The next beverage trend might be moderation. With millennials leading the charge, America’s overall alcohol consumption took a slight dip for the third year in a row in 2018, representing millions of gallons of unsold liquor, according to data from industry tracker IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. It’s hard to argue with the health benefits of teetotaling, particularly if you’re an athlete: various studies have suggested that drinking can have a negative impact on sleep, aerobic performance, muscle recovery, and reaction time. Fortunately, you don’t have to forgo the cocktail ritual in order to cut back. This new crop of nonalcoholic drinks and “spirits”—featuring fresh ingredients and surprising flavors—make it easier than ever to skip the booze.
For the Sour Grinch
Bar None Bellini Spritz
Bar None’s portfolio of single-serve bottled mocktails use kombucha or vinegar for a pleasantly puckering effect. is made with peach puree, white-wine vinegar, and cane sugar for a balance of sweet and tart. $11 for four
For the High-Class Host
Seedlip Garden 108
A gin and tonic without the gin can be, well, disappointing. Enter Seedlip’s line of nonalcoholic distilled spirits, designed to provide a flavorful punch for a convincing cocktail experience. is a gin substitute made from spearmint, rosemary, and hay that adds an herbal element to whatever concoction you whip up. $36
For the Margaritaville Resident
Curious Elixirs No. 2
This is the most complex virgin cocktail of the bunch. Many of Curious Elixirs’ offerings mimic popular drinks, like a Negroni or an Aperol spritz. But is less straightforward: it’s a mashup of a pineapple margarita and a dark and stormy, with citrus and ginger notes that add a sweet and spicy one-two punch. $35 for four
For the Après Hero
Kin Euphorics High Rhode
Like Seedlip’s Garden 108, this nonalcoholic spirit is meant to be used in lieu of your standard gin or vodka. Kin Euphorics also adds adaptogens and nootropics, which the company claims will help elevate your mood. The jury’s still out on that one, but the drink is delicious either way. Try two ounces of in your next Moscow Mule. $39
For the Wellness Guru
Be Mixed Cucumber Mint
Even without alcohol, cocktails can be calorie and sugar bombs. Be Mixed offers an alternative by blending all-natural sugar-free sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia to make zero-calorie mixers. Although they can be combined with alcohol, they’re smooth enough to enjoy without— combined with lime juice and club soda might even have you forgetting how much you love mojitos. $33 for 12