Oisin Foster
If you're looking for alternatives to beer, there are plenty of options to choose from. Non-alcoholic beers are a popular choice, with many major brands offering options that taste similar to their alcoholic counterparts. If you're looking for something beyond beer, there's a growing market for alcohol-free spirits, such as gin and whiskey, which mimic the taste and complexity of traditional liquors. Mocktails, or non-alcoholic cocktails, are another great option, offering unique and satisfying combinations of ingredients like fresh fruits, herbs, spices, juices, and syrups. For a healthier option, kombucha, a fermented tea beverage, has gained popularity for its potential health benefits and unique flavour. For a simpler choice, you can opt for infused water, adding fruits, herbs, or fruity ice cubes to sparkling or regular water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic drinks | Beer, wine, cocktails, spirits |
| Alternative drinks | Non-alcoholic beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, kombucha, ginger beer, tea, infused water, coffee, club soda, apple cider, sparkling water |
| Calories | Non-alcoholic drinks are lower in calories |
| Health | Alcohol is associated with injuries, poisoning, liver issues, heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues. |
| Effects | Alcohol has a relaxing effect, but non-alcoholic drinks can also help you unwind. |
| Taste | Non-alcoholic drinks can taste identical to their alcoholic counterparts. |
| Socialising | Non-alcoholic drinks enable safer socialising without the risks of intoxication. |
| Inclusions | Non-alcoholic drinks cater to a diverse audience, including those who abstain from alcohol for various reasons. |
Non-alcoholic beer
One notable non-alcoholic beer brand is Athletic Brewing Co., offering a range of options like the Run Wild IPA and Free Wave. Another popular choice is GO Brewing, known for their award-winning Suspended in Sunbeam Pils. Other brands worth mentioning include O'Doul's, Woodland Farms Brewery, and Heineken, which offers a non-alcoholic option.
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Kombucha
However, it is important to note that kombucha is not a complete substitute for alcohol if you are looking to cut it out of your diet entirely. Kombucha does contain a small amount of alcohol, and the levels can vary depending on factors like storage and fermentation time. Some kombucha brands have alcohol levels comparable to beer or cider, and it is not recommended for people with a history of alcohol abuse or dependence. Additionally, the sugar content of kombucha can vary, with some commercially bottled kombuchas containing tons of added sugar.
Overall, kombucha is a tasty and sophisticated alternative to beer and other alcoholic drinks. It has a distinct flavour and can be paired with different foods, just like wine. It is a healthy option, with potential benefits for gut health, weight loss, and reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. However, it is important to consume it in moderation and be mindful of the alcohol and sugar content.
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Ginger beer or ale
Ginger beer and ginger ale are both great alternatives to beer, especially if you are looking for a low-calorie option. They are also perfect if you are looking to cut back or practice more mindful drinking. Ginger beer and ginger ale have a sizzle to the taste that lightly resembles beer, and they look much the same as lager, so no one would notice the difference.
Ginger beer was originally an alcoholic drink made from fermenting ginger, sugar, and water, but most commercial ginger beers are now non-alcoholic. It is stronger-tasting and spicier than ginger ale, but less carbonated. Ginger beer can be clear or cloudy, depending on the filtering process, and it is usually darker in colour than ginger ale. It is an integral part of cocktails like the Moscow Mule and the Dark 'n' Stormy.
Ginger ale, on the other hand, is a non-alcoholic, sweetened, ginger-flavoured soft drink. It has a lighter appearance than regular ale and is less spicy and carbonated than ginger beer, with a slightly more delicate flavour. Ginger ale can also be a fermented drink made from ginger bugs, a culture of beneficial bacteria, and it may contain a small amount of alcohol. It is a popular drink on airplanes and is also used to combat stomach upsets. It is a great substitute for club soda and works well as a mixer for cocktails.
If you are looking to reap the health benefits of ginger, opt for an organic ginger beer or ale, as these are likely to have more ginger in them.
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Mocktails
Tropical Punch Mocktail
This refreshing mocktail combines passionfruit, mint, lemongrass, and orange, with delicate bubbles of sparkling water. It's the perfect drink for a summer party or get-together.
Watermelon 'Nojito'
A fun take on the classic mojito, this mocktail features watermelon and fresh mint for a summery flavor. It's a great choice for those who want a drink that's both refreshing and a little bit fruity.
Pink Grapefruit Fizz
This bubbly mocktail is a fun twist on traditional soft drinks. It can be made even more flavorful by adding lemon sorbet and mango nectar. It's a perfect choice for those who want something a little bit different from the usual soft drink options.
Curtis Stone's Fresh Strawberry Water
A delicious non-alcoholic summer drink, this mocktail is made with fresh strawberries, lime juice, and mint. It's a great option for those who want a drink that's both refreshing and packed with flavor.
Wild Raspberry and Hibiscus Fruit Boost Punch
Rich in antioxidants, this mocktail is a refreshing change if you're trying to cut back on your alcohol intake. It combines the sweet and tangy flavors of raspberries with the floral notes of hibiscus for a unique and sophisticated drink.
Spicy Lemon-Ginger Tonic
A time-tested trifecta of lemon juice, ginger, and honey makes up the base of this flavor-packed mocktail. It can be served either hot or cold, making it a perfect choice for any time of year.
Salty Grapefruit Refresher
This mocktail taps into the bitterness of grapefruit juice and preserved lemon purée (rind and all) to create a unique and sophisticated drink. It's the ultimate summertime pitcher drink and a great option for those who want something a little bit different from the usual sweet mocktails.
Chile-Cucumber Agua Fresca
This ultra-refreshing mocktail features a ginger and habanero chile-infused syrup that will definitely spice up your night. It's a great choice for those who want something a little bit out of the ordinary and are looking for a drink with a kick.
Peach and Mango Spritzer
A delightfully fizzy mocktail, this drink combines the sweet and tangy flavors of peach and mango. It's a perfect choice for those who want something a little bit fruity and a little bit fancy.
Green Tea Arnold Palmer
This mocktail puts an aromatic twist on the classic Arnold Palmer, which is a mixture of lemonade and iced black tea. By adding jasmine green tea, this version becomes more sophisticated and unique, perfect for those who want something a little bit different.
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Non-alcoholic spirits
Ritual Zero Proof
Ritual Zero Proof offers a range of non-alcoholic spirits, including gin, rum, whiskey, and tequila alternatives. Their products are designed to replace traditional spirits ounce-for-ounce, allowing you to create your favourite cocktails without the alcohol. Ritual's spirits have received excellent reviews, with customers praising their taste and sophistication.
Free Spirits
Free Spirits is another popular brand in the non-alcoholic spirits space. They offer alternatives to bourbon, tequila, gin, vermouth, and aperitif. Free Spirits allows you to be in control of your alcohol consumption by providing a 1:1 replacement for traditional spirits in cocktails. Their unique Distillate Reconstruction process involves identifying the raw materials, interactions, and alchemy that give a spirit its distinct flavour profile, resulting in a product that is much bigger than the sum of its parts.
Three Spirit
Three Spirit takes a different approach by creating non-alcoholic elixirs designed to match your mood. Their drinks are crafted by plant scientists and bartenders, using high-grade functional ingredients. Whether you want to socialise, celebrate, or relax, Three Spirit has a drink for you. Their Nightcap elixir, for example, contains ashwagandha and valerian root, known for their calming properties.
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Frequently asked questions
Non-alcoholic beer is a great alternative to beer, as it has the same brewing process and ingredients, but without the alcohol content. You can also try kombucha, a fermented tea beverage with a unique flavour and potential health benefits.
There are several alcohol-free wines available, such as those from ARIEL, Lussory, and TÖST. You can also try pomegranate or cherry juice as a substitute for red wine, or apple or white grape juice for white wine.
You can create mocktails or non-alcoholic cocktails, such as a Virgin Mary or a Shirley Temple. You can also experiment with alcohol-free spirits from brands like Seedlip, Lyre's, or Ritual Zero to create your own mocktails.
There are several options, including infused water, fruit juice, tea, coffee, club soda with flavoured syrup, and sparkling water with flavourings.
Alcohol-free drinks offer several benefits, including improved physical health, better weight management, enhanced mental well-being, and safer socialising. They also cater to a diverse range of preferences and can help individuals prioritise their well-being.
