At first glance, the name alone may not tell you much about the product, so let’s start there. TOMONOTOMO is a non-alcoholic distilled agave spirit created by Amanda Chen. The name loosely translates to “I drink, I don’t drink,” reflecting Amanda’s own journey during lockdown, when the former bartender became sober after relocating to Mexico.
Even after stepping away from alcohol, Amanda still appreciated the ritual and experience of drinking. When she couldn’t find a non-alcoholic option that felt elevated and authentic, she decided to create one herself.
Working alongside a scientist and distiller, Amanda set out to develop the first all-natural, non-alcoholic distilled agave spirit made in Oaxaca. From the beginning, she was committed to avoiding artificial flavors, extracts and preservatives. Instead, the focus was on real agave and traditional artisanal distillation methods.
After two years of experimentation, the team developed a proprietary process using rare Tobalá agave, roasted in a pit oven, then fermented and distilled with botanicals and smoked pineapple. Even reading those ingredients sparks the senses. Watching the production process makes it clear this is truly a labor of love. Their Instagram videos offer a fascinating look behind the scenes.
Amanda is quick to point out that TOMONOTOMO was never intended to imitate mezcal. Instead, she wanted to create something entirely new — a sophisticated beverage that stands on its own, whether or not alcohol is involved.
While TOMONOTOMO can certainly be enjoyed neat, it also works beautifully in cocktails. I’ll admit that tequila and mezcal have never been my usual preference, but I was immediately drawn in by TOMONOTOMO’s aroma and first sip. After experimenting with a couple of cocktails (recipes below), I found myself genuinely enjoying it and wanting to continue exploring its versatility.
Recipes
Zero Proof Paloma
- 2 oz TOMONOTOMO
- 1 oz grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/4 oz rose petal water
- 3/4 oz honey syrup
- 1 dash saline solution
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with salted rim.
Zero Proof Killer Bee
- 2 oz TOMONOTOMO
- 1 1/2 oz fresh lemon
- 3/4 oz honey simple syrup
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe or an Old Fashioned glass and enjoy.
Details
Category: Spirits
Origin: Oaxaca
ABV: 0%
Total Sugars: 0 grams
Storage: Once opened, store in a cool, dry place.
Tasting Notes: Smoky and earthy with notes of cinnamon and a hint of pineapple.
Learn more at TOMONOTOMO Official Website and TOMONOTOMO Instagram.
Sober Curator Fun Fact: Tomonotomo won a Sans Bar Academy Award in November 2025. Read more here: The 3rd Annual Sans Bar Academy Awards Weekend — A Glitter-Dipped, Zero-Proof Celebration in Austin, TX
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What is TOMONOTOMO and how is it different from regular mezcal?
TOMONOTOMO is a non-alcoholic distilled agave spirit made in Oaxaca using traditional methods. Unlike regular mezcal, it contains no alcohol but uses the same rare Tobalá agave, pit-roasted and distilled with botanicals and smoked pineapple. It’s designed to be a sophisticated beverage that stands on its own, not an imitation of alcoholic spirits.
How is non-alcoholic agave spirit made?
TOMONOTOMO uses a proprietary process developed over two years. Rare Tobalá agave is roasted in a pit oven, then fermented and distilled with botanicals and smoked pineapple. The process avoids artificial flavors, extracts, and preservatives, focusing on traditional artisanal distillation methods to create an all-natural product.
Can you drink TOMONOTOMO neat or does it need to be mixed?
TOMONOTOMO can be enjoyed both neat and in cocktails. It’s designed as a sophisticated beverage that works beautifully on its own, allowing you to appreciate its complex flavors from the roasted agave and botanicals. It also mixes well in alcohol-free cocktails for those who prefer mixed drinks.
What does TOMONOTOMO mean and why was it created?
TOMONOTOMO loosely translates to ‘I drink, I don’t drink,’ reflecting creator Amanda Chen’s journey to sobriety. As a former bartender who became sober during lockdown, Amanda still appreciated drinking rituals but couldn’t find elevated non-alcoholic options. She created TOMONOTOMO to fill that gap with an authentic, sophisticated alcohol-free spirit.
Why do people choose non-alcoholic spirits when going sober?
Many people in recovery or choosing sobriety still enjoy the ritual and experience of drinking sophisticated beverages. Non-alcoholic spirits like TOMONOTOMO allow people to maintain social drinking customs and enjoy complex flavors without alcohol, supporting their sober lifestyle while not feeling deprived of elevated drinking experiences.
Where is TOMONOTOMO made and what makes it authentic?
TOMONOTOMO is made in Oaxaca, Mexico, using traditional methods and local ingredients. It uses rare Tobalá agave and follows artisanal distillation processes similar to traditional mezcal production. The commitment to avoiding artificial ingredients and using authentic Mexican techniques makes it a genuine representation of agave craftsmanship.
