25 best mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks to try this year

July 2024 · 20 minute read
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Raise a glass to finishing out 2023, and then put it back down again for the rest of January.

Many are hoping to participate in the month known as “Dry January” this year, which is 31 whole days of no alcohol following one of the booziest months of the year.

According to the Pew Research Center, about 1 out of 5 adults report drinking more than they think they should. If you want another semi-depressing stat, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol consumption is increasing

In the 1970s, for example, the average American was consuming about 3 gallons yearly. That number creeped up in the 80s, but dropped to 2.45 gallons per individual in the 90s. As of 2021 (when the most recent data was collected), the number has increased to 2.83 gallons.

Sometimes, substances like alcohol, can feel like the easiest way to decompress or self soothe. And if this resonates, know that you’re not alone. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 10% of Americans have Alcohol Use Disorder, while more than 50% of Americans increased their alcohol consumer during Covid lockdowns.

What is Dry January?

Considering stats like the ones above, it makes sense that Dry January would be on more than a few peoples’ radar.

The month long event is a time when people essentially ‘dry out’ from the alcohol consumption that tends to increase during holiday season. Abstaining comes with a variety of benefits, including better sleep and more energy.

If you regularly partake in boozing it up, the event can have its challenges. However, mocktails can provide a surprisingly refreshing alcohol-free alternative that’s also enjoyable. Many, such as the drinks from Recess and Curious Elixirs have relaxing ingredients like CBD or mood boosting Rhodiola to get you in your feels. And unlike alcohol, they can be enjoyed if you have to drive or have work the next day.

Whether you’re looking for something to pour over a glass of ice or want to find the best mocktail recipe for you and your friends, we’ve curated a line up of thirst quenching treats. Heck, we even threw in some recipes too!

Aside from the health benefits of laying off alcohol for a bit, non-alcoholic drinks are perfect for pregnant people who want a fancy drink, under-21 folks who want to celebrate with their older peers and those who are the designated drivers of the group, to name a few.

Whether you want to quit alcohol cold turkey or just have a glass or two less per week, these tasty mocktails, bubbly beverages and non-alcoholic beers will get you through “Dry January” feeling healthier and we hope happier, too.

Best Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Drinks of 2024

Best Non-Alcoholic Margarita: Recess Zero-Proof “Margarita”

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This recess is for adults only!

The CBD and adaptogen beverage company now has a margarita in the mix. For fans of the classic lime and agave flavors but not the alcohol that typically comes with it, this marg is for you. The drink also contains broad-spectrum hemp, ginseng and lemon balm.

Our review: Recess drinks are a bubbly way to cheers without the alcohol! I personally love the Recess Sampler, with the Pomegranate Hibiscus being my top choice. They are light on the stomach and a great party drink to have in hand when not drinking alcohol.

Best Non-Alcoholic Rum: Ritual Zero Proof

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Create a new ritual this year with non-alcoholic versions of your favorite spirits.

Ritual Zero Proof makes non-boozy dupes of tequila, rum, whiskey and gin, allowing you to craft almost any cocktail with none of the alcohol. A single bottle of each costs just $30, while a subscription will save you some cash, at $27 for a 750ml bottle. Best of all the brand has this great selection of mocktail recipes on its website, so you’ll never be lost for what to make. Here is one of our favorites with the Rum Alternative.

Mocktail recipe: Painless Punch

Best with Organic Ingredients: Curious Elixirs

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Does sober drinking have you curious? Satisfy that curiosity with Curious Elixirs.

The drink brand currently has a lineup of six different non-alcoholic concoctions, including drinks inspired by a Negroni, a Dark and Stormy, a Blood Orange Spritz and more, starting at $40 per set of four bottles or a subscription at $36 per pack of four.

To fully enjoy the mocktail version of this classic drink, trying this rendition of the recipe:

Mocktail recipe: Virgin Negroni

Customer review:“I really enjoy Curious Elixir No. 1. It is an enjoyable beverage with great flavors .I feel festive while remaining alcohol free. I recently brought some to a holiday party and a few people were curious about what was in my glass. After trying some they asked where they could purchase it.”

Best Non-Alcoholic with Citrus: Ghia Original Aperitif

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Don’t be bitter about going alcohol free when you have Ghia around.

This bitter-tasting aperitif is a great alternative to the hard stuff, made with notes of citrus, ginger and other botanicals. Choose the Le Spritz soda ($51 for 12) for a carbonated drink or the classic Ghia Aperitif ($38) for a beautiful amber bottle to mix or enjoy on the rocks.

Our Review: I tried the classic OG Ghia and found it to be the closest thing to a ginger ale with more herbaceous notes. It is on the more floral and punchy side, so for those who want something a bit closer to a gin and tonic, add tonic water, lime juice and even some water for a great mixed drink.

Best Non-Alcoholic Gin: The Free Spirits Company The Spirit of Gin

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If you crave a gin and tonic but hate the hangover, try this next time.

Ceder’s has a new way to enjoy the botanical taste of gin without any of the alcohol, due to their distilling technology and proprietary recipe. They come in three different flavors including a classic one, a juniper-forward Crisp flavor and a more spicy and woody Wild drink, each sold on the Better Rhodes website for $23 each.

If you’re not sure what to make with this non-spirit spirit, try the mocktail recipe below. It’s a fun take on the Classic French 75.

Mocktail recipe: Modern French 75

Best Cranberry Flavor: Mingle Mocktails

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If you like the sweet and tingling fizz of a carbonated cocktail but don’t want the extra calories, Mingle Cocktails may be for you. Each can is 60 calories, vegan, and gluten-free. There’s a huge selection to choose from, including Cranberry Cosmo, Blackberry Hibiscus Bellini, Blood Orange Elder Flower Mimosa, and Moscow Mule. If you can’t decide, we suggest the variety pack. It has everything but swaps out the Moscow Mule for Key Lime Margarita and has Cucumber Melon Mojito — yum!

Customer review: “I bought these with 0 expectations because I wanted to lower my alcohol consumption during the week. I was very impressed with ALL of the flavors and will definitely keep on buying them.”

Best Non-Alcoholic Bourbon: Lyre’s Bourbon

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For a fully stocked bar cart with none of the alcohol, Lyre’s has you covered and then some.

Not only are the bottles extremely aesthetically pleasing to look at, they come in an expansive range of flavors that any home-mixologist would go crazy for. Browse their selection and stock up on non-alcoholic spritzes, malts, aperitifs and more, each $35.99 for the 750ml size bottle.

Mocktail recipe: Bourbon Highball — virgin edition

Customer review: “Honestly this is great stuff. As someone who doesn’t drink but wants to keep the ritual aspect of drinking booze, this is perfect. The taste is fairly good (it would probably work a little better if the consistency was a little thicker, but it’s still pretty great). The packaging is great too. Excited to try out the other products too.”

Best for Relaxation: Apothekary Free Spirit Minis

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If you’ve heard of the sleepy girl mocktail but aren’t into tart cherry juice, we have something for you. It’s an herbal tincture sampler, each item filled with a plethora of goodies that are naturally relaxing.

Take The Edge Off has lemon peel, passionflower and skullcap, while Rose Tinted Glasses has ginseng and the adaptogen lion’s mane. Wine Down contains L-Theanine (one of our editor’s swears by it to calm nerves), as well as elderberry and Ceylon cinnamon.

Add the tinctures to a glass of water or juice and wait for the magic to happen.

Customer review: “I thought it was too good to be true. I read the other reviews and then took the leap and I’m so happy I did…I can’t wait to order more. I do think they are a little pricey but then again, so is alcohol.”

Best Watermelon Flavor: Hiyo Variety Pack

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A blend of mood boosting botanicals will make you want to shout, Hiyo, whenever you crack open one of these babies. It has three thirst quenching flavors for (peach mango, watermelon lime, and blackberry lemon), and each are design to give you “the float,” as the brand calls it. We’re not sure what that is, but it sounds noice!

Customer review: “I cannot get enough of this stuff! i first tried it via my mother in law when my husband and i told her we wanted to cut back on drinking. i was hooked after one can and have been buying it regularly for several months. all of the flavors are amazing and i love the feel of the ‘float'”.

Best Non-Alcoholic Vodka: Optimist Drinks

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We’re optimistic you can stick to your goal of not drinking as much, especially with these bottles at home.

Optimist Drinks is a beautiful botanical brand that we can’t wait to share with you. The beverages are not only alcohol free but also sugar free and calorie free, so you can drink and mix to your heart’s content. They come in three different flavors including the citrus-focused Bright, wild-herbs and anise flavored Fresh and a smoky and spicy blend aptly called Smokey, each sold for $35 for 500ml.

If you like vodka, we definitely recommend Bright, which also works as a great substitute for gin. Here’s a recipe from the brand that’s a fresh (or should we say bright?) take on vodka and soda.

Mocktail recipe: Mocktail vodka and soda

Best Non-Alcoholic Bundles: Free Spirits

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Be wild and free, without the temptation of alcohol.

Free Spirits are just that — an alcohol-free spirit inspired by bourbon, tequila or gin bit with none of the booze. Each flavor comes in a 750ml size for $37, or get all three for a discount, currently on sale for $99. If you’re not interested in stocking up on multiple bottles, we suggest choose the Vermouth. It’s a ingredient that is in many a mocktail and cocktail, and this one has beautiful spicy notes of cinnamon and clove.

Mocktail recipe: Vermouth Cassis

Best Berry Flavor: The Get Up/Get Down

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Whether you like alcohol to feel loose or relaxed, you’ll get a little bit of both with this non-alcoholic duo from Three Spirits. Livener contains clean caffeine, tastes of berries and is perfect for a sophisticated pre-game treat. When the party’s over, wind down with Nightcap. It has relaxing adaptogenic ashwagandha, soothing willow bar, and notes of vanilla and hazelnut.

Customer review: “This one was a great refreshing drink to me. The taste to me was Tropical on ice but a sense of spice at the end. My caffeine tolerance is low, so it did make my heart speed up for a small amount of time but nothing risky to worry about. I will be purchasing more of this.”

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Here’s to you, 2024.

Raise a non-alcoholic glass of bubbly to the folks at Töst, who sells their twelve-pack of sparkling deliciousness on Food52 for $99. Get a rosé and a champagne-inspired drink, both made from tea and other botanicals and fruits to achieve the dry and bubbly taste of the classic drink without the headache afterward.

Mocktail recipe: Non-boozy Mimosa

Best Non-Alcoholic Wine: Fre Alcohol-Removed Wine

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Set yourself free from alcohol, but don’t sacrifice your after-dinner glass of wine.

Fre is an alcohol-free line of wine from Sutter Home, now sold in an array of flavors at Drizly. They have the full wine cellar available in zero-proof options, including a sparking brut for celebrations, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet, rosé and more.

Customer review: “First time trying it and it does taste very much like wine! It is sweet like the reviews state. It reminds me more of a Riesling, which I really enjoy. I wouldn’t call it a Chardonnay, because there’s no oak or bitter taste...but I really like this.”

Best Non-Alcoholic Beer: Gruvi Sampler Pack

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Beer lovers, here’s something for you.

More than something, rather, as Gruvi makes an IPA, a pale ale and a stout all 100% alcohol-free. They even have a Variety Pack, which comes with a four pack of each of the beers listed above, as well as a four pack of rosé and a four pack of Prosecco for the wine-lovers, all zero-proof and all for $76 total.

Customer review: “I have tried many Non-Alcoholic beers. This is by far the Best! My friends who have tasted it, had no idea it was non-alcoholic.”

Best Non-Alcoholic Ale: Better Rhodes Staff Favorite Alcohol-free Ale Collection

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Why have hair of the dog when Hairless Dog tastes just as great without the hangover?

Sample this zero-proof beer and more with the Better Rhodes Staff Favorite pack, coming with six different non-alcoholic beers in a six or a 12 pack to share with buddies, starting at just $20. The selections are made by the team at Better Rhodes, which specializes in alcohol free wine, beer and spirits for a better road into 2024.

Best Mocktail Kit: Wildwonder Mocktail Gift Set

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Bringing a bottle of wine to a party is old news. Bring this non-alcoholic mocktail set to your next gathering and be the star of the show.

The kit is sold on Amazon for $55 and comes with four different flavors of Wildwonder probiotic sparkling drinks, that also make amazing mixers for those who do choose to drink or to combine with any of the zero-proof spirits from above. The set also comes with a silver jigger, shaker, muddler and a recipe book to help inspire their next favorite mocktail.

Best Non-Alcoholic Whiskey: CleanCo Whiskey Alternative

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Being clean doesn’t have to be hard.

Especially with CleanCo drinks, as they mimic the real thing but without the alcohol. Better yet, they are also clean from sugar and sweeteners and are vegan, gluten-free and low calorie. Pick your poison on Amazon, with options for vodka, gin, tequila and rum alternatives, starting at $30 for the 750ml bottle and stunning packaging.

Best with Subscription: Athletic Brewing Co.

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No one wants to do anything athletic with a beer belly!

That’s why Athletic Brewing Co. has non-alcoholic brews for you to try this January. The company is based out of Stratford, CT but ships nationwide. Best of all, if you’re curious about extending your dry period, the company also has a subscription club which can save you more than $200 a year on your favorite non-alcoholic drinks.

Customer review: “Love this. Really feels like a legit IPA.”

Best Non-Alcoholic Mezcal: Monday

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This is the type of drink you can have Monday through Friday and into the weekend, no hangovers here.

Monday is a non-alcoholic spirit, made to mimic traditional alcohol flavors but without the booze. Their range includes gin, whiskey, mezcal and more, and in addition to the classic spirits, they also sell cocktail kits and flavors like a whiskey old fashion and a mezcal margarita kit.

Mocktail recipe: Mezcal Mule

Best with Botanicals: Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirits

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Calling all tonic lovers — here’s something to sip on besides gin.

Seedlip are delicious and herbaceous non-alcoholic mixers, made to be enjoyed with tonic and a garnish or two. The thee flavors include Spice 94 for a woodsy taste, Garden 108 for a more herbal take and Grove 42 for citrus lovers. They can be found at Food52 and retail for $40 each.

Best Non-Alcoholic Chaser: Nixie Sparkling Water

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Some alcohol-alternatives can be fixed neat, while others taste best with a mixer. For the latter, we recommend this. Nixie Sparkling Water taste great alone, but also makes a great chaser. Available in flavors such as strawberry, watermelon mint, lime ginger and many others, it’s certified organic, non-GMO, and something that can be enjoyed long after Dry January is through.

Customer review: “I love all of Nixie’s products. I have tried a number of flavors but this just might be my favorite so far. The shipping was quick and efficient. I see good value here: all organic ingredients; the right amount of caffeine per can and shipped right to my door as a 24-pack. Can’t go wrong. It’s going to become my replacement for a morning cup of coffee and will leave me more hydrated! Great fizz, too!”

Best Non-Alcoholic Rose: De Soi

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If you’re “Hot ‘n Cold” when it comes to alcohol, don’t let this brand be “The One That Got Away.”

If you couldn’t tell already, this non-alcoholic bubbly brand was founded by Katy Perry herself, alongside partner Morgan McLachlan. The drinks are made to be used for toasts to replace champagne, or just a sweet, bubbly treat to enjoy sans alcohol. The Variety Pack includes all three flavors: Golden Hour, Champignon Dreams and Purple Lune for $70 total or $60 when you subscribe. If you prefer a single bottle (or maybe a few cans), we suggest the Tres Rose (from $22), which customers call “enjoyable” and “refreshing.”

Customer review: “Love this as an alcohol alternative when I am wanting to enjoy something yummy but not wanting to consume alcohol!”

Best Non-Alcoholic Hops: HOP Water Classic

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This one is for all you hops drinkers out there.

Although HOP WTR looks like a basic can of sparkling water, it actually tastes (according to reviewers) like beer. It also has Ashwagandha, an adaptogen for stress, as well as L-Theanine, a nootropic that may boost cognition and focus. Flavor-wise, it’s earthy, thanks to the citra, amarillo, mosaic and Azacca hops.

Customer review: “From just drinking them plain to making Mocktails , these are my new favs!!! With no carbs and no calories I get to enjoy something with a hop & it’s good for me! I’m about it and love to share them!”

Best for Brunch or After Dinner: Aplös Arise and Calme Non-Alcoholic Spirit Bundle

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Before you miss your nightcap or boozy brunch, try one or both of these non-alcoholic spirits. From Aplos, If you like a little of something special with brunch, try a glass of the Arise. It has agave flower, lemon verbena, black sarawak and adaptogens said to boost cognitive function. Promising, right?

Prefer something to wind down with after a long day? Have a chilled glass of Calme. It’s infused with hemp, has notes of citrusy yuzu and mint cucumber. Best of all, it won’t leave you with a hangover the next morning.

Customer review: “I have been experimenting with NA products for a few months and I have purchased many non-alcoholic products during this time. I enjoy drinking 2ounces of Calme or Arise over crushed ice. I really enjoy the relaxed feeling I get after drinking Aplós.”

How can I make Dry January Easier?

If you’ve decided to give Dry January a go, good for you! According to Harvard Health Publishing, there are lots of benefits from giving up booze, even for just a little while. Those who abstain from alcohol for 30 days experience:

Sounds good, right? Of course, if you’re used to unwinding with a glass of merlot on a regular basis, giving up the hard stuff can be difficult. Here are some Dry January tips to make things easier on yourself.

Dry January Tips:

  • Remove temptation: This may seem like a no brainer, but it’s easier to abstain from alcohol if you don’t have your favorite beer or vodka staring at you. If it’s too much of a temptation to have it around, give to a friend or remove somewhere out of reach for the rest of the month. If you go to see friends, bring your own alcohol-alternative to minimize, so you can still partake in the ritual of having a drink without actually taking one.
  • Make it a team effort: Team work makes the dream work, so don’t be shy about sharing your sobriety goals with your family and friends. They can not only offer support but help keep you accountable. Who knows? You may inspire some of them to join you.
  • Replace alcohol with something you enjoy: No, seriously. According to the same article from Harvard Health Publishing, it’s recommended to substitute your alcohol consumption with healthier alternatives, such as sparkling water or mocktails. This is also an opportunity to adopt other wellness habits, like working out, eating more fruits and vegetables or getting more sleep.

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