Best Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternatives For Your Favorite Cocktails

Raise a glass, teetotalers and mocktail masters!

Gone are the days of dry January or sober Saturdays spent staring longingly at your friends’ fancy cocktails. The world of non-alcoholic spirits is booming, and let me tell you, the non-alcoholic whiskey game is strong.

We’re talking complex flavors, spicy kicks, and smoky depths that would have even the most discerning bourbon aficionado fooled.

But with so many options out there, where do you start? Fear not, my friends, for I’ve embarked on an odyssey through the zero-proof wilderness, sippin’ and savorin’ my way to the best of the best non-alcoholic whiskey substitutes.

So grab your favorite shaker, put on some chill tunes, and let’s dive into the intoxicating world of NA whiskey!

Best Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Substitutes

We’re talking about the best non-alcoholic whiskey substitutes for each cocktail.

Non-alcoholic whiskey isn’t just for cold-weather cocktails any more, whiskey (or whisky, depending on the style) is a must-have ingredient for loads of mocktails.

The top non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives available on the market are listed here.

Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative

Price: Under $30

Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative is like stepping into a speakeasy, minus the hangover haze.

Here’s the lowdown:

Ritual’s whiskey alternative has aromas of wood, smoke, caramel, and has a nice spicy finish that’ll give you all the same cozy, warm feelings associated with whiskey without the alcohol or calories (5 calories to be exact).

It’s recognized for its “burn” as it’s blended with capsicum fruit, peppercorns, and prickly ash to create a nice, lingering spice. With vanilla, stone fruit, and smokey oak tastes, it has all the richness and coziness you would anticipate from real whiskey.

Ritual’s Whiskey Alternative is meant to be mixed, not sipped straight. Include it 1:1 in your cocktail to add some spice and classic whiskey flavors.

What Does Ritual Whiskey Taste Like?

In terms of taste and finish, Ritual’s whiskey substitute is perhaps the most similar to true whiskey in this group.

Make a non-alcoholic Whiskey Sour at home by following the process from this video by Ritual Zero Proof.

Lyre’s American Malt

Price: Under $40

Lyre’s American Malt captures the essence of a smooth, mellow bourbon. It avoids the burning alcohol heat but you’ll enjoy its unique blend of sweet and complex flavors.

It’s best enjoyed in cocktails (think Old Fashioneds and Manhattans) where its subtle flavors can shine.

What Does Lyre’s American Malt Taste Like?

Lyre’s American Malt tastes like all of a bourbon’s distinguishing flavors—caramel, vanilla, and oak—are present. The American Malt is incredibly well-balanced and smooth; unlike some non-alcoholic whiskey drinks out there, it doesn’t have a strong, fiery finish, but the flavor still comes through when combined with soda or in a cocktail.

Lyre’s Highland Malt

Price: Under $40

One of the best non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives available is Lyre’s Highland Malt, which expertly captures the essence of a blended malt whiskey with an interesting twist. It’s an award-winning release that tastes like traditional Scotch. It does lack a little bit of the burn, which is undoubtedly a characteristic of drinking Scotch.

What Does Lyre’s Highland Malt Taste Like?

You’ll likely first pick up on a medley of hay, stone fruit, almonds, vanilla, and grain with hints of lightly toasted oak. 

It’s like a warm invitation to sip and explore. With flavors like oak tannin and nutty grain notes and a little smoke finish that lifts the palate and balances the length, which is robust and rich, it gives a distinctive and modern perspective on a traditional malt whiskey. The ultimate result is something brand-new that, in our opinion, you simply must try.

Gnista Barreled Oak

Price: Under $30

For those who like their whiskey smooth as velvet, Gnista’s Barreled Oak is your new best friend.

This Swedish stunner is aged in oak barrels, just like the real deal, giving it a mellow depth and subtle tannins that’ll have you sighing contentedly after each sip. Think cozy nights by the fire, with a good book and a glass of pure, unadulterated bliss.

The flavor profile of Barreled Oak, produced by the Swedish company Gnista, is unlike that of any other alcoholic spirit currently on the market.

What Does Gnista Taste Like?

Gnista’s Barreled Oak has a ton of body and character and is complex and quirky. It tastes like warming up in front of a crackling fire after playing in the snow and really brings out woodsy spices, a strong but comforting campfire smoke, and a touch of bitter herbs to balance sweet molasses, raisins, and rye.

We preferred to mix it All The Bitters Aromatic and cherry balsamic vinegar. Seriously.

Barreled Oak has the same flavor qualities as non-alcoholic whiskeys but is technically not one. Although it makes a surprisingly decent non-traditional Manhattan and is raisin-bready when mixed with cola. It also blends wonderfully in bourbon cocktails.

MONDAY Zero Alcohol Whiskey

Price: Under $50

Don’t let the name fool you – this Monday morning-approved dram is anything but blue. It’s got a peppery kick that’ll wake up your taste buds and a rich, complex flavor that’s perfect for Manhattans and other boozy classics.

The Monday Zero alcohol whiskey is booze-free but packed with spirit. A Southern California distillery hand-crafts Monday zero-alcohol whiskey in small batches, keeping things reasonably healthy by providing it with zero carbs, sugar, and calories.

When it comes to zero-proof cocktails, Monday Whiskey’s non-alcoholic whiskey is something we simply can’t get enough of. They also have their dram and dry, a lovely fusion of smokey malt flavors with a mellow dry ginger zing if you’re looking for a pre-mixed cocktail.

What Does Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey Taste Like?

Monday’s dram sour is a fan favorite if you prefer something with a fruitier flavor; it combines a smoky malt flavor with local Kakadu plum for a sophisticated twist. These folks certainly know how to create a beverage with a premium flavor, not to mention that they are also sugar-free.

The straight whiskey is ultimately the favorite based on its butterscotch, raisin, and toasted brown sugar scent. Although Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey has the strongest spice flavor, it blends well with most beverages. It creates a delicious faux-rye Manhattan, a hot toddy that could last flu season, and a classic way to get the orange twist in an Old-Fashioned to release its aromatics.

Spiritless Kentucky 74

Price: Under $40

Three ladies who wanted a better-tasting, alcohol-free choice started the company Spiritless with the goal of producing it for themselves. Being from Kentucky, it stands to reason that they began with bourbon. All the traditional bourbon flavors—charred oak, bourbon vanilla, and dark caramel—are present in Spiritless Kentucky 74.

This Kentucky-born beauty is like a magic trick in a bottle. Made with distilled oak and a touch of botanical wizardry, it captures the essence of bourbon like no other.

Think warm caramel, vanilla bean, and a hint of that spicy, toasty goodness you crave. You can sip it neat for a slow-burn experience, or throw it in an Old Fashioned and prepare to be amazed.

What Does Spiritless Kentucky 74 Taste Like?

Spiritless Kentucky 74 is the purest imitation of the real thing. Instead of employing the industry standard capsaicin to mimic the burn of alcohol, it has a slight tongue-numbing effect, similar to Sichuan peppercorns.

A blast of burnt wood lingers with you from the first scent to the last drink. Sharp kerosene notes add to the realism, and sweet maize and buttery caramel flavors are noticeable but not overpowering (though we think it becomes unpleasant in cocktails with bitter ingredients like a Manhattan).

Kentucky 74 mixes beautifully with mixers. Sip this straight or on the rocks for the most accurate bourbon substitute.

Curious Elixir No. 5

Price: 4 Bottles Under $40

The Curious Elixir No. 5 is a bottled cocktail rather than (officially) a whiskey substitute. With smoked cherry, dark chocolate, and toasty spices, it takes on the flavors of an Old Fashioned alcoholic cocktail. We absolutely LOVE Curious No. 5.

What Does Curious Elixirs No. 5 Taste Like?

The booze-free cocktails made by Curious Elixirs are renowned for being delicious, sophisticated, and ready to drink. Elixir No. 5, a smoked cherry and chocolate old-fashioned, is one of the popular favorites.

Of course, this whiskey cocktail is deep, rich, and smoky, much like the real whiskey cocktail. To enjoy two non-alcoholic old-fashioneds, simply pop the lid.

Sexy AF’s Friski Whiski

Price: Under $20

An alcohol-free whiskey called Sexy AF Friski Whiski is designed for mocktails, cocktails, and low-alcohol beverages.

Sexy AF’s Friski Whiski is an amaro that tastes remarkably similar to whiskey despite its name; it is a potent, sweet, and bracingly bitter beverage. However, it’s a ready-made Reverse Manhattan on the rocks with a blast of cinnamon and a thick texture that isn’t frightened of a little ice with a splash of water.

What Does Sexy AF’s Friski Whiski Taste Like?

Sexy AF’s Friski Whiski tastes like botanicals, allspice, angelica, cinnamon, and mostly has a a cinnamon whiskey-like flavor.

Clean Co Clean W Non-Alcoholic Whisky

Price: Under $30

Clean Co Clean W Non Alcoholic Whisky is a symphony of bourbon-esque flavors. It’s not an exact replica, but it captures the key elements of bourbon, making it a great option for those wanting a non-alcoholic alternative for Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, or simply sipping neat.

Clean W is definitely worth checking out.

What Does Clean W Non-Alcoholic Whisky Taste Like?

Warm oak, sweet vanilla, and gentle spice notes like nutmeg and ginger take center stage.

We pick up hints of fresh apple and fig. It’s full-bodied and smooth. Clean W has a satisfying mouthfeel, with the flavors building gradually and culminating in a pleasant, long-lasting finish. We dig.

The Spirit Of Bourbon By Free Spirits

Price: Under $40

This one is a little more expensive, but you’ll see why after you taste how amazing it is. With a velvety-smooth, toasted almond and brown sugar tongue, The Spirit of Bourbon is a rich, oaky, caramel-kissed non-alcoholic alternative to a fine Kentucky Bourbon.

With cola, ginger ale, and lemonade, The Spirit of Bourbon by Free Spirits flawlessly replaces Jack Daniels or Southern Comfort. It also has a higher acid content that balances heat and evokes red cherry.

You won’t ever have to worry about drinking too much because it’s produced with all-natural flavors, which is reason enough to drool. The only drawback is that it’s a little too expensive for our tastes, but it’s worth the investment if you’ve got the extra cash.

What Does The Spirit Of Bourbon By Free Spirits Taste Like?

The Spirit of Bourbon by Free Spirits tastes like an oaky caramel drink with hints of vanilla. We use is as a 1:1 replacement for bourbon on our Manhattans. It’s not to be sipped neat.

The Gospel Responsible Rye

Price: Under $50

Being the only specialist rye whiskey distillery in Australia, it was only a matter of time before The Gospel entered the rapidly expanding non-alcoholic market with the introduction of Responsible Rye, the country’s first rye whiskey substitute.

The non-alcoholic spirits market has seen a lot of innovation, but the Australian rye market hasn’t seen much of it. As fans of all things rye, The Gospel team set out to create an inclusive beverage that everyone enjoys without compromise. Co-Founder Andrew Fitzgerald said, “It took many tries and experiments over the course of a year to perfect, and we are glad to say this drink stacks up in a cocktail or on its own.”

Ellie Ash, the R&D distiller at The Gospel and a sommelier, supervises the production of the non-alcoholic whiskey. Responsible Rye, which took more than a year to produce, is the authentic rye whiskey that is truly expected from this Australian distiller. In contrast to many non-alcoholic beverages, the cost is more than the equivalent amount of alcohol.

What Does The Gospel Responsible Rye Taste Like?

The Gospel Responsible Rye has aromas of dried apricot, black tea, cardamon, and anise. We taste stone fruits with an underlying smokiness and warmth on the palate.

Cut Above Zero Proof Whiskey

Price: Under $40

Cut Above Spirits is a Louisville, Kentucky-based company founded in 2019 by a team of veteran bourbon distillers.

They set out to create non-alcoholic spirits that would capture the complex flavors and aromas of their alcoholic counterparts, without the buzz. Their motto? “Drink Brilliantly, Live Fully.”

Their flagship product, Cut Above Zero Proof Whiskey, is made using natural botanicals and distilled water.

What Does Cut Above Zero Proof Whiskey Taste Like?

They’ve enlisted the expertise of master blenders to craft a flavor profile that mimics the warmth, oakiness, and subtle spice of bourbon.

Cut Above alcohol free whiskey has aromas of toasted oak, cherry pie filling, and a hint of smoky char. We love that this non-alcoholic whiskey has flavors of clove with a subtle peppery kick. We think you’ll love that part too.

Seir Hill Mashville Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternative

Price: Under $40

Seir Hill Mashville Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternative is award winning and considered one of the best non-alcoholic whiskey substitutes on the market. Hold onto your (imaginary) Stetsons, because we’re venturing into the dusty plains of non-alcoholic whiskey with Seir Hill Mashville! Let’s saddle up and explore this Tennessee-born wonder.

Seir Hill isn’t just another booze-less band on the wagon. They’re a Nashville-based crew of flavor architects, meticulously crafting non-alcoholic spirits that pack a punch without the punch bowl of ethanol.

Their mission? To empower everyone to “Craft Your Own Fun” and savor the ritual of a delicious drink, regardless of alcohol.

What Does Seir Hill Mashville Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternative Taste Like?

Imagine stepping into a smoky old oak barrel. Warm caramel and vanilla, followed by a subtle whisper of sweet corn and a spicy kick of charred oak and clove. Over the top? We’re really feeling it over here. It’s like a bonfire in a glass, minus the singed eyebrows.

Alcohol-free, Calorie free, Gluten free, Allergen free, Vegan. It’s complex, smokey, spicy and sweet all at the same time.

Drummerboy American Dark

Price: Under $30

The Drummerboy American Dark has strong, bold tastes that will make other non-alcoholic spirits look weak in comparison.

Drummerboy, an Australian brand that lives up to its name, produces some of the best non-alcoholic spirit substitutes available. The deep scent of the brand’s “American Dark” is a terrific substitute for bourbon and has notes of caramel, vanilla, toffee, and caramelized figs.

Drummerboy blends essence and extracts to create “American Dark” before dissolving everything into the flavored liquid. Due to its caramel, molasses, and spicy vanilla flavor, this non-alcoholic whisky is best for blending with coke.

How Is Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Made?

For the best flavor, non-alcoholic whiskey is first distilled, just like real whiskey. The alcohol is then removed by boiling it in a procedure known as ethanol distillation.

Reverse osmosis, in which alcohol is extracted using water rather than chemicals, removes the alcoholic component from whiskeys. Whiskey flavor can also be added to non-alcoholic drinks by steaming.

Many of the producers of spirit-free products add flavors to liquids to make them.

Spirit-free alcohol is alcohol that has been eliminated, along with many of the flavoring compounds that are more readily accumulated and concentrated in alcohol. Because of this, businesses like Seedlip, Ritual, or Lyre’s have developed unique or exclusive processes for obtaining and preserving particular flavors in the beverage.

Non-alcoholic whiskey substitutes are becoming more and more popular among people who want to abstain from drinking for whatever their lifestyle choice.

As long as you know what to look for, there are several great non-alcoholic whisky alternatives to sample if you want a dram but don’t want a hangover.

Whether you’re looking for a non alcoholic whiskey with an unusual flavor or something that tastes authentic, this list has you covered.

Non-Alcoholic Whiskey FAQs