5 Top Tequila substitutes for Celebrating Cinco de Mayo – it's time to 'Fiesta No Alcohólica' with full Mexican flavour!
Non-alcoholic Tequilas have really arrived on the drinks scene! And their taste captures the essence of Mexico's spicy spirit. So why be sick in a sombrero when you can fiesta till sunrise in style? 😎
 |
| Take an alcohol-free turn at Tequila Time and steady your Salsa steps! |
An alcohol-free Cinco de Mayo
The Latin Spirit really leads the way with Celebrations - and that's official!
On May 5, sales of beer in the US exceed those of the Superbowl, and even St. Patrick's Day partying!
Now add scenes of Tequila sloshing around all day, and night. And all in all, there's too much opportunity for regret the next day!
So it's great to be able to enjoy Cinco de Mayo with alcohol-free Tequilas. Or simply slow things down when the pace turns a little too loco! 😉
 |
| All the traditional elements to fully experience Tequila shots with salt (yes salt!) and lime pieces |
Let's look at a few regular questions . . .
Is there a non-alcoholic Tequila?
Yes! - there are now several alternatives to Blanco and Reposado Tequilas. And even hints and aromas of smoky Anejo spirit on the horizon too!
NoLo distilleries have diligently perfected both agave-based and distinctly flavoured, spiced Tequilas.
So it's time to catch up with some excellent alternatives for any fiesta!
Does non-alcoholic Tequila taste like real Tequila?
Yes it does - looking at the verdict of most reviews. Non-alcoholic Tequila tastes much the same: up to a point!
And that point is acknowledging the taste is not identical to alcoholic Tequila.
At least not to regular Tequila enthusiasts. But it still gets a serious Salud from everyday Tequila lovers!
What is non-alcoholic Tequila made of?
Would it really be Tequila without actual Mexican blue agave?
Well, one or two brands do successfully imitate the taste of Tequila another way. Using botanical spices such as Capsaicin (found in chilli peppers) to invoke a measured 'kick' sensation.
Others adopt a strictly-sourced agave recipe for the most accurate texture.
And it's not surprising to find a diversity of ingredients within the wider Tequila drinks market.
In fact, how many 'authentic' alcoholic Tequilas really exist in the best of years? Look at the ingredients and you'll often find 'mixtos' topped up with corn syrup - and other sickly substitutes for agave.
That said, non-alcoholic distillers have a lot to compete with. Especially in the case of 100% blue agave alcoholic spirits.
So they set their standards exceptionally high.
And particularly so, when blending the best botanical recipes.
Why choose alcohol-free Tequila?
The party's picking up . . . you feel the Latin beats and your feet start to move towards the dancefloor.
Or at least they try to.
Then it's a case of - 😬 a few shots too many there!
And oh, what might have been 😓😉
Okay, let's look at things another way . . .
Less (alcohol) means more (partying) alcohol-free! 🎉🍹🍸🌮🍷🍨
So you can keep your dancing shoes slick and shiny all night long ✨
 |
| Alcohol-free spirits can help you stay sharp and sober on the dancefloor! |
Naturally, Cinco de Mayo celebrations are often family occasions. Where tasty dishes are more important than drink varieties. And alcohol isn't always desirable for a range of reasons. Typically health habits, or a simple lack of taste for . . . well, toxicity!
That's where sophisticated Tequila substitutes are a winner for any Mexican themed dinner party!
So let's look at the best non-alcoholic Tequilas and their suitability for classic cocktails.
1 - Mockingbird Spirit Agave
The UK's first non-alcoholic Tequila spirit promises "all of the margaritas and none of the migraines".
And there's good reason to believe their crafty claim on both counts!
Every alcohol-free beverage boasts an obvious Unique Selling Point: Enjoy your night out and still get up early the next day!
Agave takes the theme a step further.
A certain pep adds to the spice of this rather smooth spirit!
Ashwagandha - an adaptogen that infuses the finely-tuned blue agave flavour with a botanical mood-lifter.
Lovely neat over ice - Agave is a rich Tequila blend that's also perfect for creating margaritas.
Meanwhile, a none-so-mocking bird tells me you can pick up perfectly splendid end-of-year surplus bottles at a discount here 😉
2 - Clean Co Clean T
A stylish Tequila Alternative from Clean Co launched last year. Clean T provides their take on Blanco Tequila: "with a classic peppery dry finish and a cheeky tingle on the tongue".
Clean Co have recently reduced their leading beverages from 1.5% to 0.5% ABV options. Which may seem a minor matter to everyday drinkers. But the brand modestly encourages the subtle lifestyle zest which arises with clean living.
At only 0.7% agave the blend won't satisfy regular Tequila drinkers. But if you're a casual cocktail enthusiast the possibilities are certainly there . . .
3 - Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative
A top seller in the US, and among the company's big four alcohol-free spirits. The thick texture and smoky flavour take this 0% Tequila deep into the realm of Reposado.
'Best Rated non-alcoholic spirit' by the Beverage Tasting Institute for 2021. The blend is also very versatile, so great for mixing margaritas and Palomas.
However, it's not marketed as an alternative to neat Tequila. And reviews do reveal two distinct but disparate takes.
That said, the recipe seems to satisfy a loyal customer base. And even appeals to a discerning cocktail crowd - so the recipe is on the right track.
4 - Free Spirits The Spirit of Tequila
"Made in the spirit of the great oaky, vanilla-kissed Reposado Tequilas" - and once again, distilled in the US. Free Spirits offer an expanding range of alternative liquors.
Perfecting formulas for alcohol-free Gin, Bourbon and most recently - Tequila. The distillery is attracting a loyal tribe of traditional Tequila lovers.
Free Spirits have edged closer to an Anejo recipe than any previous Tequila substitute. Which also nears the delicate point where non-alcoholic spirits tend to push their luck!
When spices try too hard to ape an alcohol kick or burn. If it works, well and good of course!
5 - Lyre's Agave Blanco and Agarve Reserva spirits
These latest releases from Lyre's complement an extensive range of award-winning 0.5% spirits. So it's no surprise that Tequila should now be served by this non-alcoholic conquistador!
And this time there's a chance to sample a tasty Tequila cocktail - prepared by a Lyre's bartender.
Cinco de Mayo sees the brand taking the spirit of Mexico to British high streets (complete with DJ booth 🎧🎵😎).
So if you want to try a complimentary margarita - and pick up a few expert mixology tips for cocktails - here are the roadshow dates:
Lyre's empire is expanding rapidly and driven by reputation for premium quality beverages. So it's worth watching the menus of your local cocktail bars for their alcohol-free options . . .
And the Latin beat goes on . . .
As well as top Tequila spirits to try in modern Mocktails, you might want to go for an easy (yet rather lavish!) ready-to-pour Paloma!
 |
| Savyll have crafted a sophisticated set of alcohol-free cocktails that capture world culture |
And there are always new Tequila substitute spirits to look out for.
Seir Hill's supply chain-hampered Durangold may even put in an appearance this side of Cinco de Mayo. The product clearly shares the perfectionism of existing pioneer brands. And looks set to unleash another satisfying, alcohol-free Tequila experience!
So it's time to say Salud in sober style! 🍸
John Gilheany is a niche Non-Alcoholic Drinks Copywriter available for marketing campaigns at: 'A dash of Tonic!' Copywriting Service
Comments
Post a Comment