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Dry January? Sober-curious? Merely fine-tuning your hosting abilities? Spoiler alert: there’s never been a better time to give your at-home bar some non-alcoholic zhuzh. A rolling party on wheels, your bar cart is a canvas for some of your most cherished collectibles. Bottled-up memories like the spirits you discovered on your summer sojourn, designer Champagne poised for an impromptu toast, and those rare pièces de résistance you’re saving for life’s most-treasured occasions. The best news? For every one of those spirited libations, there’s now a non-alcoholic counterpart waiting in the wings.
Moreover, if going dry is more than just a “new year, new me” kickstart, rest assured you’re on trend. Milan Martin, founder and CEO of The Free Spirits Company, a burgeoning small-batch purveyor of non-alcoholic spirits, observes that many experience an awakening during Dry January and find the non-alcoholic hype is, in fact, real. “It’s become less about ‘making it through the month’ and more about discovering just how good you can feel with a little less alcohol in your life,” Martin explains. “We see about 25% of our new customers for the year coming in just in the month of January.”
Alcohol-free libations have reached a new peak, confirming that this is indeed how many people socialize now. Melanie Masarin, the visionary founder of Ghia, the non-alcoholic spritz of the It crowd, confirms, “This is a real cultural shift, not a fad! We’re seeing about 90% of our customers identify as drinkers seeking to moderate their consumption, further proving this isn’t just for sober people.” Martin echoes this sentiment, noting, “Our business, once met with furrowed brows and questions like, ‘What's the point?’ is now growing at triple digits, backed by the tailwinds of an ‘Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage’ category that is on fire.”
So, where to begin in elevating your non-alcoholic home bar, or stocking a Deco-inspired cart that Gatsby would have been proud to roll out at a West Egg soirée? Below, founders, experts, and bar directors offer their wisdom on how to curate a sophisticated lineup of non-alcoholic spirits, apéritifs, wines, beers, and mixers that are sure to impress and delight.
A Few Tips to Consider
Martin says that whether you’re crafting a classic or bespoke concoction, “It’s all about balancing those big flavors on the palate: the sweets, the acids, the bitters, and the sours.” Erin Davey, the head of bars at Soho House, adds that non-alcoholic drinks come with their own superpower. “Because of the lack of booze, the flavor diversity in a lot of NA products is already more nuanced, so even doing something as simple as a Paloma is automatically elevated.”
Elevate your drinks into Instagram-worthy masterpieces with one quintessential element: garnishes. Tibor Krascsenics, Group Bar Manager for La Petite Maison, notes, “citrus peels—like lemon, orange, or grapefruit—always add a zesty brightness, while edible flowers inject a touch of beauty and sophistication.” A visit to your local farmer’s market or grocery store will also unveil a trove of decorative options: think fresh mint, sprigs of rosemary, Bosc pear, ribboned fresh cucumber, or even candied ginger.
Krascenics also notes the impact of aromatic sprays and bitters to enhance the sensory experience. Just a word of caution: most bottled bitters contain alcohol. A personal non-alcoholic favorite of mine is All The Bitter’s Aromatic Bitters. Boasting cinnamon, clove, and ginger, they are ideal for a refreshing “bitters and soda” or a tasty twist on the timeless Old Fashioned.
Dressing up your drink in chic glassware instantly adds a high-end touch. For your sparkling libations and non-alcoholic Champagne, the versatile goblet of choice is none other than the coupe. Consider investing in a classic set of four from the doyenne of entertaining herself, Rebecca Gardner’s Houses & Parties, or opt for these Zaza glasses if you’re in the mood for iridescent glamour.
For a bolder, statement-making option, Masarin has a penchant for her colorful Ghia collaboration with NYC-based glassware artist Sophie Lou Jacobson. “A stemless martini glass is the perfect vessel for mocktails,” she says, “because it blurs the codes of alcohol and non-alcoholic.” And when in doubt, you can never go wrong with vibrant spotted glasses from Murano, Italy. “I recently got this Murano set and I’ve been using it all season,” she adds.
Wines and Champagnes
Amy Racine, Beverage Director of JF Restaurants—which includes La Marchande, Casa Cruz, and North Fork Table & Inn—admires the mineral and lemon notes of Society de la Rassi’s non-alcoholic Sparkling Chardonnay. “It's made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from Spain with fine bubbles. It’s the closest you can get to Champagne without the alcohol,” Racine explains.
Award-winning ISH Sparkling Rosé is crafted from Pinot Noir and Merlot grapes, which undergo a gentle de-alcoholization process at low temperatures. The result? A vibrant sip that bursts with flavors of ripe strawberry, white rose, and stone fruit. It’s the non-alcoholic alternative to your favorite summer wine—just add oysters and a Ditch Plains sunset.
Hailing from Rüdesheim in Germany’s famed Rheingau Riesling region, Leitz Eins Zwei has captured the attention of April Busch, wine director at seasonal Indian spot Passerine. “The brilliance of its German acidity and vibrant aroma makes it stand out,” Busch notes. “Riesling is a perfect grape for the gentle alcohol removal process, and Johannes Leitz has done an exceptional job by using high-quality raw materials. This isn’t just a non-alcoholic wine; it's a beautiful reflection of the craft and heritage of the Rheingau region.”
Wael Deek, beverage director and managing director at Osteria 57 and Alice touts the Italian brand Prima Pavé, particularly the non-alcoholic gem, the Blanc de Blanc. This prosecco alternative crafted from a blend of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer grapes features an exuberant flavor—white peach, honeydew, and elderflower. “Best served chilled,” Deek says. “It beautifully mimics the bubbles and flavors of actual prosecco. For a richer experience, mix it with The Pathfinder, a non-alcoholic Amaro.”
What if a wine also had notes of a jasmine-infused kombucha? Gelo Honrade of OASES, loves to serve Unified Ferments’ Jasmine Green Tea. “It has subtle floral notes, a hint of fruit, and refreshing effervescence, making it perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with lighter fare,” Honrade says. “It’s a game-changer for anyone looking to explore non-alcoholic wines and it's served at some of the top restaurants in the world.”
Salted Raspberry & Chamomile
Racine is a fan of Non1, noting, “This is more of a fusion rather than a traditional wine but it does have layers of complexity. My favorite is the Rosé made with raspberry and chamomile but the red and white are also excellent.”
Spirits
The Spirit of Gin
Akin to a traditional Plymouth Gin, The Spirit of Gin dazzles with bright citrus notes, fresh thyme, and resiny juniper. Pair with tonic for a country club classic: the non-alcoholic G&T.
Zero Alcohol Whiskey
Non-alcoholic enthusiasts can’t get enough of Monday’s line of zero-alcohol spirits—particularly their innovative take on whiskey. With notes of butterscotch, molasses, caramel, and orange it delivers an authentic whiskey flavor that’s perfect for mixing with cola, ginger beer, or crafting a zero-proof Manhattan.
Non-Alcoholic Tequila
Deek loves Almave, for its authentic agave flavor. “Made from real agave, it captures the essence of tequila without the buzz, and tastes like a blissful Mexican vacation,” he says. “I recommend pairing it with other tropical flavors like pineapple or lime.”
Garden 108
Davey can’t get enough of the herbaceous notes of peas, rosemary, and lime in this trailblazing non-alcoholic spirit, inspired by the English countryside. “It’s one of the OG non-alc spirits, and as a savory girl at heart, I love how the vegetal notes of Seedlip Garden. They express themselves so nicely in a cocktail,” she notes.
Rum Alternative
Channel your inner Hemingway by sipping a non-alcoholic daiquiri made with Ritual’s rum alternative. The warm vanilla flavor tastes strikingly similar to a classic dark rum, with hints of ripe banana, bitter orange, tupelo honey, and spicy ginger.
Non-Alcoholic Tequila
For those that crave a sweet heat, Honrade swears by Best Regards. “It nails that agave taste—smooth, a touch sweet, with just the right amount of heat. Use it in any tequila cocktail and your guests won't even know the difference.”
Apéritifs
The Aperitif that took the non-alcoholic market by storm. Vibrant and a touch bitter, Ghia’s Original Aperitif combines flavors like lemon balm, Japanese yuzu, and rosemary, making it the ideal base for a spritz with sparkling water, kombucha, or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
A sweet twist on non-alcoholic Vermouth, Lyre’s Aperitif Rosso opens with bright notes of blood orange, vanilla, caramel, and whispers of dried fruit. Add tonic water, and you have a refreshing Americano.
Très Rosé
De Soi’s raspberry and rooibos pink spritz is the epitome of aperitivo hour, whether you opt for the bottle or the can. Très Rosé strikes a balance that appeals to diverse palates—sweet, tart, and enlivened by adaptogens like reishi mushroom and lion’s mane, which may just give you a boost inside and out.
A crowd favorite and award-winner, The Phoney Negroni from St. Agrestis has rightfully earned its place among many experts’ go-tos, including Davey. “It blew me away the first time I tasted it. They really nailed the flavor profile in a way no one had been able to before. Occasionally, I'll mix it with non-alcoholic sparkling wine to make a spritz-style drink.”
This one tastes like a floral spring day in France. Masarin always picks up Jardins Fleuris, a low-sugar aperitif, when she’s in Paris. Produced in Touraine, France it tastes of elderflower, bergamot, and a hint of ginger, pairing beautifully with tonic or soda water for a lively spritz.
Mionetto perfected their Italian Aperitivo recipe made of Italian oranges and grapefruit extracts complemented by herbal and spicy wormwood, licorice, and peppermint after two years of testing. As a self-proclaimed spritz devotee, I find myself mixing it up from Friday to Sunday evenings with non-alcoholic prosecco or sparkling water, closing my eyes, and transporting myself to the sun-drenched terraces of Hotel Il Pellicano.
Mixers
Racine can’t get enough of this zesty soda by Fever Tree, a British line renowned for its high-quality mixers. Crafted with Tahiti limes from Mexico and Japanese yuzu, it’s not only a refreshing standalone option but also a stellar mixer for non-alcoholic spirits.
Vibrant and crimson-hued, this tea is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, offering a fruity tartness that shines as a mixer in everything from hibiscus mules to your own sparkling concoctions. Masarin always keeps a batch chilled in her fridge for easy access.
California-based Fresh Victor has made its name with inventive flavor combinations of cold-pressed mixers made from fresh ingredients. Unique blends like Cactus Pear & Pomegranate and Three Citrus & Mint Leaf pair beautifully with sparkling waters, non-alcoholic spirits, or on their own.
Mix this non-alcoholic Bellini, made from fresh peach purée and mineral water with non-alcoholic sparkling white wine, and you’ll have yourself a Cipriani classic in the comfort of your home.
Extracted from Cinchona Bark sourced from the Fever Tree, this bittersweet syrup plays nicely with sparkling water and bold mixed drinks. Mario Castro, bar director at Passerine, says that this Indian Tonic Syrup, “complements bold, spiced flavors with a crisp, refreshing balance, enhancing the aromatic complexity while maintaining a clean finish."