A moment can be made special without the need for alcohol in drinks. After five years of tasting NA beers, we have compiled our favorite non-alcoholic options!
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links to products I appreciate and recommend – meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase!
Reflecting on Drinking and Its Role in My Life
(It actually begins with my husband.)
Five years back, my husband Bjork decided to quit drinking alcohol almost instantly.
During a holiday dinner with friends in 2018, while the server was taking our orders, he leaned over and whispered, “I think I’m going to quit drinking for a year.” I was taken aback. It felt sudden and unexpected, yet it carried significance. He was considering his health, daily routines, and our family – especially our daughter, who was just a year old then.
I was skeptical, but this spontaneous decision indeed blossomed into a year of sobriety. One year led to two, then three, and now five. And here I am, sharing this story.
I never openly declared a change in my drinking habits like he did, but an unexpected outcome of Bjork’s choice to abstain was that I began drinking less as well. I enjoy a drink socially on the rare occasions I go out to dinner with friends, but the significant shift for us is that we no longer keep alcohol at home. Honestly, this adjustment has been wonderful for our family.
The most challenging aspect of this choice, and what I miss the most about enjoying a drink at home, is the ability to celebrate special occasions. A lovely dinner is one thing, but drinks? Drinks provide an extra touch, adding a festive feel whether it’s to celebrate a birthday, a holiday, or simply enjoying a Tuesday night together after work.
It may seem evident, but I’ve discovered that drinks don’t need to be alcoholic to create memorable moments. Thankfully, those of us wanting to reduce alcohol consumption benefit from a time when non-alcoholic (NA) beverages are gaining popularity and, how shall I put it? Delicious. There are numerous genuinely exciting options that evoke that same “this moment is special” feeling you would get from a cocktail or glass of wine.
With a passion for special moments and five years of NA beer tasting experience behind us, here’s our list of the non-alcoholic beers we cherish most.
I poured them all out so you can appreciate the color and clarity more clearly, and I snapped photos of them in my well-loved, scratched-up IKEA beer glass. Enjoy!
7 Top Non-Alcoholic Beers
Sam Adams Just The Haze IPA
This is currently my favorite choice. I’m not usually a fan of true IPAs, but this one resonates with me. It’s juicy, hazy, and really delightful. Purchase it here.
Best Day Brewing Kolsch
This kolsch-style brew is light and malty, and we adore it! It’s often recognized as one of the finest NA beers currently available. Purchase it here.
Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn Golden
We appreciate Athletic Brewing as they provide a plethora of fantastic beers and non-alcoholic drinks. One current favorite is the light and revitalizing Upside Dawn (though, to be honest, all their offerings are loved and have been sampled). Purchase it here.
Clausthaler Original
A household favorite for years! Available at Trader Joe’s. The flavor is simply pleasant and easy to drink, with “a creamy feel on the palate.” The dry-hopped IPA is also enjoyable when you desire something heartier. Purchase it here.
Heineken 0.0
Notes of fruit, a gentle malty body. Or, in my terms, light, smooth, and crisp. Whatever the description, it’s tasty. We regularly buy this! Purchase it here.
Corona Non-Alcoholic
This one tastes like a beachy Corona, minus the alcohol. Well done, Corona! Purchase it here.
Guinness 0 Non-Alcoholic Draught
This one is, as expected, rich, dark, smooth, and creamy, with a luxurious finish. Bjork states it’s one of his favorites! Purchase it here.
Bonus: Ghia!
We have become a family that keeps our fridge stocked with Ghia whenever possible. My favorite is the Ghia Ginger (a tiny can of spicy soda), mixed with a dash of rosemary syrup and sparkling water! OOOH BABY. What I treasure about all their offerings is their complexity and depth, blending flavors like smokiness, saltiness, bitterness, and heat – so much more than just a sugary drink. Additionally, for design enthusiasts, the packaging is stunning. Purchase it here.
Additional Links and Recommendations
- Bauhaus Brew Labs Nah – we don’t often pick this up because it necessitates a special trip for us, but it’s one of the beers we frequently enjoy at Twin Cities restaurants!
- Minnesota Non-Alcoholic Beers – a handy list if you’re searching for something specifically made here in Minnesota!
- Marigold – This is a shop in the Twin Cities that focuses on NA beverages!
- Mucci’s – I have always loved the St. Agrestis Phony Negroni on their menu and I order one each visit!
- GusGus – They offer a brilliantly crafted spirit-free section on their bar menu, which includes – wait for it – non-alcoholic Jell-O shots!
- This non-alcoholic margarita is INCREDIBLE! Made with jalapeño cilantro simple syrup, lime juice, and tonic water.
- This rosemary pom spritzer is a staple in our household. Herby, zesty rosemary-infused simple syrup, sweet-tart pomegranate juice, sparkling fizz, and fresh lime squeezes.
Least Favorite: Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic. I had high hopes for this as I genuinely enjoy regular Blue Moon—it’s one of my enduring favorites. However, the orange flavor in the NA version was peculiar, and the overall experience was just… not appealing. I believe they’ll get it right eventually, but it’s not quite there yet. Save your money on this one!
What did I overlook? What should I try next? Share your favorites with me!