When I was pregnant with my three kids (which wasn’t all that long ago), it was really hard to find a good mocktail, whether in canned form or at a restaurant. And it was even harder to find a mocktail that wasn’t loaded with sugar or pineapple juice. Fast forward just a few years, and the canned mocktail options are suddenly everywhere thanks to a lot of interest in challenges like Dry January, “sobercuriosity,” and cutting back on alcohol in general. I’ve never been a big drinker, but I appreciate having a special beverage to enjoy when hanging with friends or throwing a backyard party.
My Process For Selecting The Best Zero-Proof Mocktails
My dietitian colleagues and I wanted to create a list of our favorite nonalcoholic cocktails that also don’t contain a ton of sugar. Every non-alcoholic drink in this round-up has less than 12 grams of sugar (many of them have 0 grams of sugar) and most of them also contain beneficial antioxidants, botanicals, and adaptogens, too.
In order to create this list, I read a lot of labels and tasted a lot of mocktails. Since the sweetness level is a big factor for me, I included my sweetness rating for each option on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being saccharin sweet and 1 being hardly any sweetness at all.
10 Canned Mocktails I Love
Recess Zero Proof
- What I Like: If you follow The Real Food Dietitians on social media or get our newsletters, this zero-proof cocktail has shown up often as a team favorite. In fact, it’s the mocktail that inspired me to create this round up. These lightly sparkling cans of craft mocktails are infused with guayusa and other balancing adaptogens like L-theanine.
- The Nutrition Facts: A 12-ounce can contains 30 to 35 calories, 8 grams of carbohydrate, and 6 to 7 grams of sugar. They’re sweetened with agave and fruit juice concentrate.
- Flavors: These canned mocktails come in six flavors, including Grapefruit Paloma, Lime Margarita, Watermelon Mojito, Island Spritz, Ginger Lime Mule, Classic Cosmo. I reach for the paloma flavor most often.
- Sweetness Level: 5 on a scale of 10; nice and balance
- Carbonation Level: 8 on a scale of 10; perfect level of fizz
- Average Price: Usually around $2.25 to $3.75 per can
- Where To Buy: Find Recess Zero Proof mocktails at stores like Target, Sprouts, Safeway, CVS, and directly at takearecess.com and amazon.
Free AF
- What I Like: Dietitian Jessie has been a fan of this award-winning brand for many years, and it’s a whole team favorite now. This woman-founded brand is on a mission to make non-drinking cool AF. These zero-proof canned cocktails include a unique trademarked botanical ingredient from New Zealand called Afterglow™ that mimics the warmth of real alcohol at the back of my throat.
- The Nutrition Facts: An 8.4-ounce can contains between 45 and 60 calories, has 10 to 12 grams of carbohydrate, and between 10 and 12 grams of sugar. They’re sweetened with organic sugar and don’t contain Stevia, monkfruit, or other zero-calorie sweeteners. The Vodka Spritz (one of Jessie’s summer favorites) has just 10 calories, 0 grams of sugar, and no sweeteners.
- Flavors: Comes in 9 flavors and all of them are good. The cucumber G&T is often touted as tasting just like Hendrick’s gin, and the classic non-alcoholic Margarita, Whiskey Ginger, Apero Spritz, and Paloma are favorites.
- Sweetness Level: 3 on a scale of 10; nice and balance
- Carbonation Level: 8 on a scale of 10; definitely there but not overpowering
- Average Price: Between $3.50 and $4.50 per can
- Where To Buy: Find Free AF at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Total Wine. It’s also available directly at af-drinks.com and on amazon.
Maison Perrier
- What I Like: This French brand is well known for its sparkling water, but recently expanded into alcohol free Chic sparkling beverages. The first time I tasted the Pina Beach flavor, I said “Wow!” It made me feel like I was drinking something I’d order on a tropical beach somewhere. These are also the mocktails that Jess had available at her daughter’s graduation party this year.
- The Nutrition Facts: An 8.45-ounce can contains 30 calories, 6 to 7 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 to 6 grams of sugar. It is sweetened with cane sugar and juice concentrate.
- Flavors: All of the flavors are super refreshing and the entire team gives them high marks for flavor. There are five flavors available (Lemonjito, Rosellini, Daiqui’red, Citrus Fizz, and Pina Beach) and Pina Beach is my favorite.
- Sweetness Level: 7 on a scale of 10; sweet flavor forward, but not overpowering
- Carbonation Level: 9 on a scale of 10; this most carbonated one I’ve tasted
- Average Price: Around $1.20 to $1.50 per can
- Where To Buy: Find these sparkling mocktails at large retailers like Walmart, Kroger and King Soopers, and Whole Foods. I’ve also found them on amazon.
Luna Bay
- What I Like: The non-alcoholic cocktails have a fun retro look and come in so many fun flavor that mimic a spritz, sangria, mojito, rambler, and mojito. This award-winning brand is made with yerba mate tea and infused with magnesium. Living on a farm myself, I appreciate that this brand sources its herbs and fresh fruits from local farmers and suppliers.
- The Nutrition Facts: A 12-ounce can has 35 to 60 calories, 8 to 10 grams of carbohydrate, and 7 to 10 grams of sugar, and 30 milligrams of magnesium. The type of magnesium used is magnesium glycinate, which is known as a sleep support. These mocktails are sweetened with cane sugar and juice concentrate.
- Flavors: All of the seven flavors are so fresh and taste great. The Blueberry Mojito and Mango Mule are team favorites, and I also like the Spicy Margarita.
- Sweetness Level: 5 on a scale of 10; nice and balance
- Carbonation Level: 8 on a scale of 10; pleasant bubbliness
- Average Price: Around $2.90 to $3.35 per can
- Where To Buy: This new canned mocktail is only available in a few physical retailers in six states so far, but can also be found directly at drinklunabay.com and amazon.
Juni
- What I Like: This brand is created by rockstar couple, podcasters, and authors, Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia, who is also a clinical nutritionist. JUNI, which is a loose acronym for “Just You And I” is an alcohol-free sparkling tea with adaptogens. It’s very lightly carbonated and lightly flavored, too, and made with high quality, organic and natural ingredients.
- The Nutrition Facts: A skinny 12-ounce can contains 5 calories and 1 gram of carbohydrate. This is a zero-sugar mocktail that’s sweetened with organic steviol.
- Flavors: Comes in 8 flavors, 5 of which are caffeinated and 3 that are decaffeinated. My favorites are the Tropical and Lemon flavors, and the Peach is also a team favorite.
- Sweetness Level: 3 on a scale of 10; nice and balanced
- Carbonation Level: 3 on a scale of 10; not aggressively bubbly, almost a little flat
- Average Price: Usually $2.45 to $2.50 per can
- Where To Buy: Find Juni at many retailers, including Whole Foods, Costco, and other larger grocery chains, directly at drinkjuni.com, or on amazon.
Surely
- What I Like: This is a fun zero-proof option for lovers of wine and sangria. The Bubbly Red tastes a lot like a good red blend mixed with sparkling water, and tastes so refreshing when served chilled on a hot day. It also comes in a Sparkling Rose and Brut that mimic rose wine and brut champagne.
- The Nutrition Facts: An 8.5-ounce can contains 30 to 40 calories, 4 to 9 grams of carbohydrate, and 3 to 4 grams of sugar. It’s sweetened with peach or cherry concentrate.
- Flavors: All of the flavors have a true wine taste since they’re made from true wine that has been dealcoholized versus building a mock wine from fruit juice and other ingredients. All three of the flavors are great and the Bubbly Red is a favorite.
- Sweetness Level: 2 on a scale of 10; like a natural red wine
- Carbonation Level: 3 on a scale of 10; a little fizz that’s just right
- Average Price: Average of $6.00 to $6.20 per can
- Where To Buy: Find Surely at Target, Sprouts, and Total Wine and other retailers, as well as directly at drinksurely.com and on amazon.
De Soi
- What I Like: These small cans are labeled as a caffeine-free non-alcoholic aperitif, which makes them a nice size and ingredient list (L-theanine and reishi or lion’s mane mushroom extract) for a late-in-the evening relaxing drink that won’t disrupt precious sleep.
- The Nutrition Facts: A small 8-ounce can contains 60-70 calories, 7-13 grams of carbohydrate, and 5-13 grams of sugar. Sweeteners change by flavor, some being agave nectar and others being juice concentrate and date syrup. Some flavors contain 1 gram of fiber.
- Flavors: This brand is spot on with their six flavors, with options that mimic a cranberry mule, jalapeno lime margarita, aperol spritz, rose wine, and more. Each one tasted exactly as I expected it should and the whole team loved the flavors. The Spritz Italiano is my personal favorite.
- Sweetness Level: 7 on a scale of 10; sweeter than others but still balanced
- Carbonation Level: 8 on a scale of 10; I feel the bubbles on my tongue
- Average Price: Around $3.98 to $4.83 per can
- Where To Buy: Available at Target, Sprouts, and Whole Foods Market, as well as directly at drinkdesoi.com where you can build your own variety pack, and also on amazon.
Little Saints
- What I Like: This is one of those mocktails that isn’t for everyone but is inevitably someone’s absolute favorite. It has a really unique flavor profile that isn’t very sweet and has a little “bite” to it. They are highly carbonated and boosted with adaptogenic mushrooms, including organic reishi, lion’s mane, and damiana.
- The Nutrition Facts: A small 8-ounce can contains 5 calories and 1 gram of carbohydrate. There are 0 grams of sugar and these are sweetened with monk fruit juice concentrate, which lingers for me.
- Flavors: Comes in 8 booze-free flavors, including a mojito, spicy margarita, old fashioned, and ginger Moscow mule. The paloma is a team favorite and what I stock my cooler with most often.
Sweetness Level: 4 on a scale of 10; nice and balance - Carbonation Level: 9 on a scale of 10; very noticeable fizz that is pleasant
- Average Price: $3.50 to $3.99 per can
- Where To Buy: Find Little Saints at natural retailers like Sprouts and local beverage retailers, as well as directly at littlesaints.com and on amazon.
Mingle
- What I Like: The flavors are quite mild and the sweetness really comes through, making this a good option to use as a mixer with alcohol or a zero-proof alcohol substitute, such as Ritual tequila or Seedlip vodka.
- The Nutrition Facts: A 12-ounce can contains 30 to 60 calories, 6 to 14 grams of carbohydrate and 4 to 13 grams of sugars. They’re sweetened with organic cane sugar and juice concentrate that matches the flavor (such as lime juice concentrate for the lime margarita).
- Flavors: These canned mocktails come in six flavors. Some of my favorites are the Blackberry Hibiscus Billini and the Cranberry Cosmo mocktail.
- Sweetness Level: 10 on a scale of 10; for those who like it sweet
- Carbonation Level: 9 on a scale of 10; for those who like it fizzy
- Average Price: Usually $3.75 to $3.90 per can
- Where To Buy: Find Mingle canned mocktails at Target, Whole Foods, Safeway, and some local wine and spirit stores, as well as directly at minglemocktails.com and amazon.
Trip
- What I Like: These botanical sparkling drinks are highly flavor forward and remind my teammate Molly of drinking a Clearly Canadian. I like the adaptogen blend and the addition of magnesium and L-theanine for a calming effect. These always go over well when I serve them at parties.
- The Nutrition Facts: A 12-ounce can contains 25 calories, 7 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of sugar, and 120 milligrams of magnesium. The form of magnesium is magnesium citrate, which can have a laxative effect. It is sweetened with juice concentrate, erythritol (a sugar alcohol) and stevia.
- Flavors: All of the flavors are enjoyable and include Cherry Lemon, Blood Orange, Peach Ginger, Melon Cucumber, Elderflower Mint, Raspberry Blossom, and Wild Strawberry. Some of the flavors even come with a free trial of the Calm app membership. My favorite is the Raspberry Blossom.
- Sweetness Level: 5 on a scale of 10; nice and balance
- Carbonation Level: 9 on a scale of 10; pleasantly fizzy
- Average Price: Around $2.00 to $3.00 per can
- Where To Buy: At retailers like Target, Kroger, Sprouts, Erewhon, Total Wine, and CVS, as well as directly at us.drink-trip.com and on amazon.
Honorable Mentions For The Cooler
LMNT Sparkling Slim Cans
- What I Like: While this sparkling electrolyte drink wasn’t technically created to be a mocktail, I do often find myself reaching for one in place of an alcoholic drink. They’re great for enjoying on hot days when I’ve been doing a lot of yardwork or physical activity. And Dietitian Jess also likes to bring a cooler of these canned drinks to her post-mountain bike ride gatherings as an alternative to beer.
- The Nutrition Facts: A 12-ounce can contains 5 calories, <1 gram of carbohydrate, 0 grams of sugar, and 500 milligrams of sodium, 100 milligrams of potassium, and 30 milligrams of magnesium malate. These drinks are sweetened with Stevia leaf extract.
- Flavors: The slim sparkling cans come in four refreshing flavors: Black Cherry, Lemon, Orange, and Pineapple. The Black Cherry flavor is a favorite of mine.
- Sweetness Level: 9 on a scale of 10; the sweetness lingers a bit on the tongue
- Carbonation Level: 7 on a scale of 10; slight burn in back of throat
- Average Price: Around $2.40 to $2.60 per can
- Where To Buy: Available in some Targets as well as directly at drinklmnt.com and on amazon.
More Options I Recommend
A few other non-alcoholic drinks I sometimes include for guests at my party or pick up to enjoy on summer nights at my cabin are:
- Kombucha – kombucha is fermented tea that comes in so many flavors and carbonation levels. It is a tangy zero-proof drink option that also comes with the benefits of fermentation. I like Health-Ade, Brew Dr, and Synergy brand of kombucha.
- St. Agrestis Phony Negroni – technically not a “canned” mocktail, these little glass jars have long been a popular zero-proof cocktail option. Jessie likes to mix one with sparkling water and garnish it with a lime wedge for a fancy spritz.
- Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktails – this brand is known for its hard alcohol alternatives, like tequila, negroni, and amaretti. And they also offers pre-mixed canned mocktails. Though the Amalfi Spritz is high in sugar at 17 grams, the other flavors (like G&T, Margarita, and Rum Mule) are in the 7 to 10 grams of sugar range and are widely loved.
- Ghia – this woman-owned brand of zero-proof aperitifs is inspired by summers in the Mediterranean. The 8.4-ounce cans are flavored with herb and botanical extracts and sweetened with juice concentrate. The Le Spritz lime & salt is a fan favorite.
- Flavored seltzer and sparkling waters – brands like Waterloo, Spindrift, LaCroix, Bubly, and Topo Chico are easy-to-find options. And many of these brands offer flavors that mimic a cocktail, such as Spindrift’s Cosnopolitan and Ginger Lime Mule, and Bubly’s Mojito Breeze.
- Pique Vesper – these little vials of non-alcoholic adaptogenic apertif contain L-theanine, tart cherry, elderflower and lemon balm to soothe the nervous system. They are designed to be mixed with sparkling water for an option that feels elevated and relaxing
Considerations For Pregnancy
Since pregnancy is a time when many women look for safe drink, mocktails are an appealing option for pregnant women. While most mocktails are safe for pregnancy, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- A product labeled “non-alcoholic” can legally contain up to 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume). For a 100% alcohol-free option, look for 0% ABV and read company websites for food safety notes.
- Mocktails made by a bartender sometimes contain raw ingredients, such as egg whites or juices that aren’t pasteurized. Stick to canned options or ask that all ingredients are safe for pregnancy.
- Some mocktails contain herbs, adaptogens, and nootropics that should be avoided during pregnancy. The main ingredients to consider avoiding when pregnant are ashwagandha, rhodiola, l’theanine, saw palmetto, goldenseal, dong quai, ephedra, and juniper. As well as yohimbe, pay d’arco, passion flower, black cohosh, blue cohosh, roman chamomile, and pennyroyal. These herbs and ingredients can be uterine stimulants or cause hormonal activity or kidney irritation. And there are a few herbs that are considered possibly unsafe for pregnancy, meaning more research is needed. Those are aloe, ginseng, kava kava, feverfew, and senna. I recommend discussing them by your provider before consuming a drink with one of these.
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