What's the best Rituals scented candle? (And what alternatives are there?)
Rituals is known for luxury, relaxation, and… irresistible fragrances. It's no wonder their scented candles are incredibly popular. But what if you're looking for an alternative? Or simply want something more original that smells just as good and sometimes even lasts longer?
In this blog post, you'll discover the best Rituals scented candles, why they're so popular, and which alternatives are just as tempting. Spoiler alert: cocktail scented candles are the new favorite of fragrance and design enthusiasts.
Why are Rituals scented candles so popular?
Rituals fragrances are carefully crafted with oriental spices, floral notes, or warm woody tones. They instantly create a sense of calm and tranquility. These scents are particularly popular:
- The Ritual of Sakura - fresh, floral, slightly sweet
- The Ritual of Ayurveda - spicy, earthy and relaxing
- The Ritual of Jing - calming with lavender & lotus
Their strength lies in their familiarity: you know what you're getting. But... they're often expensive and not always natural.
What makes a scented candle really good?
Whether you choose a Rituals candle or an alternative, these are the most important quality features:
- Soy wax instead of paraffin (vegetable, cleaner burning)
- Cotton wick without metal core
- High concentration of fragrance oil for good fragrance distribution
- Design that suits your style or gift idea
- Fire safety (no black smoke, no tunneling)
Many luxury scented candles outside of Rituals now offer these benefits and they are often just that little bit more unique.
✅ View our luxurious cocktail scented candles
Alternatives to Rituals: these are our top favorites
If you love the style and fragrance experience of Rituals, the following cocktail scented candles are delicious (and original!) alternatives:
1. Espresso Martini Scented Candle
For lovers of warm, luxurious scents. The combination of coffee, vanilla, and caramel is reminiscent of Rituals' Private Collection - Savage Garden , but with a modern twist.
✅ Check out this Espresso Martini scented candle
2. Purple Fantasy Scented Candle
Lavender with a hint of cherry blossom is perfect for those who love The Ritual of Jing . This fragrance brings tranquility and floral freshness without being overpowering.
✅ Try Purple Fantasy for a zen feeling
3. Strawberry Matcha Scented Candle
A soft green tea scent with a fruity undertone, similar to Ritual of Karma . The fresh matcha provides a clean feeling, ideal for summer evenings or morning rituals.
4. Pornstar Martini Scented Candle
For those looking for a statement scent and a real eye-catcher on the table. Think tropical fruit, passion fruit, and vanilla—perfect as a scented candle gift or for a cozy evening setting.
✅ This luxurious cocktail scented candle is a party in a glass
Cocktail scented candles: the surprising competitor
Why are more and more people choosing cocktail scented candles as an alternative to Rituals?
- They are unique in design: in a real cocktail glass
- You don't buy a standard gift, but something personal
- They combine a luxurious appearance with natural ingredients
- Perfect as an original scented candle gift for a birthday, housewarming or just for yourself
And: you can reuse the glass. So it's sustainable too.
✅ View all scented candle gift options
My experience: Rituals or not, it's all about feeling
When I switched from my trusted Rituals fragrance to an Espresso Martini candle, I was surprised. Not only did my living room suddenly smell like a chic hotel lobby, but the glass also looked beautiful on the coffee table. Since then, I've loved mixing things up: occasionally a Rituals classic, but often also a unique candle with just a little more character.
And that's perhaps the most important thing: a good scented candle has a profound effect on you. It evokes memories, softens your mood, or makes your space feel more inviting. Brands like ToHotToCandle capitalize on this perfectly.
Summary: What do you choose?
Rituals makes wonderful scented candles, there's no doubt about that. But are you looking for:
- a more original look
- a more sustainable alternative
- a luxurious gift with character
Then cocktail scented candles are a surprisingly good alternative. They combine ambiance, fragrance, and aesthetics just like Rituals, but with character and a little more ambiance ;)
Be surprised by fragrances with character. And discover that luxury can also be a little playful.