Anyone who has ever suffered a hangover knows 'The Fear'—that creeping sense of doom and bouts of existential crisis after a big night out. But there is a way to sidestep becoming a wretched mess: choose a no-alcohol beer instead. Beer without the booze is increasingly becoming the first choice for a huge swathe of Brits, as more brands launch alcohol-free alternatives.
According to UBS food and beverage analysts, the no-alcohol beer category is set to exceed €17bn in sales globally by 2025, with Heineken leading the charge. Meanwhile, the Society of Independent Brewers (Siba) found that more young people favour low-alcohol beer, while 23 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds abstain completely.
Our favourite low and no-ABV beers include Lucky Saint, a booze-free beer with just 53 calories per bottle. Made with only four ingredients—Pilsner Malt, Hallertau hops, water and yeast—it offers a biscuity, full-throttle flavour. It is available at The Ivy, Pizza Pilgrims and Dishoom.
American no-alcohol brewery Athletic Brewing Company offers a small but delicious menu, including Run Wild IPA, crafted with five Northwest hops. Budweiser's zero per cent option has the same iconic full flavour and crisp finish, at just 46 calories per serving. Birra Moretti, an Italian brand since 1859, has a no-booze lager with only 66 calories per bottle.
Beavertown's alcohol-free IPA is made using a new strain of yeast that creates almost no alcohol during fermentation. It is crisp with notes of peach, mango and a hint of pine. Whether you fancy a break or want to try mindful drinking, there are plenty of cans and bottles ready and waiting.
