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Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The 16 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks That Your Party Guests Will Fight Over
If you're sober, sober curious or simply looking to cut back on alcohol, you might be planning to enjoy nonalcoholic drinks all year round. For folks who like to host, these beverages are great alcohol alternatives to serve to people who don't want to drink booze. Fortunately, nonalcoholic drinks have come a long way, and many brands now offer alcohol-free alternatives that taste great and even have added health benefits. If you hadn't noticed, more adults are going sober or cutting back on their alcohol" target="_blank intake. According to Hilary Sheinbaum, journalist and author of , there are various reasons why people are saying no to alcohol. "There are health benefits like better sleep, better digestion, more energy and weight loss ... and some people are sick and tired of being hungover," she says. Sheinbaum points out that there's plenty of research regarding the hazards of drinking, and millennials and Gen Zers tend to adopt lifestyles that are more health-conscious (and less boozy) than their predecessors'. If you or a loved one is considering giving alcohol the boot this summer -- or even if you're just going to be the designated driver for the next party -- you'll be pleased to know that there are a variety of nonalcoholic beers, wines, spirits and functional beverages that have the flavor profiles of your favorite alcohol-based drinks, without the buzz. We researched and personally taste-tested 16 nonalcoholic brands and dove deep into customer reviews to decide which taste best and closest to the real thing. Athletic Brewing Company, a Connecticut-based brewing company that specializes in nonalcoholic craft beer, sent me three selections to try: Run Wild IPA, Free Wave Hazy IPA and Upside Dawn Golden Ale. The brewing company also has its own stout beer and other limited-edition beers. To develop its nonalcoholic beer, Athletic Brewing uses only four ingredients: water, hops, yeast and barley. They also keep the alcohol by volume, or ABV, under 0.5% to meet the qualifications of a nonalcoholic beer. Much to my surprise, the Run Wild IPA and Free Wave Hazy IPA taste exactly like a traditional alcoholic IPA, and have enough carbonation to pass for one, too. The Upside Dawn Golden Ale is the only version of the three that is gluten-free but tastes the least carbonated and slightly darker than I prefer. However, related to Upside Dawn being gluten-free, Athletic Brewing Company notes, "This product is fermented from grains containing gluten and crafted to remove gluten. The gluten content of this product cannot be verified, and this product may contain gluten." I had friends who brew their own beer weigh in on this company's products and they found Athletic to be a solid choice for the best nonalcoholic beer. I would recommend Athletic Brewing Company as a substitution for those who enjoy IPAs but are trying to cut back on their alcohol intake. See at Athletic Brewing I was impressed by the packaging of Free Spirits because these deceptively look like real bottles of bourbon, tequila or gin. What's even more surprising is how realistic the gin and bourbon smelled upon opening the bottles. The bourbon, my favorite selection of the three, had the flavors and elements of the actual liquor (such as a smooth wood oak-like aroma, combined with vanilla and other spices). Free Spirits follows a process called Distillate Reconstruction, which involves identifying each spirit's unique flavors and raw materials and then distilling those materials into natural extracts and botanicals. The brand also infuses its nonalcoholic spirits with B vitamins and amino acids to help enhance your mood and make the drinks more nutritious. Free Spirits can be served on its own or mixed into your favorite cocktail. See at Free Spirits DRY Botanical Bubbly Reserve markets itself as a soda company that also makes nonalcoholic drinks. The sodas come in cans, while the nonalcoholic wines are packaged in standard bottles and are available in pineapple and cranberry flavors. The brand also has nonalcoholic Botanical Bitters (Aromatic, Bright/Herbal, Sweet and Spicy) which can be used in your mocktails. I was able to try the DRY nonalcoholic Botanical Bitters and they were a pleasant surprise. My favorite was the Bright/Herbal flavor, which was refreshing and tasted good on its own. Reviewers are also big fans of the bitters and the Vanilla Bubbly Reserve. Some compare the vanilla nonalcoholic drink to a less sugary version of Coca-Cola. The DRY drinks are decent alternatives to have around that can be mixed with cocktails or enjoyed on their own. See at DRY If you like dark and stormies, you'll enjoy Lyre's Dark 'N Spicy Premix Drinks. This beverage comes in a red 8-ounce can and maintains its carbonation as you drink it. The well-balanced flavors are a mix of ginger, lime juice, sugar cane and spices. This drink was refreshing and not too sweet and definitely tasted like a real cocktail. See at Lyre's At my housewarming party, I wanted to have a solid nonalcohlic option that didn't compromise on taste, and Almave Blanco delivered. It's easily one of the most authentic nonalcoholic alternatives I've tested. I used it for margaritas, and my guests (many of whom drink real tequila) were seriously impressed. It has the bright taste you expect from a good tequila, without the burn of alcohol. This nonalcoholic spirit is made from agave, so it doesn't have that artificial, overly sweet taste that some other nonalcoholic spirits do, It's smooth but still has enough depth to hold its own in a cocktail. Whether you're skipping the booze entirely or just pacing yourself, this is a fantastic alternative to keep your cocktails interesting without losing the complexity of a traditional margarita. See at Almave I'm not a big beer drinker, but I've found I enjoy a classic Samuel Adams seasonal beer. I was impressed by Samuel Adams Just the Haze nonalcoholic IPA beer, which was released last year. It took two years in the making to perfect the Sam Adams nonalcoholic IPA recipe. The flavors that make up Just the Haze include a full-bodied brew of citrus such as grapefruit, tangerine and lime, and fruity notes from pineapple, guava, melon and peach. This was one of the best nonalcoholic brews I tried. The Sam Adams Just the Haze is a drink that IPA lovers and those who normally aren't beer drinkers can enjoy alike. The best part is that you don't have to worry about a buzz after a couple of these. See at Total Wine & More Upon looking at the Three Spirit bottles, I was captivated by the design and sleek, bewitching style. These nonalcoholic spirits were developed by plant scientists, bartenders, herbalists and artists, and you can definitely see each influence. The three different spirits available are called Livener, Social Elixir and Nightcap. When I tried them, I couldn't pinpoint what they reminded me of, because I've never tried anything like it. Each is unique in its own way and has different flavor profiles. The Livener is caffeinated and is the most invigorating of the three made up of green tea, guayusa, watermelon and berries. The Social Elixir is a darker, bittersweet blend that consists of passionflower, yerba mate, cacao, molasses and other spices. The Nightcap is intended to mellow you out and has valerian root, Canadian maple syrup and lemon balm, among other herbs. These are best used as mixers to complement other cocktails or can be consumed on their own, over ice. Reviewers appear to favor the Nightcap overall because of its mellow flavor and because it relaxes them -- ideal for winding down at the end of a long day. See at Three Spirit Sovi is a Sommelier-owned, nonalcoholic wine company that created its own sparkling rosé and red blend. The red blend is made up of several Spanish and French grape varieties in California. The rosé is dry yet bubbly and maintains the carbonation, which is key to nonalcoholic drinks. The red blend is a dry full-bodied red wine and has hints of cherry, grapefruit and watermelon. These drinks did not arrive in time for me to sample, but reviewers love this wine alternative for both the flavor and realism. One sommelier even relied on these nonalcoholic wines (among other drinks) during her pregnancy. See at Sovi Partake Brewing's nonalcoholic beers are available in IPA, Dark Ale, Blonde Ale, Pale Ale and Red Ale. The beers are made up of 0.3% ABV and depending on the brew, can be as low as 10 calories. I tasted the IPA, Red Ale and Blonde Ale and the three did resemble the alcoholic versions that inspired them, but with less body and carbonation. My favorite was the Blonde ale -- it's ideal for the person who enjoys a light beer but wants a nonalcoholic option without going overboard. See at Partake Brewing Lagunitas, best known for its IPAs, has its own line of nonalcoholic beers that are sure to appeal to sober-curious beer lovers, including the Hoppy Refresher and IPNA. The Hoppy Refresher is clear and sparkling and is brewed using citra, equinox and centennial hops, and it tastes fruity. It reminded me of a sweeter yet refreshing flavored seltzer that could be enjoyed on its own or mixed in nonalcoholic cocktails. The IPNA is made up of the same ingredients featured in Lagunitas original IPA. Its ingredients include dry hops, mosaic and citra, and its flavor profile has hints of citrus and pine. It has less than 0.5% ABV and tastes exactly like a traditional IPA -- which means Lagunitas stayed true to its original product but left out most of the alcohol. If you're already a Lagunitas fan, you'll appreciate this nonalcoholic substitution. See at Total Wine & More Founded in 2017 by Bella Hadid and Jen Batchelor, Kin Euphorics is rooted in Ayurvedic medicine and creates nonalcoholic functional beverages meant to nourish the body and mind. Specifically, the brand incorporates adaptogens (which help the body deal with stress), nootropics (meant to enhance brain function) and botanics (plants that can help the body while improving taste). Kin Euphorics kindly sent me its line of drinks to try, and this has become my new favorite beverage brand. Though I enjoyed all the drinks, out of the canned ones, these are what I'd recommend: Lightwave, which is noncaffeinated, meant to calm you down, and tastes like a lavender-vanilla root beer; the fruity Actual Sunshine, which contains 33 milligrams of caffeine and works to boost both your immunity and complexion (it includes bovine collagen, making it nonvegan); the caffeine-free Kin Bloom, which was created to provide 'heart-opening joy' and tastes like a sparkling white grape juice; and Luna Morada, a noncaffeinated drink based on the Latin American Chicha, meant to support your liver and digestion. The latter is beautifully spicy, with prominent pineapple, tamarind and chili flavors. There's also the postbiotic Picklesecco, which I enjoyed in small quantities but which was a bit too dill-forward for me to drink in full. I did think the pickle taste was fun, though. Also, for reference, postbiotics are the waste left behind after your body digests prebiotics and probiotics. Useful postbiotics can help encourage the growth of healthy bacteria and slow the growth of harmful bacteria. Lastly, Kin Spritz, which I personally didn't love as much as the others taste-wise, contains 50 milligrams of caffeine. As someone who tries to avoid caffeine, I wouldn't drink this one again, but if you need a pick-me-up during the day, I could see you enjoying it. My favorite of the Kin Euphorics made-to-mix drinks was Dream Light, which is noncaffeinated and designed to help you sleep, with reishi mushroom, melatonin and l-tryptophan. I loved mixing this warm-spicy concoction with oat milk and heating it up before bed. For nonalcoholic happy hours, there's High Rhode, which contains 50 milligrams of caffeine per serving, Rhodiola rosea (for energy, per the brand), 5-HTP (for joy) and GABA (for easing stress). It has a pleasant citrus taste that works well when added to sparkling water and fruit juice (I used apple). Available for preorder is Matchatini, which I haven't tried yet. See at Kin Euphorics Created in 2018, you've likely seen Olipop pop up in your local grocery or health food store. The soda contains prebiotics, botanicals and plant fiber to support digestive health. It's also low-sugar, high-fiber, low-calorie, vegan, gluten-free and GMO-free, and it contains no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colors. It's marketed as a 'new kind of soda' meant to be good for you while tasting good, too. I've been a fan of Olipop for years. The brand recently sent me its tropical punch, vintage cola, root beer, cream soda, classic grape, orange squeeze, Doctor Goodwin and lemon-lime sodas, but I have also purchased the following flavors on my own: peaches and cream, strawberry vanilla, cherry cola, watermelon lime, banana cream and cherry vanilla. I enjoyed all of these flavors and found that they are perfect in mocktails, whether they are the base of the drink or added alongside a nonalcoholic liquor. The vintage cola, tropical punch and orange squeeze are my favorite mocktail additions. I made a nonalcoholic rum and cola using the vintage cola and Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative, and it was delicious. I did the same for a nonalcoholic whiskey and cola using the Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative and also loved it. To the orange squeeze, I mixed in the Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative and it was a wonderful fruity mocktail. See at Olipop In 2017, Recess was launched to provide drinks designed to make you feel calm. In addition to Recess, the brand's hemp and adaptogen drink, there are also the magnesium and adaptogen Recess Mood, alcohol-free Recess Zero Proof and Recess Mood Powder lines. For testing, Recess sent me its Recess Mood variety pack in the flavors strawberry rose, blood orange, peach ginger and black cherry. I also got to sample the Recess Zero Proof cosmo, island spritz, lime margarita and grapefruit paloma. I genuinely enjoyed all of these drinks, but my favorite from the Mood line was strawberry rose, while I loved the Zero Proof paloma and island spritz. The Recess Zero Proof paloma has a perfectly intense grapefruit flavor mixed with a welcome amount of fizz. It is made with red rio grapefruit juice, uplifting guayusa (a holly tree with leaves believed to have mood-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits) and balancing adaptogens. If you love a refreshing paloma, then you will probably enjoy this nonalcoholic version. As for the island spritz, it also contains guayusa and balancing adaptogens, but has a pineapple-coconut flavor that is super tasty. I especially love how coconut-y the drink is and how it's balanced out with the more fruity pineapple. See at Recess Ritual Zero Proof was launched in 2019 to provide zero-proof spirits that are low- or no-calorie, low-sugar, gluten-free and contain all-natural flavors. The line now includes nonalcoholic tequila, rum, whiskey, gin and aperitif alternatives, all of which Ritual Zero Proof kindly gifted me to try. It's important to note that these drinks are meant to be enjoyed in mocktails and not alone. Of all five spirits I tried, my favorites were the whiskey, rum and tequila alternatives. The nonalcoholic whiskey is reminiscent of actual whiskey with its vanilla, oak, smoke, caramel and toasted spice inclusions. It was great in a nonalcoholic whiskey and cola, but I wouldn't recommend it with fruity drinks because of its smoky flavor (unless you enjoy a smoky, fruity drink). The rum was a blend of flavors, including vanilla, ripe banana, bitter orange, star anise, fresh ginger and charred apricot. It was also great in zero-proof rum and cola. I especially enjoyed the citrus and fruit tang. The tequila alternative paired well with fruitier beverage additions (such as Olipop's orange squeeze), as it contains ingredients such as blue agave flower, Mexican lime and tropical guava. These flavors pair beautifully with the rum alternative's charred oak, mesquite smoke, prickly ash and green bell pepper. You can taste the drink's flavors in all their complexity, which creates a thoughtful beverage. Aside from the taste, I also love the look of these bottles. Each has a sturdy wood cork, helpful labeling with all the ingredients and a beautiful glass shape. Plus, the drinks each have their own color -- for instance, rum is orange while tequila is blue -- which I found to be a nice touch. See at Ritual Zero Proof Lisa King created Free AF in 2020 to help those who are sober-curious explore a different relationship with alcohol. Low in sugar and calories and containing natural flavors, Free AF's cocktails contain the brand's 'Afterglow,' a 100% natural botanical extract that mimics the warmth of alcohol (without the alcohol, of course). For the purposes of testing, Free AF sent me its paloma, Cuba libre, "vod%a" spritz and apero spritz. While I enjoyed them all, the Cuba libra was my favorite. A Cuba libre is a rum and cola drink, and Free AF captured this perfectly in its nonalcoholic version, which contains lime extract, giving the drink a welcome citrus flair. In all of its drinks, I found that the brand's Afterglow produced a sparkling, warm sensation that mimics alcohol. However, it did create a tickling sensation in my nose, but this went away after a minute or so. In addition to the Cuba libre, the nonalcoholic paloma was a great recreation perfect for those who prefer a more subtle grapefruit flavor. I also loved the passion fruit and lime flavor of the vod%a spritz. While I am not a fan of Aperol spritzes, I did find Free AF's to be the most realistic nonalcoholic version I've tried thus far. See at Amazon Known for its spirits-free aperitif, Ghia was created in 2020 by Melanie Masarin. Following its original nonalcoholic aperitif, Ghia has since released nonalcoholic berry, lime and salt, ginger, sumac and chili and soda aperitifs in both can and bottle formats. These are all alcohol-free, vegan and gluten-free with no artificial flavors or added sugars. The brand recently released its strawberry and orange blossom Le Fizz, which it sent me to try. Although I'm not typically a fan of aperitifs because of their bitterness, I enjoyed this sweet, bubbly version. The strawberry and orange blossom pair well together to offset the tartness of the aperitif itself. However, if you do not have a sweet tooth and would prefer a more bitter drink, then you will likely enjoy all of Ghia's other flavors. Out of the rest of its line, I've only had the sumac and chili, which was too bitter and spicy for my personal taste. See at Ghia According to WebMD, cutting out alcohol can include the following benefits: Reduce your risk of fatalities: The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration states that 32% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism adds that 178,000 deaths each year are attributable to excessive alcohol use. Repair your liver: Heavy drinking can lead to types of liver disease such as cirrhosis (or scarring) of the liver, alcoholic hepatitis and a fatty liver. When you stop drinking, you give the liver the opportunity to repair itself. Weight loss: If you are trying to lose weight, consider giving up alcohol, which is high in calories and can be high in sugar. When your body is metabolizing alcohol, it also stops metabolizing fat, which can put a halt on weightloss entirely. Improve your sleep: Drinking large amounts of alcohol before bed can disrupt your sleep and cause poor sleep quality. Reduce cancer risk: Alcohol is a human carcinogen, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which states, "Consumption of alcoholic beverages has been shown to cause cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus." Improve heart health: Drinking alcohol in excess can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease. According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, it is recommended that women have one drink or less in a day. As for men, it is recommended that they have two drinks or less in a day.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Partnership Brings Athletic Brewing Company's Non-Alcoholic Brews to 100+ Live Music Venues and Festivals
70% of concertgoers crave more non-alcoholic alternatives at live music events1 MILFORD, Conn. and SAN DIEGO, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Athletic Brewing Company, America's largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, is bringing its award-winning brews to the heart of the live music scene with an exciting new multi-year partnership. Athletic is now the official non-alcoholic beer partner for more than 100 Live Nation concert venues across the U.S., including renowned locations such as Brooklyn Paramount, Shoreline Amphitheatre, and The Gorge Amphitheatre. Responding to growing consumer demand for non-alcoholic beverage options, with 70% of live music fans saying they want more beverage options at concerts2, the partnership also extends to four major music festivals: Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, BottleRock Napa Valley, Festival La Onda, and Two Step Inn. This partnership marks a pivotal step in Athletic's mission to make moderation more accessible by not only reimagining how non-alcoholic beer is made but also by leveling up the live music experience. By offering fans more NA choices, Athletic is broadening how audiences enjoy unforgettable moments at concerts and festivals. Legal drinking age music fans can now enjoy Athletic's most popular brews like Run Wild IPA, Upside Dawn Golden, Free Wave Hazy IPA, and Athletic Lite, with selections varying by venue. "We're thrilled to partner with Live Nation venues and bring Athletic's great-tasting brews to center stage at some of the most iconic venues and festivals across the country," said Andrew Katz, Chief Marketing Officer of Athletic. "This partnership strikes a chord with concertgoers seeking non-alcoholic options that harmonize with their lifestyle. Now fans can enjoy the magic of live music and keep the beat without a buzz." Beyond event concessions, fans of legal drinking age can look forward to unique Athletic tasting experiences at venues and festivals. These experiences will include opportunities to sample the company's award-winning brews, participate in giveaways, snag limited-edition merch, and more. The partnership also brings Athletic backstage, where artists and their teams can savor brews in green rooms, expanding the hospitality experience. "We're constantly finding new ways to give fans the best experience at our shows, and we're excited to expand our offerings to match their evolving tastes," said Maureen Ford, Live Nation's President of National and Festival Sales. "With Athletic now at more than 100 venues and festivals, fans will have even more choices during their most memorable moments." Demand for non-alcoholic beer is surging, with sales growing by double-digits in each of the last five years. Athletic is the number one brand in the NA beer category, with over 19% market share and over 50% growth in 20243. The partnership will enable Athletic to reach millions of new consumers and get cans directly into the hands of thirsty live music goers. This latest venture into live music builds on the company's mission to revolutionize how modern adults drink by providing inclusive options for all lifestyles and occasions. Fans can follow Athletic Brewing's live music journey on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube for updates on new offerings and experiences. For press inquiries, please contact:Athletic BrewingChris Furnari | press@ Taylor PR | athleticbrewing@ Live NationDanika Azzarelli | DanikaAzzarelli@ Additional Assets: Brand images can be downloaded HERE. About Athletic Brewing CompanyAthletic Brewing Company is America's largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer. Athletic is revolutionizing how modern adults drink by crafting game-changing NA brews that can be consumed anytime and anywhere. Launched in 2018, Athletic is now the number one non-alcoholic beer brand in America4 and a top 20 U.S. brewing company5. Its award-winning brews are available nationwide at over 50,000 retailers and 25,000 on-premise venues. Athletic operates custom breweries in Connecticut and California and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic is proudly a Certified B Corporation™. Learn more and shop at About Live Nation EntertainmentLive Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit 1, 2 Source: Live Nation 0% Proof Custom Study, Soundboard, Spring 20243, 4 NielsenIQ, Total US xAOC + Liquor Open State + Conv, CYTD Wks ending 12/30/24.5 Brewers Association Top 50 U.S. Brewing Companies View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Athletic Brewing Company Sign in to access your portfolio
