Ritual Zero Proof, a U.S. company, launched its first product in 2019. Their mission? To create non-alcoholic alternatives that mimic the flavours and characteristics of traditional spirits. And that’s a noble mission indeed. Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative has now joined their line-up of gin and whiskey alternatives. And like its siblings, it’s entirely vegan, gluten-free and low calorie.
So, it’s got a lot going for it in terms of inclusivity for all manner of drinkers. Now let’s look at what’s going on in the glass.
Appearance
Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative presents with a golden colour, most reminiscent of reposado tequila varieties. The visual appeal is striking; it exudes warmth and richness that invite exploration. There’s also a (subtle) viscosity when you swirl the glass. It’s an appealing appearance, although perhaps a little lighter than some alcoholic varieties.
Aroma
The aroma is smoky, drawing immediate parallels to mezcal. You’re likely to detect notes of charred wood, agave and a fairly light citrus zest. You’d have to say that it’s pretty bold on the nose, which is often something NA spirits struggle with. The only slight drawback is that the smokiness does tend to dominate; however, it is a commendable effort.
Taste
When sipped neat, the flavour profile manages to balance that smokiness pretty well. There’s a note of sweetness on the palate that cuts across it. I like that – by using capsicum and other spices – Ritual have created a decent approximation of a finish that mirrors the bite of alcohol. You might find that it lacks the earthy, grassy undertones of high-quality tequilas, but one can’t have everything, and that dash of sweetness would, I think, make this ideal for use in cocktails.
Mouthfeel
Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative offers a surprisingly full-bodied mouthfeel for a non-alcoholic spirit. The slight oiliness helps it coat the palate, enhancing the smoky and spicy notes. That said, the lack of alcohol means it doesn’t have the same drying effect or sharp bite, which some might miss. Instead, the mouthfeel is smooth and rounded.
Finish
The finish is spicy, dominated by those pepper and capsicum notes. The lingering warmth is satisfying, even if the smoky undertones persist a little too much at the expense of some other flavours.
Pairing Suggestions
As mentioned, Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative probably works best in cocktails. It would pair well with lime particularly, I think,. So for a simple yet effective serve, mix it with soda water, fresh lime and a dash of agave syrup.
Overall Impressions of Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative
Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative captures much of tequila’s spirit (ahem) without the alcohol. While it might not fully replicate the complexity of traditional tequila, and I did find its smokiness a little bit domineering across the flavour profile, there is is decent amount of sweet and spicy balance to this non-alcoholic spirit that makes it a pleasant enough tipple over ice, but even better in a cocktail.