Reviewing 6 Non-Alcoholic Alternatives I've Tried

I've always loved the aesthetics of alcoholic beverages, though I've never been interested in drinking alcohol even when restricting it wasn't part of my religious beliefs. The presentation of cocktails with the garnishes and glassware has always made an impression on me, and I feel like it improves the dining experience. I usually opt for mocktails mixed with fruit juices, syrups, teas, and sodas, but I have tried alcohol alternatives as well. To be honest, I tend to prefer mocktails, but I've been trying to expand my palate. Sometimes I want something that goes beyond fruit juice to pair with my cheeseboard or dinner. 

Gen Z is consuming far less alcohol than Millennials or Gen X (recession indicator disguised as health consciousness?) and drink trends like the "sleepy girl mocktail", Erehwon smoothie obsession, and matcha craze reflect that. None of our major drink trends in my recent memory have revolved around alcohol. Pretty cool! I think this is because people in my age group are more conscious of the negative effects alcohol has on bodily health, mental health, financial health, and society as a whole. 

These beverages are great not just for people avoiding alcohol due to religious beliefs, but also for pregnant women or anyone on a sobriety journey. 

 

Ritual, Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternative

 

I tried this a few years ago both on its own and mixed into a pomegranate sour mocktail. I wasn't a big fan, but maybe that's because I didn't know what I was doing. It was my first time trying a non-alcoholic alternative, so the flavor caught me off guard. I wouldn't recommend this to someone trying non-alcoholic alternatives for the first time, but I'd absolutely give it another try! 

 

Three Spirit US, Non-Alcoholic White Wine Alternative

 

I enjoyed the tartness and crispness of this white wine alternative. It's full of botanicals for added health benefits. I tried it on its own and in a watermelon spritzer (watermelon juice & sparkling water) and it was really refreshing! Perfect summer beverage. I would definitely recommend this, especially mixed into some sort of fruity mocktail. 

 

TÖST, ROSÉ

 

I loved this one! It is sparkling, light, fruity, crisp, and not overly sweet--a perfect choice for a girl's night or picnic. It also comes in cans that are easier to transport. I tried it on its own and mixed into a mocktail with some lemon + strawberry juice. Both were excellent. I would definitely recommend this to someone trying non alcoholic beverages for the first time. TÖST is available both online and in Whole Foods, so check it out on your next grocery run!

 

Ghia, Original Apéritif

 

I tried this with sparkling water & a sprig of rosemary and with GT's Trilogy kombucha (as recommended by their website) and liked it most with the kombucha. It was a little bitter, so it's good if you're into that. I liked it a lot--I love that there's no added sugars, no artificial flavors, and I enjoyed the rosemary notes. For me this was a 10/10! I'd love to try more Ghia beverages.

 

TÖST, Sparkling Ginger

 

Another great tea-based alternative from TÖST. This is their signature beverage and it has white tea, ginger, and white cranberry. It's lightly sweet and super refreshing. I tried this on its own and mixed with cranberry juice, and both ways were excellent. I think I prefer the rosé though!

 

Surely, Non-Alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc

 

This was too vinegary for my tastebuds, but I don't have a frame of reference for how it's normally supposed to taste. I'd be open to trying it again, but I don't think I'd buy another bottle on my own. Not really my thing, but I'm sure someone would like it!

 

Conclusion

Overall, my top brand recs to someone just getting into non alcoholic alternatives would be Ghia, TÖST, and Three Spirit US. I love the use of tea and botanicals in these brands. Consider them for your next special occasion or gathering! All beverages in this article are great not just for people avoiding alcohol due to religious beliefs, but also for pregnant women (like myself) or anyone on a sobriety journey. 

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