8 best non-alcoholic rum you need to try

Nov 09, 2022

With its tropical vibe, rum always reminds me of palm trees, beaches and the sound of the ocean lapping the shore. So I wasn’t surprised to learn that rum’s rich history is linked to the sea.

Woman pouring rum into a glass of ice

In the 17th and 18th centuries, rum became popular with pirates who traded rum as a commodity. The British Navy adopted rum as their drink of choice in the 17th century, and still uses it for special occasions.

Rum is made by fermenting and distilling sugarcane molasses or sugarcane juice, so it’s popular in places that grow sugar, especially the Caribbean. In fact, the majority of rum production still takes place in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Rum is popular and versatile — so, customers often ask if there is non-alcoholic rum in the Sans Drinks store. I’m delighted that when it comes to non-alcoholic rum, there are plenty to choose from to make your favourite rum-inspired drink or rum mocktails.

The best non-alcoholic rum

1. Sans Bar Caribbean Getaway (Dark Rum Substitute)

    The brand

    Inspired by classic spirits, Sans Bar is the premium non-alcoholic spirit range that I created especially for my customers. It’s made in Australia using the latest developments in food science. Sans Bar is only available at Sans Drinks.

    The taste

    New to the market, Sans Bar Caribbean Getaway is reminiscent of a traditional dark rum. It has a complex flavour profile featuring charred oak, smokey caramel and molasses along with a smooth, alcohol-like mouthfeel.

    Try this

    If you want to conjure up the Caribbean, try a Dark & Stormy, which was named after the turbulent Caribbean sea. Add Sans Bar Caribbean Getaway to a tall glass with ice, top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.

    What customers are saying

    As this is a new product, there aren’t any customer reviews yet. Be the first to leave a review and earn points to spend on your next purchase.

    2. Sans Bar Summer Carnivàle (White Rum Substitute)

    The taste

    New to the market, Sans Bar Summer Carnivàle is the perfect substitute for traditional white rum. It has a smooth flavour profile featuring aromatic notes of coconut and vanilla along with hints of citrus.

    Try this

    Mojito mocktails are very popular and Sans Bar Summer Carnivàle takes them to the next level. First made in Havana, Cuba, more than 500 years ago, the Mojito is thought to have started life as a remedy for scurvy.

    Add 75mls of Sans Bar Summer Carnivàle to a cocktail shaker along with muddled lime, sugar syrup and soda water. Pour over crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

    What customers are saying

    As this is a new product, there aren’t any customer reviews yet. Be the first to leave a review and earn points to spend on your next purchase.

    3. Lyre's Spiced Cane Spirit

      The brand

      Named after the Australian Lyrebird, the world’s greatest mimic, Lyre’s spirits make a wide range of award-winning non-alcoholic spirits that emulate the classic mixed drinks. Lyre’s was one of the first brands to make non-alcoholic spirits.

      The taste

      A great substitute for spiced rum, Lyre's Spiced Cane Spirit features notes of caramel, toasted nuts, spiced vanilla, toffee and fig.

      Try this

      Worthy of the most infamous pirates, Lyre's Dark and Spicy Rum Mocktail is a spicy twist on the classic mocktail.

      What customers are saying

      This is one of my favourites of the Lyre brand. It is great with coke and as a base for non-alcoholic dark rum cocktails.”

      “Really tastes like rum!”

      4. Lyre's White Cane Spirit

        The taste

        A good option if you’re looking for a replacement for a classic white rum, Lyre's White Cane Spirit features notes of marzipan, orange and coconut.

        Try this

        Said to have been invented by the Puerto Rican pirate, Roberto Cofresi, the Pina Colada is an iconic drink that is loved around the world. Lyre's Pina Colada Mocktail is a non-alcoholic version.

        What customers are saying

        “Most spirits from Lyres are wonderful, but this one would have to be the most versatile for cocktails — delicious in virgin mojitos and with any tropical flavours.” 

        “I bought this recently at the Freshwater store and love it. With a dash of lime and soda — so refreshing and fancy!”

        5. RumISH

          The brand

          Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, ISH makes a range of award-winning non-alcoholic drinks from natural ingredients. Their range includes non-alcoholic spirits as well as a range of ready-to-drink mocktails.

          The taste

          A great substitute for a dark rum, RumISH features flavours of Madagascar vanilla, nutmeg and baked apple. RumISH also boasts a subtle burst of heat on the finish, which comes from a unique distillate that is made from the shells of chilli seeds.

          Try this

          Rum Punch is another classic that is fun and festive — make it in a pitcher and share it with friends. Pour rum over ice along with orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice and a dash of grenadine. Give it a stir and garnish with a slice of pineapple.

          What customers are saying

          “Very nice spice tones and warm finish. Best drunk with a mixer — my favourite is tropical fruit juice and ice. Memories of the Caribbean!”

          “With a mixer, it tastes like the real deal. Will order again.”

          6. Naked Life Non-Alcoholic Spiced Caribbean Dry & Lime

            The brand

            Known for their ‘no nasties’ ethos, Australian-owned Naked Life make non-alcoholic drinks that are ultra-low in calories and sugar-free. The Naked Life story began when the founder, David Andrew gave up sugar.

            The taste

            This ready-to-drink Spiced Caribbean Dry & Lime features flavours of warm spiced rum along with dry ginger ale and lime.

            Try this

            Best served over ice with a slice of lime. To add some heat, try serving this mocktail with some thinly sliced root ginger.

            What customers are saying:

            “Wow…what a surprise, so close to the real thing and I previously used to drink Caribbean Rum. I enjoyed this with a wedge of lime and ice!”

            “Love it, love it, love it! Tastes so good why would you drink anything else especially as it is so low in calories.”

            7. Yes You Can Alcohol-Free Dark & Stormy

              The brand

              Based in Australia, YES YOU CAN make pre-mixed non-alcoholic drinks that make great substitutes for classic mixed drinks. The YES YOU CAN range also includes other popular cocktails. Founders Tyler and Sophie Martin started YES YOU CAN when Sophie was pregnant and wanted a good replacement for her favourite drink.

              The taste

              Featuring bold flavours of tangy ginger, zesty lime and smoked applewood along with a kick of chilli on the finish.

              Try this

              Serve over ice with a generous wedge of lime.

              What customers are saying

              “Wasn't sure I'd like this as I don't think I have tried an alcoholic dark and stormy before. However, I was pleasantly surprised! Super bubbly and gingery which I love and is sooooo soothing on my pregnancy nausea. Has fast become my favourite from this range.”

              “Spicy but smoky — this is my favourite alcohol-free drink! Could drink all day and night.”

              8. Monday Distillery Dark & Stormy

                The brand

                Based in Geelong, Victoria, Monday Distillery brings ready-to-serve non-alcoholic beverages that are lovingly crafted and true to taste. Describing themselves as a ‘New Age Beverage Company’, Monday is on a mission to revolutionise the way people socialise.

                The taste

                With all the mood of a Dark & Stormy, this pre-mixed drink perfectly blends the zing of fiery ginger beer with a hit of citrus and undernotes of spiced rum.

                Try this

                Serve in a copper cocktail mug with ice and a wedge of lime.

                What customers are saying

                “Hadn’t tried Monday Distillery before and these ones were delicious! Super gingery with that nice punchy spice — loved it.”

                “Wonderfully complex flavour makes for a seriously adult drink…friends who normally drink alcohol love it!”

                Need more non-alcoholic rum inspo?

                I hope that this guide has given you a good insight into the range of non-alcoholic rum that is available at Sans Drinks. I invite you to embark on a journey of rum discovery. Whether you’re a fan of white rum, dark rum or spiced rum, I guarantee there is a non-alcoholic rum for you!

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