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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.
A dry challenge
If you hadn't noticed, more adults are going sober or cutting back on their alcohol intake. According to Hilary Sheinbaum, journalist and author of The Dry Challenge, 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 15 nonalcoholic brands and dove deep into customer reviews to decide which taste best and closest to the real thing.
Best nonalcoholic drinks of 2025
Photo Gallery 1/1 Best nonalcoholic beer Athletic Brewing Company Pros Tastes like the real thing
Has a gluten-free option
Great for those who enjoy IPAs Cons Gluten-free version lacks carbonation 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. ... Show more Get it now $14 at Athletic Brewing Specs & Configurations ABV Less than 0.5% Dietary notes Vegan, non-GMO Price range $12-$15 Sizes 6-pack Types tested Run Wild IPA, Free Wave Hazy IPA and Upside Dawn Golden Ale Add to compare
Photo Gallery 1/1 Best nonalcoholic bourbon Free Spirits Pros Great packaging
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