Dryuary Prep Tip #2: Non-Alcoholic Spirits-Toasting to the Holidays Without Getting Toasted!

As the holiday season kicks into full gear, we are given the perfect opportunity to explore non-alcoholic drinks that we can later indulge in again in Dryuary. We understand that most of us don’t want to go fully alcohol-free during the holidays. However, the addition of non-alcoholic (NA) alternative drinks can serve as a welcome break from an alcohol-fueled holiday blitz and keep our energy levels up and our mood serene throughout the season.

There are so many exciting new NA beverages available these days, it’s impossible to include them all in one post. In this post, we’re discussing Alternative NA Spirits and when we say spirits, we’re talking about rum, whiskey, tequila, vodka and gin.  Before we get to the top picks, here’s some tips for enjoying NA alternative beverages.

Tips for buying and trying NA Spirits

• Read the ingredient list of any NA alternative beverage before buying to make sure you’re not allergic to any of its components. Also, not all non-alcoholic alternative’s ingredients are safe for pregnant or nursing women. Be aware that some NA beverages do include a very small amount of alcohol. If it is labeled as alcohol free, the beverage will have no more than 0.5% ABV. At MM, we don’t worry about those small amounts but, if that concerns you, you will want to steer clear.
  
  
• NA Spirits are expensive. If possible, buy a sample pack or the smallest bottle available to avoid ending up with a pricey bottle of something you don’t like.
  
  
• Keep an open-mind and cultivate an adventurous palate. Don’t expect an exact match when it comes to your favorite spirit. Instead, expect an array of botanical notes and interesting, new flavors. The goal is a drink that is pleasant, complex, and not too sweet or bitter.  A sip should have you going, “Hmmmm…was that cardamom? Wait a minute, what’s this spicy kick bringing up the rear?”
  
  
• Carry your NA alternative with you to parties. It doesn’t have to be obvious, a flask in your breast pocket or purse will do the trick. If a friend or the host asks why you’re mixing your own, just tell them you need a little break between the alcoholic drinks. Most MM members have found that other party-goers are curious about the NA drinks they bring with them and usually want to try them.
  
  
• If you want to experiment with rotating non-alcoholic spirits with alcoholic spirits, try it out on a smaller scale first to make sure the mix doesn’t upset your stomach.
  
  
• Make your non-alcoholic drinks fresh and fun. Add mint sprigs, basil, slices of citrus or even bacon. Create tantalizing treats, not disappointing replacements.
  
  
• Go on an alcohol-free alternative beverage expedition. Do an internet search and see which ones pique your interest. Read the reviews. Maybe choose a flavor that is totally different from what you usually drink so that you won’t have certain expectations.
  
  
• There are enticing recipes on most NA spirit websites. Peruse them to ignite the excitement of changing up the holiday traditions with some NA mocktails.
  
  
• Share your experiences in the comments for this post or in the Dryuary 2025 Facebook group. Let’s learn from each other!

Top Picks for NA Spirits:

After reviewing several lists of Top NA Spirits, these are the ones that came up most consistently on top.

•  Seedlip Garden 108: While Seedlip doesn’t specify its NA spirits as substitutes for specific liquors, it comes at the top of most lists. One thing you can be sure of, you’ll have the most interesting mixed drink at the party.

“A fresh, herbal blend of Peas & traditional garden herbs including Rosemary, Thyme & Spearmint.”

• Spiritless Kentucky 74: This whiskey substitute scores an average 4.5 from all reviews.
  
  “Delicious enough to sip on its own, or use Kentucky 74 in a classic Whiskey Sour or Old Fashioned. Pick your potency: go HALFSIES™ by pairing one-to-one with your favorite bourbon whiskey to cut down on ABV”
  
  
• Ritual Zero Proof Rum:  A solid 4 stars across the various review sites. What I like best about it is this statement on their website. “Our gin and tequila alternatives have no calories at all. Our whiskey and rum alternatives have a few (10, to be precise), because, well, whiskey and rum are sweet. That sweetness comes from natural sugars, not unlike the sweetness of traditional whiskey and rum. There’s no gluten. No peanuts or tree-nuts. And again, it’s non-alcoholic.”
  
  “All the warm vanilla, toasted spice, and velvety decadence of dark rum, without the alcohol or calories. For non-alcoholic classic like mojitos and mai tais, inspired mixology, simple serves with soda or juice, and everything in between.”
  
  MM Member Review: “Just received a bottle of Ritual rum alternative and I really enjoy it. It doesn’t taste like rum, but it has a nice slight burn that other NAs lack. To me, it’s like a watery bourbon. I’ve had it on ice and with mixers.”
  
  
• Ritual Zero Proof Gin: There are several NA Gin alternatives on the market and they are all about equal as far as reviews go, 3.5-4 stars. Ritual Zero Proof Gin seems to be the least expensive though.
  
  “The crisp, refreshing bite of gin, without the alcohol or calories. For non-alcoholic classics like G&Ts and gimlets, inspired mixology, simple serves with soda or juice, and everything in between.”
  
  
• Spiritless Jalisco 55: Solid 4.5 stars across the board. However, most NA Tequila alternatives ranked 4 stars or above so if this one is not readily available, give one of the others a try.
  
  “The finished product is an elegant and herbaceous reposado spirit – minus the burn of alcohol. Sniff, and you’ll catch a whiff of sweet agave, zesty citrus, fresh sweet mint, and just a touch of cinnamon. Sip, and you’ll taste hints of honey, spicy oak, vanilla, and delicate pepper.”
  
  

Mocktail Recipes

You never who is trying to abstain from drinking or reduce their drinking. Start a new tradition by featuring a mix-it-yourself mocktail bar with ingredients and mixing instructions at the next holiday event you host. For some great mocktail recipes and even more non-alcoholic spirit recommendations, check out, 10 Non-Alcoholic Holiday Drinks You Need to Know!

Cheers! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures with NA Spirits.