The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Spirits, Beer, and Wine That Pass the Taste Test

This article is part of Dry January, Straight Up, your no-BS guide to cutting out alcohol for 31 days—or longer. SELF will be publishing new articles for this series throughout January. Read more here.

Whether you’re exploring Dry January, Damp January, sober living, or none of the above, you can’t deny that sipping a fun, fizzy beverage can be truly delightful (especially when it doesn’t leave you reeling from a nasty hangover the next morning). But you can only drink so many Arnold Palmers and Shirley Temples—so if you’re ready to upgrade to something a little more sophisticated and a little less sweet, we’ve got you covered.

To find the best ready-to-drink mocktails, we researched dozens of options from best-selling brands like Athletic Brewing, TÖST, Kin Euphorics, and more. Then, we tested around 20 zero-proof wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits. To get a sense of how they measure up to their alcoholic counterparts (and, more importantly, whether they actually taste good), we had both sober and non-sober SELF staffers give them a try, then compared notes. Keep scrolling to shop our favorite non-alcoholic drinks for big celebrations, relaxing pre-bedtime rituals, or your daily “little treat.”

Our top picksBest Non-Alcoholic Wine: Saint Viviana Non-Alcoholic Sauvignon BlancBest Non-Alcoholic Beer: Untitled Art Nonalcoholic Variety PackBest Non-Alcoholic Spirit: Wilderton Bittersweet AperitivoBest Canned Mocktail: St. Agrestis Phony NegroniBest Bubbly: TÖST and TÖST RoséBest Variety Pack: Free AF Non-Alcoholic Variety PackOriginal photo taken by SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

FAQs about zero-proof spirits and mocktailsWhat does zero-proof mean?

“Proof” measures how much alcohol is in a liquor or distilled spirit. When it comes to traditional beer, wine, and hard cider, you’ll usually see “alcohol by volume” (or ABV) rather than “proof” on the label.

Quick math lesson: A spirit’s proof is equal to twice its ABV percentage. For example, a bottle of vodka that has an ABV of 40% is 80 proof. So a drink that’s “zero-proof” has very little or no alcohol in it. Some mocktails and other drinks (like kombucha) do have a small amount of alcohol in them (in the US, the ABV should be 0.5% or less), but you shouldn’t taste it or feel any effects from it.

Are mocktails full of sugar?

Some mocktails are higher in sugar than others—it usually depends on the product’s flavor and the brand’s manufacturing process. But there are plenty of no- or low-sugar options to explore. We’ve listed the grams of sugar in our top picks below, so you can keep tabs on your daily intake if you want or need to.

Grab a fancy glass, a tiny umbrella, and browse our fave “I can’t believe they’re zero-proof” mocktails and other drinks below.

Best Non-Alcoholic Wine: Saint Viviana Non-Alcoholic Sauvignon BlancSaint Viviana

Non-Alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc

ProsHas less sugar than many other N/A wines we testedTastes close to the real thingConsMay be a little sour for someWe’re big fans of Saint Viviana’s not-too-tart, not-too-sweet Sauvignon Blanc. It’s on the drier side and tastes pretty convincing—multiple testers who enjoy traditional wine said they’d happily swap their usual white for a glass of this. With each sip, you’ll get notes of orange, grapefruit, melon, and a slightly acidic finish. We also like that it’s much lower in sugar than some other wines we tested.

Size: 24.6 fluid ounce bottle | Sugar content: 1 gram per serving

Best Non-Alcoholic Beer: Untitled Art Nonalcoholic Variety PackUntitled Art

Nonalcoholic Variety Pack

ProsTastes great, similar to traditional IPAsHas a realistic “head” when poured into a glassConsVery fizzyMultiple testers agreed: In the world of N/A beer, Untitled Art reigns supreme. Once you crack the (beautifully abstract) can, the bev inside immediately starts to fizz and will even form a realistic-looking “head” when poured into a glass.

While our testers thought that it might be a little too carbonated for some, we decided that all of the styles in this mix pack are delicious—the hoppy flavor in them all is very similar to some of our go-to alcoholic brews. Even this writer, a notorious beer skeptic, enjoyed the light, citrus-forward taste. If you grab this variety box, you can try four flavors: the West Coast IPA, Juicy IPA (my personal favorite!), Italian Style Pils, and Florida Weisse.

Size: 12 cans, 12 fluid ounces each | Sugar content: 2 to 6 grams per can, depending on the style

Best Non-Alcoholic Spirit: Wilderton Citrus AperitivoWilderton

Citrus Aperitivo

ProsUse to make an easy, two-ingredient spritzA little sweetGluten-freeConsHigher sugar contentWhen it comes to zero-proof options, it can be tough to find an aperitivo that balances fruity and bitter notes without tasting like cough syrup. After taste-testing a bunch, this one from Wilderton stood out to our testers. It’s citrusy and herbal, like Aperol, with hints of grapefruit and orange blossom. Mix with soda water for a quick spritz that tastes just like it came from your favorite rooftop bar.

Size: 25.4 fluid ounce bottle | Sugar content: 9 grams per serving

Best Canned Mocktail: St. Agrestis Phony NegroniSt. Agrestis

Phony Negroni

ProsTastes greatNot too priceyConsHigher sugar contentOur criteria for testing mocktails is strict: We want something that’s tasty on its own (without needing too many garnishes, mixers, or other ingredients), not super expensive, and easy to drink any time. St. Agrestis came out on top in our taste test and has been one of our tester’s go-tos for months.

“This is the best-tasting non-alcoholic canned cocktail I’ve tried—period,” she says. “I first tasted it after I saw it appearing as a mocktail option on restaurant menus across Brooklyn. And now I buy it by the case to drink at home.” She also confirms it doesn’t make her feel like she’s missing out on higher-proof bevs. “My husband and I got a little too attached to our nightcaps during the pandemic, and it’s been a game changer to have a delicious option to sub in on nights we don’t want to imbibe,” she says. (The cool cans are another bonus.)

Size: 3.4 fluid ounce cans | Sugar content: 11 grams per can

Original photo taken by SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

Best Bubbly: TÖST and TÖST RoséTöst

All-Natural Alcohol Free Sparkling Beverage

ProsLooks and tastes similar to champagne and roséNot too priceyGluten-freeConsVery fizzyLight, bright, tart, and bubbly—TÖST is a delight. Aside from the sleek bottle, we loved the taste (dry and a little floral, reminiscent of some Champagnes) and were pleasantly surprised to find that white tea is the main ingredient. Cranberry, ginger, and elderberry add a citrus twist, while blue agave keeps things slightly sweet.

It’s gluten-free, not too expensive (at around $10 a bottle), and also comes in a rosé flavor that was our favorite fauxé we tested. FYI: It’s super fizzy and tends to overflow, so we recommend cracking it open over the sink, just to be safe.

Size: 25.4 fluid ounce bottle | Sugar content: 11 grams per bottle

Best Variety Pack: Free AF Non-Alcoholic Variety PackFree AF

Non-Alcoholic Variety Pack

ProsSleek, subtle canLots of flavors to choose fromConsTastes a little watered downLove a mocktail, but not so keen on being your own bartender? Free AF’s Variety Pack includes N/A versions of classic cocktails like a paloma, gin and tonic, Aperol spritz, and vodka spritz. After multiple rounds of testing, the whiskey ginger and paloma came out on top—but we agree that all are crowd-pleasers.

We like that the small, swirly cans are subtle enough to fly under the radar at a bar or happy hour. Lightly fizzy with some warmth at the end, thanks to the brand’s Afterglow (a botanical extract that mimics the “burn” of alcohol), Free AF mocktails are more than worthy of a spot in your home bar.

Size: 12 cans, 8.4 fluid ounces each | Sugar content: Between 0 and 12 grams per can, depending on the flavor

Original photo taken by SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

Other great optionsWhile every zero-proof beverage can’t be “the best,” we did test plenty of other tasty options. If none of the drinks above seem like your cup of tea, keep browsing editor-approved N/A wines, beer, and more below.

Athletic Brewing Variety CaseAthletic Brewing

Variety Case

ProsTastes great—similar to traditional beerLow price per canConsLarge case is a little priceyOur “near beer” runner-up, Athletic Brewing makes a wide range of refreshing styles and flavors, four of which you can sample in this variety pack. Sober and Dry January testers alike enjoyed sipping on the brand’s craft brews (and almost everyone went back for more).

We like that these flavors remind us of some of our go-to alcoholic beers. Some are lighter and drier (like the Upside Dawn golden ale), while others lean smoky and chocolaty (the All Out stout). All are hoppy and not too heavy—perfect for pairing with game day apps, a burger, or a platter of wings. TL;DR: There’s a satisfying flavor profile for pretty much everyone.

Size: 24 cans, 12 fluid ounces each | Sugar content: 0 grams

Oddbird GSM Non-Alcoholic Red WineOddbird

GSM Non-Alcoholic Red Wine

ProsDeep fruity flavorTastes close to traditional red wineSleek, subtle bottleConsHigher sugar contentLooking for a zero-proof red wine? This one from Oddbird stole the show during our taste tests. Dry and a little smoky, it wowed multiple testers, earning itself a well-deserved spot on our list. Made with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Carignan grapes, it tastes both fruity and spicy—pretty similar to some traditional reds our testers have tried in the past. Beautiful bottle aside, this wine holds up (we’d happily drink it alongside a good steak or charcuterie board).

Size: 25 fluid ounce bottle | Sugar content: 9 grams per serving

Tilden Non-Alcoholic CocktailsTilden

Lacewing Non-Alcoholic Cocktail

Tilden

Tandem Non-Alcoholic Cocktail

ProsPre-mixed cocktailsTaste greatNot too sweet—low in sugarConsSome sediment at the bottom of the bottleThere are too many satisfying zero-proof cocktails to include just one on our list. If a Negroni isn’t your vibe, we suggest giving Tilden’s mocktails a try.

Lacewing (the green bottle) has long been one tester’s N/A drink of choice. “I couldn’t drink for the better part of 2022, so I know a thing or two about a non-alc beverage,” she says. “I’ve tried plenty that taste like a fancy soda or a nice juice…or just a less satisfying copycat of an existing alcoholic drink. Tilden’s Lacewing is none of those things.”

“It’s a balanced, tangy-sweet cocktail that just so happens to not contain any booze,” our tester adds. “It’s lemony at first, followed by refreshing hits of lychee and yuzu and a whisper of basil. And it wraps up with a subtle kick of cayenne pepper—a reminder that N/A drinks can be fun and hot too, thank you very much.”

We’re also fans of Tandem (the orange bottle), which is smokier, with notes of orange, tart cherry, and ginger. Both flavors are premixed—just pour over ice and enjoy—and made with cayenne pepper extract for a slightly spicy finish.

Size: 24.5 fluid ounce bottle | Sugar content: 1 gram per serving

Oddbird Blanc de Blancs Non-Alcoholic Sparkling White WineOddbird

Blanc de Blancs Non-Alcoholic Sparkling White Wine

ProsEasy to drinkCitrusyDoesn’t contain any juiceConsVery fizzyOne of my new favorite zero-proof wines, Oddbird’s Blanc de Blancs is made with Chardonnay and Colombard grapes, which creates a sparkling white that’s tart but not so dry that you’ll pucker up when you take a sip. (I polished off a bottle while writing this story!)

Some of our other N/A wine picks have added fruit juice, which can increase their sugar content and make them taste sweeter. But this one is all grapes, with nothing extra added after the dealcoholization process. Crisp citrus, apple, and honey combine for a refreshing beverage that’ll help you cool off on a hot day without risking a hangover.

Size: 25 fluid ounce bottle | Sugar content: 6 grams per serving

Original video by SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

Kin Euphorics Actual SunshineKin Euphorics

Actual Sunshine

ProsCaffeinatedGluten-freeSimilar to a mimosaConsTastes more spicy than sweet, according to Amazon reviewersCrafted as a midday pick-me-up, Kin Euphorics’ Actual Sunshine is a gently caffeinated mocktail that looks and tastes like a mimosa. Pineapple and lemon juice give it a tropical vibe, while turmeric, ginger, saffron, and cardamom extracts add warm, spicy notes.

“This probably sounds ridiculous, but my taste buds had been longing for this and I didn’t even know what it was!” one Amazon shopper wrote. “Truly next level flavor mixture. It deserves a beautiful glass and to be enjoyed—but even if you just grab the can and sip it like that, it’s going to change your day for the better.” Pro tip from other reviewers: Add some seltzer for a mimosa-like experience.

Size: 4 cans, 7 fluid ounces each | Sugar content: 7 grams per can

ISH Sparkling Non-Alcoholic WhiteISH

Sparkling Non-Alcoholic White

ProsGluten-freeGood replacement for proseccoConsMay be too dry for someMore acidic than Oddbird’s sparkling white, ISH is our top pick for the dry wine crowd. Apple, pear, and peach make it fruity upfront, while the dealcoholization process creates a sharper finish that we thoroughly enjoyed during testing.

“This is hands down the best alcohol-removed sparkling white I’ve ever tried,” one The Zero Proof reviewer wrote. “I love that apple comes through balanced and not overly sweet like the other non-alcoholic wines that are out there. Truly a stand out!” Our verdict: You don’t have to be celebrating to pop the cork on this one. FYI—the brand also makes a sparkling rosé that we think is just as good, if that’s more your speed.

Size: 25 fluid ounce bottle | Sugar content: 9 grams per serving

Lapo’s Non-Alcoholic NegroniLapo’s

Non-Alcoholic Negroni

ProsRealistic look and colorNot too sweetNot carbonatedConsBitter, herby taste isn’t for everyoneHigher sugar contentAnother N/A Negroni option, this one from Lapo’s comes in a chic can and has that deep, red-orange hue you’d expect from the usual cocktail. If you find that most mocktails are overly sweet, we recommend giving this one a go—our testers agreed that the bitter, vegetal notes taste sophisticated and “grown-up.” It’s also flat, so if bubbles don’t agree with your stomach, you can sip on this one in (non-gassy) peace.

Size: 4 cans, 8 fluid ounces each | Sugar content: 17 grams per can

Original video taken by SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

Fre Sauvignon BlancProsBright apple flavorTastes similar to traditional wineConsHigher sugar contentThe sister winery to Sutter Homes Family Vineyards, Fre makes a variety of non-alcoholic wines—we recommend the Sauvignon Blanc. Its great taste is due in part to the brand’s manufacturing process: Fre makes their wines the usual way, then removes the alcohol after for a more realistic final product.

This N/A white has notes of apple and reminded testers of traditional wine, especially when served cold. A little sweeter and fruit-forward, it would pair well with grilled fish or chicken.

Size: 25.4 fluid ounce bottles | Sugar content: 9 grams per serving

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