Is there a non-alcoholic drink that tastes like rum?

December 9, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2024 report, the global non-alcoholic beverage market is experiencing rapid growth, and the demand for spirit alternatives is surging, which begs the question: is there a non-alcoholic drink that tastes like rum? The answer is a resounding yes, thanks to both innovative zero-proof spirits and creative DIY options that replicate the rich, warm, and tropical notes of traditional rum.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the best commercially available non-alcoholic rums, compares them to traditional counterparts, and provides simple homemade alternatives. It also offers recipes for creating classic rum-based mocktails and explains the unique production methods behind these zero-proof spirits.

Key Points

Availability: There are many commercially available non-alcoholic rums, produced by brands like Lyre's, Ritual Zero Proof, and Captain Morgan, that are designed to taste like rum.
Flavor Profile: These zero-proof spirits use botanical infusions, flavor extracts, and careful blending to replicate the classic notes of rum, such as caramel, molasses, vanilla, and spice.
Production Methods: Non-alcoholic rums are typically made either by removing the alcohol from a fermented base or by crafting the flavor from scratch with natural ingredients, bypassing the fermentation process entirely.
Best Use is Mixing: While some NA rums can be sipped, they often shine brightest in cocktails, where their nuanced flavors can provide a robust base for complex mocktails.
Homemade Options: For a simple alternative, ingredients like molasses, brewed black tea with spices, and fruit juices can be used to create a rum-like flavor for baking or mocktails.
Mindful Drinking: The rise of NA rum is part of a larger trend toward mindful drinking, offering satisfying and flavorful alternatives for people who are sober, sober-curious, or abstaining for health reasons.

The Rise of Zero-Proof Rum

For those who love the complexity of rum but prefer to abstain from alcohol, the market for non-alcoholic (NA) spirits has exploded with options that promise to deliver the same rich, warm, and tropical flavors. But how close do they actually come to the real thing? The key to a great NA rum is its ability to capture the characteristic molasses, caramel, and spice notes without relying on alcohol for body or warmth. Leading brands use sophisticated techniques like botanical distillation and maceration to extract and blend these flavors, creating a surprisingly convincing imitation.

Unlike traditional rum, which relies on the fermentation of sugarcane or molasses, non-alcoholic versions are crafted through processes that either remove the alcohol from a fermented base or build the flavor profile from scratch with natural extracts and botanicals. While some purists may find the lack of an alcoholic 'burn' noticeable, many modern NA rums are specifically designed to excel when mixed in cocktails, where their nuanced flavors can shine.

Commercial Non-Alcoholic Rum Brands

Several brands have established themselves as leaders in the non-alcoholic rum space, each offering a distinct flavor profile.

Lyre's Dark Cane Spirit: A popular Australian brand, this spirit features notes of caramel, fudge, and toasted nuts, making it an excellent substitute for an aged Demerara rum in cocktails like a Cuba Libre.
Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative: Known for its rich flavor profile with hints of warm vanilla, toasted spice, and burnt orange, this alternative is crafted specifically for cocktails and boasts only 5 calories per serving.
ISH Caribbean Spiced Spirit: This Danish brand uses a process that adds a distinctive funky, overripe fruit note reminiscent of Jamaican rums, making it a standout mixer.
Caleño Dark & Spicy: A zero-alcohol spirit inspired by Colombian flavors, it offers a tropical mix of pineapple, vanilla, ginger, and coconut.
Captain Morgan Spiced Gold 0.0%: For those loyal to the classic spiced rum taste, Captain Morgan's own alcohol-free version provides familiar notes of vanilla and caramel.

Homemade Rum Flavor Substitutes

If you prefer to create your own rum-like flavor at home, several pantry staples can be combined to mimic the profile of rum, particularly in mocktails or baking.

For a Molasses-Rich Flavor: Combine molasses and water, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. A touch of rum extract can enhance the aroma without adding significant alcohol.
For a Spiced Profile: Brew a strong black tea and infuse it with spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves. Add a splash of vanilla extract for a warmer note.
For a Tropical Twist: Blend pineapple juice, coconut cream, and a dash of almond or vanilla extract. This is perfect for piña colada mocktails.
For Cooking and Baking: Alcohol-free rum extract works well in recipes where the flavor is the primary goal, like rum-soaked cakes or glazes.

NA Rum: Is it a True Match?

It's important to set expectations for non-alcoholic rum. While producers have come a long way, no NA spirit can perfectly replicate the heat and body that alcohol provides. For sipping neat, some NA rums may feel a bit thin or lack the complex layers of aged spirits. However, for mixing into cocktails, they provide a fantastic, flavorful base that stands up to juices and syrups. The best way to enjoy these alternatives is often in a well-crafted mocktail rather than on their own.


Feature	Non-Alcoholic Rum	Traditional Rum
Flavor Origin	Infusion of botanicals, distillation of fermented base with alcohol removed, or natural extracts.	Fermentation and distillation of sugarcane byproducts like molasses or sugarcane juice.
Alcohol Content	Typically less than 0.5% ABV, with some at 0.0%.	Varies, but usually 40% ABV or higher.
Mouthfeel	Can be lighter, sometimes lacking the 'burn' of alcohol. Many brands add botanicals for warmth.	Offers a distinct warming sensation and robust body from the alcohol content.
Calorie Count	Often lower in calories, with some brands having 5 or fewer calories per serving.	Significantly higher calorie count, varying by proof and sugar content.
Best Use	Cocktails and mocktails, where it's mixed with other ingredients.	Sipped neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a wide variety of classic cocktails.

Creating Classic Mocktails with NA Rum

With a quality NA rum, you can easily craft delicious, alcohol-free versions of your favorite rum cocktails.

Non-Alcoholic Mojito

2 oz NA White Rum (like Lyre's White Cane Spirit)
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz simple syrup or rum syrup
6-8 fresh mint leaves
Soda water to top
Instructions: Muddle the mint leaves, lime juice, and syrup in a glass. Add the NA rum and fill with ice. Top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge and a mint sprig.

Zero-Proof Dark 'n Stormy

2 oz NA Dark Rum (like Ritual Zero Proof)
4-5 oz ginger beer
Fresh lime wedge
Instructions: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the NA dark rum and top with ginger beer. Squeeze in a lime wedge for a zesty finish.

Virgin Piña Colada

2 oz NA Rum Alternative (like Ritual Rum Alternative)
1½ oz cream of coconut
1½ oz pineapple juice
Crushed ice
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Conclusion: The Future is Flavorful

The notion of a non-alcoholic drink that tastes like rum is no longer a contradiction but a delicious reality. The combination of advanced production techniques and a growing consumer demand for mindful drinking has resulted in a market flooded with compelling, complex alternatives. While it's true that zero-proof spirits may not perfectly mimic the fiery complexity of their alcoholic counterparts when sipped neat, they are a fantastic and versatile base for crafting flavorful mocktails. Whether you choose a premium bottled product or mix your own with creative homemade ingredients, you can still enjoy the tropical, spiced, and rich flavors of a rum-inspired drink. The availability of high-quality non-alcoholic options ensures that no one has to miss out on the party, regardless of their drinking preferences.

Learn more about the non-alcoholic spirit movement at Dry Drinker.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'best' non-alcoholic rum often depends on personal taste and intended use. Popular and well-regarded brands include Lyre's Dark Cane Spirit for its caramel and nutty notes, Ritual Zero Proof for its spicy profile, and ISH Caribbean Spiced Spirit for its funkier, tropical flavor.

Yes, rum extract can be used as a rum substitute, but it is typically better for baking and cooking rather than cocktails. Since it lacks the body and complexity of a distilled spirit, it can taste watery or artificial in a mixed drink. Use a zero-proof spirit for a more authentic mocktail experience.

Non-alcoholic rum is made in a few ways. Some are created by distilling a fermented base and then removing the alcohol through processes like vacuum distillation. Others are built from the ground up by macerating or infusing natural botanicals, spices, and extracts to create a rum-like flavor profile without ever involving alcohol.

Most commercially available non-alcoholic rum alternatives contain less than 0.5% ABV, a standard legal classification for non-alcoholic beverages. Some brands, however, achieve a true 0.0% ABV by not using any fermentation in their process.

No, non-alcoholic rum will not taste exactly like real rum, primarily due to the absence of alcohol's warming sensation and body. However, modern alternatives are designed to closely mimic the flavor notes, such as caramel, spice, and molasses, especially when used in cocktails.

Yes, non-alcoholic rum can be used in baked goods to impart a rum flavor, though it may not be as concentrated as rum extract. Some bakers may find that the flavor is less potent after baking, so a combination of NA rum and a splash of extract could yield the best result.

The best mixers for non-alcoholic rum include classic choices like ginger beer and cola for a zero-proof Dark 'n Stormy or Cuba Libre. Tropical juices like pineapple and orange are also excellent, along with ingredients like coconut cream and fresh lime for mocktails like a Piña Colada or Mojito.