12 Canned Mocktail Brands, Ranked

If you choose to consume alcohol-free beverages, navigating social settings where alcohol is an invited guest can feel a little uncomfortable. However, this discomfort eases with a tasty drink in hand. Historically, such tantalizing non-alcoholic options were hard to find. But times have changed. The popularity of these alcohol-free alternatives is evident, with an increasing presence on restaurant menus and grocery store shelves. The convenience of canned mocktails has been a game-changer. However, like any beverage category, while some canned mocktails are ultra tasty, others fall short.

In our quest to rank these brands, we considered several criteria. We sought drinks that exuded the essence of a cocktail. We looked for that zing and for a drink presenting as more than a mere soda. Attractive packaging was also a plus, making the drinking experience feel even more special. Top-tier mocktails would ideally introduce unique flavors and ingredients. Nutrition was another important factor. But, above all, flavor was paramount; we wanted a mocktail that was simply delightful to sip.

Recess Zero Proof drinks are a mocktail alternative with a spirited endeavor to capture a true cocktail. This brand comes in four flavors, including a lime margarita, grapefruit Paloma, watermelon mojito, and a ginger lime mule. We like that the company actually emulated real drinks you can order, which isn't always true about mocktails you get in cans. They can be tough to locate in stores, but shipping right from the website is easy and free. Plus, if you really fall in love, you can order these on a subscription.

While it may not fully emulate the traditional cocktail experience, its effort is commendable. One of the distinguishing features of this beverage is the inclusion of adaptogens, a unique ingredient sometimes found in many foods and drinks. In terms of presentation, Recess's packaging impresses with its matte finish. The design may be on the simpler side, but it's balanced out by the playful colors that aptly mirror the playful undertone of its brand name. Flavor-wise, it might be an acquired taste for some. The distinct adaptogen taste is present, which might appeal to a niche but wasn't particularly to our liking. On the nutrition front, Recess is relatively light, boasting around 25 calories per can.

Fauxmosa, with its fun name, draws from the classic crowd-favorite mimosa cocktail. Rather than going simple, however, this mocktail version includes an array of diverse fruit juices. Aside from the fabulous branding, at first brush, you'll also notice the beautiful cans that are a visual treat, adorned with intricate illustrations of fruits and ingredients.

While the brand ventures into intriguing flavor combinations, we don't love all of them. Some felt they were diverging from the norm merely for the sake of being unique, leading to a not-so-delicious flavor. However, it's not all a miss; the Cranberry Mimosa stood out as a delightful exception, with its perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. The Pineapple variant, too, was a delight, embodying tropical freshness.

Nutritionally, Fauxmosa ensures a substantial infusion of fruit goodness, with each can boasting a commendable 65% juice content. Each serving packs 100 calories, and the sodium content remains consistently low at 5 milligrams across the board. Where variations between the flavors arise is in the carbohydrate and sugar department, which ranges between 22 to 26 grams and 19 to 24 grams, depending on the flavor.

Adding to the mocktail scene, Remedy presents Kombucha-based offerings. Embracing the tartness synonymous with Kombucha, these beverages effectively capture the zing we love in cocktails. With a wide flavor palette ranging from Pink Apple and Raspberry Lemonade to Mango Passion, there are plenty of flavors here.

At the heart of these beverages is the distinctive inclusion of Kombucha, a fermented tea celebrated for its potential health benefits and characteristic tang. Complemented by an array of fruit flavorings, these drinks offer a fusion of flavors that stand out in the mocktail arena.

The packaging leans heavily on typography to convey its brand identity. Taste-wise, Remedy's offerings provide a fun experience. The intrinsic tartness of Kombucha, paired with fruity undertones, offers a satisfying bite reminiscent of classic cocktails. Although it might not top the list of our favorite mocktails, it holds its own by offering a distinct and memorable flavor profile. From a nutritional standpoint, Remedy's beverages are impressively light at 5 calories per serving. Notably, the drinks contain zero sugar, carbs, or fats, with the sole exception being Erythritol, which clocks in at 5 grams.

Bawi introduces a vibrant line of agua fresca, capturing traditional Latin American beverages in three tantalizing flavors: La Piña (pineapple), El Limón (lime), and La Maracuyá (passionfruit). While they don't fit the conventional mocktail mold, they exhibit a charm reminiscent of sparkling juice, thanks to the real juice's interaction with effervescent carbonated water. The added lime juice ensures each sip is balanced with just the right amount of zing, creating a harmony of flavors that are both bold and fruity.

A closer look at the ingredients reveals Bawi's commitment to simplicity, with each beverage made primarily from carbonated water and natural juice. This results in a taste that feels authentic, fresh, and enticingly delicious. Despite this minimalistic approach, each flavor is a burst of vibrancy, leaving a lingering wish for even more diverse blends.

Visually, Bawi's packaging feels nostalgia, showcasing bright and lively hues reminiscent of retro designs. It's a captivating yet unassuming presentation that complements the beverage's vibrant nature. Nutritionally speaking, the range offers modest caloric content with variations across flavors: La Piña and El Limón each clock in at 60 calories with 12 grams of carbs, though the former has 10 grams of sugar to the latter's 9. La Maracuyá, with its passionfruit notes, stands as the lightest at 40 calories, accompanied by 10 grams of carbs and 9 grams of sugar. Our only complaint is that we wish there was a greater range of flavors.

Dry brings a delicious blend of mocktails that echo cocktails, yet offer the easy sipability akin to sodas. Their standout feature is the minimalist approach to ingredients; with just four constituents in each offering, it's a testament to Dry's dedication to simplicity and purity. The packaging is quite simplistic but with a dash of elegance. Each can showcase a striking design characterized by a lovely monochromatic palette.

When it comes to flavor, Dry manages to deliver an ultra-tasty sip. The cucumber flavor provides a refreshing, slightly sweet sensation. The cherry stands out as an absolute favorite, striking the perfect balance between tartness and sweetness. However, the vanilla shouldn't be overlooked. Its rich and smooth profile offers a taste that is both comforting and intriguing.

From a nutritional standpoint, Dry takes a straightforward approach. Both the vanilla and cherry flavors are calibrated at 60 calories each. The carbohydrate content varies slightly between the three: cucumber at 12 grams, cherry at 15 grams, and vanilla at 16 grams. The sugar content mirrors the carbohydrate values, placing Dry on the higher spectrum of sugar inclusion among the mocktails we've explored. However, for those who enjoy slightly sweeter beverages, Dry offers a delightful and flavorful experience wrapped in a lovely aesthetic package.

Wild Tonic's Wanderer Series works to redefine mocktails, blurring the line between them and their cocktail counterparts. The brand elevates, bringing to the forefront flavors that resonate deeply with traditional cocktail lovers.

Diving into the ingredients, the Mule variant from Wild Tonic is a testament to this innovation. It incorporates a melange of honey, ginger juice, blue agave syrup, lime juice, cayenne flavor, smoke extract, all-spice, and berry extract. Not only does this elaborate blend deliver on taste, but it also ventures into the realm of health and wellness. The inclusion of specific ingredients crafts a probiotic-rich offering, introducing a holistic approach to beverage consumption.

Visually, Wild Tonic's cans are nothing short of art pieces. Adorning each can is intricate, adventurous artwork that captures both the spirit and essence of the brand. The tactile experience is equally captivating, with the matte finish of the can juxtaposed against gleaming gold accents. It's an invitation to embark on a sensory journey even before the first sip.

On the palate, Wild Tonic does not disappoint. The flavors are reminiscent of authentic cocktails, but with certain ingredients taking the spotlight. The ginger, in the case of the Mule, punctuates each sip with its distinct zest, providing both depth and complexity to the drink. Nutritionally, The Mule, for example, has 90 calories, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and a generous 19 grams of sugar; it's a treat meant for those moments of pure sweetness.