Companies are starting to take note of all the people looking to live the dry life. That's a good thing for all of us non alcohol drinkers because it means there are more delicious drink options on the market for us! We have noticed quite a few non alcoholic whiskeys popping up in stores lately so we wanted to check them out. Are you curious about non alcohol whiskey too? Then let’s dive in!
What is Non Alcoholic Whisky?
Non alcoholic whiskey is a distilled, water-based drink that is flavored to taste like whiskey. The whiskeys are made to have an intense flavor, like a true whiskey but without any alcohol at all. This can be quite the challenge!
To make a good non alcoholic whiskey, the drink needs to have three things:
- Aroma- Real whiskey has an oaky, smokey aroma. This needs to be captured in non alcoholic whiskey as well.
- Flavor- True whiskey has a long, lingering taste. It can taste like cloves, sweet corn, smoke, ash, tobacco and malt. Of course, different whiskeys have different flavors and various non alcoholic whiskeys will too. But the key notes still need to be in non alcoholic whiskey! Or else it would just be something different completely..
- Mouthfeel- Whiskey feels different in your mouth than water. It is thicker and silkier. The closer a good non alcoholic whiskey will have this same texture in your mouth.
When we looked for the best non alcoholic whiskey, we kept all of these things in mind. We really wanted to make sure the non alcoholic whiskies we recommend are delicious and also realistic.
Why Drink Non-Alcoholic Whiskey
Whiskey has a very unique taste. The oakey, smokey, sweet and savory taste is unlike anything else. Many people love this flavor and crave it. However, a lot of people don’t crave alcohol. The only way to get that whiskey taste is to drink non alcoholic whiskey.
Not only does non alcoholic whiskey taste good straight from the bottle or just served on the rocks, it is perfect in mixed drinks and mocktails. You can quickly turn an alcoholic cocktail into a mocktail just by swapping out the whiskey for non alcoholic whiskey. Easy solution!
How to Make Non Alcoholic Whiskey
Non alcoholic whiskey is a blend of herbs, spices and botanicals, all mixed together to taste like real whiskey. Distilled water is typically used to make sure the base of the whiskey is pure and flavor-free. The water is blended with a perfect balance of flavorings until it tastes like whiskey! Simple as that.
Every brand of non alcoholic whisky is a little different. They all use different ingredients and different blends of essences. Each company also closely guards their recipes to keep their secrets safe! However, most non alcoholic whiskey’s have a few common ingredients. Vanilla is in almost every bottle and “herbal flavors” makes the list on all of them, too. After that, the mix of extracts and flavorings is completely proprietorial!
Best Non Alcoholic Whiskeys
With more and more non alcoholic whiskeys popping up on the market, you likely want to know which are the absolute best. We tried quite a few to come up with this list of the best non alcoholic whiskeys out there. We know you will love them, too!
1. Free Spirits
Free Spirits is a great alternative for Kentucky style bourbon. It has lots of oaky-toffee notes that blend with the sweetness of brown sugar. This drink is the real deal when it comes to tasting close to real whiskey just without all the alcohol. It has a warm bite that will remind you of drinking alcohol but without any actual alcohol!
We especially love the blend of mood-boosting vitamins in every bottle of Free Spirits. Part of a good cocktail is the way it makes you feel when you drink it. Free Spirits wanted to ensure their drinks would also make you feel good, despite being alcohol free. A blend of B vitamins and natural amino acids are added to every bottle to improve your mood with every sip. Pretty cool, right?!
2. Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative
Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative is at the top of many people’s list for favorite non alcoholic spirit and we know why. It is pretty delicious! It has a taste that is very close to real whiskey but contains absolutely no alcohol at all.
Ritual Zero Proof has an oaky, smokey and caramel flavor. It is very similar to a classic rye whiskey but has a sweeter, more caramelly taste. It also has a little bit of spice which you will taste mid sip. That spice does a good job of replicating the burn of true whiskey. It also makes it great for mixing into mocktails since the flavor will stand out and not be masked by other ingredients.
If you are looking for a non alcoholic whiskey that is very close to the classic alcohol, then Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative is a solid choice. It is also one of the more affordable non alcoholic whiskey’s on our list!
3. Spiritless Kentucky 74
Spiritless Kentucky 74 is quickly becoming everyone’s favorite non-alcoholic whiskey. The warm, vanilla flavor tastes like it came straight out of an oak barrel. The notes of corn, caramel and malt make it unique and very similar to a real whiskey.
Spiritless Kentucky 74 is not just alcohol free but it is also a zero calorie drink. This makes it perfect for anyone on a diet or just looking to limit calorie intake. Even though it is calorie free, it is still sweeter than many other whiskey substitutes we have tried. We like Spiritless best when it is mixed into a mocktail and the sweet and smokey taste can enhance a mixed drink.
4. Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey
Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey has been around for quite a few years and has a solid reputation. It is one of the fruitier non alcoholic whiskeys we have tried and we love that about it! It is definitely close to a classic American style whiskey and it is delicious to drink straight from the bottle or served with just a little ice.
Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey has a subtle orange taste that compliments the oaky flavors. It is also a zero calorie, no sugar, vegan and gluten free drink. Everyone can enjoy Monday Whiskey!
5. Lyre’s American Malt Non Alcoholic Whiskey
We like the nutty taste of Lyre’s American Malt. It is a unique taste that some of the other nonalcoholic whiskey’s on our list are lacking. That nutty, vanilla and herbal flavor are really delicious in a mixed mocktail.
Lyre’s is also quite sweet. It has a caramel and cherry flavor that some whiskey lovers find to be too intense. However, this non alcoholic whiskey is made to be mixed and to stand up next to other ingredients. We think it does the job! The peppery flavors really give Lyre’s a nice kick of heat that makes it taste like true whiskey.
Where to Buy Non Alcoholic Whiskey
You can find non alcoholic whiskey in a whole bunch of places. Since it contains no alcohol, stores can sell it without special permits or licenses. That means you can find non alcoholic whiskey at your local grocery store, gas station or even in the regular liquor store. You can also buy non alcoholic whiskey online and have it delivered right to your door. That is our favorite way to buy non alcoholic whiskey- no need to ever leave the house!
Are you ready to try some great non alcoholic whiskeys? Any of these top five brands is a great place to start! Use them to make a delicious mocktail or enjoy them with a nice, big ice cube. They will give you all the interesting flavor of whiskey without a drop of alcohol. Let us know which you like best! Enjoy.
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