By Christine Wayne, Founder of On The Mocks
Whether you’re embarking on a dry month or a lifestyle overhaul, a well-stocked non-alc bar cart is a must! Here’s what I recommend for those just getting started.
Tequila
Free Spirits The Spirit of Tequila
I’ll admit I’m a little obsessed. But take this from a girl whose last sip of alcohol was on Cinco de Mayo with margaritas perpetually in-hand… The Spirit of Tequila is the closest thing you’ll taste to tequila without alcohol (and everyone I’ve recommended this to agrees with me!) If you’re looking for something smokier, a la Mezcal, then I recommend Monday’s Mezcal alternative. It packs a punch.
Gin
I have tried so many gin alternatives. I hated gin as a drinker, but as a sober mom, a quality G&T tastes like cheating in the best way possible. Monday Gin tastes like gin. I’ve embraced a love for Monday since 2020. If you can splurge, I highly recommend having a collection of gin or botanical spirits to keep things interesting… If you can only grab one? Grab Monday. This rec never fails.
Bourbon
Free Spirits The Spirit of Bourbon
I go back and forth between Free Spirits and Spiritless here. Not sure if my taste buds are changing, but I think Free Spirits has a bit more of the burn I crave. Meanwhile, Spiritless is a standalone product that is a must-have for the cooler season. You can make super simple two-ingredient cocktails using Spiritless and ginger beer or apple cider.
Rum
Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative
Your bar cart needs a light rum for mojitos and daiquiris, and Lyre’s knows exactly what they’re doing in this department. Ritual Zero Proof’s dark rum hits all the marks for tropical cocktails and rum punch. If you’d like to splurge on one more, another favorite of mine is Seir Hill’s Biscane. I call this the bourbon lover’s rum. It’s a deliciously cozy spirit for fall and winter.
Vodka Substitutes
Anything Amethyst
Ritual Zero Proof Gin Alternative
People are always asking me for an alternative to vodka! To those people, I ask: “What is that you like or liked about vodka?” Because vodka doesn’t taste “good.” It tastes like alcohol. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic spirit that can take the place of vodka in your favorite cocktail, look to non-alc gin and botanical spirits. Damrak Virgin 0.0 leans toward orange/citrus, while Amethyst offers a range of other flavors: Grapefruit-Basil, Lemon-Cucumber Serrano, Blueberry-Ginger-Mint, and Watermelon-Lime. My go-to for Bloody Marys and more savory cocktails is Seedlip Garden 108. And, if you want a simple vodka-soda or vodka-tonic dupe, I’d recommend reaching for Ritual Zero Proof Gin.
Bitters
All The Bitter – Classic Bitters Trio
Aromatic, Orange, New Orleans
When I was drinking alcohol, I didn’t know what bitters were—nor did I care! Nowadays, I find bitters essential to building a bar cart. Consider these bottles your spice rack, your salt and pepper! Not only can a few dashes change the taste and mouthfeel of your non-alc wine, a few dashes also add layers and complexity to otherwise ordinary mocktails.
Aperitifs
This is an interesting category, as complex, bitter spirits were not my favorite early on. I grew into them. And my list of favorites is now long. These are three I reach for again and again.
Non-essential essentials
Coffee Liqueur Alternative: Lyre’s Coffee Originale
Amaretto Alternative: Lyre’s Amaretti
Triple Sec Alternative: DHOS Orange
Elderflower Liqueur Alternative: Giffard
About the author
Christine Wayne is a heart attack survivor, sober mom, writer, foodie, influencer, and entrepreneur by way of New York City. She’s now living a whole new perspective in Charlotte, NC. As the founder of On The Mocks, her mission is to empower women to take hold of their lives through self-care practices and removing the stigma about living alcohol-free.
