The drink of summer has no alcohol — here’s why experts say non-alcoholic booze is popping up everywhere

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Lyre’s Non-alcoholic spirits are exploding in popularity with new products constantly arriving.

Some brands aim to replicate the flavor of alcohol, while other non-alcoholic spirits explore new flavor profiles. You can also find non-alcoholic aperitifs, vermouths, and liqueurs for making elaborate zero-proof cocktails. Despite what you may have heard, the drink of summer isn’t the Dirty Shirley or Espresso Martini — the hottest cocktail this summer actually has no alcohol in it at all.

 You read that right: non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails are one of the fastest-growing categories in the drinking world. Whether it’s for health, pregnancy, or just wanting to try something new, there are many good reasons someone might want to abstain from drinking alcohol. But now you don’t have to settle for an uninspiring mocktail.

 “In the past, non-alcoholic options at bars were pretty limited,” says Matthew Belanger, general manager of the cocktail bar, Death & Co. Los Angeles. “The category has exploded in the past two years.

People are looking for sophisticated and adult alternatives to traditional mocktails. ” According to Belanger, the non-alcoholic cocktail menu at Death & Co. is here to stay.

Jillian Barkley, founder of Soft Spirits, a bottle shop specializing in non-alcoholic spirits, concurs. “There’s no doubt it’s growing in popularity,” says Barkley, “When I opened less than a year ago there weren’t nearly as many options as there are now. “To help us navigate through this new territory, both Barkley and Belanger introduced us to some of their favorite non-alcoholic brands and bottles.

Here’s what you need to know in order to start mixing up some delicious zero-proof cocktails at home. SeedlipSeedlipSeedlip was one of the first success stories for non-alcoholic spirits. “They were the brand that started it all,” Belanger says.

“They really proved the concept that making and selling non-alcoholic spirits was viable. ” Instead of trying to imitate a common spirit, Seedlip offers unique botanical concoctions  Seedlip comes in three variations. Garden 108 which is flavored with peas and herbs, the allspice and cardamom forward Spice 94, and Grove 42, which features citrus, lemongrass and ginger.

 “Seedlip’s flavors really come alive best when used as the base of a more complex cocktail,” Barkley says. “I wouldn’t just mix it with soda and drink it like that. ” It has an entire section of its website dedicated to cocktail recipes, so newcomers can learn how to use Seedlip’s products.

Worth a try:Ritual Zero ProofRitual Zero ProofRitual Zero Proof makes non-alcoholic versions of the most popular base spirits used when mixing cocktails. It offers alternatives to rum, tequila, whiskey, and gin. “The alternative spirits may not taste exactly like rum or tequila on their own,” Belanger says.

“But for someone who can’t drink or hasn’t in a while, they do a great job of bridging the uncanny valley and giving them a familiar flavor profile in a mixed drink. ” Its strongest offerings are its rum alternative, which sits somewhere between a spiced rum and a dark rum and its tequila alternative. “If someone is looking for something with that tequila bite, I always recommend Ritual’s tequila alternative,” Barkley says.

If you want to mix up a non-alcoholic daiquiri or an old fashioned, you can just swap out the alcohol for an equal measurement of Ritual Zero Proof’s alternatives. Worth a try:Lyre’sLyre’sLyre’s is another brand that specializes in spirit alternatives. “Lyre’s has the biggest line of non-alcoholic products,” Barkley says.

“They provide alternatives to almost everything you need behind the bar. ” On top of its spirit alternatives, Lyre’s expanded its line to popular mixology ingredients, such as liqueurs, aperitifs, vermouths and even sparkling wine. “It’s getting to the point where you can almost have a full back bar with non-alcoholic options,” Belanger says.

 With its products, it’s possible to make a wide variety of non-alcoholic cocktails, including a Margarita, Negroni, or Aperol spritz. Lyre’s also offers a range of pre-made canned cocktails featuring different spirit alternatives. Worth a try:Optimist BotanicalsOptimist BotanicalsThe Los Angeles-based Optimist Botanicals is known for its botanical-infused non-alcoholic spirits.

“Optimist is definitely a fan favorite around our store,” Barkley says. Its three offerings are inspired by different locales around Southern California. Bright, inspired by Venice Beach, has notes of lemon, jasmine, and orange.

Fresh is juniper-forward, like a gin, and takes its inspiration from Topanga Canyon. Its Smokey blend is meant to invoke the desert and presents a more savory blend of botanicals with a hint of smoke. “We put Optimist in the category of botanical spirits with Seedlip and the UK-based Pentire,” Barkley says.

Much like other non-alcoholic botanical spirits, Optimist Botanicals’ blends work best when mixed with other fresh ingredients into a cocktail.  Worth a try:Three SpiritThree SpiritThree Spirit offers a bit of a different take on non-alcoholic spirits. Known as adaptogenic spirits, each offering serves a flavor purpose, but has a physical effect, too.

“Their spirits have natural properties in them that have effects on your mood or body,” Barkley says. “Some of them give you a little energy boost, some of them can be more calming. ” Its elixirs can be mixed into cocktails, but also can stand on their own when sipped neat.

“The Nightcap has a nice body and viscosity to it so it’s nice to sip,” Barkley says. “It has Valerian root in it so it puts you in a relaxed mood for bed. If someone likes to sip bourbon or scotch it kind of scratches that itch.

“Worth a try:Insider’s takeawayDue to the booming non-alcoholic spirits market, it has never been easier to stay sober but still enjoy a sophisticated drink. Whether you want to recreate a classic cocktail like a Negroni or want to experience something completely unique, there’s a non-alcoholic option available for you. Related articles16 tasty nonalcoholic drinks and spirits for sober celebrating The best cocktail shakersThe best gifts for foodiesI substituted alcohol with ‘Psychedelic Water’ and found it’s the perfect drink for the sober-curiousRead the original article on Insider.