5 Elite Non-Alcoholic March Madness Cocktails
During March Madness, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Maybe your bracket is on fire, and you’re riding the Cinderella wave to victory. Or maybe your top seed is getting torched from the 3-point line, and you’re one bad possession away from flipping the couch. Either way, you need a drink in your hand—something that tastes like a winner.
If you're skipping the booze, you have limited drink options for game day. Or, at least, you HAD limited options–now, you have Ritual spirit alternatives to mimic the taste and bite of your favorite liquor. And that means non-alcoholic March Madness cocktails. Excited? You should be.
1. Full-Court Press Paloma
Some teams press full speed for 40 minutes, and this Paloma matches that same relentless energy. A bright, citrusy hit of grapefruit keeps things fresh, while Ritual Tequila Alternative adds the perfect amount of warmth and complexity—like a squad that’s dangerous from beyond the arc.
Game Plan:
- 2 oz. Ritual Tequila Alternative
- 2 oz. grapefruit soda
- 1 oz. lime juice
- Garnish: Lime or grapefruit wedge
Play Execution:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in Tequila Alternative and lime juice.
- Top with grapefruit soda and stir.
- Garnish and sip—it’s game time.
2. The Bracket Buster Negroni
At some point, your bracket will break, but this Negroni never misses. Ritual Gin Alternative brings the botanical finesse, while Ritual Aperitif Alternative adds a bittersweet depth that keeps things balanced but never boring. This is a sipper for the real ones, the fans who appreciate elite strategy and next-level execution.
Game Plan:
- 1½ oz. Ritual Gin Alternative
- 1½ oz. Ritual Aperitif Alternative
- Garnish: Orange peel
Play Execution:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice and add both spirit alternatives.
- Stir for 20-30 seconds, like you’re orchestrating the perfect fast break.
- Strain over ice in a rocks glass.
- Garnish with an expressed orange peel—because details matter.
3. Fast Break Rum Punch
This high-scoring cocktail brings nothing but offensive firepower. Pineapple, orange, and lime juices team up for a tropical explosion, while Ritual Rum Alternative delivers the smooth depth you need to keep the momentum rolling.
Add a little grenadine for extra flair, and you’ve got a drink crafted for the highlight reel.
Game Plan:
- 3 oz. Ritual Rum Alternative
- 1½ oz. orange juice
- 1½ oz. pineapple juice
- 1 oz. lime juice
- 1 tbsp. grenadine
- Garnish: Maraschino cherries and orange or lemon wheel
Play Execution:
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add Rum Alternative and all juices.
- Pour in grenadine and let it sink—just like a cold-blooded game-winner.
- Garnish and sip while you watch the madness unfold.
4. Slam Dunk Strawberry Gin Smash
A drink with flair and finesse, this Strawberry Gin Smash is here for the flashy playmakers—the ones who drop dimes, throw alley-oops, and pull up from way beyond the arc. Muddled strawberries and lime bring the juicy, refreshing punch, while Ritual Gin Alternative keeps things smooth and botanical.
Game Plan:
- 3 oz. Ritual Gin Alternative
- 1 tsp. simple syrup
- 1 lime wedge
- 3 fresh strawberries
- Club soda
- Garnish: Fresh mint sprig
Play Execution:
- Muddle strawberries, lime, and simple syrup in a shaker.
- Add Gin Alternative and shake.
- Strain into a glass over ice, then top with club soda.
- Garnish and sip—because flashy plays deserve flashy drinks.
5. Buzzer-Beater Old Fashioned
Some drinks don’t need flash—they just show up when it matters most. The Old Fashioned is your go-to veteran, a drink that closes games, takes big shots, and delivers in crunch time. Ritual Whiskey Alternative lays the foundation, while bitters and simple syrup round things out like a well-coached, disciplined squad.
Game Plan:
- 2 oz. Ritual Whiskey Alternative
- 1-2 dashes of Angostura or NA aromatic bitters
- ¼ oz. simple syrup or 1 sugar cube
- 1 dash water
- Garnish: Orange peel
Play Execution:
- Muddle sugar with bitters and a splash of water in a rocks glass.
- Add Whiskey Alternative, muddle, and mix the ingredients.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
- Garnish with an expressed orange peel—because legends finish strong.
Learn More About Ritual Zero Proof
You don’t need alcohol to drink like a champion—you just need a lineup that delivers in the clutch. Ritual spirit alternatives bring zero proof power, full-court flavor, and the kind of execution that turns underdogs into legends to your non-alcoholic March Madness-themed cocktails. Get a look at the entire non-alc Ritual lineup.
Run the Court and Mix with Ritual
March Madness is all about big plays, bold moves, and unforgettable moments—your March Madness-themed cocktails should be no different. Whether you're calling the shots at a watch party or just riding the highs and lows of your bracket, Ritual non-alcoholic spirits bring the flavor and mixology chops to keep up. Mix up a round and taste the difference for yourself.
Shop Ritual Spirit AlternativesFrequently Asked Questions: Non-Alcoholic March Madness Cocktails
If you'd like to learn more about our non-alcoholic March Madness cocktails, check out our helpful FAQ section for more insights!
Do non-alcoholic March Madness cocktails pair well with classic game-day snacks?
Yes! Drinks with citrus and spice, like a Paloma or Spicy Margarita, go great with chips, guac, and wings, while richer, bittersweet options like a Negroni hold their own against BBQ sliders or loaded nachos. The key is balancing flavors so your drink complements the food instead of overpowering it.
What are some creative ways to garnish non-alcoholic March Madness cocktails?
Garnishes add personality to your drinks. Try basketball-themed picks like an orange peel cut into the shape of a basketball or skewered fruit “team colors” combinations. You can also go classic with salt or Tajín rims, fresh herbs, dehydrated citrus wheels, or even frozen fruit for a stylish touch.
How do I keep my non-alcoholic cocktails from getting watered down?
Use large ice cubes or spheres, which melt slower than regular ice. You can also pre-chill your ingredients and glassware so your drink stays colder longer. If you really want to go all-in, freeze fruit juice or infused water into ice cubes so they add flavor as they melt.
