"Why it made the cut: A mezcal-like sipper that is smokey and makes for a perfect mocktail margarita."
- Best tequila alternative: OPTIMIST Botanicals Smokey
“This botanical spirit has woody, floral, and bitter notes, and is designed to be mixed like a premium spirit. This one specifically drinks like smooth tequila or mezcal. Mix it with your favorite ginger ale and garnish with a jalapeño slice or an orange peel for a scrumptious sipper sans alcohol. However, each bottle is only 16.9 fluid ounces, meaning you’ll have to be cognizant of how much you use before running out.” —Billy Cadden