11 non-alcoholic drinks that are just as sophisticated as a glass of wine

Ghia’s stylish non-alcoholic apéritif has become a bar cart must-have, but in my opinion it’s their sparkly Le Spritz cans that really shine. Made from a blend of botanical extracts and herbs, each flavor (Ginger, Lime & Salt, and their signature Ghia) is refreshingly bitter and bitey without being overly sweet. As an apéritif, they’re meant to be enjoyed before dinner, but they’re lovely after dinner or even as a night cap. I prefer to drink them straight up, ice cold in a fancy cocktail glass but others have pointed out that they make a great mixer as well.

I’ve tried dozens of non-alcoholic drinks but none have delighted me the way Kally does. Whereas other wine stand-ins often lack the complexity that makes it enjoyable in the first place, Kally is just the opposite. The sophisticated blends of verjus (a juice pressed from young tart chardonnay grapes), decaffeinated tea extracts and botanicals create layered flavors that are unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Even more impressively, they linger in your mouth, making each one a total experience.

In the line up you’ll find three sparkling varieties (Golden Sparkler, Rosé Sparkler, and Verjus Sparkler), as well as three classics (Early Cabernet, Early Chardonnay and Verjus). They’re sweet, but not too sweet, and in all honesty, I love every single one. But if I had to choose a favorite it would be the Golden Sparkler. It’s light, but complex with bright citrus notes and a twinge of jasmine floral. It’s a Champagne toast without the crushing headache! (Prices start at $30).

With their ‘grammable matte cans and buzzy ingredient list, you’ve likely stumbled upon Recess already. The sparkling waters (which have become a beach day staple of mine), are enhanced with adaptogens like L-theanine, ginseng and lemon balm to promote calm and focus as well as a tiny bit of natural caffeine from guayusa (an Amazon holly, actually). There’s a whole collection of fruity flavors like paloma, mojito and mule but it’s the classic Margarita that you can’t miss out on. The delightfully limey fizz hits the spot on its own, but you could always add a splash of your favorite non-alcoholic tequila for the perfect Taco Tuesday cocktail.

One look at De Soi and you know you’re in for a full sensory experience. First of all, the entire brand aesthetic is perfection. (A can of Truly could never.) But obviously, it’s what’s inside that really counts–and that’s where the party starts. The mix of flavors, which include Golden Hour (L-theanine, citrus and leafy herbs), Champignon Dreams (reishi mushroom, passion flower, strawberries and bitter grapefruit), my personal favorite, Purple Lune (ashwagandha, tart cherry, vanilla oak, and rose petals), and the newest addition to the line up, Spritz Italiano (L-theanine, citrus, lion’s mane, reishi mushroom) are bubbly and botanical with notes that will surprise even the most adventurous palates. Each sip is worth savoring and while my preference is to drink them ice cold and straight up, they’ve got some fun recipe ideas to try as well. Prices start at $20 for a pack of 4.

The combination of floral and sweet spices is totally unique—especially when it comes to the mocktail category. Made from a blend of rose, bitter orange and clove it’s an ideal campari stand-in and looks just as gorg on your bar cart. Perfect for a sophisticated drink during a special night, this elegant option is best served with seltzer and in your favorite glassware!

Light but layered and absolutely perfect for hangs with friends, Hiyo’s “sparkling social tonics” are a sensorial delight. Along with palate-pleasing fruits like blackberry and lemon, watermelon and lime, and peach and mango, each of the flavors contain adaptogens, nootropics and botanicals which can contribute to a feeling of calm relaxation. (A feeling they refer to as “the float.”) They’re not overly sweet at all with tasty fruity notes and not a hint of bitterness or metallic flavor that you can sometimes expect with similar drinks. Consider it your happiest Happy Hour!

With a dash of caffeine, L-theanine, and rhodiola rosea (an adaptogen that can help balance cortisol) this blissful bev delivers on its promise to give you a boost without the jitters. In fact, the first time I sipped one, I actually noticed how mellow and calm I felt an hour later. It took me a minute to remember I hadn’t actually had a glass of wine! The citrusy flavor is bright and fresh and the hint of ginger is just enough to sense through a bit of warmth as it goes down. And with only five grams of sugar, you don’t have to worry about having one a night!

If you’d rather skip the botanicals and go for something a little simpler, we love the sparkly, clean sodas from Betty Buzz. They’re lightly sweetened with agave syrup, with fresh citrusy flavors that make great mocktail (or cocktail) mixers or stand on their own. (The grapefruit is our number one. It’s like Fresca’s bougier, classier cousin.) Also, the old-timey glass bottles are perfect for parties and even upcycling for backyard flower arrangements!

Despite the fact its existence dates back to oh, pre-Colombian Mexico, I’ve only recently discovered the deliciousness that is Tepache. Specifically, De La Calle’s colorful collection of cans. Made from fermented pineapple rinds and spices, it’s fresh without being funky and seriously a taste explosion. Each of the 12 varieties are inspired by Mexican flavors, from the Cactus Prickly Pear to Watermelon Jalapeno and while I’ve only tried half of what they offer, every single one has been a winner. I’m not the biggest spice person and yet, the Pineapple Spice is the hot summer day drink of my dreams. For winter, I’m turning more toward Mango Chili which has a cozy heat that’s perfect for taking the chill off. They’re bubbly, just sweet enough and totally addicting in the good way.

Unlike de-alcoholized wine which tends to lack complexity and depth, Proxies offers all the things I love about wine by creating something completely new and different. Proxies, which are actually layered blends of juices, teas, spices, and bitters have acidity, tannins and textures that mean they hit all the same notes. They look, feel and drink like wine and pair perfectly with all the go-tos like oysters, cheeses, and fancy meals. I love how each variety includes unexpected flavors like rhubarb, yuzu and peppercorn which tickle the palate and evolve as you sip. And it’s not just what’s inside that counts–the gorgeous bottles make a perfect hostess gift or dinner party contribution. Best of all, you get to be the one who brought the non-alcoholic wine which makes even your snobbiest wannabe sommelier pals say, “Wait, what is this? It’s delicious.” (True story.)

Best seller sets of four start at $94.

The gingery, slightly sweet, slightly bitter taste of a moscow mule without the alcohol! Of all the mocktail versions of this classic that I’ve tried, Pari does it best. It’s delightfully bubbly and with the addition of ginseng and citrus extracts, it tastes more complex than a simple can of ginger ale (which is what most in this arena generally seem to offer.) There’s also no artificial sweeteners, just agave which is pleasantly sweet but not too much. Sip it poolside on a Saturday and enjoy your hangover-free Sunday!  Price is for a pack of twelve.