Within the vast realm of drinks, the most evolved as of late is arguably the non-alcoholic category. While we’ve seen exciting new cocktail trends and useful new beer hop varieties, it’s the NA world that’s made the biggest strides in the last couple of years. That means we no longer have to shutter when seeing things like zero proof on labels, as the options now are better than ever.
Why the upswing? A perfect storm, really. Wellness trends continue while tech continues to evolve, making the creation of such drinks all the easier. The non-alcoholic drinks sector has proven itself to be a major player in the marketplace, and the producers have responded accordingly, giving these beverages the TLC they deserve.
So, whether you’re going without alcohol altogether or want to try cutting back a bit, now’s a fine time for either. Sometimes, you just want something you can sip on during that day that’s interesting and doesn’t lead to a nap. Sometimes, you just want to be healthy. And often, you don’t want to wake up the next day groggy and slow to get going.
Read on for some of our favorite new NA drinks to enjoy guilt-free. From new IPA drops to lesser-known options that mimic cocktails, we’ve got the best of the bunch.
Novo Fogo Energia
This brand is most known for its Cachaca, a Brazilian rum relative that’s great on its own or mixed. Novo Fogo also makes a great NA drink in Energia, an organic sparkling mate tea that comes in original and passion fruit forms. The drink is a collaboration between the brand and electro-dance duo Sofi Tukker.
Sierra Nevada Trail Pass IPA
We challenge you to try this IPA blind against some of your favorite traditional versions and see how it fares. Balanced, nuanced, refreshing, and hop-forward, it’s everything a great NA IPA should be. Perhaps we should not be surprised, as Sierra Nevada has always done great things in the craft beer sector.
Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA
IPAs aren’t easy to make, especially without alcohol, but this one is a stellar option. It joins Black Butter Porter as a duo of new releases from Oregon’s esteemed and still family-run Deschutes Brewery.
Best Day Brewing Kolsch
Best Day hit the circuit running with a solid line of NA beers. The best, however, is the Kolsch, a great spring and summer sipper as it’s refreshing and sprightly. Pound one after a workout or sip on one with barbecue as you hang with pals on the deck.
Wilderton Bittersweet Aperitivo
Making waves as the first NA distillery and tasting room to open in America, Wilderton is turning out some quality botanical spirits. This one is their best, a bittersweet aperitivo that can fill the shoes of Campari.
Martini & Rossi Aperitivo
Here’s another excellent aperitivo option from an Italian brand that knows the style extremely well, having made the standard versions since the 1860s. The newest NA line includes a Floreale and Vibrante options, the former a big softer and floral and the latter with a bit more bittersweet punch. They’re both great and mix with soda water beautifully.
Ancient Drinks
These new elixirs are based on age-old recipes. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar, cayenne pepper, maple syrup and chilis make them pretty savory and very intriguing. Made of mainly infused drinking vinegar, they’re pretty healthy and modeled after drinks from ancient eras like the Persian and Roman empires.
TÖST
Wine has lagged behind a bit in the NA sector, but options like TÖST are promising. This writer still thinks a big assist for the style would be to call them something other than wine (as TÖST does), as the process tends to hamper the liquid’s structure and texture. That’s not to say there aren’t good proxy options, like these aromatic sippers. Think of them more like chilled teas with some nice acid.
Recess Canned Mocktails
Recess makes soda so good and flavorful that the offerings double as RTD mocktails. Plus, they tend to be hit with some light moon-enhancers, making them great in a cooler during an afternoon picnic.
What’s next for NA drinks?
Continued improvement, for one. Brewers will continue to dial in their recipes, and winemakers will likely do the same. Expect to say more options in the RTD mocktail department and expanded NA drinks options on menus all over the place. Bartenders will continue to experiment in the realm, using science and inventive substitutes to match flavors and ingredients that would normally be in conventional mixed
Gen Z is very into the zero-proof category, so it’s fair to say we’ll see many more intrepid young labels bubble to the surface. Perhaps we’ll see some tasty cider options or even some more options treated to various types of aging to meld flavors and create added roundness. Time will tell, and we’ll be there with a glass outstretched.
Non-alcoholic drinks extend well beyond just Dry January habits. These options are here to stay. So, next time you’re at the bar, here are the best NA drinks to order.
