In the past, non-alcoholic drinks were often overlooked, and Virgin Margaritas were an uninteresting option. However, tequila and mezcal can bring exciting flavors to mixed drinks beyond simply drinking alcohol.
Nowadays, more producers offer non-alcoholic tequila substitutes. Well, we were just as curious as other connoisseurs, so we did a blind tasting to find the best non-alcoholic tequila to elevate agave-based beverages to a whole new level.
Keep reading to find out what we have discovered.
Top 10 Best Non Alcoholic Tequila Alternative
10. Lyres Tequila Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Average Price: Around $40 (MSRP)
Nose: Agave, citrus, earthy hints
Palate: Balanced agave, zesty citrus, herbal, peppery
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Why We Like It: Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit impresses us with its rich and full-bodied profile. The citrus and floral agave flavor within the non-alcoholic tequila alternative creates a delightful palate, while the hint of black pepper and gentle spice adds a pleasant kick.
“Sip the spirit, embrace the flavor, no alcohol needed.” – Liquor Laboratory
We love how it brings to mind the traditional tequila taste. It’s also a versatile and enjoyable option for mocktails, like frozen Margaritas and bubbly Palomas. You can also keep things simple by mixing it with fresh fruit juices.
But how is tequila different from other types of alcohol?
9. Lyre’s Agave Blanco & Agave Reserva
Average Price: Around $40 (MSRP)
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Nose: Subtle agave, herbal undertones
Palate: Smooth agave, mild sweetness
Why We Like It: Lyre’s Blanco Spirit has a mild and delicate palate, with lemon, roasted agave, vanilla, and peppery spice notes.
On the other hand, Lyre’s Agave Reserva has more dominant flavors, with citrus, roasted agave, and a slightly stronger peppery bite. We recommend this variant for those with a more reckless palate.
Both nonalcoholic tequilas have a distinct yet delightful experience when you slowly sip them. They are perfect for crafting cocktails or on their own, especially when enjoyed under the hot summer sun.
8. Spiritless Jalisco 55
Average Price: Around $40 (MSRP)
Nose: Earthy, woody, citrus hints
Palate: Oaky, agave-like, caramel notes
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Why We Like It: Spiritless Jalisco 55 has an exquisite flavor profile, with sweet agave, zesty citrus, fresh sweet mint, and a hint of cinnamon on the nose. Honey, spicy oak, vanilla, and delicate pepper take center stage on the palate.
This reposado tequila pairs perfectly with classic cocktails like Margaritas, Palomas, and Tequila Sunrises. It will also taste lovely served with fancy dinners. [1]
7. Clean Co Tequila Alternative
Average Price: Around $30 (MSRP)
Nose: Fruity, herbal, subtle agave
Palate: Smooth, refreshing, light sweetness
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Why We Like It: Clean Co Tequila Alternative offers a delightful twist on blanco tequila. It has fresh green agave, olive, new oak aromas, sweet melon, and subtle fruit flavors. Our personal favorite in the entire drinking experience is its peppery dry finish.
This nonalcoholic tequila is also an extremely healthy option for those looking to cut back on calories, as it only has a mere 12 calories per 50ml serving (around one shot).
6. Fluere Smoked Agave
Average Price: Around $40 (MSRP)
Nose: Smoky, agave, hints of spice
Palate: Rich, smoky, balanced sweetness
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Why We Like It: Fluere Smoked Agave has a distinctive blend of black pepper and the signature sweet agave flavor. This non-alcoholic substitute also has a delightful smoky and earthy richness, thanks to the addition of smoked hickory wood.
It’s also perfect for mixing, whether with Cola or grapefruit soda, to create fresh tequila cocktails. We recommend bartenders pick this up to finalize their spirit-free cocktail menus. [2]
5. Free Spirits Non-Alcoholic Tequila
Average Price: Around $40 (MSRP)
Nose: Citrus, agave, light herbal notes
Palate: Smooth, agave-like, subtle sweetness
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Why We Like It: We love The Spirit of Tequila for its oaky, vanilla-kissed Reposado Tequila essence. It has an earthy, spicy nose and a smoky, agave-forward palate that will awaken your taste buds.
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4. Ceder’s Classic Non-Alcoholic Tequila
Average Price: Around $25 (MSRP)
Nose: Herbal, juniper, fresh citrus
Palate: Crisp, botanical, mild sweetness
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Why We Like It: Ceder’s Classic has a harmonious blend of juniper, coriander, and citrus notes, easily making it one of our favorites. If you don’t believe us, this alcohol-free spirit has received recognition, earning Gold for Classic at the 2022 Spirits Business No & Low Masters, so you know it’s good.
Making your own cocktail at home with Ceder’s is also equally simple. Simply mix one part Ceder’s with two parts tonic (or club soda) inside chilled rocks glasses, garnish with a Mexican lime, rosemary, and a maraschino cherry, and sit back and enjoy.
3. Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative
Average Price: Around $30 (MSRP)
Nose: Spicy, citrus, subtle agave
Palate: Bold, agave-inspired, smooth finish
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Why We Like It: Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative has a green pepper nose, grassy body, and a hint of rock salt, all backed by a clean burn.
The Ritual tequila alternative was created specifically to replace traditional tequila 1:1 in your favorite drinks, so you know it will be exceptionally good with fresh lime juice, club soda, and other traditional tequila premade mixers.
And if that doesn’t impress you, you should know that the Ritual tequila alternative has earned the highest rating ever for a nonalcoholic spirits alternative. It is certified a 98/100 Platinum by the Beverage Testing Institute industry standards. [3]
2. Free Spirits, The Spirit of Tequila
Average Price: Around $37 (MSRP)
Nose: Citrus, agave, delicate herbs
Palate: Smooth, agave-like, balanced sweetness
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Why We Like It: Free Spirits The Spirit of Tequila is an earthy non-alcoholic alternative with a hint of oak and vanilla, reminiscent of oaky Reposado Tequilas. Of course, it still has the earthy, spicy, and smoky char flavor, just like classic agave spirits.
It’s made with all-natural flavors and ingredients to awaken your taste buds without the buzz. But what drink doesn’t taste like alcohol?
1. Mockingbird Spirit Agave
Average Price: Around $40 (Drizly)
Nose: Subtle agave, floral notes
Palate: Smooth, floral, gentle sweetness
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
Why We Like It: Mockingbird Spirit stands out among non-alcoholic spirits by capturing the essence of tequila without alcohol. It is made with 100% authentic Mexican blue Weber agave plant and enriched with Ashwagandha, which grants it a mildly earthy profile with a hint of peppers, floral vanilla, warm cinnamon, and a mild habanero kick.
This alcohol-free spirit is also 100% vegan, perfect for those who want to taste tequila without guilt and buzz.
Other than tequila and wine, other forms of alcohol are not Paleo. Stick to red wine and agave tequila.” – Anil Jaya, Author
Note: Average prices are based on Drizly, other online retailers, and the official product websites. The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
How We Rated The Best Non-Alcoholic Tequilas
Authentic Flavor Profile
We assessed each non-alcoholic tequila for its ability to imitate the true essence of traditional tequila. Having flavor profiles that closely mimic the taste of real tequila, like earthy agave, a strong peppery bite, and a slight mineral flavor, was a crucial factor in choosing our favorite non-alcoholic drinks.
Smoothness & Mouthfeel
Smoothness is essential in any tequila, and we didn’t compromise on this aspect in terms of its non-alcoholic substitute. We evaluated the mouthfeel to ensure that each sip of the non-alcoholic spirit was velvety and satisfying.
Ingredients & Dietary Restrictions
We carefully examined the ingredients of each non-alcoholic tequila to ensure they align with various dietary restrictions. We leaned towards nonalcoholic spirits that were both gluten- and vegan-friendly to suit various people.
Sweeteners & Sugar Content
Those with unnecessary sweeteners and sugar content were absolute no-nos in our search for the best non-alcoholic tequilas. Our top picks for the best nonalcoholic beverages have a natural sweetness while still being sugar-free.
Caloric Content
In our exploration of non-alcoholic tequilas, we provided detailed insights into each product’s caloric content.
Gluten-Free & Vegan-Friendly
We verified the gluten-free and vegan-friendly status of our top-rated non-alcoholic tequilas. This ensures that everyone gets to savor the alcohol-free spirits without worry.
FAQs
What non-alcoholic drink tastes like tequila?
Mockingbird Spirit Agave is a non-alcoholic drink that tastes like tequila. It has the authentic flavors of blue agave with a hint of peppery heat and floral vanilla, perfectly mimicking the traditional taste of tequila without alcohol.
Where do you buy non-alcoholic tequila?
You can buy non-alcoholic tequila alternatives at liquor stores, specialty bottle shops, or online retailers that offer a selection of non-alcoholic spirits. Some supermarkets and grocery stores may also carry non-alcoholic tequila in their beverage sections.
What is a good substitute for tequila in a cocktail?
A good substitute for tequila in a cocktail is zero-proof tequilas, such as Mockingbird Spirit Agave, Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative, or Ceder’s Classic Non-Alcoholic Tequila. These alternative brands offer similar flavor profiles to traditional tequila [4] without the alcohol content.
What Are Some Options for the Best Non-Alcoholic Tequila?
There are several brands offering non-alcoholic tequila alternatives, such as Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative, ArKay Alcohol-Free Tequila, and Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Tequila.
What Makes Non-Alcoholic Tequila Different from Traditional Tequila?
Non-alcoholic tequila is crafted to mimic the flavor and aroma of traditional tequila without the alcohol content. It undergoes a similar distillation and flavoring process but excludes the alcohol.
Can Non-Alcoholic Tequila Be Used in Cocktails?
Yes, non-alcoholic tequila can be used in cocktails as a substitute for traditional tequila. It allows individuals to enjoy the taste and experience of tequila-based drinks without the alcohol.
How Should Non-Alcoholic Tequila Be Stored?
Non-alcoholic tequila should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, similar to traditional spirits. It’s essential to keep the bottle tightly sealed to maintain its flavor and freshness.
Is Non-Alcoholic Tequila Suitable for Individuals Who Avoid Alcohol?
Yes, non-alcoholic tequila is an excellent option for individuals who abstain from alcohol due to personal, health, or religious reasons. It allows them to enjoy the taste of tequila without the effects of alcohol.
Bottom Line
We know that finding the best non-alcoholic tequila is important to you, so we sampled every available non-alcoholic tequila option in the market today.
We explored authentic flavor profiles, smoothness, ingredients, dietary restrictions, sweeteners, caloric content, and gluten-free, vegan-friendly options to curate this list of our top zero-proof spirits.
Among the many nonalcoholic tequilas, Mockingbird Spirit Agave stands out as our number one choice.
With its earthy yet peppery notes and commitment to replicating the essence of traditional tequila, it offers a delightful alcohol-free alternative for everyone to enjoy, whether neat or mixed into their favorite tequila mocktail.
References:
- https://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/best-food-and-tequila-pairings
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/tequila-cocktail-recipes
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ritual-zero-proof-dares-drinkers-to-take-on-month-long-sober-october-challenge–and-actually-crush-it-301137653.html
- https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/tequila
