Why non-alcoholic spirits in India are having a moment

Sugar-laden mocktails are being replaced by healthier, zero-proof concoctions. 7 brands revamping non-alcoholic spirits in India

Sober

Sober Whiskey has warm notes of vanilla and clove, and is smoky and peaty with notes of dried fruits, honey, and oak. Sober Gin is made using a blend of botanicals and adaptogens, and contains juniper berries, Gondhoraj lemon peel, Nagpur orange peel, and cardamom seeds, among other ingredients.

Jimmy's Cocktails

Besides three flavours of non-alcoholic beers–Cranberry, Malt and Peach–this brand also has mixers like the Popstar Martini mix, Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan, Sex on The Beach, Mango Chilli Mojito, Green Apple Martini, Whiskey Sour, and Margarita.

Kati Patang’s NOT

This brand's NOT Gin & Tonic has an aroma and sweetness of juniper, freshness of lemon and basil, and some tonic bitterness. The NOT Cosmopolitan is tart with cranberry and pineapple and sweet notes of orange. The NOT Old Fashioned has warm oak notes of Bourbon whisky and non-alcoholic aromatic bitters with a nutty, vanilla finish.

Jade Forest

This Indian non-alcoholic spirit brand's iced teas--Berry Blush (berries, herbs, black tea), Mango Lush (Alphonso mangoes, peaches, white tea), and Citrus Crush (lime, lemongrass, mint, green tea)--and Cucumber and Mint Tonic Water, and Honey-sweetened Ginger Ales, sets them apart.

Svami Drinks

This India brand offers non-alcoholic spirits like Rum & Cola, Gin & Tonic made, and Pink Gin & Tonic that taste like cocktails, besides healthier options like 2 Cal Cola (zero sugar) and Salted Lemonade.

Sepoy & Co

The brand offers sparkling lemonades in multiple flavours: Classic Lemonade, Peach, Mixed Berry, Pink Rose, and Tropical Lemonade (pineapple and passion fruit), besides botanical mixers, tonic waters, Ginger Ale and Ginger Beer.

Don Julio

Diageo’s tequila brand has launched a Grape Fruit Soda—a carbonated grapefruit drink sweetened with fructose, comprising subtle notes of lime.