Best Non-Alcoholic Tequilas For Your Next Mocktail
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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!
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.
Alcohol-Free Tequila for 2024
1. RITUAL ZERO PROOF TEQUILA ALTERNATIVE
Best For: Classic Margarita
Tasting Notes:
Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative is the OG non-alcoholic tequila - along with Free Spirits. One of the first brands on the market, this zero proof spirit proves time and again why it’s such a crowd favourite. It has heat, flavour and the right mouthfeel to be an excellent dupe in your cocktail!
2. MONDAY MEZCAL
Best For: Traditional mezcal-style lovers
Tasting Notes:
This non-alcoholic mezcal is a true dupe for the real thing. It’s a great non-alcoholic mezcal, 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
Best For: Palomas and citrus-based margarita mocktails
Tasting Notes:
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 the U.S. through Amazon (link is here) or directly from The Zero Proof. Not available in Canada anymore.
4. FREE SPIRITS SPIRIT OF TEQUILA
Best For: Fans of Reposdo Style Tequila
Tasting Notes:
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. SPIRITLESS JALISCO 55
Best for: Flavoured & Tropical Margaritas
Tasting Notes:
Spiritless Jalisco 55 non-alcoholic tequila is so unique. It’s not like a regular blanco tequila, but has some interesting grassy and smoky notes that pairs really well with tropical fruit. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea in a classic margarita recipe, but it works so well in tropical flavoured margarita mocktails. Here’s our Passionfruit Margarita using Jalisco non-alcoholic tequila, a great pairing!
Interested in making some mocktails? Find our non-alcoholic tequila-based mocktail recipes all in one place!
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!
