This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the site so I can continue to offer great content to you!
In 2024, I made a huge decision. One that was just for me. One that would help me live a long and healthy life. I stopped drinking alcohol. The decision was spontaneous but clear. However, I wanted to be able to find alternative drinks to share with friends and family. I tried many different NA options. In this article, I will share the best non-alcoholic drinks in the US that can support you on your journey.
Why eliminating alcohol
There are many reasons why you might be thinking of eliminating or reducing your alcohol intake. For me, the thought had been in my mind for several years. Here are some of the reasons why I decided to stop drinking alcohol completely.
- I was aware of the research from 1988 that officially classified alcohol as a class 1 carcinogen.
- As I got older, my sleep was increasingly impacted by alcohol (in a negative way).
- I didn’t like the example I was giving my children.
- I was concerned with the place alcohol occupied in my thoughts.
- I wanted more control over my life.
- I wanted my skin to age better.
- To remember better. I had noticed my memory not being as sharp as it used to.
- To reduce my risk of neurological illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
- To reduce my risk for kidney or liver disease.
- To decrease my chances of cardiovascular diseases.
I rapidly realized that I didn’t drink for the buzzy feeling. I drank mostly out of habit, that’s just what I did. Therefore, I thought it would be important to find some of the best non-alcoholic drinks in the US that I could use as a replacement.
Best non-alcoholic drinks in the US
It’s important to consider what alcohol you used to drink. Were you a beer drinker, a wine drinker, or did you prefer cocktails? I was a dry red wine drinker. Truth be told, that is probably the hardest category to find good substitutes. However, as the NA movement grows, I’ll keep updating this post as new alternatives are released.
Beers
There are so many excellent non-alcoholic beers on the market. It’s clear that beer companies are concerned and are trying to offer options so as to not lose customers. My favorite beers used to be light, fruity, or sour. My go-to NA options are:
There are many other options:
If you prefer IPA type of beers, there are many options as well.
Non-alcoholic beers taste great! Many of them are nearly identical to their alcohol counterpart without all of the negative side effects. Also, most bars and restaurants have at least one NA option if you ask them. You don’t have to feel like you are missing out when going out!
I have linked the products to show you what the packaging looks like but don’t recommend buying online as they are quite expensive. Check your local grocery store as many of them have a non-alcoholic beer section now.
Wine
I was a wine gal, for sure! Specifically dry red wine. I will say, this is the hardest alcoholic beverage to find a replacement for in my opinion. I have found many white or bubbly wines that I enjoy but only one red so far that I find “tolerable”. If you drank sweet wine, I don’t think you will face the same problem.
I cannot possibly keep a full list of all the wines I’ve tried but I will try to maintain a list of those that I like.
- Seaglass Pinot Grigio: Favorite one. Tastes like actual dry white wine. Found at my local Kroger.
- Seaglass Sauvignon Blanc Although poorly reviewed on Amazon, I really like this one as well which I also find at my local Kroger.
- Giesen Sauvignon Blanc: Another great white alternative that seems easy to find and is affordable.
- TOTS: I wasn’t sure if I should list it under wine or others. It’s definitely sweeter but I love this one.
- FRE: I’ve tried many of the FRE wines. The reds are a no for me while some of the whites are okay. My favorite is their Sparkling BRUT wine.
- Surely: I like the sparkling rose. It isn’t completely dry but I find it refreshing and enjoyable.
- Ariel: This is the only red that is making my list at this time. I don’t love it, but it’s the only one I thought was acceptable so far as a “dry” red. Be aware that it will get sweeter after the bottle is open if you don’t drink it all on the same day.
There are many online options for non-alcoholic wines, many of which I have not tried. The reality is that they are quite expensive at this time. We need more non-alcoholic wine drinkers. Additionally, as time passes, I rarely drink wine (NA wine) unless we have a special dinner. I am committed to continuing to try to find great non-alcoholic wines and update this list over time.
Others
This category could go on and on. There are so many options to consider based on your personal preferences or whether you like to prepare drinks or just have something ready. I have never been one to mix cocktails and I still don’t. I like to have something I can simply pour and enjoy.
To be honest, at home, I mostly drink water, kombucha, or coffee. However, on special occasions or if we are going to a party, I enjoy something different. Here are my favorite options:
- Club soda and lime: I know boring. But it’s delicious and cheap, and everyone thinks you are drinking a vodka soda.
- Recess: this magnesium and adaptogen drink is fantastic and truly provides a sensation of relaxation. I love to keep a few on hand for really stressful days.
- Three Spirit: they have 3 options (livener – energize, social, and nightcap) which can all be consumed alone on ice or mixed with club soda or ginger ale. I find them delicious.
- Mocktails: there are countless options out there. I usually enjoy a mocktail when we go out to dinner. Recess also has ready-made mocktails.
- Ritual: they have liquor replacements but I have not tried them yet. I plan to try the Gin one soon to make French 75 mocktails along with the FRE sparkling wine.
The list of none alcoholic drinks is expanding rapidly. The sober movement is becoming more dominant each year. I doubt you will struggle to find something that you like.
In conclusion
The sober movement is here to stay. Children are being told the truth about alcohol and many of them are referring to it as “our parent’s drug”. Whether you are choosing to be completely sober or are looking for ways to moderate your alcohol consumption, I hope this best non-alcoholic drinks in the US article was helpful.