

According to Thonis, “shrubs are drinking vinegars” that combine fruit, sugar, vinegar, and sometimes herbs and spices. If you’ve seen a shrubs list on your local bar’s menu and wondered what exactly you might be ordering, you’re not alone. Below, he, Bandrovschi, and five other experts tell us about their favorite essentials for any booze-free bar cart. Thonis says crafting alcohol-free cocktails is less about attempting to make an alcohol-free martini or old-fashioned and more about creating new drinks using flavors you love.
#NON ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS FREE#
Since alcohol-free cocktails are typically some combination of spirits, shrubs, fruit juices, syrups, and bitters, you should feel free to experiment.

Much like a proper home bar with alcohol, “a great alcohol-free home bar is a combination of some of the new and exciting products, like spirits, with some at-home tinkering,” according to Lorelei Bandrovschi, the founder of Brooklyn’s alcohol-free Listen Bar. And some nonalcoholic spirit companies even claim their products deliver unique buzzes that range from feeling more relaxed to elevating your energy level - without having to nurse a hangover the next day. The movement to cater to that market has birthed a host of new nonalcoholic products that offer something a little more sophisticated and special than a seltzer-lime. According to Sam Thonis, a co-owner of alcohol-free bar Getaway in Greenpoint, this latest nonalcoholic wave is definitely part of our current wellness-obsessed times, but “there have always been people who choose not to drink, or want to drink less, and what we’re doing is finally catering to that existing market.” With their ability to deliver sophisticated and satisfying taste experiences, non-alcoholic spirits are reshaping the landscape of the drinks industry, offering a vibrant and diverse range of options for those looking for alcohol-free alternatives.Whether you’re having a Dry January or just want to dip your toe into the (ever) growing alcohol-free spirits market, there’s now a bevy of bottles to choose from to keep your bar cart stocked. Non-alcoholic spirits have become a trendsetter in the beverage industry, attracting both those abstaining from alcohol and individuals seeking new and exciting flavors. Non-alcoholic spirits offer an inclusive option for social gatherings, providing an opportunity for everyone to partake in the enjoyment and camaraderie of drinking without the effects of alcohol. The growing trend towards health and wellness, coupled with the increased availability and quality of non-alcoholic spirits, has contributed to the popularity of these beverages. These beverages combine non-alcoholic spirits with fresh fruits, juices, herbs, and other mixers to create enticing and satisfying alcohol-free drinks. The emergence of non-alcoholic spirits has also led to the rise of creative and flavorful non-alcoholic cocktails, commonly known as mocktails. This results in a range of non-alcoholic spirits that mimic the flavors of gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, and other popular spirits. They undergo processes such as distillation, maceration, and infusion to extract and blend botanicals, herbs, and other natural flavors. Non-alcoholic spirits are carefully crafted using a variety of techniques and ingredients to replicate the taste profiles and aromas found in their alcoholic counterparts. These beverages offer the opportunity to enjoy the flavors, complexity, and experience of traditional spirits without the alcohol content. Non-alcoholic spirits have gained significant popularity in recent years as an appealing alternative for those who choose not to consume alcohol or are seeking a healthier lifestyle.
