Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: How to Make Great Zero-Proof Drinks

Zero-Proof Doesn't Have to Mean Boring

For a long time, the non-alcoholic option at most bars was a soda with a lime wedge. That's changed. Non-alcoholic spirits have gotten good enough that you can build a genuinely interesting cocktail without a drop of alcohol in it.

Start With a Real Non-Alcoholic Spirit

Brands like Seedlip, Ritual, and Lyre's make non-alcoholic versions of gin, whiskey, and rum that actually carry the botanicals and character of the real thing, instead of just tasting like flavored water.

Don't Skip the Bitters

A few dashes of bitters add complexity that a drink is otherwise missing without alcohol. Most bitters are extremely low in alcohol content and are what stop a zero-proof drink from tasting flat.

Build in Texture, Not Just Flavor

Alcohol adds a certain weight to a drink. You can get some of that back with a good syrup, a splash of tonic for carbonation, or an egg white for a silky texture on sours.

A Simple Recipe to Start With

Combine 2 oz non-alcoholic gin, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes of citrus bitters. Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice. It's a solid base you can adjust from there.

Want to Learn More Hands-On?

Our 0% ABV, 100% Fun class walks through building zero-proof cocktails from scratch using the same non-alcoholic spirits mentioned here, with guided tastings included.