Best Non-Alcoholic Tequilas 2023: Our Favourites And What To Make With It

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Whether it’s for Cinco de Mayo, or just for a Friday margarita, there are lots of non-alcoholic tequilas on the market to experiment with. You can have so much fun trying them all out and figuring out which ones you like best!

HP Agave Best Non Alcoholic Tequila Canada

But first..

What should you be looking for in a non-alcoholic tequila?

Agave flavour is the trademark of tequila. It’s what sets this spirit apart from all the rest, so it’s important that your n/a version has a recognizable agave flavour.

Smokiness is also key. In the process of making tequila, the heart of an agave is harvested from the plant and roasted in underground ovens over hot rocks. Roasting the heart in this manner gives the spirit that deep, smoky flavor that makes mezcal so distinctive. Non-alcoholic tequilas need to have a discernible smoky palette to be a true dupe.

Heat is also key, but hard to get right. The heat in tequila usually comes from alcohol, so replicating the gentle but very specific burn of the real thing is tough.

The brands we’ve listed below have developed a nuanced style and taste of their own, so it’s fun to try all of them in a variety of cocktails to truly experience this best-in-class group.

 

1. HP Agave

You’ll be blown away by this Canadian tequila dupe. It’s spicy and smoky and replicates a traditional tequila with a nice balance of heat without sacrificing flavour. Available through Cocktail Emporium both online and in-store.

2. MONDAY MEZCAL

This non-alcoholic mezcal is a true dupe for the real thing. It’s a great non-alcoholic tequila, with a clean agave taste profile and loaded with heat, making it a perfect option for a non-alcoholic margarita with a kick. We use this in all our margaritas!

 

3. ISH Non-Alcoholic Tequila - Mexican Agave Spirit

This Danish brand has created a great non-alcoholic agave spirit, with a surprising depth of flavour and a massive spicy kick, just like a smoky tequila. It pairs really well with grapefruit soda for an elevated and tasty non-alcoholic Paloma (non-spicy). You can find this in Canada only for a limited time through DryVariety.ca and NotWasted.ca, and in the U.S. through Amazon (link is here) or directly from The Zero Proof.

 

4. FREE SPIRITS SPIRIT OF TEQUILA

This non-alcoholic tequila is a Reposado style zero proof spirit, with heat and flavour matched in a truly unique and elevated way. They add B12 to the liquid to add some beneficial nutrients to the mix. You can almost drink it on the rocks it’s that interesting. It’s our favourite option for a spicy non-alcoholic Paloma because the savoury flavour and medium heat profile balances nicely with the grapefruit and jalapeno.

5. UNDONE NON-ALCOHOLIC MEZCAL

Undone is a sleeper hit from Germany. You’ll be surprised at the legit smokey agave flavour and heat this non-alcoholic tequila brings to the table. It’s a perfect option for a classic margarita.

Whichever brand of non-alcoholic tequila you choose, you can experiment and have fun with the drinks you’re making. Our last tip: use about 25% more n/a product than a regular, full-proof recipe calls for so the gentle nuances and flavours don’t get lost in your mocktail.

Cheers from our dry bar to yours!