Top 10

Top 10 Best zero proof RTD Cocktails and Drinks

St. Agrestis Non-Alcoholic Phony Mezcal Negroni

A Smoky Twist On A Classic

MOST POPULAR

Best for:

• Negroni lovers who want to shake things up 

Skip if:

• Savory, herbaceous flavors aren’t your thing

St. Agrestis doesn’t come to play with their nonalcoholic offerings—their cocktails seem to get better every year. Their new Phony Mezcal Negroni iteration with mezcal has a layer of smokiness that I adore. It’s sophisticated and perfectly balanced, with an extra savory oomph compared to the original Phony Negroni. Like the Phony Negroni, it tastes like the alcoholic version of the drink. If you want to change up your negroni rotation, add in the mezcal version.

This beverage looks nearly identical to the classic Phony Negroni. It has a similar vibrant ruby-red color and is packaged in the iconic conical St. Agrestis bottle. The hint of effervescent fizz adds a delectable bite. This is my new go-to NA cocktail, and friends I’ve shared it with adored it, too. I recently paired it with creamy mushroom lasagna and Alison Roman’s umami-packed shallot pasta—the bitter, complex beverage held its own with these rich dishes.

Pentire Adrift & Tonic

A Refreshing Tonic With Notes Of The Sea

Best for:

• A refreshing drink that evokes a gin and tonic 

Skip if:

• You prefer concentrated fruity flavors

The crisp, invigorating Pentire Adrift & Tonic is a treat to drink. Impressively, it manages to taste fresh even in a can. While the flavors, clear color and bubbles evoke a gin and tonic, this drink has a briny, salty layer that makes it feel unique. Herbaceous thyme, rosemary and juniper flavors come through, and there’s a little sweetness to complement notes of bitter lemon pith. Adrift & Tonic pours clear and has a citrusy, piney scent. This drink would pair perfectly with a raw seafood tower or a spread of tinned fish for a happy hour.

The serving is large, like a regular soda can, but since this drink has a lighter taste than most NA options I tried, I don’t mind having more to sip. I appreciate that the can is wrapped in a textured label for insulation and grippiness so you won’t get tired of holding it. You can get Adrift & Tonic in a four-pack from some retailers, or a 12-pack on Pentire’s site. Pentire also makes a bottled version of Adrift, which you can dilute or mix to your liking.

Ghia Le Spritz Sumac & Chili

A Floral, Spicy Delight

Best for:

• A sultry winter sipper 

Skip if:

• You can’t take the heat

Ghia has expanded their Le Spritz portfolio with a new flavor, Sumac & Chili. It’s fruity, fiery and one of my favorite Ghia options so far. The chili hits the back of your palate as you sip, and the tingly spice dominates the flavor profile. The sensation settles after a moment, though, so it doesn’t feel like your mouth is on fire. Floral sumac notes come through as well as fruity-tart flavors reminiscent of rhubarb or pomegranate.

This is a bold beverage, so take note if you’re pairing it with food. It would work wonderfully to sip alongside nutty, creamy dishes like cabbage topped with tahini sauce, or Thai peanut noodles. It’s certainly punchy enough for a night of dancing, too. I enjoyed the Sumac & Chili as an invigorating winter drink thanks to the warming effect; I’d opt for Ghia’s more refreshing Lime & Salt in summer.

De La Calle Tepache Originales Pack

A Just-Sweet-Enough Tepache Dupe

Best for:

• A lightly spiced, fruity, low-sugar option

Skip if:

• Bitter is better for you

De La Calle offers a delicious riff on a non-alcoholic tepache—a fermented beverage made from pineapple. The company has tons of enticing flavors to choose from, or you can opt for a few variety packs to try them all. I was particularly fond of the Ginger Manzana and Pineapple Spice, which have warming spices and a gingery kick to complement the bold, zingy, tropical flavors of the drink. For a welcome kick of heat, opt for the Pineapple Chili. All the cans have a light fizz that’s more delicate than a typical soda. I especially appreciate that even though De La Calle uses a non-sugar sweetener, it doesn’t taste saccharine.

De La Calle cans are 12 ounces, like a typical seltzer or soda, and come packaged in a rainbow of colors that correspond to different flavors. You can also get a pack of De La Calle on Amazon, which makes these easier to order than some other options on this list. This drink would be an ideal pairing with Latin American food, but I’d be just as happy enjoying it on its own on a sunny day of kayaking or reading by the lake. For people who don’t like bitter flavors or who are trying to avoid sugar, this fruit-forward beverage may be a good choice.

For Bitter For Worse Eva’s Spritz

A Warming Spiced Drink

Best for:

• A digestif or warming liquor replacement 

Skip if:

• You’re craving a lighter, brighter beverage

For a fuller-bodied NA drink, Eva’s Spritz is a lovely option. This beverage evokes a digestif or darker liquor, though it tastes more tea-like and fruity than fiery. It’s earthy and tannic, with notes of tart rhubarb and zesty lemon to brighten it up. While it isn’t as acidic or vibrant as some drinks I tried (and I wouldn’t compare its flavors to Campari or Aperol), it has an enticing blend of sweetness and bitterness. I savored a spritz on a chilly winter night while prepping roast chicken and a radicchio salad for dinner. For Bitter For Worse bills Eva’s Spritz as an aperitif; I would also turn to this drink for nighttime gatherings and during cooler weather. It’s a mature-tasting beverage.

Eva’s Spritz has a light bubble and pours a rusty rose color. It comes in a four-pack of small, svelte cans, like many NA drinks on this list. You can also buy a larger-format bottle of Eva’s Spritz, which would be perfect for celebrations.

Ghia Le Spritz Lime & Salt

A Fresh-Tasting Aperitif

Best for:

• Sipping on the beach 

Skip if:

• You don’t like bitter grapefruit flavors

Ghia struck gold with their Le Spritz Lime & Salt variety: This premixed drink adds citrus and salinity to the brand’s aperitif for a juicy, vibrant cocktail. While I find the Ghia Soda and Ghia Ginger versions of Le Spritz to be more bitter and tasting of grapefruit pith, I’d happily sip the Lime & Salt all night long. The drink is a muddy rose color, with a clean nose that smells lightly sweet and gingery. Le Spritz comes in a slim eight-ounce can with chic matte labeling.

This drink would pair well with a day soaking up the sun when a little kick of salt feels welcome to quench your thirst—think: a minor-league baseball game or an afternoon of inner tubing at the river. I’d also enjoy Le Spritz Lime & Salt with richer Thai dishes like red curry or khao soi. Ghia also comes in a large format bottle, and you can get the spritzes in a variety pack.

St. Agrestis Amaro Falso

An Option Perfect For Bitter Lovers

Best for:

• A nightcap

Skip if:

• Herbal flavors turn you off

The delicious St. Agrestis Amaro Falso reminds me of a Fernet and coke: It’s an instant classic. Clear brown with a big bubble, this drink has more depth of flavor than the comparable Lyre’s Malt and Cola. Rosemary, bergamot, mint and, of course, cola notes shine; a bitterness from gentian root levels everything out. While flavors are reminiscent of an amaro, this is a longer drink, and the maker compares it to an Amaro Highball. The drink is lightly sweetened, but doesn’t feel syrupy (in fact, it tastes less sweet than the brand’s equally delicious Phony Negroni).

St. Agrestis’s stunning, kaleidoscope-shaped bottles are attractive and easy to hold if you want one all to yourself; alternately, they’re perfect for sharing if you’d like to decant this drink over a large ice cube after dinner. St. Agrestis recommends adding an orange twist for extra oomph. Share a bottle over a slice of chocolate torte at the end of a meal, or nurse one yourself while you wash dishes after your dinner party.

Jas Paloma Libre

A Smoky, Sultry, Grapefruit-Scented Pick

Best for:

• A night of dancing

Skip if:

• You want a sweeter Paloma dupe

For a mouthwatering sipper that you’ll want to enjoy all night long, opt for the Jas Paloma Libre. Founder Cecilia Rios Murrieta has a background in mezcal, and this drink is similarly complex and tantalizing, as well as smoky, salty and lightly sweet. The Paloma Libre of course tastes like grapefruit, but there’s also a bitter, woody bite from the ashwagandha. I don’t mind it, though—it counterbalances the bright limey flavors and underlying warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom. The drink has a light effervescence with hardly any bubble, so it feels more mature than a frothy grapefruit soda. It’s also less sweet than Parch’s Prickly Paloma (which is an ideal option if you prefer a sweeter drink—and there’s no shame in that.)

Jas pours a light coral in color, and smells faintly of root beer. I appreciate that the drink comes in a 12-ounce can, towering over most other NA drinks I tried—that means there’s more to share, or enjoy for yourself. This Oaxacan-inspired drink is a natural fit for pairing with Latin-American cuisine—I’d also love it with grilled meats and vegetables.

Figlia Fiore Frizzante

A Refreshing, Fizzy Drink With Warming Spices

Best for:

• Enjoying over a hearty home-cooked meal

Skip if:

• You want a brighter or more savory drink

The Figlia Fiore Frizzante is juicy in the best way. This drink is velvety and welcoming, with notes of cranberry, nutmeg, ginger and blood orange. It also has a sour kick and a light fizz, which makes it taste complex yet refreshing, like an adult beverage should. This is the drink I want to have at Thanksgiving dinner, or while cooking a big batch of Marcella Hazan’s famous tomato sauce on a chilly fall night. The drink is a light mauve color, and comes in a svelte 8 ounce can similar to Ghia’s. While you can buy the Fiore undiluted in a large bottle, the Fiore Frizzante comes spritzed and ready to drink.

The Fiore Frizzante strikes an almost impossible flavor balance, which is why I keep coming back to it. It’s not overly sweet, but it lacks the bitterness or burn that many NA drinks impart—you won’t find any capsaicin kicks or face-scrunching chicory here. Instead, the depth of flavor comes from the warming spices and acidic citrus. I also appreciate that I can’t detect any hint of preservatives or artificial flavors in this drink: For something in a can, it tastes fresh-squeezed. If you tend towards more-savory drinks without medicinal or vegetal flavors, the Fiore Frizzante is a good choice.

St. Agrestis Phony Negroni

A Bittersweet Stunner That Rivals Its Alcoholic Counterpart

Best for:

• A true cocktail dupe

Skip if:

• You don’t like botanical flavors

The resemblance between the St. Agrestis Phony Negroni and the alcoholic version of the cocktail is uncanny; this was one of the only drinks I tried that truly mimics the burn of alcohol. Whether or not you want that in an NA drink is, of course, up to you. The Phony Negroni is deeply herbaceous, and those earthy flavors are balanced with cherry-cola sweetness and zesty citrus notes. Texturally, it’s thicker and more syrupy than most I tried—and a great option if you want a little more body to your drink. Altogether, sipping the Phony Negroni makes for a highly enjoyable drinking experience.

The garnet-red liquid glows through slender glass bottles, and it’s just as enjoyable in a glass over ice as it is straight from the bottle. A very light fizz, untraditional for a Negroni, makes this drink feel even punchier. Its heady flavors make it perfect for savoring over time. I’d opt for this at a dinner out, an art opening or a holiday party any day.

Parch Spiced Piñarita

A Beverage Packed With Sweet Heat

Best for:

• People who want a kick of heat

Skip if:

• Spice isn’t your thing

A punchy heat and smokiness help the Parch Spiced Piñarita feel mature. Sweet and sour pineapple, chili, oregano and salt elevate this drink compared to other pineapple-scented NA drinks I’ve tried. The ingredients also include mole bitters, which may explain some of the chocolatey, smoky depth. It’s a beautiful blush pink color that reminds me of a desert sunset, and comes in a slender 8-ounce can.

This drink does have a mushroomy, bitter aftertaste and a slightly woody smell (from the ashwagandha and ginseng) that may not appeal to everyone; of course, you’ll also want to skip it if you don’t like spice. On the other hand, that heat, sourness and bitterness helps mimic an alcoholic tang and burn. I’d pair the Piñarita with barbecued pulled pork to balance a meaty meal, or drink it with fish tacos to evoke margarita-like vibes. The Piñarita would also be perfect for sipping by itself outdoors, whether at the park or pool.

Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz

A Zippy Spritz Perfect For An Afternoon Sipper

Best for:

• Enjoying aperitivo (salty snacks not optional)

Skip if:

• You prefer a more complex drink 

For a light, refreshing, easy-drinking option, Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz checks all the boxes. This drink isn’t as layered or intensely flavored as others I tried, but for some, that may be a bonus. Like an Aperol spritz, it balances bitter, herbaceous and sweet with a big, tingly bubble that makes it a delight to drink. Orange and rhubarb notes dominate, and the drink itself is a bright, translucent coral that will glow on sunny days if you choose to pour it into a glass.

I’d reach for this during happy hour to pair with salty bites like olives, chips or pizza. The can isn’t as trendy as some, but that’s fine—it’s what’s inside that counts. Decant this with an orange twist to feel a little fancier, or throw a pack in your bag for your next picnic. Like several options on this list, you can get Lyre’s Italian Spritz undiluted in a larger bottle if you want to finetune your ratios.

Other Non-Alcoholic Drinks I Tested

The world of non-alcoholic drinks continues to expand—I see dozens of new offerings emerge each year. If none of the recommendations above suit your tastes, check out some notes on other products I tried below—many are delicious. And always remember that a local NA beverage store or bar (if you have one in your area) is an excellent avenue for trying new products.

Pentire Seaward & Tonic: This Pentire flavor was one of the more bitter drinks I tried. It tastes strongly of citrus and bark. If you really crave a puckery beverage, perhaps Seaward & Tonic will be for you—using the bottled version of Seaward for diluting and mixing to your liking might be the best way to experiment with this flavor.

Pentire Coastal Spritz: Though I’d happily drink this spritz if someone served it to me, it has a woody aftertaste that doesn’t quite match the refreshing, juicy flavors I crave in a spritz.

St. Agrestis Non-Alcoholic Phony Espresso Negroni: This is another fun take on a Negroni from St. Agrestis, but it wasn’t my favorite among the ones I’ve tried. The espresso liqueur flavors tasted cloying with the sweetness of the drink; it felt like too many bold flavors were competing. If you love coffee, though, consider adding this to your Phony Negroni lineup, or try a variety pack from St. Agrestis.

For Bitter For Worse Rose City Fizz: I enjoyed the concentrated, jammy flavors of this drink, but they might be overpowering to some. Like Eva’s Spritz, the Rose City Fizz has tannic and earthy notes. Fruit flavors like elderberry dominate, and I tasted hints of Douglas fir and hibiscus. A smokiness—think oolong tea—is layered in.

RSRV Collective Kenshō Orana: Of the Kenshō cocktails, I found Orana the most intriguing—it’s one of the only orange-flavored NA drinks I’ve tried. It has warming cinnamon flavors that work well with the citrus. Other flavors from this brand were too sweet for my taste, but you may like them if you shy away from bitter beverages.

Ghia Le Spritz: Ghia’s original Ghia Soda and Ghia Ginger taste nearly identical, and they may be best for people who love bitter flavors (grapefruit pith and ginger dominate). I prefer the Lime & Salt, which tastes more vibrant. Ghia also comes in a large-format bottle of the aperitif alone.

Curious Elixir No. 2: This tasty pineapple-flavored drink is similar to the Parch Piñarita, but it’s a little sweeter and has a back of palate spiciness that made my nose tingle. I preferred the smokiness and depth of the Piñarita, but the Curious No. 2 is still a zesty, refreshing NA beverage that I enjoy. It comes in a larger bottle that’s designed to have two servings. Curious makes a wide range of flavors if something else sparks your interest.

Curious Elixir No. 1: Fruit-forward and sweet, this pleasant cocktail may be a good option for those looking for a juicy NA beverage. I particularly liked the fennel flavor, which gives this drink a unique twist.

De Soi Can Variety Pack: The concoctions from De Soi are surprising and enticing; I think this variety pack is a great investment if you’ve already sampled some NA cocktails and are looking to try something new. Still, the flavors may be more divisive compared to other drinks I tried. I especially enjoyed the De Soi Purple Lune, which has a deep, earthy berry flavor and a light sparkle. The tannic tea flavors and turmeric-lemongrass notes of Golden Hour are also unique amongst drinks I tried, but may be too biting for some. I’m less inclined towards the Champignon Dreams, which tastes like a surreal blend of dried mushrooms and strawberry candy. De Soi also comes in larger-format bottles.

Parch Prickly Paloma: If you’re looking for a fruity and refreshing NA drink, the Prickly Paloma may be for you. I found it overly sweet, but it still had some floral and salty notes that helped make it balanced and very drinkable.

Lyre’s Classico: Perhaps I should’ve known from the branding, but this tasted like a wine spritzer and not a cocktail. It’s champagney and effervescent. Flavors are punchy with notes of pear and apple. I detected a slightly funky aftertaste—I prefer the brand’s zippier Amalfi Spritz.

Lyre’s Malt And Cola: Compared to other similar drinks I’ve tried, this was fairly one-note: bubbly and dark brown, it’s like a slightly spicier root beer. It lacks some of the more nuanced herbal layers that I loved in the Amaro Falso. The malt flavor comes through, and the drink is pretty sweet.

Spiritless Old Fashioned: I enjoyed this drink—notes of caramel, oak and vanilla shone, and it was one of the few drinks I tried that mimicked a darker spirit. There’s no fizz here, so it feels truer to an Old Fashioned. But I puzzled over a faint scent and aftertaste that, frankly, evoked Play-Doh.

To see if I could get around this (again, it’s a faint taste, and I’m very sensitive), I poured the drink over ice, added an orange twist, and squeezed a little lemon into the drink. It brightened it up and made it much more enjoyable; it’s worth taking a few extra steps to liven up this drink if a boozeless Old Fashioned is truly what you want. Spiritless also makes large-format bottles and an NA Whiskey Sour that I was unable to try before publication (both premixed drinks are sold out on their site, if that’s any indication of how popular they are).