Beer Alternatives: Healthy Drinks To Try Tonight

There are many reasons why someone might want to cut down on their beer consumption, whether it's for health reasons, to reduce their alcohol intake, or to simply try something new. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of tasty alternatives to beer that can be just as refreshing and enjoyable. From non-alcoholic options like tea, coffee, and infused water, to boozy cocktails like spiked seltzers and wine slushies, there's something for everyone looking to switch up their drinking habits.

Tea, hot or cold

Tea is a great alternative to beer, and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

If you're looking for a hot cuppa, consider a malty Assam or Kenyan black tea, which can be as robust as any brewski. The key is concentration—the ratio of leaf to water. For a beer-like tea, use 2.5 times as much tea as you would for a hot cup, and half the usual amount of water. If you like a strong brew, then you have the freedom to do a longer steep than usual. Less water in the cup means that it'll cool down faster, so your tea will be less likely to go bitter. If you time it right, then a touch of bitterness will even mimic beer's astringent aftertaste.

If you're after something cooler, you can make a tea-based mocktail. For example, a Dark & Not Too Stormy: combine ginger ale with a concentrated shot of Wuyi oolong tea and garnish with a cinnamon stick or fresh-grated nutmeg. Or, for a Green Tea Cooler: combine a shot of Laoshan Green tea with honey, then muddle with fresh mint and pour over ice, garnishing with sprigs of mint.

If you're looking for a healthier option, kombucha is a brewed and fermented non-alcoholic cousin to beer that starts with tea and sugar to make a sour, probiotic sparkling tea drink. It's one of the easiest and most popular alternatives to alcohol on a night out due to its intense flavour and sparkle.

There are also herbal teas, which are a good option if you're caffeine-sensitive or drinking before bed. Rooibos tea, for example, tastes great hot or iced.

Fruit and herb-infused water

To make fruit and herb-infused water, simply add your desired combination of fruits, herbs, and vegetables to a jar or pitcher, muddle or slice them, and then fill the container with filtered water. Place it in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight to allow the flavours to infuse. You can also add sparkling mineral water for a bubbly taste.

• Strawberry, lemon, and mint
• Apricot, raspberry, and mint
• Orange and lime
• Strawberry and pineapple
• Peach, plum, and mint
• Cucumber, lemon, and celery
• Apple, cinnamon stick, and red pear
• Kiwi and orange
• Watermelon and strawberry
• Lemon, mint, ginger, and cucumber
• Apple, orange, cinnamon, and clove
• Orange, blueberry, and mint
• Grapefruit and rosemary
• Cucumber, thyme, and lime
• Strawberry and lime
• Lemon and ginger
• Cranberry and orange
• Lemon, raspberry, and mint
• Cucumber and lemon
• Apple, mint, and lime
• Strawberry, cucumber, and mint
• Mint, cucumber, and lemon

Coffee, hot or iced

Coffee is a great alternative to beer, and like beer, it can be enjoyed hot or cold. Coffee is the perfect drink to get you going in the morning, providing the energy and focus to tackle the day ahead. It's like having a drill sergeant in your cup, helping you kick butt before lunchtime! Coffee is nature's energy drink for adults, providing the boost to get you out of bed, whether it's for a morning trail run or to get you to the office early.

Coffee is a versatile drink that can be customised to your preference. You can adjust the temperature, add ice, or experiment with different blends and beans such as Arabica, Robusta, or Liberica. Add a touch of sweetness with sugar, or go sugar-free with flavoured syrups. Whether you like it strong and black or with a dash of milk, coffee is a reliable drink to start your day.

The effects of coffee are well-known and documented. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, tricking your body into thinking it has more energy than it does. This leads to increased alertness and the production of adrenaline and cortisol, giving you that extra boost to tackle any task. Just be mindful that, over time, your body can develop a tolerance to caffeine, requiring more coffee to achieve the same stimulation. It's important to enjoy coffee in moderation and to avoid drinking it too late in the day to prevent it from affecting your sleep.

While beer may be associated with relaxation and creativity, coffee is the drink that gets things done. It's the perfect companion for when you need to execute a plan or follow through on an idea. So, if you're looking for a drink to help you power through your to-do list, coffee is the way to go.

Sparkling water with syrup

If you're looking for a non-alcoholic drink to replace beer, sparkling water with syrup is a great option. It's a fun and refreshing drink that can be easily customised to your taste preferences.

To make this drink, start by choosing your favourite sparkling water or soda water as the base. You can use plain sparkling water or go for flavoured varieties like Topo Chico, which offers a range of flavours and sugar-free options. Then, add your favourite syrup to give it that extra punch. You can opt for fruit syrups, such as blueberry, strawberry, or even something more exotic like strawberry lavender or blueberry tarragon. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own fruit syrups at home by simmering fresh fruit with sugar and water. This way, you can control the sweetness and calorie content of your drink.

When adding the syrup, start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Give it a gentle stir, and add some ice if you prefer your drink chilled. That's it—your very own sparkling water with syrup is ready to be enjoyed!

This drink is not only delicious but also offers versatility. You can serve it at any time of the year and for any occasion, whether it's a casual get-together with friends or a more formal event. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for a non-alcoholic option that's both tasty and hydrating.

So, if you're cutting down on beer or alcohol in general, sparkling water with syrup is an excellent alternative. It allows you to enjoy the experience of a flavoured beverage without the negative effects of alcohol. You can experiment with different syrup flavours and create your own unique combinations to find your perfect drink.

Kombucha

However, it is important to note that kombucha is not completely alcohol-free. The alcohol content can vary depending on factors such as storage and fermentation time, and some brands may have alcohol levels comparable to beer or cider. Therefore, kombucha may not be a suitable alternative for people who need to cut out alcohol entirely for medical reasons or due to a history of alcohol abuse. Additionally, the caffeine and sugar content of kombucha should also be considered, as they can impact the body.

Frequently asked questions