Dry January Spotlight: The Best Non-Alcoholic Spirits
We did it. All of us. Take a bow. Truly, January came firing out of the cannon like a bat outta hell and for those of you who went the entire month without drinking alcohol, I want to applaud you. Now it's time to go gentle into that good night. Maybe tomorrow you'll have your first sip of booze in 31 days. Maybe you'll keep going. Whatever the result, I truly hope the spotlights have helped you learn about great non-alcoholic options, for whatever reason you are drinking them! PSA: if you do drink, hug a winemaker. The month of Dry January was a long year for them. We tried all of the NA spirits on the market and these are the ones that really stood out.
Courtesy of Figlia
Figlia is a female-founded, non-alcoholic aperitivo brand made with the sober community at the forefront. The company was founded by 25-year-old Lily Geiger in honor of her father who she lost to alcoholism at age 20. This experience led Geiger to explore society’s relationship with alcohol, identify many of the factors that hinder recovery, and engage in open conversations surrounding alcohol consumption.
Since inception, Geiger has brought to market Fiore—the apertivo in 750ml bottle—and Fiore Frizzante, ready-to-drink which adds some effervescence and an extra squeeze of lemon to the party. Both gluten-free and vegan, Figlia is made out of all-natural ingredients and utilizes a hand-capped method and intensive hot-fill process to ensure a clean, preservative-free product. Whether you're inspired to make aperitivo or post dinner mocktails with Fiore, or pop a can of Fiore Frizzante—the delicate bitter orange, clove, and rose dance on your palate like symphonic notes coming from an orchestra.
Unlike other non-alcoholic spirits currently on the market, Figlia does not mimic the alcohol taste and has taken many steps to ensure it is not triggering for those suffering from alcohol or substance addiction. Additionally, Geiger conducted research to ensure there would be no effect on serotonin levels, allowing those on antidepressants to enjoy. Long story short, Geiger and her team care about you and your enjoyment of Figlia in every context imaginable.
Courtesy of Little Saints
Little Saints was born during the pandemic as an antidote to Founder Megan Klein imbibing in a little too much alcohol and feeling terrible about it. Having spent pretty much her entire adult life as a cocktail enthusiast, the initial signs that alcohol was doing more harm than good to her body and my mind were brushed aside. Without access to any options more interesting than a “sparkling water with lime”, it was hard to convince herself or any diner to make better choices while out solo or with friends. So, the quest! T o create her own solution—a transformative, non-alcoholic drink that would taste like a cocktail, have uplifting functional benefits, and—most importantly —make everyone smile.
With a lot of spice and a little smoke, St. Ember delights even the most discerning of palettes with its bespoke blend of ginger, peppers and wild, woody palo santo*. Infused with 100mg lion's mane mushroom per serving, St. Ember inspires light musings and deep conversations. It's the Jackson Pollack before his splatter phase.
Enjoy St. Ember over ice or mix as an inspired alternative to mezcal, tequila, or any agave based spirit in your favorite cocktails.
Courtesy of Amaro Lucano
In 1894, the recipe for Amaro Lucano was first created in the family bakery in Pisticci, a small village in the province of Matera. For over 120 years, Lucano has produced quality liqueurs though time tested traditional methods combined with a focus on innovation. From those humble beginnings in Pisticci, where the Amaro is still made to this day, Lucano products are now enjoyed all around the world.
Amaro Lucano Non-Alcoholic is an Amaro that contains less than 0.5% alcohol. It’s made from the same carefully selected, quality herbs as Amaro Lucano.re to purchase
The Dank & Dry Old Fashioned Cocktail - available as a ‘One Hitter’ (single 750ml bottle SRP: $49.99) or ‘Hot Box Bundle’ complete with a pig head smoke topper and a ‘dime baggie’ of cocktail smoking chips (SRP: $64.20)
Here’s how it works: MIX UP YOUR COCKTAIL, PLACE THE PIG HEAD ON TOP OF THE GLASS, ADD OUR SIGNATURE PIG SHAVINGS INTO THE SNOUT, LIGHT IT UP – AND YOU HAVE YOURSELF A SERIOUSLY SMOKEY AND SERIOUSLY DELICIOUS COCKTAIL.
Pour your Dank & Dry Maple Old Fashioned into a rocks glass over ice. We recommend 2-3 oz. Load a small amount of chips into the snout, just enough to cover the screen. Place the SmokeTop on top of your Old Fashioned. Use a long match or torch lighter to apply direct flame to the chips, down through the snout. It should take about 5 seconds for your glass to fill with smoke. Remove the pig, garnish with an orange peel, and enjoy!
100% of proceeds are donated to Turning Tables.
Enter Tilden. Cofounded by Mariah Hilton Wood and Vanessa Royle after Vanessa quit drinking alcohol in 2020 and was disappointed by the lack of sophisticated non-alcoholic drink options at bars, restaurants, and dinner parties. After the co-founders met at Harvard Business School they came to the realization that sober kids had more fun.
Tandem is zesty and savory thanks to tart cherry, American oak, bitter orange, and lapsang. Ginger and cayenne deliver a strong kick that leave you wanting to take another sip or three.
Lacewing is fresh and herbaceous with aromatic cucumber, basil, and lychee built on a juniper berry base. Szechuan adds a unique mouthfeel and cayenne delivers a light bite at the finish.
- 25-35 calories per serving
- No added sugars
- No preservatives
- Vegan & gluten-free
