Best Substitutes for Zima

Out of Zima? Here are the best alternatives that work in cocktail recipes.

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Original Ingredient

Zima

Other 4.70% ABV Light, clean nose with mild citrus, malt, and faint sweetness. Palate is gently sweet with neutral effervescence and crisp, sparkling character. Short, refreshing finish with barely-there flavor.

Recommended Substitutes

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Sprite

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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7-up

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Lemon-lime soda

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Soda Water

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

General Substitution Tips

  • Match the alcohol level: a 40% spirit needs a similarly strong replacement or adjust volume.
  • For liqueurs, dilute spirits + simple syrup can replicate sweetness and proof.
  • Citrus substitutions: lemon and lime are mostly interchangeable at a 1:1 ratio.
  • For bitters, Angostura is the most neutral substitute for most other aromatic bitters.