile. Co-founded by Amanda Victoria and Joseph Mintz, the brand creates NA cocktails with respect for natural and sustainably sourced ingredients along with practices that support regenerative farming and American beekeepers.
Leitz's nonalcoholic Riesling is a masterpiece, an NA wine that genuinely rivals its traditional version. Made with a revolutionary vacuum distillation process and the skill of the winemaker Johannes Leitz, the nonalcoholic version captures the essence of their world-class Rieslings. Finally, Wilderton’s Citrus Aperitivo is a perfect example of nonalcoholic aperitifs. A blend of botanicals and citrus, with warming spices like coriander, clove, bay leaf, and gentian, the taste is bold, balanced, and undeniably appealing.