Jason Wagner
The market for non-alcoholic beer is growing, with many big brands releasing their own 0.0% and alcohol-free options. While non-alcoholic beer is widely available in retail, buying it discreetly can be challenging. In the US, for instance, the laws surrounding the purchase of non-alcoholic beer vary by state, and some retailers require customers to be at least 21 years old. When ordering non-alcoholic drinks at a bar, options that can pass for alcoholic drinks include mocktails, sodas, ginger ale, and non-alcoholic beer poured into a glass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Non-alcoholic beer should be served in a glass to avoid people seeing the label. |
| Ginger ale in a pint glass can be made to look like draft beer. | |
| Soda or juice in a bottle can be passed off as mixed drinks. | |
| A Shirley Temple cocktail can be ordered. | |
| Sprite in a whiskey glass with a splash of Coke can be made to look like an alcoholic beverage. | |
| Availability | Non-alcoholic beer is available in retail stores and online. |
| In the U.S., state laws vary on whether minors can purchase non-alcoholic beer. | |
| Age restrictions | In the U.S., most states do not have age limits for buying non-alcoholic beer. |
| Some retailers will require customers to be 18 or 21 years old. |
What You'll Learn
Ask for a non-alcoholic beer in a glass
If you're looking to discreetly order a non-alcoholic beer, asking for it to be served in a glass is a great way to go about it. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:
Firstly, when placing your order, ask about the availability of non-alcoholic beer. If they have it, go ahead and place your order, perhaps even mentioning that you're driving to emphasise the importance of it being non-alcoholic. This way, the bartender is more likely to remember your request.
When your drink arrives, you can verify whether it's non-alcoholic by checking the bottle for labels such as "0% alcohol" or "non-alcoholic". If it's served in a glass, you can always ask the bartender to confirm. It's perfectly reasonable to want to be sure, and a good bartender will understand that.
If, by any chance, you do receive an alcoholic beer instead, politely remind the bartender that you explicitly mentioned you couldn't drink alcohol and request for it to be replaced. It's always a good idea to be assertive yet polite when dealing with such situations.
In some cases, you might be handed the bottle and a glass, which makes it easier to verify. However, if you're still unsure, you can always ask for a drink menu to see the options for yourself. This way, you can also check for non-alcoholic alternatives like mocktails or sodas.
Remember, it's your right to ask for confirmation, and most bartenders will be happy to accommodate your request. So, don't be afraid to speak up and ask for what you want. Cheers to that!
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Order a soda instead of a mixed drink
If you're trying to be discreet about not drinking alcohol, one effective strategy is to order a soda instead of a mixed drink. This way, your beverage will closely resemble an alcoholic cocktail, allowing you to blend in seamlessly.
For instance, you can order a Coke, which will closely resemble a rum and Coke. Alternatively, opt for Sprite or soda water if you're looking to mimic a gin and tonic or vodka tonic. Don't forget to ask for a straw and a citrus wedge, such as a lemon or lime slice, to complete the illusion. Requesting your drink in a short glass can also make it appear more like an alcoholic beverage.
By choosing this approach, you can easily participate in social drinking situations without actually consuming alcohol. This tactic can be especially useful if you don't feel comfortable disclosing your reasons for abstaining from alcohol to your friends or acquaintances.
Remember, while these strategies can help you maintain discretion, it's always important to prioritize your comfort and well-being. If you feel pressured to drink or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, it's perfectly valid to politely decline or excuse yourself.
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Ask for a virgin cocktail
If you're looking to discreetly buy non-alcoholic beer, one way is to ask for a virgin cocktail. Here are some tips on how to do this:
Ordering a mocktail is a great way to enjoy a drink without alcohol. Simply ask the bartender to make any special cocktail "virgin," excluding the alcohol. For example, you could ask for a "virgin piña colada" or a "virgin margarita." Another option is to request a non-alcoholic cocktail by name, such as a Shirley Temple, which is made with citrus soda and grenadine.
When ordering a virgin cocktail, be mindful of the setting. In a Spanish-speaking restaurant, for instance, you could say, "Una piña colada sin alcohol, por favor," emphasizing that you want the drink without alcohol.
Make Your Drink Look Like Alcohol
If you're aiming for discretion, you can also make your non-alcoholic drink resemble an alcoholic one. For instance, order a ginger ale without ice in a pint glass to mimic a draft beer. Alternatively, opt for a soda that resembles a mixed drink, such as Coke (for rum and Coke) or Sprite (for a gin and tonic or vodka tonic). Requesting a straw and a citrus wedge can further enhance the illusion.
Choose an Alternative Non-Alcoholic Option
Besides virgin cocktails, there are other non-alcoholic options available. You can ask for a non-alcoholic beer and have it poured into a glass to conceal the label. Some popular brands offering non-alcoholic versions include Heineken, Budweiser, and Guinness.
Additionally, you can choose non-alcoholic alternatives to wine and champagne. Apple or white grape juice in a wine glass can pass for white wine, while regular grape juice and sparkling white grape or pear juice can stand in for red wine and champagne, respectively.
Remember, while there are various ways to discreetly buy non-alcoholic drinks, being honest about your preferences is always an option. You can simply inform your friends and acquaintances that you don't drink, and most people will understand and respect your choice.
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Buy online
The internet has made it easier than ever to discreetly buy non-alcoholic beer and have it delivered straight to your door. Here are some tips and suggestions for buying non-alcoholic beer online:
Online Retailers
There are now online retailers that cater specifically to non-alcoholic beverage enthusiasts. These websites offer a wide selection of non-alcoholic beers, spirits, and wines. Some popular options include:
- NA Craft Beverages: One of the only online shops dedicated solely to alcohol-free drinks. They offer craft brews, including Brooklyn Brewery's Special Effects and Point 5's Pilsner, which are not available on the breweries' respective websites. They also have a range of drinks beyond beer, such as hop water, craft sodas, and mocktails. However, many of their products may be out of stock.
- Total Wine: While they are widely known for their in-store selection, Total Wine also offers online ordering and shipping for a variety of craft non-alcoholic beers, including Ceria's lineup, which is hard to find elsewhere. If you live near one of their 200+ locations, you may even be able to arrange for same-day delivery.
- Beverage Universe: This website offers a solid variety of imports and lighter non-alcoholic beers, as well as mixed variety packs, which are great for sampling different breweries. Most of their beers are only available by the case.
- Well.ca: A Canadian-based company that delivers throughout the United States. They offer a small variety of options from Partake and Grüvi, as well as the hard-to-find Sober Carpenter beers. They also have NA wines, spirits, craft cider, and shrubs.
- Cocktail Emporium: Another Canadian-based company that ships to Canada, the USA, and beyond. In addition to bar tools and glassware, they offer low and alcohol-free beverages and mixers, including non-alcoholic options from Partake, Grüvi, Seedlip, and Sobrii.
Direct from Breweries
Many breweries that produce non-alcoholic beer will also package and ship their products directly to consumers. This is a great option if you have a favourite brand that you want to stick with. Some breweries that offer online ordering include:
- Hairless Dog Brewing
- Athletic Brewing
- Gruvi
- Bravus
Subscription Services
If you want to explore different brands of non-alcoholic beer, consider signing up for a subscription service like NA Beer Club. Each month, you'll receive a unique craft non-alcoholic beer delivered straight to your door. This is also a great gift option for someone who is interested in trying non-alcoholic options.
General Tips
When buying non-alcoholic beer online, keep in mind that some states have different laws regarding non-alcoholic beer shipments, so always check your local regulations before ordering. Additionally, when ordering from breweries, you may be limited to their specific brand offerings, so online retailers might be better if you want to sample a wider variety of styles and brands.
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Ask for a ginger ale in a pint glass
Asking for a ginger ale in a pint glass is a great way to discreetly buy non-alcoholic beer. A pint glass is a form of drinkware designed to hold either a British imperial pint of 20 imperial fluid ounces (568 ml) or an American pint of 16 US fluid ounces (473 ml). These glasses are typically used to serve beer, so ordering a ginger ale in a pint glass can help create the appearance of drinking beer.
When ordering a ginger ale in a pint glass, it is important to specify that you would like it without ice. This will ensure that the drink fills the glass and resembles a draft beer. You can also ask for a straw and a lemon or lime wedge to further enhance the illusion.
It is worth noting that some restaurants and bars may not carry traditional ginger ale, which is typically made from ginger, carbonated water, and sugar. Instead, they might mix citrus soda with a cola beverage to create a similar colour and taste. This alternative version may contain caffeine, so if you are avoiding caffeine, it is a good idea to inquire about the ingredients beforehand.
Ordering a ginger ale in a pint glass can be a simple and effective way to discreetly enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage in a social setting. It can help you blend in with others who are drinking beer without drawing attention to yourself. However, be mindful of your own comfort and safety, and always choose non-alcoholic options if that is what you prefer.
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Frequently asked questions
You can discreetly buy non-alcoholic beer online from specialist retailers such as Total Wine & More, or from online grocery and convenience stores.
It depends on which state you're in. In some states, such as Oregon, West Virginia and Wyoming, you cannot buy non-alcoholic beer if you're under 21. In other states, such as Ohio, you can buy it if you're over 18. In Alabama, non-alcoholic beer is not regulated in wet counties, but the sale is prohibited in dry counties.
If you want to discreetly buy a non-alcoholic drink in a bar, you could ask the server to bring you a virgin version of an alcoholic drink, such as a "virgin pina colada" or a "virgin margarita". Alternatively, you could order a soda, such as Coke or Sprite, which will look like a mixed alcoholic drink, or a non-alcoholic beer and ask for it to be served in a glass so that people can't see the label.
