The Ultimate Guide To Non-Alcoholic Spirits

Non-alcoholic spirits have changed the game for non-drinkers everywhere.

Just a few years ago, if you wanted a non-alcoholic drink in a bar you’d be served lemonade, diet coke or a sugary fruit juice concoction. Fast forward a decade, and non-alcoholic spirits have revolutionised how sober and sober-curious people drink.

With 0.0% spirits that taste just like the real thing, bars and venues are shaking up incredible mocktails that equal their alcoholic counterparts. As an alcohol-free drinks brand, we’re excited to be part of this global shift to make non-alcoholic drinks as celebrated as alcoholic ones.

In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know about non-alcoholic spirits from how they’re made to how they make you feel. Let’s dig in!

What is a non-alcoholic spirit?

A “non-alcoholic spirit” refers to both distilled botanicals which have been filtered to remove alcohol and extracted botanicals made with no alcohol.

They offer all the botanicals you drink in the alcoholic spirit equivalent, however the alcohol is either removed afterwards or it never features in the creation process. 

Alcohol-free spirits allow you to enjoy a high quality, premium drink, without the alcohol with an ABV (alcohol by volume) content of below 0.5%.

What do non-alcoholic spirits taste like?

Non-alcoholic spirits taste and smell just like their alcoholic counterparts.

Zero-proof spirits are crafted to provide the same complex flavours and aromas found in traditional spirits without the intoxicating effects of alcohol. The beauty of NA spirits lies in their ability to create an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the experience of a well-crafted drink.

Within an Na spirit you’ll find botanicals, herbs, spices, and flavourings that create a harmonious profile. By focusing on ingredients that offer depth and nuance, non-alcoholic spirits can deliver an exciting sensory experience in the same way a traditional cocktail would.

How important is the mix, serve and pour for mocktails?

Understanding how to mix and serve non-alcoholic spirits can elevate the drinking experience, allowing you to enjoy sophisticated drinks.

Learning which spirits, glasses and garnishes to use for each cocktail will enhance the experience and ensure that drinking non-alcoholic cocktails is just as special.

How Are Non-Alcoholic Spirits Made?

The process of making non-alcoholic spirits is both art and science, requiring a careful selection of ingredients and techniques to achieve the desired flavour profile. 

Non-alcoholic spirits usually involve botanicals, herbs, and spices which are selected to form the foundation of the spirit. These ingredients then undergo a process of extraction, which can involve various methods such as maceration, distillation, or infusion. 

Alcohol can either be excluded from this process altogether, or removed during the process.

How Is Alcohol Removed From Non-Alcoholic Drinks?

There are a few different ways that alcohol is removed from non-alcoholic spirits.

These are:

Distillation

Distillation is done by heating the mixture, causing the alcohol to evaporate, and then cooling it down to collect the vapour, leaving behind a flavourful liquid rich in the characteristics of the original ingredients. This meticulous process ensures that the resulting non-alcoholic spirit retains the vibrant flavours that consumers expect.

Maceration

This process involves soaking raw ingredients such as herbs, fruits, spices, or botanicals in a liquid (usually water) to extract flavours, colours, and aromas. During this process, the ingredients are left to steep for a period of time, which can vary from a few hours to several days, depending on the desired intensity of flavour. 

Infusion

Infusion is similar to maceration but typically involves a heated process to speed up flavour extraction. Ingredients are immersed in a heated liquid to draw out flavours more quickly than with cold maceration.

The craftsmanship involved in creating non-alcoholic spirits is akin to that of traditional spirits. There’s a high level of expertise required to produce quality non-alcoholic options that stand up to their alcoholic counterparts.

How is CleanCo made?

CleanCo is proudly alcohol-free, meaning that our drinks contain 0.0% alcohol vs 0.5% or less ABV which is the standard for non-alcoholic drinks. It's an important distinction as it allows those who abstain for medical, spiritual or addiction reasons to drink CleanCo without the worry of alcohol being in their system at all.

We have a 4-step process which mimics the intricacies of full-strength alcohol production. We analyse, extract, distill and then complete a quality check.

In terms of the method we use, we opt for the distillation method to blend the extracts of our botanicals and natural ingredients, and then distill the final liquid.

When did non-alcoholic spirits become popular?

Over the past few years, sobriety and sober-curiosity has become bigger. This has given way to more mocktails, alcohol-free drinks and sober brands rising up.

According to a 2023 YouGov survey, 46% of UK adults were actively trying to reduce their alcohol intake, driven by concerns about health and wellbeing. By the end of 2024, the proportion of UK adults who drink alcohol dropped from 78% in August 2024 to 72%, showing that people are following through on their commitment to reduce alcohol intake.

In the study, published in 2025, reasons cited for giving up booze included Health concerns (30%), dislike of alcohol’s taste (23%), and interactions with medication (13%) as significant factors. Religious or spiritual beliefs (11%) and past negative experiences (12%) further contribute to the decision to avoid alcohol.

With all of this in mind, non-alcoholic spirits have thrived, as they offer a delectable taste experience with none of the nasty side effects of alcohol. For those who want to abstain without missing out, alcohol-free options give them the choice to remain sociable and still enjoy a delicious drink, without the alcohol. 

What is the best alcohol-free spirit?

It really depends on your preference! Gin is a much loved alcohol-free spirit for the closeness to its alcoholic counterpart. All gin uses the distinctive juniper berry, so you get a similar taste across non-alcoholic options.

Non-alcoholic rum is also hugely popular, as it mixes well with a variety of soft drinks and mixers. It’s also popular in cooking as an alternative to alcoholic rum, as it has a sweet edge.

Clean Whiskey and Clean Tequila are also rising up the ranks as popular non-alcoholic spirits, especially in the U.S.

Shop our range now to discover your favourite.