The drinking culture continues to shift toward inclusion, mindfulness, and elevated experiences, many without alcohol. Part of that experience has been the introduction of exciting new non-alcoholic spirits. The non-alcoholic spirits category is more than a trend; it’s a response to evolving consumer habits driven by wellness, inclusivity, and social choice. These spirits provide a sophisticated alternative to traditional alcohol, with craftsmanship that rivals classic spirits, enabling bars, restaurants, and retailers to serve memorable drinks without compromise.
We love to see Makers delivering non-alc products that are focused on complexity, ritual, and purpose-driven innovation. Products that meet consumers where they are. Whether they’re sober-curious, focused on wellness, driving post-work, or simply seeking diversity in beverage options, and foster genuine occasions that deserve a spotlight on every menu.
For operators and retail buyers, this segment offers growth, differentiation, and a way to engage a wider range of consumers by delivering complexity, versatility, and premium flavor profiles. In this post, we spotlight two Makers pushing the boundaries with standout products and distinct brand stories: Abstinence Spirits and Spiritless.
Maker Highlight: Abstinence Spirits
Founded with a craft mindset and botanical curiosity, Abstinence Spirits crafts non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs designed to be 1:1 replacements for traditional alcohol that are elegantly structured and sophisticated enough for cocktails or premium long drinks.
- Small-batch distillation without alcohol, extracting flavor through techniques like maceration, vapor infusion, and hydrosols to capture botanicals’ essence.
- Every batch is individually tasted and quality-checked, resulting in nuanced, artisanal options that can stand on their own or elevate classic cocktails.
- These are crafted alternatives for occasions that deserve complexity and depth (not just sweetness).
Their Cape Floral spirit, for example, blends native South African botanicals into a balanced botanical profile that works as a zero-proof alternative to gin, perfect in mixes or spritzes.
Maker Highlight: Spiritless
Spiritless reimagines whiskey rituals with distilled, non-alcoholic spirits rooted in classic flavors. Their approach champions the tradition and familiarity of bourbon while removing alcohol from the equation.
Their flagship offerings include:
- Kentucky 74: A non-alcoholic bourbon alternative with warm notes that pair seamlessly with familiar mixers or mocktails.
- Kentucky 74 SPICED, Jalisco 55, NA Old Fashioned, NA Whiskey Sour: Broadening category depth and giving mixologists tools to craft nuanced, low-ABV and zero-proof drinks.
We also love their brand ethos: Spiritless isn’t just about zero alcohol. It’s about taste, ritual, and intentional drinking that doesn’t compromise on the experience.
Tasting at a Glance
|
Maker |
Core Liquid |
Flavor Profile & Use |
Standout Occasion |
|
Abstinence Spirits |
Botanical non-alcoholic spirits |
Herbal, citrus, nuanced, ideal for elevated mocktails |
Long drinks, spritzes, craft mixers |
|
Spiritless |
Kentucky 74 & derivates |
Bourbon-inspired warmth, smooth finish |
Mocktails, traditional cocktail riffs |
Why Trade Buyers Should Pay Attention
On-Premise Buyers
- Elevate your menu with complexity, keeping guests engaged without alcohol.
- Cater to sober-curious and designated driver segments without sacrificing cocktail culture.
- Add premium options that increase check averages and revisit occasions.
Off-Premise Buyers
- Stand out on shelves with a growing category that resonates with wellness and lifestyle trends.
- Educate consumers around thoughtful zero proof alternatives and mixology at home.
- Drive incremental sales through giftable, seasonal, and health-focused positioning.
Recipe Feature — Spiritless Kentucky n’ Coke
A simple yet surprising riff on a classic:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Spiritless Kentucky 74
- 3 oz Coke Zero
- Lime wedge garnish
Method: Add all ingredients into a glass with ice, stir, and garnish with lime.
This easy serve exemplifies how non-alcoholic spirits can fit seamlessly into familiar menus while delighting guests with something new.
Final Take for Trade Buyers
Non-Alcoholic Spirits aren’t a niche anymore: they’re a market category with depth, sophistication, and meaningful demand from consumers seeking intentional, zero proof experiences. Whether you’re crafting a mindful mocktail program or curating retail shelves that reflect lifestyle choices, Abstinence Spirits and Spiritless offer premium liquids that honor both ritual and flavor while expanding your beverage program’s relevance and revenue.