Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: The Guide to the Classics
Sophie Grant
Non-Alcoholic Wine & Ready-to-Drink Expert
Looking for non alcoholic cocktails that still taste like the real thing? Almost every classic can now be made at 0.0% or close to it, because there is a non-alcoholic gin, tequila, rum, whiskey and aperitif for nearly every recipe. This guide shows you which base to use for each classic and links to our step-by-step recipes.
You do not need a full home bar to start. One good non-alcoholic spirit, a mixer and some fresh citrus already cover a handful of the drinks below.
Quick Picks: Classic Non-Alcoholic Cocktails at a Glance
| Classic cocktail | Non-alcoholic base to use | Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Negroni | NA gin + NA bitter aperitif + NA red vermouth | Virgin Negroni |
| Gin & Tonic | NA gin + tonic water | Gin & Tonic Mocktail |
| Margarita | NA tequila + NA triple sec + lime | Virgin Margarita |
| Paloma | NA tequila + grapefruit soda | Grapefruit Paloma Mocktail |
| Mojito | NA rum + mint + lime + syrup | Virgin Mojito |
| Piña Colada | NA rum + pineapple + coconut | Virgin Piña Colada |
| Old Fashioned | NA whiskey or bourbon + bitters | Old Fashioned Whiskey |
| Whiskey Sour | NA whiskey + lemon + syrup | Whiskey Sour |
| Espresso Martini | Espresso + coffee + NA spirit | Virgin Espresso Martini |
| Moscow Mule | NA vodka + ginger + lime | Virgin Moscow Mule |
| Aperol Spritz | NA bitter aperitif + NA sparkling wine | Virgin Aperol Spritz |
| Mimosa | NA sparkling wine + orange juice | Virgin Mimosa |
What Is a Non-Alcoholic Cocktail (vs a Mocktail)?
A non-alcoholic cocktail is a classic cocktail rebuilt with non-alcoholic spirits, so it keeps the structure of the original: the botanicals of a gin, the agave of a tequila, the oak and vanilla of a bourbon. A mocktail is the broader family and can be any mixed drink without alcohol, including drinks built only on juice and soda.
In practice the two words are used interchangeably. The difference that matters is the base: when you start from a non-alcoholic spirit, you get a drink that tastes like the cocktail you know, not like a fruit punch.
The Bases: NA Spirits, Ready-to-Drink and Mixers
Here are six products that cover most of the classics above, all in stock at Upside Drinks.
1. Tanqueray 0.0 (Gin)
Price: $44.99 / bottle / Buy Now
The alcohol-free version of Tanqueray, built on four botanicals with a citrus style and a juniper-led profile. Your base for a Gin & Tonic or a Negroni.
Things We Like
- Juniper-led, like the original
- 0.0% alcohol
- Made for G&Ts
2. Almave Blanco (Tequila)
Price: $59.99 / bottle / Buy Now
A blue agave non-alcoholic spirit that balances sweetness, herbal notes and acidity. Made for margaritas and palomas.
Things We Like
- Pure blue agave flavour
- Margarita-ready
- Works over ice too
3. Captain Morgan 0.0 (Spiced Rum)
Price: $44.99 / bottle / Buy Now
The alcohol-free take on Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold, with notes of caramel, molasses, vanilla and warm spices. Use it in a mojito, a piña colada or simply with cola.
Things We Like
- Caramel and vanilla
- 0.0% alcohol
- Easy with cola
4. Spiritless Kentucky 74 (Bourbon)
Price: $54.99 / bottle / Buy Now
A non-alcoholic spirit made for bourbon cocktails, with notes of caramel, vanilla and oak. The base for an Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour.
Things We Like
- Caramel, vanilla, oak
- Built for stirred drinks
- Award winner: gold medal at the L.A. Spirits Awards, according to the brand.
5. Cherry River Paloma (Ready-to-Drink)
Price: $2.99 / can / Buy Now
No shaker needed: a sparkling grapefruit and lime paloma in a can, made in Quebec. Chill it, open it and pour it over ice.
Things We Like
- Zero prep
- Made in Quebec
- Single cans or packs
6. Monsieur Cocktail Ginger Syrup (Mixer)
Price: $19.99 / 500 mL / Buy Now
A syrup made with cold-pressed ginger. Add sparkling water and lime for a homemade ginger beer, the base of a Moscow Mule.
Things We Like
- Cold-pressed ginger
- Makes your own ginger beer
- A little goes a long way
Classic Cocktails Made Without Alcohol
Gin-based
- Virgin Negroni: NA gin, bitter aperitif and red vermouth, stirred.
- Gin & Tonic: the easiest classic to make alcohol-free.
Tequila-based
- Virgin Margarita: NA tequila, NA triple sec and fresh lime.
- Grapefruit Paloma: NA tequila topped with grapefruit soda.
Rum-based
- Virgin Mojito: NA rum, mint, lime and a little syrup.
- Virgin Piña Colada: NA rum, pineapple and coconut.
Whiskey-based
- Old Fashioned: NA whiskey or bourbon, bitters and an orange twist.
- Whiskey Sour: NA whiskey, lemon and syrup, shaken.
Vodka-style and coffee
- Virgin Moscow Mule: NA vodka, ginger and lime.
- Virgin Espresso Martini: fresh espresso, shaken hard for the foam.
Sparkling
- Virgin Aperol Spritz: NA bitter aperitif, NA sparkling wine and soda.
- Virgin Mimosa: NA sparkling wine and orange juice, for brunch.
Shop Non-Alcoholic Cocktails at Upside Drinks
Everything above ships across Canada. Browse our non-alcoholic mocktails and cocktails for ready-to-drink cans, our non-alcoholic spirits to mix your own, or see our guides to the best non-alcoholic spirits and the best non-alcoholic gins.
FAQ: Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
What is the easiest non-alcoholic cocktail to make at home?
A Gin & Tonic: a non-alcoholic gin, a good tonic water, ice and a slice of lime or cucumber. Two ingredients, one minute.
Do non-alcoholic cocktails contain any alcohol?
Most non-alcoholic spirits are 0.0% or under 0.5% alcohol. Check the label of each product if you need a strict 0.0%.
What is the difference between a mocktail and a non-alcoholic cocktail?
A non-alcoholic cocktail recreates a classic with non-alcoholic spirits. A mocktail is any mixed drink without alcohol. Most people use both words for the same thing.
Can I buy non-alcoholic cocktails ready to drink?
Yes. Ready-to-drink cans like Cherry River Paloma go straight over ice, no shaker or recipe needed.
Which non-alcoholic spirit should I buy first?
Pick the spirit of the cocktail you order most. If it is a G&T, start with a gin; if it is a margarita, start with a tequila. One bottle already opens several recipes.
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