Many bars and restaurants have a variety of fun and interesting mocktails on their menus—and you can also purchase plenty of non-alcoholic drinks at specialty shops and your local wine and spirits store so you can enjoy alcohol-free sips right at home. Keep reading to learn more about who non-alcoholic drinks are good for, the best non-alcoholic drinks to buy, and tips on how to make non-alcoholic drinks at home. Cheers! Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Who Drinks Non-Alcoholic Beer and Other Alcohol-Free Drinks?
Wondering who drinks non-alcoholic beer—and whether imbibing alcohol-free drinks is right for you? Well, it turns out this trend is for everyone! Hilary Sheinbaum, the author of The Dry Challenge, cites Bare Zero Proof’s “The State of Sober 2023” report: According to this recently released report, a whopping two-thirds of Americans consciously intended to drink less alcohol in 2022 for health and budget reasons. And in 2023, the decision to drink less is being fueled mainly by people ages 21 to 30. Namely, many people are cutting back on alcohol because they want to preserve their long-term health, nix those dreaded hangovers and save money. Other people who may be interested in drinking non-alcoholic beer or other alcohol-free drinks include pregnant women and people who are in recovery for alcohol use disorder. Anthony Page, general manager of Gusto Divino Trattoria in Seaford, New York, and former entrepreneur who’s owned a number of restaurants in New York over the years, says he saw the non-alcoholic drink trend first take off at baby showers. While catering many baby showers, he’s had expectant mothers who want to feel like they’re drinking and join in on the festivities. “That’s where the trend really started, where I could come up with things that look and taste similar to cocktails without the alcohol,” says Page.
The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks To Buy
Searching for the best “non-alcoholic drinks near me?” We’ve got you covered with our top picks available online and at stores. From non-alcoholic beers to wines to spirits to premixed “mocktails,” these are the cream of the non-alcoholic crop!
2. Grüvi Non-Alcoholic Golden Lager, $29.99 at Grüvi
Looking for a non-alcoholic beer that tastes like the real deal? “This classic and familiar is light, crisp and perfectly balanced,” says Sheinbaum. “It has a hint of honey, a touch of bitterness and just 58 calories per serving,” Sheinbaum adds that it was even awarded the Gold Medal for Non-Alcoholic Beer at the 2022 World Beer Cup Awards. Grüvi Non-Alcoholic Golden Lager, $29.99 at Grüvi
4. Lagunitas Non-Alcoholic Hoppy Refresher, $8.99 at Plum Market
This isn’t your average sparkling water. It’s crisp, zingy and dry-hopped just like other Lagunitas beers—but without the alcohol, carbs, calories or gluten. It’s crafted in such a way to pull out terpenes (aka aroma compounds) of bubblegum, lime, lemon, tangerine and pine. Lagunitas Non-Alcoholic Hoppy Refresher, $8.99 at Plum Market
7. Hoplark 0.0. Citra Non-Alcoholic, $12.99 at Better Rhodes
If you love craft beer but are cutting back on alcohol, then you’ll enjoy this unique take on the category. It’s the first zero-alcohol, zero-calorie, zero-sugar and zero-gluten craft brew. Made from dry-hopped sparkling water at an allergen-free brewery in Boulder, Colorado, you won’t believe it’s not beer. Hoplark 0.0. Citra Non-Alcoholic, $12.99 at Better Rhodes
11. Bare Zero Proof Modern Classic Gin, $39.99 at Bare Zero Proof
Sheinbaum likes using this zero-proof gin to make an alcohol-free “gin and tonic.” All it takes is two ounces of the gin, a small bottle of cucumber tonic and a fresh cucumber slice to make this drink. Just pour the ingredients over fresh ice in a highball glass, stir and add your garnish! With notes of juniper, lemon peel and assorted botanicals, don’t be surprised if this zero-proof gin fools all your friends. Bare Zero Proof Modern Classic Gin, $39.99 at Bare Zero Proof
14. Freixenet Alcohol-Removed Sparkling Rosé, $9.99 at Total Wine & More
Another favorite of Sheinbaum, this alcohol-removed sparkling rosé is affordable and versatile. You can drink it on its own or mix up a few easy non-alcoholic cocktails. With a fresh, fruity flavor, it’s best paired with seafood, white meat and grilled veggies. Freixenet Alcohol-Removed Sparkling Rosé, $9.99 at Total Wine & More
15. Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit, $9.99 at Better Rhodes
Betty Buzz was founded by none other than Blake Lively. The actress, who doesn’t drink, spent three years creating the perfect mixers. They’re made with only clean ingredients, and real juices free of artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. The Sparkling Grapefruit flavor won a double gold medal at the 2022 Sip Awards and is excellent on its own or mixed with zero-proof tequila, mezcal, vodka or gin. Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit, $9.99 at Better Rhodes
The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks To Order at a Bar
Whether you’re participating in a dry month, looking for non-alcoholic drinks to order while pregnant or simply cutting back on booze for health, there are plenty of non-alcoholic options you can order at a bar so you don’t feel left out. One of the easiest things to ask for at a bar is a virgin version of your favorite cocktail, says Page. This could be a Virgin Mary, Virgin Colada or Virgin Margarita. You can also tell the bartender what flavors you like and they’ll create something unique just for you, he suggests. So, you might tell a bartender you like something fruity or spicy, and they’ll use that as a guideline when creating your drink. At his restaurant, Page whips up non-alcoholic drinks that are riffs on classic cocktails to suit different flavor preferences. For example, he’ll make a Baby Bay Breeze (a combo of cranberry and pineapple for those who like fruity flavors), among others. And then, of course, you can almost always order a non-alcoholic beer at a bar. “There’s a pretty large demand for non-alcoholic beer these days,” says Page, whose restaurant usually carries two or three different brands, with Heineken 0.0% being a favorite.
How To Make Non-Alcoholic Drinks at Home
Making non-alcoholic drinks at home might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips from drink experts to get you started:
Have fun! “Get creative and have fun,” says James Baugh, food and beverage director at TMC Hospitality’s Drift and Bode Hotels.” Break out books like The Flavor Bible and find interesting flavor combinations that work together that interest you.” Always have a sparkling mixer on hand. It’s good to have something sparkling, such as seltzer or ginger ale, available, says Page. This will allow you to easily create non-alcoholic versions of fizzy drinks, like mimosas and sangria, he explains. Stock up on fresh garnishes and fresh juices. “These will elevate the taste of a home ‘mocktail,’ says Regan DeBenedetto, director of bar operations at Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas in Clifton, New Jersey and Westbury, New York. Keep it simple. “Sometimes simplicity is key,” says Baugh. “Not everything has to be overcomplicated. Allow flavors to shine through that you want to highlight.” Experiment with shrubs. “You can juice things, make a syrup and add some vinegar,” says Baugh. “Take it a step further and infuse shrubs with herbs like mint, thyme or rosemary.” Then top your shrubs off with chilled soda and let the flavors open up, he says. One of his favorites for warm weather is a honeydew and mint shrub seltzer. “This is also a great way to serve a lot of guests quickly if you’re having a gathering,” says Baugh. Make sure to measure. “Well-balanced mocktails follow a recipe,” notes DeBenedetto. Serve your drinks in specialty glassware. “Use fun specialty glassware and decanters for the restaurant vibe at home,” suggests DeBenedetto.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes You Have To Try
Beyond ready-to-drink options, you can also whip up fancy non-alcoholic cocktails at home like a pro. Below, we share four standout recipes from top bars and restaurants across the country to get your creative juices flowing!
Vanilla Pear Cider
Recipe courtesy of Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas Ingredients:
2 fluid ounces of pear juice1 fluid ounce of vanilla simple syrup3 fluid ounces of club soda1 pear half
Directions: Fill a mason jar with ice. Add pear juice and vanilla simple syrup. Empty the contents of the mason jar into a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and then return back to the mason jar. Top with club soda. Garnish the mason jar with a pear half.
No Nada
Recipe courtesy of the Dusk Bar at the Drift Hotel in Santa Barbara Ingredients:
1.5 fluid ounces Lyre’s Gin (or chilled seltzer if you can’t find this product)1 fluid ounce of guava syrup1 fluid ounce of pineapple Juice.5 fluid ounce of fresh lemon juice4 to 5 dashes of homemade tamarind-hibiscus bitters
Directions: To make the hibiscus-tamarind bitters, grab some dry hibiscus flower or tea and tamarind pods or paste. Make a concentrated liquid by steeping tea and pods for 10 to 15 minutes in a small amount of water (6 to 8 fluid ounces will work). Steep down to taste. It will have a tart, rich flavor. To make the mocktail, add all ingredients to a shaker, whip with crushed ice and dump into a glass of your choice. Top with fresh ice and a few dashes of tamarind-hibiscus bitters. If you can’t find the non-alcoholic gin, you can add all ingredients to Collins glass and top it with chilled seltzer and bitters.
Winter Garden
“Mindful drinking trends have peaked over the last few years and shifted how we managed our bar programs to include more low- and no-ABV options,” says Erin Gabriella, the head bartender from Le Salon Cocktail Bar & Lounge in New York City. Currently on the menu at Le Salon is a variety of low- and no-ABV cocktails made with Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits. The Winter Garden (featured on the right in this image) pairs Seedlip Garden with London Essence Rosemary Soda, pine and pink peppercorn espuma (or foam). When making this or something with similar flavors at home, serve your mocktail in a stemless flute and garnished with a stem of rosemary for the ultimate presentation.
Blood Orange Mint Shrub Spritz
Colin Gallagher, bar director at Delfina in San Francisco, says seasonal fruit and shrubs are the perfect ingredients for non-alcoholic drinks. “Delfina is a very seasonal restaurant and now that we’re in the winter months we have access to some beautiful winter citrus, he says. “My personal favorite is the blood orange.” To make his blood orange mint shrub spritz, Gallagher says to take 2.5 fluid ounces of shrub and add about 4 ounces of sparkling water. Then finish it with an aromatic mint garnish. We’ll drink to that! Sources:
Hilary Sheinbaum, author of The Dry ChallengeAnthony Page, general manager for Gusto Divino Trattoria in Seaford, New YorkJames Baugh, food and beverage director at TMC Hospitality’s Drift and Bode HotelsRegan DeBenedetto, director of bar operations at Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas in Clifton, New Jersey and Westbury, New YorkErin Gabriella, head bartender from Le Salon Cocktail Bar & Lounge in New York CityColin Gallagher, bar director at Delfina in San Francisco
