In the spirit of Dry January, we kicked off a cold Friday night with an intense four-player game of Ticket to Ride and five non-alcoholic drinks lined up for tasting. What started as a casual game night quickly turned into a small survey of what’s new in the N/A world. It’s remarkable how far these beverages have come since their surge in popularity just a few years ago, not only improving in flavor and quality, but in many cases becoming drinks we genuinely reach for by choice, not compromise.

Here’s a smattering of some of our favorites, and how we enjoy drinking them!

Something & Nothing

Something & Nothing is a premium soda brand made without added sugar or sweeteners, relying instead on real fruit juices and extracts for flavor. What stands out immediately is the range itself—rarely do you open a box and want to try everything inside, but this lineup makes a strong case. The drinks are travel-inspired, with combinations like Mango & Thai, Yuzu & Lemongrass, and Basil & Sicilian Lemon Iced Tea. Pair that with the minimalist and vibrant packaging, and it’s a clear win for anyone who values aesthetics as much as taste. These are for drinkers tired of endlessly reworked classics and ready for flavors that actually feel new.

How we’d drink it: These sodas are best enjoyed cold, straight from the can or poured over ice with a simple citrus garnish. They shine as an afternoon refresher or to kick off a dinner party, when you want something bright and flavorful without overwhelming the palate. They’re easy to mix into a light spritz, topped with soda water and a fresh herb like basil or mint.

Tomorrow Cellars

Tomorrow Cellars is an alcohol-removed wine from California fit for the wine connoisseur who still values the craft. Made from sustainably farmed grapes, Tomorrow Cellars honors traditional winemaking techniques to create a premium wine before the alcohol is removed. With three core offerings: Red Blend, Rhône Blanc, and Sparkling Blanc de Rhône, there is a little something for everyone.

How we’d drink it: It’s notoriously difficult to find a convincing non-alcoholic red, but Tomorrow Cellars’ Red Blend comes surprisingly close. This is one to pour into a proper wine glass and let breathe for a few minutes before drinking. It works best alongside food, think roasted vegetables, mushroom-forward dishes, or a simple pasta, its structure and acidity have something to play against. The Rhône Blanc is also an easy weekday pour, chilled and uncomplicated.

Ghia

Ghia, the brand I credit with kicking off the modern N/A revolution, has added a Blood Orange option to its Le Spritz lineup. Modeled after a classic Italian spritz, it’s juicy, lightly sweet, with a clean, dry finish and just enough bitterness to keep things balanced. Subtle notes of Mediterranean marjoram bring a piney, herbal edge that feels grounded rather than flashy. While I still instinctively reach for the Sumac & Chili, this citrus-forward spritz is a welcome addition to the rotation.

How we’d drink it: This is an aperitivo-hour staple. Serve it chilled over ice in a large wine glass, ideally with a generous orange slice. It pairs best with salty Italian snacks: olives, Marcona almonds, focaccia, or a small plate of cheese, making it perfect for pre-dinner or early-evening hosting. It’s the kind of drink that invites a slow pour, a lingering conversation, and the feeling that you’re not missing out on anything at all.

De Soi

De Soi, co-founded by Katy Perry, leans into that French idea of enjoying yourself without overdoing it. These non-alcoholic apéritifs are layered with botanicals like yuzu and lemongrass, plus adaptogens such as L-theanine, ashwagandha, and reishi that give the drinks a little extra depth. The lineup covers a lot of ground, making it easy to reach for something that feels like a margarita, a mule, or even a rosé stand-in. There’s something for most moods, from bright and citrusy to richer, wind-down ready sips. The packaging is just as considered, pulling from French New Wave cinema with a look that’s colorful and cool without trying too hard.

How we’d drink it: There’s something about the natural fizz of a spritz that just works in the N/A world, and so far, we haven’t found a better stand-in for an Aperol Spritz than Spritz Italiano. Pour it over ice, add a slice of orange or a sprig of rosemary, and you might actually be convinced. If you’re in the mood for something deeper, Purple Lune is the move. With tart blackberry, hints of vanilla, and a little peppery edge, it’s ideal for nights when you want the ritual of a natural wine pour, without the alcohol.

Recess

Recess is another one of the early non-alcoholic brands that helped shift the category from “substitute” to something more intentional. Known for weaving functional ingredients into approachable drinks, Recess focuses on how you want to feel, calm, present, and social, rather than what you’re cutting out. Across sparkling waters and Zero Proof mocktails, the brand uses adaptogens like L-theanine, lemon balm, and guayusa to create an uplifting experience. The result is an N/A beverage that fits naturally into social settings, without feeling medicinal or like an afterthought.

How we’d drink it: Recess works best in easy, social moments—cracked open at a park hang, poured over ice at a casual dinner, or grabbed as a first drink before the night unfolds. It’s the kind of can you keep in the fridge for when you want something festive without committing to alcohol. Chill it, add citrus if you’re feeling extra, and let it do its thing quietly in the background.

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