Untoxicated Ed. | Ready To Drink Cocktails
A Closer Look Into Alcohol-Free RTD’s - Classic & Traditional Flavors
There are a TON of ready-to-drink (RTD) options now readily available for you. There is a non-alcoholic version of pretty much every single kind of drink you could possibly want and then some. Canned margaritas, Moscow mule’s, whiskey & cokes, negronis, wine spritzes… you name it! There are drinks for anyone with any palate.
I know it can feel a little overwhelming so I wanted to go through this in as helpful a way as possible without turning this article into a full on RTD guide… which I am actually working on. For this article, however, let’s stick to the more traditional flavors without the adaptogens and other functional ingredients.
If you are in the market for a canned alcohol-free cocktail, this article is for you. I will also be highlighting the caloric intake and sugar content (and type) for those (like me) who want to have healthier options.
So, let’s start in:
The Traditional’s (Non-Adaptogenic)
ISH Spirits
One of the first RTD’s that I tried when entering this space, Ish not only has a line of alcohol-free spirits and wines but also uses their spirits to make a range of canned cocktails. Their options include a gin and tonic, a lime daiquiri, an aperol spritz, and a mojito.
ISH is higher calorie and higher sugar content compared to others - upwards to 100 plus calories a can depending on the flavor. They use traditional sugars instead of any artificial sweeteners. Hailing from Denmark, Ish uses their dealcoholized spirits to make their RTDs and have 0.5% ABV compared to most others that are zero proof.
Mingle Mocktails
Officially almost everywhere including CVS, Mingle is becoming easy to find. Mingle is one of my daughter’s absolute favorites which shows that these cocktails are easier to drink and less “adult”. Their flavors are less bold and in your face compared to something like Ghia or ISH.
Their flavors are highly appealing and work great for parties. Their flavors include Blood Orange Elderflower Mimosa, Cranberry Cosmo, Key Lime Margarita, Blackberry Hibsicus Bellini, and a Cucumber Melon Mojito. They use cane sugar without overdoing it. Each cocktail has on average around 12 grams of sugar and 60 calories per can. They also have bottles available online if you are interested in having something easy to pour at parties.
Mixoloshe
Now celebrity endorsed by Zayn, Mixoloshe is becoming more and more widespread and easily available on Amazon. Mixoloshe is known for having very bold flavors that are great replacements to your favorite tropical rum or tequila cocktails. Zayn’s new flavor is the Lychee Martini but they also have Southern Pineapple Smash, Mango Chili Crush, Caribbean Mojito, Blueberry Gin & Tonic, Cosmic Bitter Spritz, and a Tropical Smokey Margarita. They use these flavors to stand out and be something very different.
They use cane sugar as their sweetener and steer clear of artificial additive’s. Each can is around 50 calories which is about half of what you would get in your traditional canned “mom cocktail”. If you like bold and fruity with a kick, then give them a try.
Edna’s Non Alc Cocktail Co.
This award-winning brand has no artificial flavors or additives. They come in classic flavors mojito, paloma, mule and a Tom Collin’s. Traditional flavors with apple cider vinegar and cane sugar. On average you are looking at 100 calories each and 22 grams of sugar which make them higher in calorie but still better for you with cleaner ingredients. Mostly available in Canada but you can buy online in the US.
Lyre’s RTDS
If you have been looking into this space, you may have already seen and/or heard of Lyre’s which has an incredible range of alcohol-free spirit options. They also have some great classic cocktails, canned and ready to pour. This includes a Gin & Tonic, an Amalfri Spritz, their Classico which is a wine spritz, a Dark & Spicy, and a Malt & Cola. This brand for me, does a truly exceptional job at re-creating the traditional flavors. You will feel like you’re having the real thing.
They are however higher in calorie and don’t have the clean ingredients that I would typically prefer. For example, they use preservatives and there is 17 grams of sugar and 73 calories in the Dark & Spicy and Malt & Cola.
Kul Mocks
A female founded brand that is more readily available and wide-spread. They have fun juicier flavors to include a Strawberry Mockarita, A Mock Mule, A BlackBerry Mojito, a Classic Mockarita, a Mock G&T, and a Peach Hibiscus Cider. No artificial flavors, but they are quite a bit sweeter.
They keep their calories and sugar levels down by using stevia and monk fruit but they also use cane sugar as well. So, if you like sweet and juicy, you will like Kul Mocks.
Agua Bonita
Fun juicy flavors that are margarita-ish without bubbles! For those who don’t want carbonation, this one is for you. They use juice and Agave Syrup as their sweeteners and to help recreate that tequila vibe. This is a great, clean and non-sparkling option with a more natural ingredients and less sugar.
They are available in Whole Foods and online.
Blind Tiger Spirit Free
Prohibition style flavors, and bright colors without the artificial dyes! Blind Tiger is another great option for anyone looking to avoid bubbles. Their line up is truly one-of-a-kind and branded beautifully. They have a traditionally flavored Bees Knees, Southside, Sidecar and a Ward 8. Everything from sweet to sour and citrus to smoky. They come in both cans and bottles. They also have a canned French 75 which is my favorite.
They are higher in sugar but use all natural ingredients. The Bees Knees for example has 22 grams of sugar and 90 calories but uses orange blossom honey and monk fruit rather than artificial sugars or refined sugars.
For Bitter For Worse
If you love bitter, you will love For Bitter For Worse. They have been one of my favorite brands due to their clean ingredients from the start. They use real monk fruit (not the extract) as a sweetener and get the rest of their flavor and sweetness straight from the other fruits, herbs, and spices that they use to create their fun flavors.
My favorites are their Eva’s Spritz and the Rose City Fizz but they also have The Saskatoon and the Smokey No 5. Their flavors have been winning tons of awards but they are also award-winning for their efforts in sustainability and eco-friendliness.
Just for extra insight, the ingredients for the Rose City Fizz include: filtered water, organic strawberry juice concentrate, organic white grape concentrate, orange juice concentrate, saskatoon juice concentrate, organic cherry juice concentrate, organic apple cider vinegar, organic sweet orange peel, organic spices, organic hibiscus, organic rhubarb root, organic gentian root, organic bitter orange peel, non-GMO citric acid, organic dried chamomile flowers, foraged douglas fir needles, organic dragon fruit powder, organic dandelion root, organic monk fruit
Free AF
I recently tried their AF Apero Spritz which was a great take on the traditional Italian Spritz for those who like bittersweet flavors. Their other fun flavors include a Grapefruit margarita, Sparkling Rose, Vodka Spritz, Cucumber Gin & T, Classic G&T, Dark and Stormy, Pink Grapefruit and Rose G&T, Tokyo highball (Japanese malt and soda), Sparkling Sake with Yuzu, and a Cuba Libre. They have an interesting take on traditional cocktails with really fun branding.
I am very curious about their AfterGlow Heat Extract…but, most of Free AF uses cane sugar as their sweetener. The Free AF calories and sugar content vary by flavor with 47 calories 9.5 grams of sugar in their Grapefruit Margarita, 27 calories and 6 grams of sugar in their Sparkling Sake, and 55 calories with 12 grams of sugar in the Cuba Libre. If their flavors intrigue you, I definitely recommend checking them out.
Ghia
Truly, just like For Bitter For Worse, Ghia could be considered functional but is not promoted that way, but their more ‘functional’ ingredients include gentian root, lemon balm, and ginger. Their RTD range includes the Ghia Ginger, Ghia Soda, and the Ghia Lime&Salt. These are highly popular aperitifs that are available with Sechey in Target.
They have about 50 to 40 calories a can and 8 to 6 grams of sugar making them lower than most. My favorite part is that they use Riesling white grape juice, a sweeter white grape rather than any other sweetener or sugar. This is a much better option for me compared to others. If you like both and bitter with a ginger kick, give this one a try.
Greenbar Distillery
The Greenbar Distillery has a traditional range of flavored alcohol-free cocktails including a Hibiscus Spritz, a G&T, a Rum & Cola, and a line of bitters and soda that includes a lavender bitter and soda, earl grey bitters and soda, and a burnt orange bitters and soda. They are sustainably sourced and can be found in health conscious stores like Whole Foods as well as online.
They use organic cane sugar and organic dealcoholized sugar cane spirits. They are pretty low calorie around 50/60 calories.
Improv Cocktails
Another line of traditionally flavored options, Improv does a solid job at recreating a booze free lime margarita, grapefruit Paloma, cucumber gin and tonic, Kentucky whiskey mule, and a tropical mai tai. You wont find any other Mai Tai’s so that flavor sets them apart.
Improv is similar to others with calorie intake. They have between 30 and 60 calories per flavor. No artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.
Mocktails
Nitro options set them apart. Mocktails have a Sansgaria, an Espresso Martini, a Mockarita, a mockapolitan, and a Mockscow Mule… Oh, the puns. They are available on amazon and in select retailers. I found them to be quite sweet but for anyone that is looking for these particular flavors or a nitro option, give them a try.
These are sweeter and well as higher calorie and higher sugar. The Mockapolitan for example has 80 calories and 19 grams of sugar. They do use non-gmo sugar and more natural fruits and herbs to sweeten with.
Mocktail Club
Female founded with clean options, Mocktail Club has really fun and bold flavors that include a Manhattan Berry, Capri Spritz, Havana Twist, and Bombay Fire. Inspired by the founder’s travels, she wanted to create a non-alcoholic options for those who are drinking less (or not at all). They have taken traditional flavors and put a spin on them by adding other herbs and spices.
For an example, the Manhattan Berry is 80 calories and 16 grams of sugar. It is made with apple cider vinegar to help with digestion and is a lighter sparkling option for those who don’t like heavy carbonation. No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. They are a Whole Foods friendly product and available in several grocery stores.
NOPE
Another Sechey brand and available at Target, NOPE is great for another who loves those more juicy and fun flavors. Their founder, Beth Ann is a mother of five and power house woman. She took a spin on some traditional drinks and made them booze free. They have a Rosemary Vanilla Lemonade, a Strawberry Basil Smash, a Raspberry Lime Ginger Beer, and a Mango Margarita with Jalapeño.
They are higher in calorie and sugar than some but are very popular for their flavor profiles. They have around 90 calories and 19 grams of sugar on average. They use regular sugar, so no artificial sweeteners.
Per Se
Alcohol-free craft cocktails that you can find easily in the northern United States or online. They have a Hibiscus Margarita, Mojito, Paloma, Grapefruit Rosemary Bitter Spritz. All of them are great as mixers as well (most of these RTD’s are).
Per Se uses juice and regular sugar to sweeten their products. They have 80 calories and 19 grams of sugar in their Paloma, as an example.
RSRV Collective
Awarded the best non-alcoholic beverages of 2023 by BEVnet. RSRV Collective has four different flavors. Their Orana hints at an old-fashioned/mimosa blend, the Botanica is their Gin&Tonic, the Rosata is both sweet and sour with a rich cherry flavor, and their Amari is their take on an Italian Aperitif.
RSRV uses cane sugar for their sweetener. 12 grams of sugar in the Orana and 60 calories. 50 calories in the Botanica and 10 grams of sugar in the Rosata.
Saint Ivy
Available at Whole Foods and online. They have a Gin and Tonic, Moscow Mule and Mint Mojito. St. Ivy comes in a glass bottle compared to a can.
Both the Gin and Tonic and the Moscow Mule are both zero calories and zero sugar and do not use any sugar substitutes. Their Mojito, however, is 80 calories with 20 grams of sugar and 20 carbs.
If you are looking for a zero calorie, zero sugar option, I recommend giving them a try.
St. Agrestis Phony Negroni
A traditionally flavored non-alcoholic Negroni. St. Agrestis got their start with traditional full proof Negronis and amaros in NYC. They recently released two new flavors included a Amaro Falso and a Phony Mezcal Negroni. If you love those bitter cocktails, I highly recommend giving St. Agrestis a try. They are widely available in NYC but you can also find them online and at select bottle shops.
The bottle is 90 calories and 15 grams of sugar while their can is 44 calories and 11 grams of sugar. The good thing is you usually won’t drink a ton of these, they are meant to be sipped and savored.
Some other Options:
Bollygood
Sparkling lemonades and limeades. Bollygood may not be making traditionally flavored zero proof cocktails, but their options can still make a great alternative. As an Indiana girl, I can’t help but support this brand as they come from Indianapolis. A female and minority owned company, Bollygood wanted to take an eastern twist to traditional lemonades.
The Lime Basil Cumin use both organic cane sugar and stevia. All flavors have 50 calories and 9 grams of sugar. The other options include a Lemon Pomegranate Cardamom, a Lemon Ginger Mint, and a Lemon Mango. Definitely fun and interesting! Find them online or at select retailers.
Brighter -
Apple Cider Vinegar Tonic. Sounds Interesting right? This is the next RTD I found that I have not personally tried yet but it is top of my list. They use organic maple syrup as their sweetener which is truly unique. Their flavors include Blood Orange, Lemon Ginger Tumeric, Lemon Lime, and a Grapefruit.
Good for your digestion and better for your health overall. I will definitely be giving these guys a try very soon. Follow me on IG @untoxicated.world to be there when I do.
Casamara Club
A sparkling amaro soft drink. If you like bitter and dry, these are for you.
They are very unique and have quite a few different flavors that truly stand out. They are also much healthier and low in sugar with only 4 grams of sugar and 15 calories on average.
Sarilla Sparkling Teas
Ranging anywhere from zero calories and zero sugar to their Apple Black Tea with 12 grams of sugar and 55 calories. Sarilla Sparking Teas is a staple in my fridge. I love their clean ingredients as well as their company’s mission to truly empower people and make this world a better place.
The Apple Black Teas sugar content comes straight from apple juice concentrate making them super clean and all-natural. Some flavors use organic monk fruit and some have no sugar substitute at all. They also have a Ginger White Tea, a Lemon Black Tea, a Hibiscus Green Tea, a Tulsi Lime Infusion and a Vanilla Rooibos Infusion.
Welp. That’s my list. This is pretty much every product on the market outside of sparkling waters and functional drinks. Functional RTD’s are coming up next so be sure to subscribe to my Substack and follow me on IG for more info! You can also find more about me and my business at Untoxicated.World.
If I missed a brand, let me know! Also, if you have any questions in particular, reach out anytime. You can find me on my website or on IG @untoxicated.world. Thanks for being here.
Cheers,
Jessa Frances