Twelve non-alcoholic cocktails worth the hype, ranked.

Most non-alcoholic cocktails fall into one of two categories. They are either trying very hard to be something they are not, or they taste like juice in a nice glass.

Every once in a while, one actually works. It holds up on its own. It feels like something you would order again, not something you are tolerating.

We have been trying them in normal life. At home, out, with people who drink and people who don't. Some are genuinely good. Some are fine. A few are confusing.

This is a ranking of the ones worth your time.

#1 (tie) Trip, elderflower mint. Light, clean, slightly floral, and somehow finished. It smells like it tastes, which turns out to matter more than expected.

#1 (tie) Hiyo, lemon ("the float"). Bright, citrusy, with a subtle lift they describe as "the float," which turns out to be accurate.

#3 Mingle Mocktails. Fruity, easy, crowd-friendly.

#4 Zero-proof espresso martini. Mocha-leaning, smooth, and surprisingly convincing.

#5 Ghia. Bitter, citrusy, slightly grown-up.

#6 Athletic Brewing. Clean and simple, does the job.

#7 Michelob Ultra 0.0. Watery in the exact way that works.

#8 De Soi. Herbal and slightly elevated.

#9 Seedlip-based drinks. Good base, subtle payoff.

#10 Kava drinks. Effective, but a tradeoff in taste and feel.

#11 NA spritzes. Fine, easy, forgettable.

#12 Juice in a fancy glass. Skip it.

The shift is not about replacing alcohol perfectly. It is about finding things that still feel good to drink.