Non-Alcoholic Negroni

I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to try many non-alcoholic spirits, aperitifs, wines, and canned cocktails as part of what I do for a living. Taste is subjective and I firmly believe that there’s a consumer for (almost) every product, even if it isn’t for me. That’s why when I come across a non-alcoholic product that I think actually could be for (almost) everyone — folks who aren’t drinking due to medical concerns, pregnancy, or simply because they don’t feel like contending with a hangover — I get pretty excited, and start to think about how to experiment with it.

I’ve had a handful of non-alcoholic Negronis at bars and in ready-to-drink format that felt a bit sweet, clocking in somewhere between a Shirley Temple and a cherry soda. There’s nothing wrong with either of those two things, but they don’t satisfy the Negroni itch. The Ritual brand’s non-alcoholic aperitif — which adds the signature red hue to this classic cocktail — blends herbal, citrus and spice notes in an effort to channel the assertive bitterness of an Italian aperitivo alongside the sweetness and complexity that you might expect from a well-made vermouth. I first came across Ritual’s non-alcoholic bottlings at Bemelmans Bar, where I learned that the brand’s gin alternative is the team’s go-to for making non-alcoholic dirty martinis. 

Whether you’re looking to make a non-alcoholic Boulevardier — for which you’ll need non-alcoholic whiskey, gin, and an aperitif replacement — or simply want to be better prepared to cater to anyone who isn’t drinking, it’s worth adding a few non-alcoholic spirits to your back bar. Not sure where to find non-alcoholic spirits? Boisson has stores in Los Angeles and New York City, and has one of the largest selections of non-alcoholic wines, beers, spirits, and aperitifs; or you can order directly from producers online.