Top 5 Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternatives (2026 Taste-Tested & Reviewed)

The world of non-alcoholic spirits keeps evolving at a fast pace, leaving behind some seriously good alcoholic versions.  What started as an experiment has now taken special place on the shelves of many homes, bars, and cocktail lovers across Australia and beyond. What is leading the mindful movement?  Alcohol free whiskey, enter the chat. The true expression is that you don’t have to compromise on those smoky, charred and bold flavours just because you’re saying no to alcohol. Even if you’re swapping out weekday pours or simply branching out options  that don’t include alcohol, the category of non-alcoholic drinks has matured dramatically.

So the question now is, what is the best non-alcoholic whiskey alternative in the market? For this question to be answered, we have put together a guide with taste-tested reviews, a  fair scoring and real-world recommendations, so that you don’t have to do the hard work and can simply enjoy a dram that’s perfect for your right moment.

Here we’re spotlighting the best non alcoholic whiskey options that deliver complexity, character, and versatility, just like your traditional classic dram. And if you’re in Australia, Sans Drinks remains your go-to destination if you want to buy non-alcoholic whiskey Australia has to offer.

How Is Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Even Made?

Honestly, making alcohol-free whiskey is kind of wild; it’s a mix of science, craft, and a whole lot of intention. Here’s how the makers pull it off:

• Base creation: Most non alcoholic spirits start with water, then add a bunch of botanical extracts, spices, and flavour compounds. The goal? Capture that deep, layered aroma you’d expect from real whiskey, but skip the usual grain fermentation or distillation.

• Alcohol-free distillation methods: For flavour, they get creative. Some use steam distillation or cold-compounding to pull out essential oils and complex flavours from plants, but without making any alcohol in the process.

• Oak, smoke, and char: Since real whiskey gets its backbone from barrel aging, these producers work with oak extracts, smoked botanicals, or even caramelised sugars. That’s how they nail those toasted, vanilla, and woody notes you associate with the real deal.

• Mouthfeel engineering: Alcohol gives whiskey its weight and warmth, so without it, things can feel a bit thin. To fix that, brands use stuff like glycerin, natural thickeners, or specific botanical oils to add heft and texture to each sip.

• Zero vs low alcohol whiskey: True non-alcoholic whiskeys have under 0.5% alcohol (often 0.0%), while “low alcohol” versions hover between 0.5% and 1.2%. Both types care way more about flavour than about getting you a hangover.

• Focus on aroma and finish: Since there’s no alcohol “burn,” these drinks double down on aroma and finish. The best ones have an inviting nose, a complex mid-palate, and a finish that lingers, giving you a full experience, just minus the bite.

How We Tested and Scored These Non-Alcoholic Whiskeys

We tasted every bottle three ways: neat, on ice, and in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Highball. Our scoring focused on five things: how close the aroma and nose get to whiskey, how complex the palate feels, the finish and mouthfeel, how well it mixes in classic drinks, and the overall balance and authenticity. We also looked at how easy it is to find in Australia, because, let’s face it, availability matters.

All the scores are subjective and only stack these up against other non-alcoholic spirits, not single malts or bourbons. The real question: does each one give you a legit whiskey-style experience, on its own terms? Across these five bottles, the answer’s a solid yes.

Top 5 Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternatives Reviewed

1. Sans Bar Kings of Tartan – Non-Alcoholic Whisky Substitute

Best for: Whisky purists exploring the best non alcoholic whiskey Australia has to offer

If you’re chasing a Scotch-style whiskey with real depth, Kings of Tartan easily earns its place at the top of the list. This isn’t just another no-alc whisky that hides behind a wall of botanicals. It’s a carefully built, alcohol-free whiskey that actually layers oak, spice, smoke, and a malty richness. The first sip surprises you with a warmth, and by the third, you realize it’s really got something going on. Stick your nose in the glass, and you’ll pick up gentle peat, dried fruit, and a little vanilla. When you taste it, you get warming spice, toasted grains, and this subtle smokiness that hangs around just long enough to make an impression. The mouthfeel’s more substantial than most, so it’s great on its own or stirred into a cocktail.

Best served: Go neat with a single cube of ice, or make an alcohol-free Old Fashioned, simple bitters, a twist of orange, and let the whiskey do the heavy lifting. Here’s the Old Fashioned Recipe that you must try to relish that whisky experience without actually drinking one.

Who it’s for: Scotch lovers who want to give non-alcoholic spirits a real shot without losing what makes whiskey special. If you’ve doubted alcohol-free whiskey in the past, this bottle can change your mind.

Score breakdown: Aroma: 9/10 | Palate: 9/10 | Finish: 8.5/10 | Mixability: 9/10 | Overall: 8.9/10

2. Lyre’s American Malt – Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Alternative+

Best for: Bourbon lovers seeking the best alcohol free bourbon experience

Lyre’s American Malt sets the standard for booze-free bourbon, and honestly, it’s obvious why. Where Kings of Tartan goes full Scottish, Lyre’s leans Southern, think vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, and an easy-going sweetness that just feels like classic bourbon. On the nose, you get baking spice and honey warmth. Take a sip, and there’s smooth caramel, a hint of cinnamon, and a creamy finish that really satisfies. It’s softer and sweeter than the Scotch-inspired options, so it works in just about any cocktail or even straight over ice.

Best served: It’s perfect in a Whiskey Sour, stands up in a Highball, and makes a killer alcohol-free Old Fashioned. Or just pour it over ice with a splash of soda.

Who it’s for: Anyone moving away from traditional bourbon or searching for a crowd-pleasing, alcohol-free whiskey that fits in almost any situation.

Score breakdown: Aroma: 8.5/10 | Palate: 9/10 | Finish: 8/10 | Mixability: 9.5/10 | Overall: 8.8/10

3. Noot Fire Flyer Whisky – Functional Spirit+

Best for: Bold, spice-forward cocktails with a functional twist

Noot Fire Flyer does its own thing in the world of non-alcoholic spirits. It’s not shy, bringing bold flavours and a functional twist; adaptogens and botanicals are part of the mix. This isn’t your standard booze-free whiskey. It’s punchier, more aromatic, and really designed for cocktails, not sipping neat. On the nose, you’ll find pepper, herbs, ginger, clove, and a smoky note that feels intentional. Taste it, and you get warming spices, a bit of citrus peel, and a drier finish that cuts right through any sweetness in your drink.

Best served: It shines in stirred cocktails, especially where you want spice to balance out sweeter stuff, think ginger-heavy Highballs or a spiced Old Fashioned. It isn’t trying to copy whiskey; it’s making its own statement.

Who it’s for: Adventurous drinkers who want something different from the usual alcohol-free bourbon or whiskey, and who like the idea of functional benefits alongside bold flavours.

Score breakdown: Aroma: 8/10 | Palate: 8/10 | Finish: 7.5/10 | Mixability: 9/10 | Overall: 8.1/10

4. Seadrift Non-Alcoholic Whiskey-Style Spirit+

Best for: Entry-level exploration and social sipping

Seadrift takes a lighter, more aromatic approach to alcohol free whiskey, prioritising balance and approachability over bold intensity. The nose is fresh and inviting—think gentle oak, soft vanilla, and a hint of citrus—while the palate stays clean, lightly sweet, and easy to drink. It’s not trying to replicate a heavy Scotch or bourbon; instead, it offers a whiskey-inspired experience that’s ideal for those new to non alcoholic spirits or looking for something sessionable.

Best served: Works great in a Highball with soda and lemon, or as a lighter base for a Whiskey Sour where you want the citrus to shine.

Who it’s for: Social drinkers, folks new to alcohol-free whiskey, or anyone after a mellow option that still delivers whiskey character.

Score breakdown: Aroma: 7.5/10 | Palate: 7/10 | Finish: 7/10 | Mixability: 8/10 | Overall: 7.4/10

5. Barnes & Brown Southern Belle – Bourbon-Style Alternative

Best for: Sweet-spice bourbon fans and cocktail enthusiasts

Southern Belle doesn’t hold back on its bourbon roots. It’s all about sweet spice, toasted oak, and a warm, approachable character. The nose brings caramel, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon. Take a sip, and you’ll get smooth sweetness, gentle oak, and a little peppery bite.

Best use cases: Excellent in a bourbon-style Old Fashioned, works well in a Sour, and holds up nicely in a simple Highball with ginger ale. It’s designed to play well with other ingredients rather than dominate.

Who it’s for: Bourbon drinkers who love to mix and create something new and prefer sweet over complexity, or anyone building a home bar of non alcoholic spirits for entertaining.

Score breakdown: Aroma: 7/10 | Palate: 7.5/10 | Finish: 6.5/10 | Mixability: 8.5/10 | Overall: 7.4/10

Quick Comparison Table

Mocktails to Create with Non-Alcoholic Whiskey

If you are still in doubt to try them as a drink, why not mix it wth other spirits or mixers to make your favourite whiskey cocktails that are full of flavour with none of the alcohol. The best non alcoholic whiskey alternatives shine brightest when you treat them like the real thing. Here are some of the whiskey mocktail recipes that let their character speak:

• Alcohol-Free Old Fashioned: Muddle a sugar cube with bitters, add 60ml of your chosen alcohol free whiskey, stir over ice, and garnish with an orange twist. Kings of Tartan or Lyre’s American Malt both excel here.

• Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Sour: Shake 60ml alcohol free bourbon, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml simple syrup, and a dash of egg white (optional) with ice. Strain and serve. Lyre’s American Malt is the go-to.

• Bourbon-Style Highball: Build 60ml alcohol free bourbon over ice in a tall glass, top with soda water, and garnish with lemon. Simple, refreshing, endlessly drinkable.

• Smoky Spice & Ginger Mocktail: Combine 45ml Kings of Tartan, 15ml ginger syrup, 20ml fresh lime juice, and top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.

Pro tip: Non alcoholic spirits shine best in stirred drinks where their complexity can develop without being overpowered. Shaken cocktails work too, but let the other ingredients support rather than compete.

FAQs: Non-Alcoholic Whiskey & Spirits

1. Is alcohol free whiskey actually zero alcohol?

Less than 0.5% ABV, which is legally regarded as non-alcoholic (the same level found in ripe bananas or other fruit juices), can be found in the majority of non-alcoholic spirits. True 0.0% ABV alternatives are now available from several brands.

2. Does non alcoholic whiskey taste like real whisky?

The most popular alcohol-free whisky substitutes remarkably mimic the aroma, complexity, and finish of traditional whisky, and can taste the same even without alcohol. Therefore, making some of the bottles the best whisky replicas.

3. Can you drink alcohol free bourbon every day?

Absolutely. With no alcohol content, there’s no risk of intoxication or hangover. That said, some products contain added sugars or sweeteners, so check labels if that’s a concern.

4. Is low alcohol whiskey the same as non alcoholic spirits?

Not quite. Low alcohol whiskey typically contains 0.5%–1.2% ABV, while non alcoholic spirits are below 0.5% or entirely 0.0%. Both are purposed for flavour without intoxication, but true non-alcoholic options are more common in Australia.

5. What’s the best non alcoholic whiskey Australia offers right now?

Based on our reviews, Sans Bar Kings of Tartan and Lyre’s American Malt lead the pack for complexity, versatility, and overall satisfaction. Both are widely available at our online non-alcoholic drinks store, Sans Drinks.

6. Can I use non alcoholic whiskey in classic cocktails?

Yes, and you should definitely. The best alcohol-free whisky and bourbon alternatives are made to fit into Old Fashioneds, Sours, Highballs, and other drinks. Simply follow your standard recipes and tweak the concentration or sweetness to suit your palate.

Finding the Best Non-Alcoholic Whiskey for You

The revolution of non-alcoholic drinks isn’t  about giving up on anything; instead, it’s about your mindful approach and choosing what’s right for you. Whether you’re searching for alcohol free whiskey for a low-key session, exploring new flavours, or simply enjoying a weekday pour without waking up with a blurry head, the options have never been better. All these top 5 non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives prove that complexity, character, and craftsmanship aren’t exclusive to classic spirits.

If you want Scotch, go to Kings of Tartan. If bourbon’s your love language, Lyre’s American Malt is the answer. And if you’re still exploring, start with what sounds most exciting and experiment among these 5 best non-alc whiskies.

With Sans Drinks, you can grab the ideal bottle of a non-alcoholic drink that not only helps you with your Dry January refresh challenge but also makes drinking so much fun and flavourful even without any alcohol involved. So pour with intention, mix with confidence, and drink smarter, not less.