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The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks According to 7 Industry Experts

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/14 .. olic-drinks-according-to-7-industry-experts.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 16:10 GMT by Delish

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The Best Non‑Alcoholic Drinks According to 7 Industry Experts – A Quick‑Guide

The “non‑alcoholic” craze is not a passing fad. With more people opting for sober‑curious lifestyles, health‑focused mornings, or simply the desire for a sophisticated drink that doesn’t contain a drop of alcohol, the market for mocktails, specialty waters, and artisanal coffees has exploded. To help readers navigate this sea of choices, a recent Yahoo Lifestyle article posed a simple question to seven experts in the beverage world: “What’s the best non‑alcoholic drink you can recommend?” The response was as varied as the experts themselves, spanning everything from kombucha to cold‑brew coffee and a refreshing mocktail that even the most seasoned bartender would approve of.

Below is a concise summary of each expert’s top pick, plus a quick dive into the science, taste profile, and how to make each beverage at home. For those who want to get deeper into the specifics, the original article links to recipe pages, brand information, and a brief guide on how to pair each drink with food.

1. The Mixologist’s Mocktail – “Citrus Spritz”

Expert: Jenna Li, renowned mixologist and author of “The Art of Non‑Alcoholic Cocktails.”
Why It’s a Winner: Li highlights the citrus spritz as the ultimate “party‑ready” drink. It marries the brightness of freshly squeezed orange, lemon, and grapefruit juice with the effervescence of sparkling water, a splash of elderflower cordial, and a garnish of edible flowers.
Taste & Health: The spritz delivers a balanced sweetness and acidity without the alcohol’s heaviness. Elderflower adds antioxidant properties, while sparkling water keeps the calorie count low.
Recipe & Resources: The article links to Li’s step‑by‑step video tutorial on how to create the perfect citrus spritz and a downloadable PDF that includes variations (add a dash of ginger beer or swap elderflower for hibiscus).

2. The Nutritionist’s Kombucha – “Hemp & Hibiscus”

Expert: Dr. Maya Singh, clinical nutritionist specializing in gut health.
Why It’s a Winner: Dr. Singh’s favorite kombucha is brewed with a blend of hemp seed tea and hibiscus flowers, offering a slightly tart flavor and a unique probiotic profile that supports digestion.
Taste & Health: Hibiscus lends a deep, wine‑like bitterness that balances the natural sweetness of kombucha. The hemp seeds contribute healthy omega‑3 fatty acids, making this drink a gut‑friendly, brain‑boosting pick.
Links & Additional Info: The article contains a link to a guide on how to brew your own kombucha at home, including a checklist of ingredients and a list of reputable commercial brands that make hemp‑infused kombucha. There’s also a reference to Dr. Singh’s recent podcast episode discussing the science of fermented drinks.

3. The Bar Owner’s Sparkling Water – “Pomegranate & Basil Fizz”

Expert: Carlos Ortega, owner of the upscale lounge “No Spirits.”
Why It’s a Winner: Ortega champions a simple yet elegant drink: sparkling water infused with fresh pomegranate juice, a handful of basil leaves, and a squeeze of lime.
Taste & Health: The pomegranate delivers a sweet‑tart complexity, while basil provides a subtle peppery note. This combination offers antioxidants and anti‑inflammatory benefits without any added sugars.
How to Make It: The article offers a link to a step‑by‑step photo guide that walks readers through the infusion process, plus a list of sparkling water brands that best complement this flavor profile.

4. The Coffee Connoisseur’s Cold Brew – “Cold‑Brew Nitro”

Expert: Ravi Patel, head barista at “Bean & Barrel.”
Why It’s a Winner: Patel’s top pick is a cold‑brew nitrogen‑infused coffee served on tap. The nitrogen gives the drink a silky mouthfeel and a natural, almost foamy head.
Taste & Health: Cold brew has a lower acidity than hot coffee, which reduces stomach irritation. The nitrogen infusion cuts the bitterness slightly, making it a smooth, caffeine‑boosting option that feels almost indulgent.
Resources: A link in the article directs readers to Patel’s detailed cold‑brew tutorial (including grind size, steep time, and nitrogen tap equipment). There’s also a comparison chart of various coffee roasts that pair well with a nitrogen infusion.

5. The Wellness Coach’s Herbal Tea – “Tulsi & Ginger”

Expert: Sonal Gupta, yoga instructor and wellness coach.
Why It’s a Winner: Gupta recommends a calming blend of tulsi (holy basil) and fresh ginger, served hot or iced. Tulsi is revered for its adaptogenic properties, while ginger adds a spicy warmth.
Taste & Health: The tea offers a gentle, slightly peppery flavor that’s comforting in both hot and iced forms. It’s caffeine‑free, making it ideal for nighttime relaxation or post‑workout recovery.
Links & Extras: The article includes a link to a guide on sourcing organic tulsi leaves and a printable “Tea Ritual” calendar that pairs each day with a specific tea and mindful activity.

6. The Food Scientist’s Protein‑Infused Smoothie – “Berry‑Protein Blast”

Expert: Dr. Luis Morales, food scientist at a leading nutrition lab.
Why It’s a Winner: Morales’ smoothie combines mixed berries, a scoop of plant‑based protein powder, a splash of coconut water, and a handful of spinach. The result is a nutrient‑dense, low‑sugar drink that’s great for a post‑workout refuel.
Taste & Health: The berries deliver natural sweetness and antioxidants; coconut water adds electrolytes; and the spinach keeps the flavor fresh and mild.
How to Make It: Readers can click a link to a step‑by‑step recipe video, which also includes variations using other superfoods (e.g., spirulina, cacao nibs). The article further links to a comparison of protein powders (whey, pea, hemp) for readers who want to experiment.

7. The Mixologist’s “Virgin Bloody Mary” – “Garden‑Fresh”

Expert: Ethan Brown, celebrated bartender at “The Green Bar.”
Why It’s a Winner: Brown’s take on the classic Bloody Mary uses a vegetable‑based broth, freshly squeezed tomato juice, a dash of hot sauce, celery salt, smoked paprika, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. He adds a twist of cucumber and a garnish of pickled okra.
Taste & Health: This drink is loaded with lycopene from the tomatoes, potassium from the broth, and a kick of capsaicin from the hot sauce, providing a low‑calorie, savory, and spicy option that can replace a traditional brunch cocktail.
Resources: The article links to Brown’s “Ultimate Virgin Bloody Mary” recipe PDF and a list of the best low‑sodium vegetable broths available in grocery stores.

Final Takeaway

The consensus among the seven experts is clear: great non‑alcoholic drinks don’t have to be bland or lackluster. From the crisp effervescence of a citrus spritz to the gut‑friendly zing of kombucha, the best drinks are those that balance flavor with health benefits, are easy to prepare, and can seamlessly fit into any occasion.

The article also offers readers a curated list of resources—recipe videos, brand recommendations, and health‑focused articles—to experiment with and refine their own beverage repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a pre‑party mocktail, a post‑workout smoothie, or a calming herbal tea, there’s a professional endorsement ready to guide you to a taste that’s as rewarding as it is responsible.

Want to dive deeper? Check out the original Yahoo article for the full expert quotes, interactive recipes, and a quick‑reference table that pairs each drink with complementary foods or occasions. Cheers to that!