1. What is Ritual Rum Alternative?

It’s a non‐alcoholic spirit produced by Ritual Zero Proof designed to mimic the flavour profile of dark rum. It contains less than 0.5 % ABV (in many markets) and is intended for mixing into cocktails.

2. How many calories does it have?

According to the label: about 5 calories per serving and ~2 g carbohydrates/sugars.

3. Is it completely alcohol free?

It is marketed as non-alcoholic; however many “non-alcoholic” spirits legally allow up to <0.5% ABV. Ritual lists their product as “Alcohol: 0.0% ABV” in one region.

4. Does it taste like real rum?

It aims to replicate the taste of dark rum — vanilla, banana, burnt orange, spice, toasted character. Many reviewers found it good as a mixer (though less so neat).

5. How should I use it?

Use it as you’d use dark rum in cocktails. For example a Mojito, Daiquiri, Piña Colada, Rum & Coke. The brand suggests a 1:1 replacement of traditional rum.

6. Can I drink it neat (on its own)?

The brand says it’s “not meant to be consumed neat or on the rocks” in many markets. However, you could try it neat if you like the flavour, but expectations should be adjusted.

7. Is it gluten free?

Yes—the product listing states it is gluten free.

8. What are the ingredients?

Filtered water, cane sugar, natural flavors, caramel color, xanthan gum, citric acid, salt, sodium benzoate & potassium sorbate (preservatives).

Compared with many mixers or liqueurs, yes (approx 2 g sugar). But compared with plain spirits (which often have no sugar), it does contain some.

10. Is this suitable for someone on a sober journey/abstinence?

That depends on the individual. For many who wish to avoid alcohol but still enjoy the ritual of cocktails, this is a good option. But if someone is in recovery and avoids all cues of alcohol flavour or ritual, they might choose differently.

11. Can I buy it in Canada (Ontario / Pickering area)?

It appears available for sale online and via retailers in Canada (for example a Calgary bottleshop listed it). You’ll need to check local provincial liquor board or regulatory availability in Ontario, as rules vary.

12. What does it cost?

Prices vary by retailer and region. Some US listings show ~$29.95 for a 750 mL.

13. Where is it produced?

Origin listed in one Canadian retailer as “Illinois, United States”.

14. How does the flavour compare in blind taste tests?

In one blind test of nine zero-proof rums, Ritual Rum Alternative scored ~6.9/10 overall, ~4.8/10 neat, ~7.4/10 as a mixer.

15. What cocktails can I make with it?

Examples: Mojito: 2 oz Ritual Rum Alternative, soda water, simple syrup, lime, mint. Piña Colada: 2 oz Ritual Rum Alternative, 1½ oz cream of coconut, 1½ oz pineapple juice, ½ oz lime juice. Mai Tai, Rum & Coke, Rum Punch, etc.

16. Can I substitute it 1:1 for traditional rum in recipes?

Yes—the brand recommends replacing traditional rum with Ritual Rum Alternative on a 1:1 basis for cocktails.

17. Does it have the same alcoholic “kick”?

No—since it contains almost no alcohol (or is non-alcoholic), it will not produce intoxication. So the “kick” or effect of alcohol will be absent.

18. Will I avoid a hangover if I drink this instead of rum?

Since there’s no (or very minimal) alcohol, you avoid typical alcohol-related hangover mechanisms. However, other factors (like sugar, dehydration, lack of sleep) still matter.

19. Is it healthier than drinking rum?

In several ways yes (less/zero alcohol, far fewer calories, fewer metabolic effects of ethanol). But “healthier” depends on context: sugar content, overall diet, reason for drinking, etc.

20. Is the flavour “authentic” to real rum?

It attempts authenticity; reviewers note it's quite good as a mixer but still not identical to aged rum in depth/burn.

21. Does it contain artificial flavors or additives?

The brand states “No artificial flavors” on the product page. But the ingredient “natural flavors” is included, and preservatives are present.

22. How is the body/texture compared to real rum?

The brand uses xanthan gum to add body; they describe it as “velvety” and “rich” body.

23. Can it be used in mocktail bars / sober bars?

Yes—this is a key application. It gives bar operators a premium non-alcohol option for rum-flavour cocktails.

24. Is the taste profile more like light rum or dark/aged rum?

It is oriented toward dark/aged rum flavour (vanilla, spice, toasted notes) rather than light/white rum.

25. Is it suitable for people driving, pregnant, training?

Yes, those are among the target use-cases cited (“driving, training, dieting, parenting”) in the marketing.

26. Does it also reduce alcohol-related social stigma or isolate non-drinkers?

One of its marketing claims is that you “don’t stand out” when you’re not drinking alcohol—the look of the drink is similar.

27. What about shelf life / storage?

Standard sealed bottle storage applies; once opened, best consume within a reasonable timeframe like other spirits. Always verify label for specific guidance.

28. Can it be aged or matured?

No—it is not a distilled spirit needing ageing; it is crafted flavour + base liquid. So the “ageing” variable of real rum is absent.

29. Is there a smoky or burnt finish like some aged rums?

The flavour notes include “charred apricot”, “toasted cinnamon”, “fresh ginger”, “star anise”. But it likely lacks significant wood/char barrel aging character.

30. Is it vegan / vegetarian?

Not explicitly stated on every site; ingredients list suggests no obvious animal products, but one should check label for certifications if sensitive.

32. Is it kosher / halal certified?

Not clear from available public info; one should check certifications if needed.

33. Can I mix it with other non-alcoholic spirits or bitters to create complex drinks?

Yes—the cocktail recipe blog suggests mixing with other non-alcoholic spirits, syrups, bitters, etc.

34. Does the name “rum alternative” mean it is not legally “rum”?

Likely yes—many jurisdictions have strict definitions of “rum” (produced via fermentation + distillation of sugar-cane or molasses). Because this is non-alcoholic and flavour-based rather than aged distillate, the “alternative” label helps avoid mis‐labelling.

35. How does it compare to other non‐alcoholic rum alternatives?

In the blind test cited, it was ranked among the better mixers, though not the very top.

36. What are typical serving suggestions for home use?

Mix 2 oz of Ritual Rum Alternative with soda water and lime + mint for a Mojito; or with cream of coconut + pineapple juice for a Piña Colada.

37. Can I use it in a Rum & Coke style drink?

Yes—the blog lists Rum & Coke among recipes.

38. Will adding ice, garnish, glassware help the experience?

Yes—part of the “ritual” is presentation; using proper glassware, garnish, serve‐style helps the non-alcoholic cocktail feel more premium and immersive. (Implied in blog about non-alcoholic bar setup)

39. Is it okay for people on medications or in recovery?

If in recovery or on medications, it is wise to check with a medical professional. Even though it has no or minimal alcohol, flavour cues, social context, or residual alcohol traces might be relevant.

40. Does it provide any health benefits?

Its benefit is mostly avoidance of alcohol’s negative effects (hangover, liver strain, intoxication). It’s not a health drink per se.

41. Does it affect blood sugar?

It has ~2 g sugar per serving; for most people this is modest, but if you are diabetic or sensitive, you should account for it.

42. Is it carbonated?

No—the product is a still spirit alternative; you can mix with soda water if you want fizz.

43. Are there cocktails that don’t work well with it?

Probably some cocktails that rely heavily on alcohol flavour/strength/aging profile may feel different (e.g., heavy aged rum neat, rum barrel-finish cocktails).

44. What's the packaging like?

Standard 750 mL bottle in many markets. For example product page shows “750 mL / 25.4 fl oz”.

45. Is it sustainable / environmentally friendly?

The brand mentions “sustainably made in USA” in one listing. But for full sustainability credentials you’d need to check their supply-chain, ingredients, packaging.

46. Can bars purchase it wholesale?

Yes—the brand has wholesale options.

47. Does it come in different flavours or variants?

This rum alternative is one variant; the brand also offers other “spirits” alternatives (gin, whiskey, agave, aperitif) though specific flavours of the rum alternative are currently one.

48. Can I still get the “rum cocktail” experience socially?

Yes—one of the brand’s messages is that you can keep the ritual of mixing-drinking, the social experience, while skipping alcohol.

49. Will it affect driving or work performance?

Because it contains practically no alcohol, it should not impair driving or work. But one should always check local regulations and personal tolerance.

50. How do I store it?

Store like any unopened spirit: cool, dark place. Once opened, use within reasonable period and keep sealed, as for any mixers/spirts alternatives.

51. Are there age restrictions for purchase (in Ontario/Canada)?

Because it’s non-alcoholic (or <0.5% ABV) the age restriction may differ from alcoholic spirits. Check local provincial liquor guidelines in Ontario.

Meet the New Rum Redefining How We Drink.

Q: 4. Does it taste like real rum?

It aims to replicate the taste of dark rum — vanilla, banana, burnt orange, spice, toasted character. Many reviewers found it good as a mixer (though less so neat).

Q: 5. How should I use it?

Use it as you’d use dark rum in cocktails. For example a Mojito, Daiquiri, Piña Colada, Rum & Coke. The brand suggests a 1:1 replacement of traditional rum.

Q: 6. Can I drink it neat (on its own)?

The brand says it’s “not meant to be consumed neat or on the rocks” in many markets. However, you could try it neat if you like the flavour, but expectations should be adjusted.

Q: 7. Is it gluten free?

Yes—the product listing states it is gluten free.

Q: 8. What are the ingredients?

Filtered water, cane sugar, natural flavors, caramel color, xanthan gum, citric acid, salt, sodium benzoate & potassium sorbate (preservatives).

Q: 9. Is it low sugar?

Compared with many mixers or liqueurs, yes (approx 2 g sugar). But compared with plain spirits (which often have no sugar), it does contain some.

Q: 10. Is this suitable for someone on a sober journey/abstinence?

That depends on the individual. For many who wish to avoid alcohol but still enjoy the ritual of cocktails, this is a good option. But if someone is in recovery and avoids all cues of alcohol flavour or ritual, they might choose differently.