We can think of no better curator of non-alc options than Derek Brown, a mindful drinking expert with a mixology background. Derek is founder of the consultancy Positive Damage, Inc, co-founder of Mindful Drinking Fest, and host of The Mindful Drinking Podcast. Previously, Derek owned Spirited Awards 2017 “Best American Cocktail Bar,” Columbia Room, in Washington, D.C., and was one of the nation’s top bartenders.
Derek is also a celebrated author. He published his first book, Spirits, Sugar, Water, Bitters: How the Cocktail Conquered the World, in 2019, and was named 2020 “Author of the Year” at the Nightclub & Bar Show Awards. He published his second book, Mindful Mixology: a Comprehensive Guide to No- and Low-Alcohol Cocktails, in 2022.
It’s no surprise, then, that Derek has been frequently awarded for his work. He was recognized as a leading beverage figure affecting positive change in the global bar industry by Drinks International in 2020. He was also named “one of the most inspirational people and places that will shape how we drink in 2023” by Imbibe magazine in 2023. More recently, he was awarded the Industry Impact Award at the Bar & Restaurant Expo in 2024.
Here are Derek’s current non-alc picks:
Uncle Waithley’s Vincy Ginger Brew
Made by bartender Karl Franz, this is ostensibly a mixer. But dress it up with some lime and mint and add ice, and it’s a great choice for a drink unto itself. It also works great with non-alc spirits to add zing with its ginger and Scotch bonnet peppers.
This is not yet imported into the US, but it’s on its way, thankfully. Created from Martinique Rhum Agricole by expert perfumers in France, this is hands down the absolute best non-alcoholic rum on the market. It scored double gold at the San Francisco World Spirit Awards, of which I’m a judge. Blind judging, and we all agreed.
This Tequila alternative does all the heavy lifting in a Margarita. There are other really good Tequila alternatives, but this fills a greater void left from products that claim “Tequila” only in name, being a Blue Weber Agave product from Jalisco, Mexico.
My summer spritz. Anything Lynnette Marrero—liquid creative director for Aplós and Master Class instructor—does is good. But this even surprised me with its depth and deliciousness. More of this from non-alcoholic RTDs, please!
Zeronimo Leonis Blend Dealcoholized Red Wine
Now imported by Ocean Beach Cafe’s beverage genius, Joshua James, this is juice made from a 98pt wine. It’s got body, flavor, and is leading the new wave of dealcoholized wines. I can’t wait to sit down in a Michelin-starred restaurant and drink this with my meal. In the meantime, we’ll sip at home—but, restaurants, please take note.
