In today’s world, having a drink is one of the most commonly accepted ways to relax. Unfortunately, alcohol comes with nasty side effects and hangovers that repel away most health-conscious individuals.
So how do you have a good time and enjoy a whiskey or a bourbon?
Today, there are plenty of incredible non-alcoholic whiskeys and bourbons to enjoy. In this article, we will dive into the best non-alcoholic options on the market today. Kick your feet up and enjoy!
What is the Best Non-Alcoholic Whiskey & Bourbon?
1) Ritual Whiskey Alternative
Overview
Ritual zero proof whiskey minus the calories and alcohol for non-alcoholic classics like an old-fashioned or a whiskey sour. With oak and smokey caramel notes, this whiskey combines all the warmth with none of the alcohol.
Highlights
- Low calorie at 5 calories per serving
- Rich flavor that is no cheap imitation
- 1:1 replacement for spirits
- Gluten free
- Keto friendly
- Nut free
- Non-GMO
- No artificial flavors are added into this product
Pricing
Ritual Whiskey Alternative is pretty affordable and sits on the cheaper end of most alcoholic whiskeys. You get what you pay for here though, with the quality of the ingredients providing a smooth taste with a warm finish.
Bottom Line
If you are looking to have a healthy non-alcoholic whiskey alternative to real whiskey in your next drink or at your next social gathering, then Ritual Whiskey Alternative is a great replacement. This product can be enjoyed by anyone who is looking to enjoy a drink with a tasty kick.
2) Green Label Single Malt Whiskey Non-Alcoholic Alternative
Overview
Escape Mocktails offers one of the best non-alcoholic whiskeys available on the market. This whiskey has all of the flavor, but none of the alcohol. It has smooth notes of vanilla paired with a smokey oak flavor and a scotch-like after note. The bitters added into this non-alcoholic whiskey makes this a stout drink that can be served in a variety of different ways.
Highlights
- Low calories at 20 calories a serving
- Next to no added sugars or artificial flavors
- Easy to replace 1:1 in any alcoholic drink recipe
- Gluten free
Pricing
This Green Label Single Malt Whiskey non-alcoholic alternative is reasonably priced and sits next to or right below regular single malt whiskeys in price range. It is an affordable alternative and can be used in many different drink recipes, making it a product that can be used again and again.
Bottom Line
This product is perfect for the person who enjoys a single drink or two to relax. With all of the taste and texture comforts of a single malt whiskey, one could possibly wonder if there truly is no alcohol in this alternative.
3) Gnista Barreled Oak Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Overview
Gnista is a barreled oak non-alcoholic whiskey that is available through the Boisson company. This non-alcoholic alternative is dark, smoky and sweet and has a complexity that only Sweden knows how to create. Gnista Barreled Oak is a dry non-alcoholic whiskey that is complimented by bits of sweet notes with spicy undertones. This full-bodied flavor is made by only the best natural ingredients available.
Highlights
- Has a great flavor
- Provides the same warmth as regular alcoholic whiskey
- Non-GMO
- All natural ingredients with no added artificial flavors or colors
- Is best enjoyed in a mixed drink, making it great for social settings
Pricing
This non-alcoholic whiskey is priced halfway between cheap and expensive, but is worth every penny for its versatility. It is one of the more expensive non-alcoholic choices on this list, but reviews rave for this product.
Bottom Line
Anyone looking for a great non-alcoholic whiskey alternative to replace regular whiskey in their drinks can look no further. Gnista Barreled Oak Non-Alcoholic Spirit provides a great taste, texture, and smell that can be enjoyed widely at any gathering and celebration. The all natural ingredients in this product are sure to be a win as well.
4) MONDAY Zero Alcohol Whiskey
Overview
One of the best non-alcoholic whiskeys available on the market, MONDAY Zero Alcohol is a great tasting alternative. With flavors like rich butterscotch and burnt brown sugar aromas are attributed to the white oak maturation process this company uses. Layers of roasted coffee, caramel, and molasses grace the taste buds. This product has a long and smooth finish with spicy heat down the middle and orange notes that linger.
Highlights
- Zero carbs
- No sugar
- No calories
- Gluten free
- Can substitute for the most traditional of drinks
Pricing
This is probably one of the more expensive alternatives on the list, but that’s because it is made with super high-quality ingredients and then matured in a white oak barrel. It is worth its weight in gold though for those who miss their alcoholic spirits in their drinks and have had a hard time finding a healthy and non-alcoholic alternative.
Bottom Line
If you can’t seem to be able to give up the taste of your favorite alcoholic drinks but need to stop drinking alcohol, don’t fret because MONDAY provides a zero alcohol whiskey that is friendly to every health conscious whiskey lover out there.
5) The Spirit of Bourbon
Overview
This is a rich caramel and oak flavored alternative to regular bourbon. If you’re looking for one of the best non-alcoholic bourbons on the market, the Spirit of Bourbon accurately captures the taste, texture, and aromas of alcoholic Kentucky bourbon. This non-alcoholic alternative sacrifices all of the alcohol but none of the flavor and has a pleasant toasted almond, toffee finish.
Highlights
- Low calories
- Vegan
- Gluten free
- Mood-enhancing vitamins
Pricing
The Spirit of Bourbon costs about the same as regular bourbon because it has added vitamins and minerals to offer a mood boost. This is a healthy alternative for those who are on a budget, as this is not the most expensive of non-alcoholic whiskey or bourbon alternatives.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a great tasting non-alcoholic beverage to replace the flavors of a typical bourbon, then this is a great place to buy from. This alternative is a 1:1 replacement and will fit neatly into any and all of your favorite drinks and mixes.
6) Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon
Overview
This is a robust tasting non-alcoholic bourbon with notes of oak and a smoky, smooth taste. There are familiar notes of vanilla and caramel throughout to bring this great tasting bourbon to the forefront of non-alcoholic replacement. This bourbon is great for mixing into mixed drinks whether by 1:1 or half the amount.
Highlights
- Great flavor
- No artificial flavors or coloring added
- Gluten free
- Sugar free
- Keto friendly
Pricing
The price for Spiritless Kentucky 74 is about the same as a normal alcoholic bottle of bourbon, but without the guilt. Although set at a moderate price, each bottle will be full of hand-crafted amazing non-alcoholic bourbon.
Bottom Line
If you’re on the go and trying to get away from drinking and into a healthier lifestyle, relax guilt free with a non-alcoholic bourbon like Spiritless Kentucky 74.
7) Lyre’s American Malt
Overview
This non-alcoholic alternative to a regular alcoholic malt bourbon tastes like the real thing without any of the alcohol. Toasted nuts are paired with vanilla in the tasting experience, coupled with aromas of herbs. It has a gentle spiciness in its after taste, and a slight, shallow burn to the throat. Honey and hints of cedar oak finish off the complexity of this non-alcoholic bourbon alternative.
Highlights
- Tastes like the real deal
- Zero carbs
- No sugar
- No added artificial flavors or colors
- Keto friendly
- Easy to order
Pricing
This can be a higher-priced find just because of the craftsmanship that goes into the product and the quality of the ingredients used. This is the second highest priced alternative on this list, but well worth the purchase.
Bottom Line
Lyre’s provides several different variations to non-alcoholic beverages, but reviews rave Lyre’s American Malt as one of the single best non-alcoholic bourbon alternatives. It can be used in any recipe and will provide the warmth and the relaxation of a regular bourbon at the end of a long day.
What to Look For In a Non-Alcoholic Whiskey
When it comes to non-alcoholic whiskeys, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Below are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a non-alcoholic whiskey.
Taste
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a non-alcoholic whiskey is whiskey flavor (obviously). Each option offers a different variety of flavors and aromas to mimic your favorite alcoholic beverages.
Versatility
How do you plan on serving your non-alcoholic beverage and how does it perform when paired or mixed as a mocktail?
How it’s made
How a non-alcoholic whiskey is made typically indicates the quality of the beverage. Some brands certainly take the crafting process more seriously than others.
Nutritional ingredients
Some non-alcoholic spirits add artificial sweeteners. Some use natural ingredients. Some are non-GMO, keto-friendly, and gluten-free. These are all things to consider when choosing a non-alcoholic whiskey if they are important factors in your diet.
FAQ
What is non-alcoholic whiskey?
Non-alcoholic whiskey is a type of alcohol-free spirit that captures the taste, texture, and aromas of traditional whiskeys without any of the ethanol. These products are made using a variety of methods, including distillation, fermentation, and food-grade flavorings.
What are the common styles of whiskey?
- Bourbon: Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey that is made from corn. It has a reddish color and a sweet, vanilla taste.
- Malt: Malt whiskey is a type of whiskey that is made from malted barley. It has a smoky flavor and a sweet, malty taste.
- Scotch: Scotch whiskey is a type of whiskey that is made in Scotland. It is made from malted barley, and it has a smoky flavor and a sweet, malty taste.
- Rye: Rye whiskey is a type of whiskey that is made from rye. It has a spicy flavor and a sweet, malty taste.
Wrap Up
Non-alcoholic whiskeys are a great way to enjoy the taste of your favorite whiskey without any of the alcohol. There are a variety of non-alcoholic whiskeys on the market, each with their own unique flavors and aromas. Whether you’re looking for a bourbon alternative or something smokier, there’s sure to be a non-alcoholic whiskey that suits your taste. When choosing a non-alcoholic whiskey, be sure to consider the taste, versatility, and how it’s made. Also, keep in mind any dietary restrictions you may have, such as gluten-free or keto-friendly options. With so many delicious non-alcoholic whiskeys to choose from, you’re sure to find a healthy alternative that facilitates sober enjoyment. Cheers!
