20 best non-alcoholic spirits for sober summer sipping

Score: 91/100

Made using sustainably sourced botanicals such as saffron, bittersweet gentian, citrus blossom and vanilla, Everleaf’s Forest flavour is designed to be enjoyed with tonic.

Initially, the panel found it quite sweet, but it's balanced with an earthy bitter finish for added complexity. We think it’s ideal for those looking for a twist on the classic G&T.

Score: 89/100

Functional mushrooms such as lion's mane claim to boost energy and improve focus – which is more than can be said about most gins! This versatile drink combines 0.3g of ‘shrooms in each 25ml shot, with a burst of wild berries and floral lychee.

Our testers enjoyed the slightly herbaceous finish, and liked that it can be enjoyed hot or cold. Try it over ice, in a cocktail or with tonic. Cheers!

Score: 88/100

The Lyre’s non-alcoholic range is so extensive, you’d easily be able to replicate a fully stocked bar without any booze in sight. From tempting white rum replacements to a negroni substitute, there’s something for everyone.

However, it was this rich, nutty non-alcoholic digestif — inspired by classic amaretto liqueurs — that caught our eye. With notes of marzipan, almonds and vanilla, we recommend pairing with fresh lemon and bitters to make a booze-free amaretto sour.

Score: 87/100

This is a very grown-up drink, without the sweetness often associated with non-alcoholic spirits. Expect herbal flavours with strong notes of rosemary and thyme, and a long-lasting honeyed bitterness reminiscent of a classic amaro (an Italian herbal liqueur usually served as a digestif).

Pour over ice with a slice of fresh orange and top up with soda water to serve.

Score: 86/100

Crafted from a unique hemp base and complex botanicals such as wormwood and angelica root, this is a punchy alcohol-free spirit. It shows bittersweet notes of sage, saffron, ginger and fennel, making it an exciting alternative for those who enjoy a thought-provoking serve.

Score: 85/100

This alcohol-free dark spirit is made in Scotland and is a great Scotch whisky alternative. Expect bags of root ginger and cinnamon, along with malty, earthy notes from Assam tea.

Delicious paired with tonic or splashed into a non-alcoholic ginger mojito, our testers were big fans of this sweet and spicy drink.

Score: 83/100

The tropical flavours of passionfruit and mango shine in Caleno’s non-alcoholic rum, but our testers also enjoyed the spicy, pepper and ginger notes too, making it suitable for sipping year-round. Try topping with soda for a tasty spritz or use as you would in a daiquiri.

Score: 81/100

Going teetotal needn’t mean missing out on aperitivo hour, thanks to Crodino, aka Campari’s non-alcoholic Italian spritz. First developed in 1965, this wowed testers with its well-balanced bittersweet botanicals and lingering citrus flavour.

To serve, simply pour over a generous amount of ice and pair with antipasti and cheese for a taste of la dolce vita.

Score: 80/100

As an early pioneer of the alcohol-free movement here in the UK, Seedlip continues to create complex flavours that aren’t merely alcohol substitutes, but unique drinks in their own right.

Spice 94 is an aromatic non-alcoholic spirit made with a spicy blend of allspice and cardamon, with uplifting citrus, for a fresh, clean finish. Serve this one over ice, with tonic or ginger ale, and garnish with grapefruit; or experiment with cocktails, such as an espresso martini.

Score: 80/100

If you like piña coladas (and gettin’ caught in the rain), then this booze-free alternative will be right up your street. It has a distinctive caramelised, canned pineapple flavour, and work well in tropical cocktails such as the mai tai and sex on the beach.

Score: 76/100

Missing the distinctive flavour of Captain Morgan? This heavily spiced non-alcoholic rum aims to step in with a fiery warmth, and notes of vanilla and cinnamon. It’s best teamed with ginger ale and a squeeze of lime to cut through the syrupy sweetness. Dark 'n' stormies all round!

Score: 76/100

Taking inspiration from the Cornish coast, Pentire's signature botanicals have been blended with blood orange, sea rosemary and oakwood to create a Campari-esque alternative.

Simply pour into a wine glass full of ice, top with tonic and garnish with a wedge of orange.

Or if martinis are more your thing, Pentire Adrift (which scored 70/100) is a complex drink with a savoury edge.

Score: 74/100

Created by the master distiller behind Hendrick’s, our panel had high hopes for Atopia Spiced Citrus — and it delivered.

As the name suggests, there's plenty of complex, mouth-puckering citrus at play with a strong ginger aroma mimicking all the warmth of a high ABV spirit, minus the alcohol. Simply top with sugar syrup and soda for an alcohol-free Tom Collins – genius!

Score: 73/100

Sentia is a botanical, alcohol-free drink made with ingredients designed to activate GABA, a neurotransmitter that can replicate the relaxed feeling that first glass of wine at a party can bring. Heavy drinkers may not notice much of an effect; however, others might feel a bit “tipsy” despite the drink containing no alcohol (or caffeine!) at all.

Intrigued? It has a distinctly “grown-up” herbal taste with richly spiced flavours such as liquorice, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary and thyme. It’s best served chilled with ginger ale or tonic water, for a bitter aperitif.

Score: 73/100

Testers loved the summery aroma of this non-alcoholic gin. With notes of juniper, orange, lemon, and orange blossom, the flavour is sweet with a slight peppery bitterness on the finish. Our testers felt the aromas and taste were very much like the real McCoy.

If you prefer to keep things classic, the original Tanqueray Alcohol Free also scored 73/100, with our panel thought would be perfect for a classic G&T. It has an initial citrus kick that mellows into pleasant floral notes, with some peppery heat.

Score: 73/100

With complex botanicals and a wonderful depth of bitterness, this unique aperitif is just as exciting as any full-strength vermouth you may have tried.

Packed with peach sweetness, and complemented by a herbal note, this excels in a variety of mocktails, or simply with the best tonic water.

Score: 73/100

With notes of passionfruit, mango and apricot, this reminded our testers of a passionfruit martini. Despite its very sweet flavour, when paired with soda as suggested, our testers felt it was well-balanced and refreshing.

Score: 72/100

If you're partial to a morning health shot, we're confident you'll enjoy this as an evening aperitif. Add a shot of Mother Root's fresh and fiery apple cider vinegar-based liquid in a glass over ice, top with soda, add garnish, and you'll feel virtuous in no time.

Score: 72/100

Salcombe’s coastal gin has just got a whole lot lighter, with the arrival of the brand’s first non-alcoholic spirit. It has the same zesty lemon notes as the original, but with underlying pine and warming ginger on the finish.

And better yet, for every bottle sold, one percent will be donated to the Marine Conservation Society, which helps to clean and protect our oceans.

Score: 72/100

Like the original Gordon’s blend, this is best for traditionalists looking for an alcohol-free tipple to mix with tonic, ice and a slice of lemon.

Some of our testers felt it was lacking the same juniper kick as the full-strength Gordon’s, but still appreciated this well-balanced bittersweet blend. It's also available in a can for a teetotal drink on the move.