The non-alcoholic spirits market has grown fast enough that there’s now a credible substitute for almost every category of alcohol. Some of these products are genuinely impressive. Others are better suited for mixing than sipping neat. This guide covers the best options across every major category, from beer to bourbon to vermouth, with specific product recommendations and links to our detailed pages where you can dig deeper.

Beer

Non-alcoholic beer has quietly become the most mature segment of the alcohol-free market. Athletic Brewing makes craft options that regularly hold their own in blind taste tests, covering everything from golden ales to IPAs. Heineken 0.0 is widely available and reliably good as a straightforward lager. BrewDog’s Punk AF delivers a solid alcohol-free IPA with real hop character.

If you’re feeling hands-on, malt extract mixed with soda water creates a surprisingly beer-like base at home. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Wine

Dealcoholized wines have improved significantly. For reds, Ariel Cabernet Sauvignon and Luminara Red Blend retain the body and dark fruit notes you’d expect. Pomegranate juice also works as a red wine stand-in, especially in cooking. For whites, Fre Chardonnay maintains the floral, fruity character of a traditional white wine. Sparkling white grape juice or diluted apple cider covers the crisp, acidic profile.

For champagne alternatives, TOST and Sutter Home Fre Sparkling Brut both bring real fizz and sophistication. Kombucha in a champagne flute works in a pinch too, and adds a tangy complexity.

Bourbon

Non-alcoholic bourbon has some of the best options in the zero-proof space. Spiritless Kentucky 74 delivers smooth caramel and oak notes that work well in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Lyre’s American Malt brings a slightly smoky, sweet character. Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey has spicy and oaky undertones that mix well. You can also make your own bourbon substitute at home using black tea, vanilla, and maple syrup.

Gin

Non-alcoholic gin was one of the first zero-proof categories to take off. Seedlip Garden 108 is herbaceous with pea, hay, and spearmint notes. Monday Gin offers a more classic juniper-forward profile. Both work well in a gin and tonic or mixed with cucumber and tonic. For a DIY approach, steep juniper berries with rosemary, thyme, and lemon peel in water overnight. Strain and serve with tonic. We have a full guide to making gin substitutes at home.

Rum

Non-alcoholic rum captures the sweet, tropical, and spiced character of the original. Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit and Ritual Zero Proof Rum both offer caramel, molasses, and spice notes that work in a mojito or rum punch. Coconut water with a touch of vanilla makes a decent light rum stand-in for tropical drinks. We also have a guide to homemade rum substitutes.

Tequila

Ritual Zero Proof Tequila is one of the better options here, with earthy agave notes and a touch of smokiness that works in a margarita or Paloma. For a quick DIY version, lime juice, agave syrup, and a pinch of smoked paprika together capture the basic profile. Lyre’s Agave Blanco is another solid option for mixing.

Vodka

Vodka’s neutral profile means the substitute just needs to add body without adding flavor. Seedlip Spice 94 adds warming spice notes that work in espresso martinis. Arkay Alcohol-Free Vodka aims for the clean, smooth character of traditional vodka. Strykk Not Vodka is specifically designed as a 1:1 vodka replacement. For simple mixed drinks, sparkling water or coconut water can fill the role. Browse our vodka substitute options for more picks.

Other spirits

For brandy, Arkay offers a dealcoholized version, and warm spiced apple cider makes a good stand-in for cooking. Cognac substitutes work similarly: strong rooibos tea with orange peel and cinnamon captures much of the warmth and complexity. For mezcal, Ritual Zero Proof Mezcal replicates the smokiness, and lapsang souchong tea with lime juice is a clever DIY option. Vermouth substitutes like Lyre’s Aperitif Rosso work well in a Negroni or Manhattan. For rye whiskey, Whissin provides a mild base for mixing, while Lyre’s American Malt has enough spice to stand in for rye in most recipes.

For liqueur substitutes, the approach is simpler since most liqueurs are defined by a single strong flavor. Almond syrup replaces amaretto. Coffee concentrate with vanilla replaces Kahlua. Fresh orange juice with a touch of zest covers Cointreau. These swap directly into any recipe that calls for the original.

You can browse all of our recommended alternatives to popular alcoholic beverages organized by spirit, and explore our full recipe collection to put them to use.