4 Best Rum-Inspired Non-Alcoholic Spirits, According to a Spirits Expert
Remember, these spirits really shine when mixed.
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Our Top Non-Alcoholic Rum Picks
- Best Overall: Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit
- Best for a Cuba Libre: Ritual Non-Alcoholic Rum Alternative
- Best for a Daiquiri: Caleño Light & Zesty
- Best for Mojito: ISH Spirits Non-Alcoholic Rum Alternative
If the first word that comes to mind when encountering the words “non-alcoholic spirits” is “why,” you’d be forgiven. Up until quite recently, this category of drinks — that seek to replicate as much of the spirits-drinking experience as possible while sidestepping the effects of ethanol consumption — have been virtually nonexistent. In the past few years the world of fancy non-alcoholic beverages has exploded, with all manner of spirits, wines, beers and category-defying liquids flooding the market.
Now the question of why anyone would want to drink a non-alcoholic spirit is not only a valid one, but also easily answered. For many, the main attraction of a cocktail is the overall experience and the pharmacological effects of ethanol are secondary; sometimes welcome, sometimes not. There are many reasons why someone would choose to avoid alcohol: health, culture/religion, treatment of substance use disorders or they just don’t feel like it. Non-alcoholic spirits give us the option to include as many people as possible in the joys of drinking fancy mixed drinks, and for that I am grateful.
Rum is a good candidate for non-alcoholic replacement due to the pronounced sugar cane and molasses character found in them. A couple caveats before we get into my top picks: One, don’t expect these spirits to be indistinguishable from their alcohol-containing counterparts. It’s best to judge them on their own merits rather than comparing them to spirits, which contain ethanol, and have a totally different texture and flavor than exclusively water-based tipples. And two, these spirits only really shine when mixed. They’re not bad neat or on the rocks, but in most cases, they’re designed to come alive when mixed into all manner of cocktails.
Australia-based Lyre’s has been making non-alcoholic spirits since 2019, and their range is one of the most extensive. They craft their liquids upon a "proprietary base" that they then add elements to in order to capture the essence of the spirit they’re looking to replicate. Their dark rum offering features notes of citrus, molasses and vanilla, with a slight spice kick — a common feature in zero-proof beverages used to mimic the "heat" from ethanol.
I think rum and coke is a perfectly fine drink. Perhaps it is overcompensation for my days as a fancy bartender who slang five-plus ingredient cocktails, but there is something about the elegant simplicity of a two-ingredient drink that really appeals to me. A rum and coke is a great showcase for non-alcoholic spirits since you’re just adding one ingredient, allowing you to experience the spirit as it’s intended without overpowering it with overly strong flavors, which is a common mistake when mixing with non-alcoholic spirits that do not have the same "oomph" as their alcoholic siblings. US-based Ritual, like Lyre’s boasts a pretty strong array of spirits replacements and uses a bit of capsaicin (ie. spice) for a pleasant burn that integrates nicely into mixed drinks.
Caleno officially bills itself as more of a gin replacement than rum, but I find this works perfectly when shaken with lime and sugar to create a classic Daiquiri. Caleno comes to us from the UK and braids some traditional gin botanicals like juniper with dollops of tropical botanicals such as papaya, inca berry and pineapple. Now, we’re not talking a one-to-one swap out to the traditional Daiquiri, but this version gives a great rendition of the fun and fruitiness contained therein, without the hangover.
Normally I would say that a white rum is best for a Mojito, but when going non-alc, I feel like the added flavor and body from a spirit that replicates dark rum is a superior choice. This rum alternative is actually based on a dealcoholized rum to which nutmeg, vanilla and chili seed extract are added to give it a bit of a spiced rum feel. Just enough flavor to shine through with mint and lime but not to overpower.
John deBary is the author of Drink What You Want: The Subjective Guide to Making Objectively Delicious Cocktails; CEO and Founder of Proteau, a zero-proof drinks company; and is also the Co-Founder and Board President of Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation.
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