What is a Non-Alcoholic Substitute for Tequila?
Tequila is a distilled liquor with a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a strong after-kick. Its unique taste is derived from the agave plant. Tequila's bold flavor is why Margaritas and Palomas are some of the most popular drinks on the market.
Until recently, it was very difficult to craft a non-alcoholic tequila cocktail. Tequila has so many novel characteristics that historically many struggled to replicate its notes in a virgin drink. Margarita mocktails were subject to being made with lime juice, agave, and seltzer, lacking the authenticity of this classic drink.
Spiritless previously made Jalisco 55, a distilled non-alcoholic tequila alternative, which has since been retired. Below, we cover what to look for in a non-alcoholic tequila substitute and how these spirits are made.
What does non-alcoholic tequila taste like?
A good non-alcoholic tequila alternative should taste like a full-proof spirit, capturing tequila's signature notes: agave sweetness, sharp citrus, and green, vegetal character like mint and aloe. Distilled options tend to deliver more body and complexity than flavored syrups or seltzers.
Non-alcoholic tequila alternatives are best used in cocktails rather than sipped neat, since they have a thinner texture than full-proof tequila. They shine in sweet cocktails with tropical flavors such as mango and pineapple, or savory cocktails with celery and jalapeño. Without alcohol there's no burn, but you can add a little heat with a spicy ginger syrup.
How is non-alcoholic tequila made?
Many non-alcoholic spirits start as a full-proof spirit and then have the alcohol removed through a process like reverse distillation, keeping the aromatics and flavor behind. It's the same approach we use at Spiritless to craft our award-winning Kentucky 74.
When shopping for a non-alcoholic spirit, look for one made with natural ingredients and real distillation craftsmanship. That's what gives it the depth and complexity to stand in for the real thing in your favorite cocktails.
What is the point of non-alcoholic tequila?
Research has shown that alcohol can negatively impact your health over time. Many consumers are looking for healthier cocktail options. With non-alcoholic tequila, you can have your cake and eat it too. A non-alcoholic cocktail gives you the ritual and flavor of a classic drink, without the next-day hangover. Just because you’re abstaining from alcohol, doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice your favorite drinks. Tequila alternatives allow you to sip on a margarita completely guilt-free.
When you use a non-alcoholic spirit in recipes, you can drastically reduce the number of calories in your drink. A lot of the time you crave a cocktail for its taste, not the effects of alcohol. With a non-alcoholic alternative, you get the aroma and flavor you desire, and none of the negative effects of alcohol. Having tequila substitutions is not simply about cutting out alcohol, it's about having more options.