Non-alcoholic spirits have really caught people’s attention lately. Mindful drinking isn’t just a passing trend anymore, it’s become a movement. Non-alcoholic tequilas are at the heart of it. People are curious, grabbing bottles to see what all the fuss is about. Reactions are mixed, sure, but there’s a lot of positive buzz. Honestly, the world of alcohol-free spirits just keeps getting more interesting.
Tequila’s a tough one to pull off without the alcohol. That agave kick, the warmth, the citrus, it’s hard to nail those flavours with just botanicals. So, let’s be real: non-alcoholic tequila alternatives aren’t swaps for classic tequila. They’re their own thing. Tequila-inspired, but built for taste, ritual, and mixing up great drinks.
Sans Drinks decided to take things up a notch and put the top five tequila alternatives to the test, judged on their own terms, not up against the real stuff.
And you know what? Each bottle brings something different to the table. If you love tequila, you’ll find something to enjoy here. Some even prove that traditional and non-alcoholic tequilas can both have a place on your shelf. This is about having more options, not limitations. So next time you buy non-alcoholic spirits in Australia, throw a couple of these in your cart. You might just find a new favourite way to enjoy tequila.
How We Taste-Tested & Scored These Best Non-Alcoholic Tequilas
To ensure a fair and transparent evaluation, we assessed each tequila substitute across multiple dimensions:
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Agave character and aroma: Does it smell like tequila, or at least create the spirit?
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Palate structure: Are the notes of citrus, pepper, and herbs present and well-balanced?
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Mouthfeel and finish: Does it have a clean exit, warmth, or body?
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Cocktail performance: How does it perform in a Tequila & Tonic, Paloma, and Margarita?
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Overall balance: Does everything work together in balance?
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Accessibility in Australia: Is it possible to buy alcohol-free tequila without going through a lot of red tape?
Only the non-alcoholic tequila category is taken to compare all scores. It wouldn't be fair or helpful to compare these to traditional spirits. Rather, we are assessing which tequila substitutes provide the greatest experience to those looking for zero-alcohol tequila.
Top 5 Non-Alcoholic Tequila Alternatives Reviewed
Ms Sans – Bring a Sombrero Tequila Substitute
Category leader | Best overall tequila substitute
Ms Sans pretty much nailed it with Bring a Sombrero. Right away, you get those bold, unmistakable agave notes, no hesitation, just a hit of that green, vegetal aroma that makes you think of real tequila. There’s some citrus peel in there too, plus a little peppery kick. It smells natural, not like someone tried too hard to replicate it.
Take a sip, and it’s got backbone. This isn’t one of those watery stand-ins that disappear in a cocktail. There’s an herbal bitterness, kind of like a good blanco tequila, but then you get bright citrus and just enough spice to keep things interesting. Mouthfeel? Fuller than you’d expect, definitely not thin or washed out. And the finish hangs around, just long enough to make you want another sip.
Honestly, it shines brightest in Margaritas or anything Paloma-esque. Some tequila alternatives get lost once you add lime, salt, or grapefruit, but not this one. The agave flavour sticks around, bold but never harsh, so it works for just about anybody, whether you’re mixing drinks at home or behind a bar.
Best for: Tequila fans who want the real thing, just without the alcohol. Or anyone looking for a zero-proof tequila that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Why it wins: Balance, real-deal flavour, and it just works straight out in cocktails. This is the one to beat.
Lyre’s – Agave Blanco Spirit
Top-tier | Best for classic cocktails
Lyre’s has a knack for making alcohol-free spirits that bartenders actually want to use, and their Agave Blanco fits right in. It’s a little lighter on the agave than Ms Sans, but it’s smooth, crisp, and really well put together. If you’re after elegance over intensity, this is your pick.
The smell is gentle, sweet agave, a bit of lime zest, and a touch of white pepper. Nothing overpowering, just enough to draw you in. The taste? Clean and easy, with a nice pop of citrus that keeps things lively but doesn’t bulldoze delicate cocktails. It’s light but not bland, and the finish is neat and tidy, a solid choice whether you’re sipping it straight or mixing.
Where Lyre’s really stands out is in classic cocktails. Throw it in a Margarita, a Tequila & Soda, or a simple highball, and it just works. It blends in, never steals the spotlight, but always adds something worthwhile. Bartenders will love how reliable it is, no weird surprises, just consistency every pour.
Best for: Folks who love classic tequila cocktails, bartenders looking for a great substitute, or anyone who likes a softer touch.
Why it wins: Ms Sans goes all-in on boldness, Lyre’s keeps it classy and subtle. Both are top-notch, just with different personalities.
Noot – Watermelon Agave Functional Spirit
Standout functional option
Noot goes its own way, and honestly, that’s what makes it stand out. It isn’t chasing the whole “just like tequila” thing, instead, it’s a bold alternative, blending watermelon and agave into something bright, modern, and totally unique. There’s also this whole functional spirit angle, with botanicals and adaptogens (depending on how much you buy into that) meant to boost the experience beyond just taste.
The watermelon-agave combo? It's just mouthwatering already. You get that earthy, green agave hit first, then this clean, juicy watermelon sweetness that never turns syrupy. It’s crisp and refreshing, and the botanicals keep it all in check. The texture is light and snappy, made for hot days, and it finishes with a gentle herbal note that lingers just enough.
Don’t grab this for a classic Margarita. But if you’re mixing up something modern, watermelon spritz, agave limeade, or some creative highball, it shines. People who care about wellness and love bold flavours will have a field day with this. It proves non-alcoholic tequila doesn’t have to mimic; it can break the mold.
Best for: Adventurous drinkers, anyone looking for flavour and function, and folks tired of the usual stuff.
Why it wins: Creative, balanced, and totally self-assured. It knows what it’s doing and nails it.
Barnes & Brown – Miss Agave Non-Alcoholic Tequila
Solid mid-range performer
Barnes & Brown’s Miss Agave is a gentler take. The agave here is softer, more rounded, leaning into citrus instead of that sharp, vegetal kick. You pick up a bit of spice, white pepper, maybe a hint of coriander, but nothing that jumps out too much. It’s the tequila alternative for people who want the vibe, not the punch.
The feel is light, easy-going. Perfect for long drinks or just sipping without thinking too hard. It won’t take over a Paloma or Tequila & Tonic, but it also won’t make a big scene like Ms Sans or Lyre’s might. That’s not a flaw, just a different style. If you want something chill and unfussy, Miss Agave is right there.
It can be a weak spot in shaken cocktails. The delicate flavours may get lost behind citrus and salt, so you might have to tweak your mix or just pour a little more into it to get what you want. But in simple highballs or long serves, it’s steady and easy to like.
Best for: People new to alcohol-free tequila, casual drinkers, and anyone after a soft introduction to the category.
Why it wins: Dependable, approachable, well-made, best for those new to tequila and are not looking for anything bold.
Ritual Proof – Non-Alcoholic Agave Spirit Alternative
Bold but divisive
Ritual Proof doesn’t hold back. This stuff is bold, herbal, peppery, and not afraid to announce itself. Some folks will love that punchy, almost medicinal aroma, packed with green herbs and black pepper. Others might find it a bit much. Take a sip, and it’s spicy, intense, and hangs around long after you’ve put the glass down.
Now, the mouthfeel is wild. Ritual managed to nail that thick, warm texture you usually only get from real tequila, which is pretty impressive. But here’s the catch: it’s got such a strong personality, it doesn’t work everywhere. Toss it in a spicy Margarita or a gutsy highball, and it shines. Pour it straight, though, and it can feel overpowering.
This isn’t for everyone, it’s made for drinkers who like to experiment and push boundaries. If you want something safe or crowd-pleasing, mix it before going head-on. But if you’re chasing bold flavours, Ritual delivers.
Best for: Adventurous drinkers, folks who want serious intensity, and anyone bored by the usual mellow alternatives.
Why it wins: Tons of character and guts. It’s meant to divide the room.
Mocktails to Make with Non-Alcoholic Tequila
The beauty of zero alcohol tequila is how well it performs in citrus-forward cocktails. Here are some serves to try:
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Alcohol-Free Margarita – Agave syrup, salt rim, fresh lime, and your preferred substitute for tequila. Here, Lyre's or Ms Sans works best.
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Paloma-Style Highball – A large pour of non-alcoholic tequila over ice, grapefruit soda, and lime. Easy and refreshing.
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Spicy Agave & Lime Spritz – Add your tequila substitute, muddle jalapeño with lime, and pour soda water on top. Ritual Proof makes it perfect.
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Watermelon Tequila- A trendy, hydrating drink made with fresh watermelon juice, lime, mint, and Noot.
The best pairings for non-alcoholic tequila are citrus, salt, and fresh herbs. The salt brings out the botanicals and spice notes, while the acidity and brightness accentuate the agave character. Let the spirit do the work and keep serving with no hassle.
FAQs:
1. What is non-alcoholic tequila made from?
Usually, a mixture of natural flavours and botanicals, and occasionally real agave extract, is used to make non-alcoholic tequila. The objective is to use distillation and flavouring processes to replicate the citrus, peppery, and vegetal aromas found in standard tequila without the fermentation and alcohol production. Agave nectar, citrus peel, peppercorns, and different herbs are popular ingredients, though each brand has its own unique recipe.
2. Is zero alcohol tequila completely alcohol-free?
The majority of zero alcohol tequila has less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is the legal threshold level for being classified as alcohol-free in Australia and many other nations. This trace amount is similar to that found in ripe fruit or kombucha, and it is usually regarded as safe for designated drivers, pregnant women, and people abstaining from alcohol due to health concerns. If you require actual 0.0% ABV, always read the label.
3. Does alcohol free tequila taste like real tequila?
Depending on your expectations and the brand, yes. Many of the flavour characteristics of real tequila, such as agave character, citrus brightness, and herbal or peppery undertones, are captured by the best tequila substitutes, such as Ms Sans and Lyre's. At Sans Drinks, we stock the best alcohol replicas, so explore our range of alcohol-free spirits and enjoy sipping guilt-free.
4. Can you use tequila substitutes in cocktails?
Of course. Actually, almost all the tequila substitutes work well there. The citrus, salt, and carbonation of margaritas, palomas, and highballs perfectly balance the botanical profile of alcohol-free tequila. The cocktails are excellent, but you may need to slightly modify the proportions at times, adding a little more of it to achieve the proper flavour balance.
5. Are tequila alternatives healthier?
They’re lower in calories and contain no alcohol, which offers obvious benefits for those reducing alcohol intake. Overall, they’re a great option for those seeking moderation or abstinence without sacrificing the ritual and enjoyment of a well-made drink.
6. What’s the best non-alcoholic tequila in Australia right now?
Our taste testing revealed that Lyre's Agave Blanco and Ms Sans Bring a Sombrero are the best options, each of which shines in a unique way. Lyre's is clean and elegant, great for traditional cocktails, while Ms Sans is robust and agave-forward, perfect for traditional tequila fans. Noot's Watermelon Agave delivers a contemporary, helpful twist that is equally excellent for anything more creative.
Choosing the Right Non-Alcoholic Tequila for You
Honestly, the world of non-alcoholic tequila isn’t about settling anymore; it’s about what you actually want. Maybe you like Ms Sans for that agave kick, or Lyre’s for something smooth and polished, or Noot for a wild twist. Whatever your style, there’s a bottle for you.
Our top picks, Ms Sans, Lyre’s, and Noot, lead the pack for balance, realness, and versatility. The cool thing? You get to play around. Mix up different drinks, tweak your recipes, and add wild garnishes. The best zero-alcohol tequila is the one that gets you excited to hit the shaker.
This is what modern drinking looks like. It’s about flavour, fun, and no compromises. Whether you’re cutting back, skipping booze, or just curious, Sans Drinks makes it a lot easier to buy non-alcoholic tequila alternatives that are a solid proof that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a killer, refreshing drink. Cheers to quality of life!
