Jason Wagner
There are a variety of non-alcoholic alternatives to beer, including non-alcoholic beers, hard kombucha, hard seltzer, and hop-flavoured drinks. Non-alcoholic beers, such as Heineken 0.0, are a popular option as they mimic the taste, froth, and aroma of traditional beer without the alcohol content. Hard kombucha, made from fermented tea, offers a tangy and funky flavour with added health benefits due to its probiotic element. Hard seltzers provide a low-calorie, zero-carb, and gluten-free alternative to beer, although some may find the flavours bland. For those who enjoy the taste of hops, there are hop-flavoured drinks such as Hoplark, which offers hopped tea and water, providing a unique way to taste hops.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Like beer but less bitter, fruity, spicy, sour, sweet, salty, tart, dry, crisp, rich, light, refreshing, smooth, tangy, nutty, citrusy, coffee-like, chocolatey, carbonated, effervescent, herbal, floral, spicy, bold, vinous, bready, juicy, bubbly, champagne-like, dessert-like, tannic, smoky, savory, piney, earthy, woody, vinegary, malty, barbecue-like, peachy, lemonade-like, tropical, berry-like, grape-like, cucumber-like, thyme-like, tomato-like |
| Alcohol Content | Alcohol-free, low alcohol, non-alcoholic, 0% ABV, less than 0.5% ABV, 3.6% ABV, 13% ABV, 7.5% ABV |
| Ingredients | Malted barley, hops, yeast, water, apples, grapes, tomatoes, spices, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lime, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, banana, clove, pepper, grapefruit, green apple, cranberries, cherries, raspberries, oak, coriander, orange peel, wheat, oats, pineapple, mango, watermelon, blood orange, lemonade, cocoa nibs, chili peppers, coffee, vanilla beans, chili peppers, honey, cola, rose, chamomile, ginseng, root, dandelion, gentian root, lemon balm, elderflower, rhubarb root, orange, ginger, rosemary, rock samphire, sea-herb extracts, quinine, cucumber, thyme, peas, hops, lemon, scotch bonnet, maple, cinnamon, caramel, mushroom, licorice, pomegranate, beets, grape, hibiscus, tea, rose, chamomile, lion's mane, L-theanine, extracts |
| Brand | Budweiser, Dos Equis, Abita, Dr. Brown’s, Elysian Brewing, Schlafly, Moody Tongue, Prairie Artisan Ales, Short’s, UFO, Sixpoint, St. Agrestis, Casamara Club, Uncle Waithley’s, De Soi, Ghia, Curious Elixirs, Three Spirit, Brooklyn Brewed, Caleño, Bonbuz, Kin, Melati, Parch, Pentire, Rasāsvāda, Seedlip, Vera, Hella, Amass, Bax Botanics, Everleaf, For Bitter For Worse, Gnista, Vera, Allagash, Sierra Nevada, Chimay, Firestone Walker, Lagunitas |
| Format | Bottles, cans, kegs |
What You'll Learn
Non-alcoholic IPAs
Athletic Brewing Co. Run Wild IPA
This award-winning non-alcoholic beer is a fan favourite among enthusiasts. Brewed with a blend of five Northwest hops, it has an approachable bitterness that complements the specialty malt body. With a 4.8-star rating and only 70 calories per serving, it's a guilt-free, refreshing option for craft beer lovers.
Two Roads Non-Alcoholic Juicy IPA
Crafted by Master Brewer Phil Markowski, this hazy, 70-calorie delight offers an authentic and flavorful taste thanks to the use of citra hops. Bursting with flavour, it's brewed and fermented with Mosaic and Citra hops, creating a sessionable IPA perfect for any occasion.
Brewdog Punk AF
Hailing from Scotland, this non-alcoholic IPA has a bold flavour that doesn't compromise on taste. With only 37 calories per 12oz serving, it packs a punch while keeping your waistline in check. Brewdog Punk AF is brewed with eight different hops from North America, New Zealand, and Europe, contributing to its unique flavour profile.
Lagunitas IPNA
Lagunitas Brewing Company's IPNA is a widely available non-alcoholic version of their iconic IPA. Featuring citrusy, piney, and resiny flavours, it's a fantastic option for those seeking a refreshing beer without the alcohol. With nationwide availability, it's easy to find a Lagunitas IPNA near you.
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects Non-Alcoholic IPA
The retro, trippy vibe of the packaging isn't the only cool thing about this full-strength, bright, citrusy IPA. With under 100 calories, it's a great option for those seeking a non-alcoholic beer that's light and refreshing. However, it can be a bit difficult to find in stores.
Hazy IPA by Momentum Brewery
Momentum Brewery's Hazy IPA is a sophisticated, hop-centric interpretation of the traditional Indian Pale Ale, featuring a radiant golden amber hue. This non-alcoholic beer combines American Mosaic, Amarillo, and Simcoe hops, delivering a refreshing experience that invigorates the senses. The elegant slimline packaging adds to its appeal.
Midwest IPA by Good Liar
Good Liar Brewery introduced the Midwest IPA to the non-alcoholic beer market in early 2024, and it's expected to be available in select Columbus locations by December 2023. This innovative non-alcoholic offering is sure to be a hit with enthusiasts everywhere.
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Non-alcoholic stouts
S'mores Dark Brew by Untitled Art
This craft brewery based in Wisconsin is known for its innovative beers and unique flavours. The S'mores Dark Brew is jet black and has a familiar chocolatey, marshmallowy taste that will remind you of camping outdoors.
Dave's American Dark Malt by Athletic Brewing
Athletic Brewing is a craft brewery from Connecticut that specialises in non-alcoholic beers. Their mission is to create great-tasting, high-quality non-alcoholic beers suitable for an active lifestyle. Dave's American Dark Malt is a very dark brown, malty stout with hints of chocolate and caramel.
Peanut Butter Dark by Bravus Brewing
Bravus Brewing, a craft brewery from California, is the first in North America to focus solely on non-alcoholic beers. Their Peanut Butter Dark has a strong peanut butter taste and smell, with hints of hazelnut and roasted malt.
Heaven & Heat by BrewDog
This Scottish craft brewery and pub chain have created a unique non-alcoholic stout in partnership with Violet Sky American Craft Chocolate. Heaven & Heat has a spicy kick with cinnamon and chilli flavours.
Grüvi Stout by Grüvi
Based in Seattle, Grüvi Brewing crafts a variety of non-alcoholic beers, including this incredible stout. The Grüvi Stout tastes like an explosion of nuttiness and honey, with a thick and rich texture like a traditional stout. It's also gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
Guinness 0.0 by Guinness
Guinness, the iconic Irish brewery, has created a non-alcoholic version of its classic stout. The Guinness 0.0 has the same dark colour and creamy head as the original, but without the alcohol. While it may lack some of the distinct roasted malt and coffee notes, it has a hint of dark chocolate and a creamy malt flavour.
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Non-alcoholic lagers
There is a diverse range of non-alcoholic lagers available on the market, catering to various tastes and preferences. For instance, the Heineken 0.0 Non-Alcoholic lager offers a familiar option for those who enjoy the Heineken taste. The Budweiser Zero Non-Alcoholic lager is another popular choice, known for its low-calorie content with only 55 calories in a 12-ounce serving.
Craft breweries have also entered the non-alcoholic market, offering unique and innovative options. For example, the Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA is a multi-award-winning non-alcoholic beer with a well-balanced blend of citrusy and tropical hop flavours. The Sober Carpenter Non-Alcoholic Organic Session IPA is another craft option, offering a refreshing taste and organic ingredients.
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Non-alcoholic ales
Lowtide "Brune-DMC" (0.5%) Abbey Ale
This ale is styled as a Belgian abbey ale but has characteristics that will appeal to cask bitter enthusiasts. It has a slightly tickly, soft carbonation and a creamy mouthfeel. The chocolate, honey, and vanilla flavours, along with a foundation of gently roasted barley, make it a delightful choice.
Big Drop "Galactic" (0.5%) Milk Stout
With hints of coffee, cocoa, and vanilla in the aroma and flavour, Big Drop's "Galactic" is a delightful milk stout. It has a fluffy head and a thick, creamy mouthfeel, making it a perfect after-dinner treat or a cosy drink by the fire during colder months.
Brewdog "Nanny State" (0.5%) Pale Ale
"Nanny State" by Brewdog is a long-time favourite in the non-alcoholic beer scene. It offers a bold, hoppy flavour with pine-like bitterness. While it may lack a bit in texture compared to some others, its well-chilled, bold flavours make it a popular choice.
Beavertown "Lazer Crush" (0.3%) IPA
Beavertown's "Lazer Crush" is packed with flavour. It has notes of pink grapefruit and passionfruit, reminding some drinkers of a soda. While it may not be a typical choice for real ale enthusiasts, it's a big hit with Beavertown fans.
Ilkley Brewery "Nowt Mary" (0.5%) Milk Stout
Ilkley Brewery's "Nowt Mary" is a milk stout with a subtle but pleasant aroma and taste. It features flavours like coffee, blackberry, cinnamon, and honey. The light carbonation and cask stout-like mouthfeel make it a smooth and enjoyable non-alcoholic option.
Guinness "0.0" (0%) Dry Stout
Guinness's non-alcoholic offering, "0.0", delivers understated yet effective flavours. It has roasted barley notes with hints of vanilla and coffee, along with a touch of fruitiness. The nitrogen adds to the mouthfeel, making it a satisfying non-alcoholic stout option.
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Hard kombucha
All kombucha is naturally alcoholic, but the alcohol is only present in trace amounts. Hard kombucha is made by increasing the fermentation process. After the initial fermentation, brewers add more sugar and a new strain of yeast to the mixture, then seal it inside a fermentation tank for another week or two, resulting in a higher alcohol content.
Some of the bigger hard kombucha brands include JuneShine, Flying Embers, and Sierra Nevada's Strainge Beast. These brands offer a variety of flavours and ABVs, making them a great choice for those looking for a boozy 'booch.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several non-alcoholic drinks that taste like beer. Some popular options include non-alcoholic beer, ginger beer, kombucha, and club soda with bitters.
Some alcoholic drinks that taste like beer but are not beer include Micheladas, which have the fizz of light beer but mostly taste like tomato juice, and fruit-flavoured beers, such as the Abita Strawberry Lager.
Budweiser's low-carb beer is a good low-calorie option that "tastes like nothing in a pleasant way", almost like a beer-flavoured seltzer.
