Rating: 3.63
(86)

Non-Alcoholic Tequila Recipe

June 16, 2025

Looking for a bold, complex, and satisfying tequila flavor—without the alcohol? This non-alcoholic tequila alternative is a delightful way to enjoy all the character of traditional tequila in your favorite cocktails, with none of the buzz. Whether you’re living alcohol-free, cutting back, or simply craving a refreshing mocktail, this recipe brings the earthy, citrusy, and slightly smoky notes you love, minus the hangover.

Crafted with natural ingredients like agave nectar, fresh lime juice, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and a touch of heat, this blend closely mimics the essence of classic tequila. It’s not a spirit substitute you’d sip straight—but when shaken into a Virgin Margarita, No-ABV Paloma, or even a non-alcoholic Tequila Sunrise, it delivers the flavor and satisfaction you’re craving.

Unlike many store-bought versions, this DIY version lets you control the intensity, balance, and ingredients. It’s also a fun, creative kitchen project that supports a mindful lifestyle without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re hosting a sober-curious dinner party or just want a guilt-free happy hour, this non-alcoholic tequila is the perfect addition to your mixology lineup.

What is non-alcoholic tequila?

Non-alcoholic tequila is a spirit alternative that mimics the flavor profile of traditional tequila—earthy, slightly smoky, and citrusy—without any alcohol content. It’s perfect for mocktails or mindful drinking.

Can I make non-alcoholic tequila at home?

Yes! While store-bought versions exist, you can create a homemade alternative using ingredients like agave syrup, lime juice, smoked paprika or chipotle water, vinegar, and water to replicate tequila’s complex flavor.

What ingredients mimic the taste of real tequila?

Key ingredients often include:
Agave nectar for sweetness
Lime juice for acidity
Apple cider vinegar for tang
Smoked salt or paprika for earthy smokiness
Coriander or jalapeño extract for peppery warmth

Is it safe for kids or pregnant people?

Absolutely. Since there’s no alcohol involved, it’s safe for anyone—though always check with a healthcare provider if pregnant or sensitive to specific ingredients.

How long can I store homemade tequila?

Store it in a sealed glass bottle in the fridge for up to 7–10 days. Shake well before using, as natural ingredients may settle.

Can I use it in cocktails?

Yes! It works great in mocktails like Virgin Margaritas, Palomas, or even a non-alcoholic Tequila Sunrise.

Does it actually taste like tequila?

It doesn’t replicate the alcohol “burn,” but it can get surprisingly close to the flavor and aroma—especially when mixed into drinks. Think of it as a flavorful, complex base for zero-proof cocktails.

Non-Alcoholic Tequila Recipe
Non-Alcoholic Tequila Recipe
3.63 from 86 votes
A delightful non-alcoholic alternative to traditional tequila, perfect for mocktails and other beverages without the alcohol.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Agave syrup For authentic tequila sweetness and flavor
  • 1/4 cup Fresh lime juice Adds the tangy taste characteristic of tequila
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Gives smokiness to mimic that of tequila
  • 1 cup Water Used to dilute and mix ingredients
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt For balance and to bring out other flavors

Instructions
 

  • Combine one cup of agave syrup with one cup of water in a bowl or pitcher.
  • Stir in the fresh lime juice and smoked paprika until evenly mixed.
  • Add salt to the mixture and stir well to ensure all ingredients are dissolved.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lime juice or salt as desired.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving or use immediately in cocktails.

Notes

📝 Notes

  • This is not a fermented or distilled product – it’s a flavor mimic, not a 1:1 tequila replacement. Expect a similar taste profile, not the bite of alcohol.
  • Balance is key. Start with small amounts of stronger ingredients like vinegar, smoke flavor, or jalapeño extract—you can always add more.
  • Let it rest. Letting the mixture sit for a few hours (or overnight) in the fridge helps the flavors blend better and deepens the “tequila-like” effect.
  • For a smoky note, try adding a drop of liquid smoke or use smoked paprika, but go light—too much can overpower the blend.
  • Customize it. Want more citrus? Add orange peel. More peppery bite? Try ground black pepper or infuse with a chili slice.
  • Label clearly. If you’re bottling it, label it “Non-Alcoholic – For Mocktails” to avoid any confusion at gatherings.
  • Shake before using. Natural sediment can settle at the bottom—give it a good shake before pouring.
  • Not for shots. This works best as a mixing ingredient, not as a shot substitute—save the limes and salt for your mock Margarita rim instead.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 30gSodium: 240mgPotassium: 10mgSugar: 28gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 120kcal
Meal Type: Beverages
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: beverages, mocktails, non-alcoholic
Cooking Method: Nobake
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
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Join the Conversation
  1. 4 stars
    This recipe is a lifesaver! I can enjoy mojitos again without the hangover! 🍹

    1. User avatar elvina.lebsack42 says:

      5 stars
      Wow, this sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it! 🙌

  2. User avatar laurice.pfannerstill says:

    3 stars
    Simple and quick to make, but it doesn’t taste like real tequila at all. Disappointed.

  3. 5 stars
    Amazin! I even added some soda to it. Yum! 🍹

    1. User avatar Eugene Wiza says:

      3 stars
      Soda? Really? Isn’t that a bit weird for a tequila recipe?

  4. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    2 stars
    I didn’t like it. Too sweet and the paprika threw me off. Tequila without alcohol feels wrong.

  5. User avatar cletus.reichert59 says:

    5 stars
    This is soooo good! Can’t believe it’s non-alcoholic. Definitely my new favorite drink!

  6. 3 stars
    Sounds good, but where do I get agave syrup? Is it like honey?

  7. 5 stars
    I was skeptical about the smoked paprika but it works! Who knew? Gonna try it in other drinks too.

    1. User avatar brenda.nicolas says:

      5 stars
      I thought smoked paprika was just for cooking, but it sounds awesome in drinks! Can’t wait to try this.

  8. User avatar lonny.rippin3 says:

    4 stars
    i made this for my friends night in and it was a hit! even the drinkers loved it haha.

    1. User avatar tegan.kuphal says:

      5 stars
      That sounds amazing! I’m planning to try it for my next get-together too! Thanks for sharing!

  9. User avatar Prostetnic Vogon Jeltz says:

    1 star
    why would u wanna drink non-alchoholic tequila lol? just mix juice or something.

  10. User avatar jame.beier says:

    3 stars
    Smoked paprika in a drink? That sounds weird. Not sure I’ll try it. But hey, whatever floats your boat.

  11. User avatar wellRespected says:

    5 stars
    My mom always used to say, ‘you can’t make tequila without agave – that’s basic facts!’ 😂

    1. User avatar Doc Bandam says:

      5 stars
      Haha, so true! My grandma always said the same! This non-alcoholic version sounds fun. Can’t wait to try it! 🍹

    2. User avatar micaela.white says:

      2 stars
      Not sure about this. Tequila is tequila, right? How can you make it without the real stuff? Sounds kinda weird to me.

  12. User avatar Princess Zelda says:

    1 star
    This is a rip-off!! Where’s the alcohol? I don’t get it.

  13. User avatar Sand-Dial says:

    4 stars
    Yum! I made this for my kids and they loved it. Even I liked it! Will make again!

  14. User avatar merrill.witting says:

    5 stars
    This is a neat idea! Love the flavors and I can’t believe it’s non-alcoholic! 5 stars!

  15. User avatar mack.conn15 says:

    1 star
    Is this even real tequila if there’s no alcohol? Seems pointless to me. Also, what’s agave syrup?

  16. User avatar Argelia Conroy says:

    5 stars
    This is the perfect drink for those who want the flavor without the buzz! Love it!

    1. User avatar U. O. Money says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! It’s so refreshing. Can’t believe how close it tastes to the real thing!

  17. User avatar colton.brekke2023 says:

    5 stars
    This is great! Finally a way to enjoy the taste of tequila without the hangover. Can’t wait to try it at my next party!

  18. 1 star
    This was bad, like really bad. Couldn’t even finish it. 😖

  19. User avatar garrett.hintz1973 says:

    5 stars
    Cool! 10/10, will try again. Made it for the family reunion and it was a hit!

  20. 3 stars
    I didn’t have lime so I used lemon. Tasted funny but still nice.

  21. User avatar Demon King Piccolo says:

    4 stars
    Chill it more for better taste! 😋

  22. User avatar joellen.oconnell43 says:

    1 star
    Just mix normal tequila with water — saves time and effort. 🤷‍♂️

  23. User avatar Arthur Dent says:

    2 stars
    Hmmm, I dunno. Smoked paprika? Seems weird to me. How does it taste really?

  24. User avatar waldo.oberbrunner says:

    2 stars
    Not a fan. Tastes too sweet and not like tequila at all. Why use smoked paprika? Seems off.

    1. User avatar myles.boyle says:

      4 stars
      I totally get what you mean. It does sound unusual with the smoked paprika! But I think it’s a creative twist. Maybe I’ll give it a try!

  25. User avatar randall.renner1981 says:

    5 stars
    I loved this recipe! It tastes just like the real thing without the booze.

  26. User avatar alec.willms says:

    5 stars
    Took a chance on this recipe and wow, it surprised me. Great for parties!

  27. User avatar petrina.okeefe says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have smoked paprika, so I used chili powder. Not the same, but still good!

  28. User avatar Super Saiyan 2 Vegeta says:

    3 stars
    I didn’t have agave syrup so I used honey. Turned out sweet but not the same! Still tasty tho. 🍯

  29. User avatar eleonora.marks76 says:

    2 stars
    Hmm, not sure about smokey paprika. Seems weird for tequila. I didn’t like it.

  30. User avatar carita.armstrong59 says:

    4 stars
    Very refreshing! Perfect for summer parties. Will make again.

  31. User avatar isabella.hoeger39 says:

    4 stars
    Super easy recipe! But I got confused at the stirring step. Do I mix it or shake it?

    1. User avatar Deep Thought says:

      3 stars
      Shaking seems like it would mix it better, but it’s a stir thing for this recipe. Just follow the steps!

    2. User avatar sammie.wisoky68 says:

      5 stars
      You just need to stir it! Mixing is good for blends, but this is a simple stir. Hope that helps!

  32. User avatar Mrs. Dani Cremin says:

    3 stars
    Way too sweet for my taste. Maybe less agave syrup next time?

  33. User avatar angelo.mitchell says:

    3 stars
    I think it needs more lime juice. It was kinda sweet for me. 🥴

  34. User avatar britt.swift11 says:

    5 stars
    Super easy to make and tastes great! I added a bit of soda water for fizziness, yum!

    1. 2 stars
      Seriously? Smoked paprika in a drink? That sounds weird. I’m not sold on that.

    2. User avatar madaline.schamberger3 says:

      4 stars
      I never thought of adding soda water! Sounds interesting, I might give it a try.

  35. User avatar tosha.wuckert73 says:

    5 stars
    Whoa! This is a game changer! A refreshing drink for my sober friends. 🙌

  36. User avatar isabell.zulauf32 says:

    4 stars
    I added a little more salt and it was delish! 😋 Thank you for this recipe!

  37. User avatar danilo.gulgowski14 says:

    4 stars
    Yesss!! Finally a recipe I can enjoy at parties! Thank you for sharing! 😍

  38. 2 stars
    I don’t know if this really tastes like tequila. Maybe I did something wrong? Didn’t hit the spot for me.

    1. User avatar john.kassulke says:

      5 stars
      Tequila is tricky! I think it taste pretty close actually. Don’t give up on it yet!

    2. 4 stars
      I totally get you! I found it a bit off too. Maybe more lime juice would help?!

  39. User avatar monnie.jast says:

    4 stars
    Non-alcoholic? YES! Finally a drink I can enjoy with my friends at parties. Love the smokiness from the paprika!

  40. User avatar Loonquawl says:

    1 star
    All I could taste was lime. Did I do something wrong? Not a fan!

  41. User avatar pierre.herzog says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, doesnt taste like real tequila at all. It’s too sweet and the paprika is weird.

  42. User avatar kary.miller says:

    2 stars
    Isn’t tequila supposed to be a bit stronger?? This was too sweet for me. Disappointed. 2 stars.

  43. User avatar sina.bogisich says:

    5 stars
    So good for mocktails! I made with some soda water and it was great!

  44. 5 stars
    Just wow, what a refreshment. I added some sparkling water and it was amazing!

    1. User avatar amy.turcotte1985 says:

      2 stars
      Wait, sparkling water? Isn’t that a bit too much? I thought tequila is supposed to be strong…

    2. 5 stars
      Sounds delicious! I’ll definitely try adding sparkling water too. Thanks for the tip!

  45. User avatar Mason Jarr says:

    5 stars
    This was surprisingly good! I’m not a fan of tequila, but this mix was refreshing. Will make again for sure!

    1. User avatar Zaphod Beeblebrox says:

      4 stars
      I wasn’t expecting much either, but this really hit the spot! Perfect for summer BBQs.

  46. User avatar antonio.mosciski62 says:

    1 star
    Not a fan of this one. Tequila is meant to be alcoholic! 😒

  47. User avatar belinda.waters1966 says:

    1 star
    Why not just drink water? This does not seem smart… but I guess it’s different?

    1. User avatar ricardo.little45 says:

      4 stars
      I get where you’re coming from, but this non-alcoholic version is for those who don’t want the buzz but still want a good drink! Totally different vibe! 🙂

  48. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    4 stars
    The lime juice was a good idea! It brightened everything up. Cheers!

  49. 1 star
    Ain’t no tequila without the alcohol. What’s next, non-alcoholic beer? Pass. 😑

    1. User avatar kieth.daniel2006 says:

      4 stars
      But this is a great option for those who want to enjoy the flavor without the buzz! Just try it out!

  50. User avatar griselda.halvorson says:

    2 stars
    Just a cup of water and some mix? Looks too easy, don’t know about the flavor…

  51. 4 stars
    Are you serious? Smoked paprika in a drink? That’s weird but somehow it works. 😲

  52. 3 stars
    I’m not sure about the paprika… seems weird. Might be better without it. 3/5 for me!

  53. User avatar brian.kozey0 says:

    5 stars
    Very easy to make! I added a bit of extra lime juice, and it was refreshing! Will make again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  54. User avatar Random Dent says:

    5 stars
    This is genius! I can’t even tell it’s non-alcoholic! Perfect for my party.

  55. User avatar adolfo.larson76 says:

    4 stars
    Reckon I could use honey instead of agave? Just for a differt flavour? 🤔

  56. 4 stars
    I wasn’t sure about the smoked paprika part, but it really adds something special. Thanks!

    1. User avatar kyla.lesch40 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you liked the smoked paprika! It’s such a unique touch. I thought it was weird at first too, but it makes a big difference!

  57. 2 stars
    Not very realistic. Tequila is tequila. What’s next, non-alcoholic whiskey?

  58. User avatar stan.kertzmann1995 says:

    5 stars
    Wow! This tastes just like the real thing! I used it for my mocktails and everyone loved it! 5 stars!

    1. User avatar emmaline.rolfson1972 says:

      2 stars
      Really? I thought you needed real tequila for mocktails to taste good. How does this even work?

    2. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad to hear that! Mocktails are the best, and this recipe sounds perfect for summer parties! ☀️

  59. User avatar elenore.parisian1971 says:

    5 stars
    I made this for my party! Everyone loved it. Tastes just like the real thing! Definitely making again.

  60. 4 stars
    My kids loved it! Great alternative for family parties! 🍹

    1. User avatar barney.sipes95 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad to hear that! It’s nice to have a fun drink that everyone can enjoy. 🎉

  61. User avatar kelvin.schamberger says:

    3 stars
    Sounds easy enough, but not sure about smoked paprika. Can it really taste like tequila?

  62. User avatar rod.runolfsson17 says:

    5 stars
    This is a great idea! I love tequila but can’t drink alcohol anymore. Can’t wait to try this!

  63. 5 stars
    Cool drink for summer! I can see this being a healthier option.

3.63 from 86 votes
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