What are Non-Alcoholic Spirits: A Complete Guide to Alcohol-Free Liquor

What's your favorite spirit? Rum, vodka, tequila? Perhaps, gin?

Our personal favorite is bourbon. From the complex tasting notes of different distillers or barreling methods to the memories formed around glasses of this spirit, it holds a special place in our hearts.

But it's time to have an honest conversation about alcohol - it's not always good for you. From the negative health implications in both the short and long term to the societal problems, abstaining from alcohol is a great choice. If only there was a way to still enjoy your favorite spirit while making this positive life change.

Fortunately, there is: non-alcoholic spirits.

Wait - what are non alcoholic spirits? That's exactly what we're here to talk about today. If you're curious about alcohol-free spirits, you've come to the right place. These types of spirits are a great way to still enjoy your favorite cocktails or sippers without the alcohol. And in this complete guide, we're going to answer some of the most common questions we get asked on this subject: what are non-alcoholic spirits? How are non-alcoholic spirits made? Why should you care?

By the end of this in-depth guide, you'll be ready to fully immerse yourself in the world of alcohol-free spirits. Let's get right into the main topic at hand.

What are Non-Alcoholic Spirits?

Non-alcoholic spirits are, quite simply, distilled drinks that contain no alcohol. That's it! No sugar, no calories - just pure, delicious spirit flavor. Just as the name suggests. 

Of course, the process of making alcohol-free spirits is a bit more complicated than that. In order to create an authentic non-alcoholic spirit, you have to either prevent the alcohol from forming during the distillation process or you have to remove it after the fact. We'll cover this in the section below - how are non alcoholic spirits made? First, let's talk about the different types of non alcholic spirits there are currently on the market.

The Different Types of Alcohol-Free Spirits You Can Try 

As the non-alcoholic spirits market has grown, so too has the variety of products available. That means no matter what your favorite type of spirit is, there is likely an alcohol-free alternative. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Non alcoholic tequila is one of the most popular choices - especially for summer when it's margarita season! Or, you can create your favorite cocktails with this alternative to traditional agave - or sip it straight!
• Non alcoholic rum is another great option for those looking for an alcohol-free spirit. It's perfect for making alcohol-free cocktails or adding to your favorite soda or juice.
• Alcohol-free gin is a bit more niche than vodka or rum, but it's still a great option if you're looking for an alcohol-free spirit. It works well in classic cocktails like the G&T or Martini.
• Non alcoholic whiskey is a great option for those looking for an alcohol-free spirit with a bit more of a kick. It's perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.

Now, you're probably wondering to yourself...how are non alcoholic spirits made? Allow us to explain:

How are Non Alcoholic Spirits Made?

There are two ways to make non-alcoholic spirits: either preventing alcohol from forming in the first place during distillation or removing it after the fact. While the vast majority of distillers today rely on the second method - removing it after the fact - we will cover both approaches down below.

The first method- preventing alcohol from forming in the first place during distillation - is actually pretty simple. Most fermentation processes produce a liquid that contains around 30% alcohol by volume (ABV). But if you stop the fermentation process at an earlier stage, you can create what's called a low wine. This low wine has a much lower ABV- usually around 0.50%. From there, you can dilute it even further with water until you have a final product that contains no alcohol whatsoever. 

The second method is removing the alcohol after it's already been distilled. To do this, you have to use a process called fractional distillation. This is where the alcohol is literally distilled out of the spirit through evaporation, leaving behind only the flavorful essence of the drink. And, as we'll discuss later on, the end-product is virtually indistinguishable from the original spirit in terms of taste and aroma. Now - with a better understanding of what non alcoholic spirits are and how they're made, let's get into the big question...why should you care? Besides the obvious benefit of maintaining a sober lifestyle, what benefits come with alcohol-free spirits? Keep reading to find out…

What are the Non-Alcoholic Spirit Benefits You Need to Know About?

There are actually quite a few benefits that come along with drinking non-alcoholic spirits! In this section, we want to break down the benefits into two categories: health benefits & societal benefits. Let's get into the health benefits first.

Health Benefits

In our blog post covering the top 10 non alcoholic wine benefits, we cover a wide array of reasons to try alcohol free beverages. Many of these are related to your health and well-being.

For starters, ditching alcohol can transform your health and diminish your risk for certain illnesses and conditions. Alcohol is linked to all sorts of health problems, both in the short and long term - everything from liver damage and cancer to high blood pressure and stroke. Even on a day-to-day basis, alcohol can lead to brain fog, headaches, and other hangover-related symptoms. But since non-alcoholic spirits don't contain any alcohol, you can rest assured that you're not doing any damage to your health when you drink them.

In addition to being better for your health, non-alcoholic spirits are also calorie-free! So if you're watching your weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, they're a great option for you. And speaking of calories...did you know that alcohol is actually one of the most calorie-dense substances on the planet? A single gram of alcohol contains seven calories - which is almost as much as a gram of fat! So if you're cutting back on calories, switching to non alcoholic spirits is a great way to do it.

Finally, non-alcoholic spirits are also hydrating - unlike alcoholic beverages, which actually dehydrate you. So if you're looking for a drink that will help you stay hydrated, they're a great choice.

Societal Benefits

In addition to the health benefits we just discussed, there are also societal benefits that come along with drinking non-alcoholic spirits. Living an alcohol-free lifestyle means you can enjoy cocktails without worry. No need to stress about how you're going to safely drive your car later on - or, saying/doing something embarrassing and dealing with regret the next day. You also won't have to worry about drops in performance at work because you had one too many the night prior.

If you've made the switch to living a sober lifestyle, you may find that it hinders how you socialize. You feel awkward sipping water while your friends all mix up a cocktail. Well, why not BYOB to the next kickback - or ask the bartender at your local spot about any alcohol-free spirits they source? You can still get in on the fun without compromising your health or values.

What Do Alcohol-Free Spirits Taste Like?

If you've never tried alcohol-free spirits before, you may be skeptical...there's no way it'll taste like the real deal. That couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, there is really only one difference between the two types of spirits: the alcohol bite. The warm, biting sensation you associate with your favorite spirit will be missing from the alcohol-free counterpart. For some people, that's just another reason to love alcohol-free spirits!

We've got more good news for you - you can still create your favorite drinks with an alcohol-free alternative! For example - we have a list of amazing non alcoholic whiskey recipes with Kentucky 74 Bourbon. Or, maybe you want to explore some fun new non alcoholic summer drink recipes - we have a list of those as well. The point is, the experience of drinking your favorite spirits can still be enjoyed without any negative consequences. So, what are you waiting for?! Allow us to introduce you to the best alcohol free spirit distillers currently on the market...

What are the Best Non-Alcoholic Spirits Distillers?

There are so many different distillers out there that offer alcohol-free alternatives. You'd think this was a good thing - the more options the better, right? Well, it can also complicate matters as you start searching for your first bottle.

Fortunately, Boisson is the #1 place to buy non alcoholic drinks online. And as such, we've got a few recommendations for you down below to start your journey. A few of our personal favorites are Ritual non alcoholic spirits, Seedlip alcohol-free spirits, and Lyre's non alcoholic spirits. However, you can rest assured that any of the alcohol-free spirits on our site are worth trying - if we carry it, it's quality. You can count on it!

Ready to Try Alcohol-Free Spirits Yourself & See What the Hype is All About?

That concludes our complete guide to alcohol-free spirits. At this point, we hope we've answered all your questions - like what are non alcoholic spirits, and how are non alcoholic spirits made? At this point, the only thing left to do is head over to the site and snag a bottle - or visit us in-store in NYC - and experience the alcohol-free difference yourself. You'll be glad you did!