Last summer, I started trying more mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. I’m not exactly sure when I got more regimented about it — I think it was last fall — but I strictly don’t drink alcohol Sunday-Thursday.
So far, I’ve loved it! There have been times when I’ve been tempted to have a drink on a “school” night, but I never have. It’s just not worth it; I’m trying to improve my health and get better sleep, and alcohol does neither of those things.
As a result, I’ve now tried a good bit of non-alcoholic spirits! I look at mocktails in a similar fashion to how I look at plant-based meat products.
There are those who don’t want plant-based meat products to actually look or taste exactly like meat. There are likely sober people or sober-curious folks who don’t want a mocktail that tastes nearly exactly the same as an alcoholic cocktail.
If you’re in that group, a non-alcoholic spirit is likely not for you… because they taste VERY similar to alcohol.
Today, I’ll focus specifically on the N/A spirits I’ve had from Ritual Zero Proof.
Ritual Tequila Alternative
The Ritual Tequila Alternative is the first Ritual product I purchased. I’d tried one other N/A spirit prior, and I really liked having the ability to make a zero-proof margarita at the end of the workday.
In Austin, we have a non-alcoholic bottle shop, Dear Dry (which is fantastic, and you should definitely check it out if you’re in the area), and they have a ton of options.
I asked for a tequila alternative, and Ritual is the one the shop owner suggested. I bought it, and LOVE it. I have since purchased (and drank) multiple bottles!
It tastes very similar to alcoholic silver tequila (minus the sting); it’s bright but also smoky. It’s truly a staple in my mocktail routine.
Tequila-alternative go-to drink: margarita | I make all sorts of margaritas with this! I like making them from scratch with fresh lime, orange juice, and a little bit of honey and bitters (I always use N/A bitters from All the Bitter). But, I recently found two delish pre-made mixes: Habanero Margarita (from Hella Cocktail Co) and Prickly Pear (from Republic Spirit Blends).
Ritual Whiskey Alternative
Admittedly, I’ve not had as much whiskey as I have had vodka or tequila. But any time I order a whiskey-based drink, I enjoy it! As a result, I’ve been wanting to try more whiskey or, at least, similar flavors.
Enter: Ritual Whiskey Alternative. Once the holidays rolled around, I wanted to make an old fashioned. I bought a cocktail kit with sugar cane and dried cherries, oranges, rosemary, and bitters.
I used the Whiskey Alternative (which I bought at a liquor store) with it, and WOW — I ended up making (and drinking) two batches of it — delicious.
I love that it’s a rich amber color and has an oaky caramel flavor. Chef’s kiss!
Whiskey-alternative go-to drink: blackberry smash | I muddle frozen blackberries with fresh mint and honey, add ice, the Whiskey Alternative, and a squeeze of lemon, and top with ginger beer (I use Betty Buzz). Garnish with more blackberries and mint — super refreshing with complex flavors!
Ritual Gin Alternative
This is the most recent product from Ritual I’ve tried, and I purely wanted it so I could make N/A gin and tonics 🙂
Before making any cocktail with these spirits, I always try a tiny bit by itself to see how it tastes. Out of all the Ritual Zero Proof spirits I’ve had, the gin is the one that doesn’t taste quite like alcoholic gin does. I mean, of course, none of them taste EXACTLY like their alcoholic counterparts, but this one is the most different.
I’m not sure if that’s because alcohol is so overpowering in the gins I’ve had over the years (I’m assuming this is the case) and it’s likely just a hard flavor to replicate. But, the Gin Alternative is still a win in my book. It has a delicate, floral taste that pairs wonderfully with tonic water and lime!
Gin-alternative go-to drink: gin & tonic | I use 1.5 ounces of the gin-alternative, lots of ice, and top with the Betty Buzz tonic water. Add a squeeze of fresh lime and you’re good to go.
Ritual Zero Proof also has a rum alternative and an aperitif alternative. I’m not a big rum drinker, but I’m adding the aperitif alternative to my wish list — I can already taste the faux spritzes I’ll be drinking all summer long!
Have you tried any non-alcoholic spirits?
This review is not sponsored — nor are any of the reviews on this blog. I love trying new products and enjoy sharing the ones I love right here. For more reviews and similar posts, please subscribe to the blog by clicking subscribe on the right side of your screen. Cheers!
The Bitter Lemon 