Moments can be made memorable without the need for alcohol. Drawing on five years of experience in tasting non-alcoholic (NA) beers, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites!
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On Drinking, and My Journey with It.
(But it really begins with my husband.)
Five years ago, my husband Bjork made a spur-of-the-moment decision to stop drinking alcohol.
At a festive gathering in 2018, he leaned in and whispered to me, “I think I’m going to quit drinking for a year.” It astonished me, but it made sense; he was considering his wellness, his evening habits, and our daughter, just a year old then.
I had my reservations, yet his impulsive choice that night led to a full year of sobriety.
That year transformed into two, which then morphed into five.
I’ve never declared anything about my own drinking habits in such a bold way, as I prefer to take a more nuanced approach (there’s space for all styles!). Interestingly, an unintentional outcome of Bjork’s five years of sobriety has been that I’ve also reduced my drinking.
Currently, I may indulge socially, perhaps one or two drinks per month when dining out with friends. The most significant shift for us due to Bjork’s choice is that we don’t keep alcohol in our house anymore. Honestly, this transition has been wonderful for our family.
The most challenging part of this choice is the lack of something to symbolize a moment as unique. A nice dinner is one thing, but drinks? Drinks add a little flair, a sprinkle of excitement, and elevate the occasion – whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or simply a Tuesday evening after work.
You can probably guess where I’m headed – it may seem clear, yet what I’ve realized is that drinks need not contain alcohol to commemorate a moment. Fortunately for those of us wanting to lessen our alcohol consumption, we’re in an era where non-alcoholic beverages are gaining traction and becoming more… how should I put it? Tasty. Seriously, there are so many genuinely exciting options available that provide that same “this is special” feeling you would get from a cocktail or a glass of wine.
So, with a heartfelt appreciation for significant moments and five years of NA beer tasting experience, I present to you a list of our utmost favorite NA beers.
I poured them out for you to observe their color and clarity more clearly, capturing photographs in my cherished, albeit scratched, IKEA beer glass so we can feel as though we’re tasting together. Enjoy!
7 Favorite Non-Alcoholic Beers
Sam Adams Just The Haze IPA
This is currently my top choice. I’ve never been particularly keen on traditional IPAs, but this one stands out for me. Exceptionally juicy, delightfully hazy, and truly enjoyable. Buy it here.
Best Day Brewing Kolsch
This kolsch-style offering is light, malty, and we adore it! It’s widely regarded as one of the finest NA beers on the market today. Buy it here.
Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn Golden
Athletic Brewing is a favorite of ours, offering a fantastic variety of beers and non-alcoholic beverages that are consistently excellent. One standout is this light, refreshing Upside Dawn (though honestly, I enjoy all their offerings and have sampled many). Buy it here.
Clausthaler Original
A long-standing favorite in our household! Available at Trader Joe’s, its flavor is smooth and easy to enjoy, boasting “a creamy sensation on the palate”. The dry-hopped IPA also hits the spot when I seek something a bit heartier. Buy it here.
Heineken 0.0
With fruity undertones and a soft malty body. In my words, it’s light, smooth, and crisp. Whatever it is, it’s delightful. We purchase this regularly! Buy it here.
Corona Non-Alcoholic
This one tastes like a refreshing Corona at the beach, but without the alcohol. Bravo, Corona! Buy it here.
Guinness 0 Non-Alcoholic Draught
This one is, as anticipated, rich, dark, mellow, and creamy, with a smooth finish. Bjork claims it’s one of his favorites! Buy it here.
Bonus: Ghia!
We’re now a family that frequently stocks Ghia in our fridge. My personal favorite is the Ghia Ginger (a small can of spicy soda), combined with a dash of rosemary syrup and sparkling water! OOOH BABY. What I appreciate about their products is their complexity and depth, featuring flavors like smokiness, saltiness, bitterness, and heat – much more than just a sugary drink. Additionally, for design lovers, the packaging is stunning. Buy it here.
Additional Links and Suggestions
- Bauhaus Brew Labs Nah – we don’t purchase this often as it requires a specific trip for us, but it’s one of the beers we frequently find at restaurants in the Twin Cities!
- Minnesota Non-Alcoholic Beers – a delightful little list if you’re on the hunt for brews specifically crafted here in Minnesota!
- Marigold – This is a store in the Twin Cities that specializes in NA beverages!
- Mucci’s – I have always enjoyed the St. Agrestis Phony Negroni on their menu and order it every time I visit!
- GusGus – They offer a whole imaginative and thoughtful spirit-free section of their bar menu, including – wait for it – non-alcoholic Jell-O shots!
- This non-alcoholic margarita is SPECTACULAR! Crafted with jalapeño cilantro simple syrup, lime juice, and tonic water.
- This rosemary pom spritzer is a household favorite. Herby, zingy rosemary-infused simple syrup, sweet tart pomegranate juice, fizzy bubbles, and fresh lime squeezes.
Least Favorite: Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic. I wanted to love this immensely because I really enjoy a regular Blue Moon—it’s been one of my long-standing favorites. Sadly, the orange flavor in the NA version was quite peculiar, and overall, it was just… not good. I believe they’ll improve it eventually, but it’s not there yet. Save your funds on this one!
What have I overlooked? What should I try next? Share your favorites with me!
More Of My Beloved Selections
