For some, life without whiskey would be a sad life. For those who love their dram, it would be like living without a limb. Still, some whiskey lovers would prefer whiskey without alcohol to avoid the consequences of too much alcohol consumption.
If you’re considering a break from alcohol or avoiding it entirely but still want to enjoy your daily dram of whiskey or other alcohol-free spirits, these ten non-alcoholic whiskeys are healthier alternatives to try.
What is non-alcoholic whiskey?
The primary concern for most people is whether non-alcoholic whiskey is still whiskey. Well, non-alcoholic spirits are still spirits but with an additional step. In the case of non-alcoholic whiskey, it undergoes an additional step during the production process to eliminate the alcohol in the whiskey. Examples of ways alcohol is removed from whiskey include:
- Ethanol distillation – boiling the whiskey juice to evaporate alcohol content.
- Reverse osmosis – using water to pump out alcohol
- Streaming – infusing non-alcoholic drinks with whiskey flavors
Benefits of non-alcoholic whiskey
Non-alcoholic whiskey is better than alcoholic whiskey for various reasons. These include:
- No hangovers: The most significant advantage of non-alcoholic whiskey is that it causes no hangovers since it lacks alcohol. You can drink as much of your favorite whiskey all day and night without enduring severe aftereffects.
- Healthier ingredients: Non-alcoholic whiskeys have an all-natural ingredient list. Most have little sugar and low calories, making them a healthier alternative for people who drink whiskey constantly.
- Same taste: Most non-alcoholic whiskeys undergo aging inside barrels with charred oak flavors to develop a similar taste to alcoholic whiskey. The only difference is they lack the “alcoholic bite” of actual whiskey.
The different types of non-alcoholic whiskeys
There exist different variations of non-alcoholic alternatives in the market. Most of these are uncanny imitations of the original whiskey. It’s good to know them so that you can pick the right one for you. They include:
- Bourbon whiskeys
- Corn whiskeys
- Rye whiskeys
- Malt whiskeys
- Scotch whiskeys
How to choose the best Whiskey for you
The ever increasing demand for non-alcoholic whiskey has brought about numerous types of non-alcoholic alternatives. To find one based on your needs, these are some of the critical factors to consider:
- Type – consider the different kinds of non-alcoholic whiskeys such as bourbon, single malt scotch, and cinnamon-flavored whiskeys.
- Production – consider the production method used to mimic the alcohol flavor and produce essential oils and natural extracts.
- Flavor profile – factor in the different flavor profiles, like sweet, malty, smokey, fruity, and spicy, plus silky, smooth, and thick textures
- Nutritional value – consider the added sugars in non-alcoholic whiskey and the calorie of each serving.
- Price – consider the varying costs from low to mid-range depending on your economic status
How to enjoy non-alcoholic whiskey
You can enjoy your non-alcoholic whiskey any time of the day without worrying about getting drunk. Here are a few ways to jazz up your non-alcoholic whiskey each time you pour a glass:
- Use whiskey-designated glassware to add glamour to drinking whiskey.
- Try different non-alcoholic whiskeys with separate tones and tastes
- Use your non-alcoholic whiskey in mocktails using the same traditional whiskey cocktail recipes you’re used to enjoying like a whiskey sour
- Insert ice cubes to make your drink refreshing and exciting, just like in actual whiskey
- Furnish your liquor with finishing touches such as funky straws, umbrellas, or swizzle sticks
Doing these gives you a similar experience to drinking alcoholic whiskey, only without the adverse side effects of alcohol.
10 best non-alcoholic whiskeys on the market
These are the best non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives in the market today:
Monday Zero Alcohol Whiskey
Zero Alcohol Whiskey from Drink Mondays is one of the best-handcrafted whiskeys in America. Manufactured in Southern California, this drink delivers actual whiskey flavors with the same bite and aftermath reminiscent of the alcoholic type. It also contains zero sugar, low calories and can be taken in a variety of cocktails.
Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative
Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative is the closest non-alcoholic whiskey to the real thing in terms of taste, warmth, and depth. The bourbon notes on this drink and its various flavors, including vanilla, smokey oak, and stone fruit make it the perfect drink for any time of the day. Plus, you can take it the old-fashioned way or with cocktails.
Drummer Boy American Dark
The Drummer Boy American Dark is an Australian-made non-alcoholic bourbon whiskey and an excellent alternative to traditional bourbon. It’s full of caramel, toffee, vanilla, and caramelized notes and smells like bourbon without the alcoholic effect. You can drink it in various cocktails, which is the most preferred, but some still drink this whiskey the old-fashioned way.
Spiritless Kentucky 74
Spiritless Kentucky 74 is zero-proof bourbon with everything you’d find in an actual whiskey dram. In terms of taste, this whiskey has different flavors and added spices that amplify your drinking experience, whether taken neat or with bourbon mixers. It leaves a warm, cozy feeling, letting you relax.
Gnista Barrel Oak
Gnista Barrel Oak is a classic smokey whiskey with tons of chocolate rye, warm spices, and deep, woodsy barrel oak flavors. Its taste is reminiscent of dark whiskey or dram, and it’s brilliant on the rocks with club soda or in a cocktail.
The Spirit of Bourbon
The Spirit of Bourbon is an oaky, non-alcoholic whiskey made of natural flavors, such as toffee oak, toasted almond, and brown sugar. This combination also gives it a smooth, velvety feel, similar to Jack Daniels. It is best taken with lemonade, soda, or ginger ale.
Lyre’s Highland Malt
Lyre’s Highland Malt has a feel and essence similar to blended malt whiskey. It comprises strong scents, like burnt sugar and charred oak, and various flavors, such as nutty grain characters and oak tannin, reminiscent of a quality scotch. You can combine it with liqueurs and mixers for more depth of flavor.
Sans Bar Kings of Tartan Whiskey Substitute
If a high-quality alternative to scotch is what you’re looking for, Sans Bar Kings of Tartan is the best option. It’s sugar-free, gluten-free, and contains all-natural vegan ingredients with a strong, smokey, warm finish. You can take it on its own, on the rocks, or with a mixer to complement its bitter bite.
Whissin Whisky Alternative
Whissin Whisky Alternative is a whiskey that captures the essence and flavor of the real whisky spirit using natural products. It is made from fermented barley, maize, and wheat and has flavors that mimic soft drinks without the carbonation. It’s best taken on the rocks or with sparkling water for more taste depth.
Sexy AFs Frisky Whisky
Frisky Whisky is a low-carb, low-calorie base for a non-alcoholic Manhattan. It’s best taken on the rocks as this amplifies its cinnamon and vicious mouthfeel, but you can also take it as a cocktail with cold ginger ale.
Choosing your non-alcoholic whiskey
Non-alcoholic whiskey is a variation of the actual whiskey without the alcoholic ingredient. There are different types of non-alcoholic whiskeys in the market, such as bourbon, malt, rye, and scotch. You should choose the right one for you for the best results. Let us know which one you feel is the best for you.
There are also non-alcoholic tequilas, rums, and vodka to try if that’s more your vibe.
