Making your own zero-proof tequila is an easy way to enjoy your favorite tequila sipper sans the booze. It’s a great option for when you want to sip smarter without sacrificing taste — or breaking the bank!
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About this Homemade Zero-Proof Tequila recipe
There’s something about making things at home. Yes, cocktails, but the ingredients that go into them too!
If you visit your favorite liquor store, you’ll find plenty of zero-proof options. They can get pricy though! It always comes as a surprise that they cost almost as much as a bottle of the boozy stuff. Making your own non-alcoholic spirits is a great way to save money without your drink tasting like a sacrifice.
Speaking of taste, getting to control the end result is another benefit of DIY-ing. You can play around with the recipe, adding more or less of an ingredient and taste-testing to decide when the flavor is right. You can also try your hand at homemade zero-proof whiskey.
“I made the tequila recipe and it is great and complex. I mixed it with margharita [sic] mix and it was great and a paloma mix and it was great. I am trying the gin and whiskey versions this weekend…”
— Bonita
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Homemade zero-proof spirits taste fresher since they use fresh ingredients.
- Infused with fresh produce, herbs and spices, zero-proof spirits are inexpensive to make.
- Works beautifully in non-alcoholic tequila cocktails like margaritas, palomas and more.
Tools & equipment
Surprisingly, you really don’t need a lot to make your own zero-proof tequila.
- Start with a big jar, mixing bowl * or pitcher — it needs a wide mouth so you can add whole ingredients (and get them out later).
- Boil water in a pot or kettle on the stove (or an electric kettle) or in a mixing bowl * in the microwave.
- You’ll also want a fine-mesh strainer *. A funnel * that strains is also helpful.
- A finally, a large mason jar or bottle to store it in. This recipe makes 24 ounces.
Ingredients
👇 For full measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card. It’s all there waiting for you!
Here is what you’ll need to turn your favorite tequila cocktails into non-alcoholic options perfect for sipping anytime. You’ll need:
- Lime
- Black peppercorns
- Red pepper flakes
- Vanilla bean * (You can substitute a teaspoon of vanilla extract * at the end if you don’t have a vanilla bean *)
- Ginger root
- Agave nectar * (optional)
- Boiling water
And yes, you can buy zero-proof spirits. I like to make homemade because it’s cheaper than buying a whole bottle. If you’re curious, here are my favorite non-alcoholic spirits and brands, plus my go-to zero-proof tequilas if you’re not in the mood to make your own:
zero-proof tequilas
Buy Now → 
Buy Now → 
Ritual agave spirit alternative
Buy Now →*
Instructions
Making zero-proof tequila is easy! You’ll need a couple of hours, max, before it is ready to use, but otherwise, you don’t need any special skills to craft this sweet-and-spicy addition to your drinks.
First, place all of the ingredients for your zero-proof tequila into a large mixing bowl, jar or pitcher. (You can do a few at a time if you want to and have multiple large vessels.)
Then, pour boiling water over top and stir gently. (Be sure to place on a coaster or trivet if your surface is sensitive to warm things!)
Stir in your agave nectar * (if you’re using it) and let everything steep for 1 hour or until cooled to room temperature. It’s normal for the liquid and the ingredients to change color when exposed to hot water.
Pour into an airtight glass bottle through a fine-mesh strainer * or straining funnel *. Discard the solids and use immediately or refrigerate and use within 1 week.
Tips & tricks
- When using lime, avoid adding the zest or the bitter white pith. It makes these taste too bitter, so I recommend peeling them.
- You can have fun with making your own combinations. Don’t have something I listed here? Try omitting it or making up your own recipe!
- Try using these spirits in your favorite cocktails first. They are delicious in the classic sour recipe, but there’s a lot you can do to be creative.
How to use zero-Proof Spirits
Zero-proof spirits can be used in many of your favorite cocktails. Start by using them with a 1:1 ratio.
For example, if your recipe calls for 2 ounces of tequila, use 2 ounces of the tequila substitute. Adjust the ratio to your liking, using more for a stronger flavor or less for a milder one (or more of your mixer).
They work especially well with the golden ratio of cocktails, which is 2 ounces of spirit plus 1 ounce of sweet and 1 ounce of something sour. A classic margarita is a great example, with tequila (spirit), agave nectar (sweetener) and lime juice (sour element).
Tequila mocktails
Tequila is a favorite, and for good reason! Tequila cocktails are full of flavor and fun — and so are these nonalcoholic versions!
- Ranch water: Light and refreshing, the bright flavor of this tequila substitute is a perfect fit with lime juice and mineral water.
- Tequila sour: As a twist on the whiskey classic, this elegant recipe is kind of like a margarita with a foamy top.
- Paloma: Grapefruit juice gives this cocktail a sweet-and-sour taste that’s easy to enjoy!
- Virgin margarita: Skip the alcohol and recreate the taco night favorite. For hot days, opt for the frozen version!
FAQ
Typically, you can use them 1:1, meaning you can use them to fully replace the same amount of alcohol in a drink recipe. For example, if your recipe calls for 2 ounces of tequila, you can use 2 ounces of the non-alcoholic tequila substitute. However, you may wish to add more or less depending on how you like your drink.
Since we are infusing fresh ingredients, this non-alcoholic spirit will keep for about 1 week in the fridge. Thankfully, it’s inexpensive to make so you can easily make a new batch each week.
More mixology gift ideas
- Infused Cocktail Kits
- Hot Apple Cider Spice Mix
- Airplane Cocktail Kits
- Hot Chocolate Bomb Gift Sets
- Homemade Cocktail Cherries
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Homemade Zero-Proof Tequila
ingredients
- 1 whole lime peeled and quartered
- 6 whole black peppercorns
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 whole vanilla bean halved and seeds removed (see note)
- 1 4-inch piece ginger root peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar optional
- 3 cups water boiling
instructions
- Peel lime so no white pith remains and discard the zest. Dice the fruit of the lime.1 whole lime
- In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, add lime, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, halved vanilla bean shells*, ginger root and agave nectar. (If you need to use vanilla extract * in place of the vanilla bean, it is better to add it once the liquid has cooled.6 whole black peppercorns, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 whole vanilla bean, 1 4-inch piece ginger root, 1 tablespoon agave nectar
- Pour boiling water over top and stir gently. Let steep for 1 hour or until cooled to room temperature. Pour into an airtight glass bottle through a fine-mesh strainer. Discard the solids. Use immediately or refrigerate and use within 1 week.3 cups water
notes
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