Summer usually brings an abundance of alcohol-fueled parties, events, and festivals. If you’re trying to live alcohol-free, you may already know that there are plenty of festive non-alcoholic drinks to choose from. But just because it’s summer doesn’t mean your drink has to have an umbrella in it. A non-alcoholic beer could really hit the spot.

So what are some tasty, refreshing, non-alcoholic beers? According to various online reviews, these 6 brews are considered the best:

1. Kirin Free

Japanese brewery Kirin uses a yeast-free process to ensure their Kirin Free brand has zero alcohol, in contrast to most non-alcoholic beers that contain trace amounts (up to 0.5% alcohol by volume). With an aroma reminiscent of a typical American pilsner, Kirin Free features a strong malt flavor and subtle hints of hops, which would pair nicely with sushi or grilled fish at a barbecue.

2. Buckler

Part of the Heineken family, Buckler is a mellow non-alcoholic brew that tastes very similar to a generic light beer. The flavor isn’t particularly strong, but the crisp, clean flavor makes it an ideal companion for a day lounging at the pool or quenching your thirst after a game of beach volleyball.

3. Nanny State

Doing its best impression of an IPA, Nanny State—made by Scottish brewery BrewDog—uses eight different specialty malts and intense dry-hops. The result is a rich flavor tinged with bitter grapefruit and sweet pineapple for a delightful balance of tastes.

4. Kaliber

If you like beer on the sweet side, this golden amber brew featuring notes of honey, caramel, and toasted bread might be the ideal non-alcoholic option. In fact, out of the many top-rated non-alcoholic beers, Kaliber comes closest to tasting like “normal beer.”

5. Clausthaler

Germany-based Clausthaler is one of the only breweries in the world that specializes in non-alcoholic beers, so it’s no surprise that its Premium and Golden Amber varieties feature strong, layered flavors that go down smooth. As one reviewer put it, Clausthaler is more of a “football-watching” beer than a “beach beer,” but wherever you drink it, you’ll enjoy (according to another reviewer) an “interesting ride for something that doesn’t get you drunk.”

6. Erdinger

Another Germany-based non-alcoholic brew, Erdinger Weissbier Alkoholfrei features an appealing yellow-orange color and big white head of foam, with a taste that’s markedly sweeter than its alcoholic original. Still, it has a depth of flavor to strongly compete with other beers in its category, making it a decent alcohol-free alternative to pair with any summer activity.

If you’re struggling to live a sober life, help is available in San Diego

If you’re struggling to refrain from drinking, you might have an alcohol addiction. Switching to non-alcoholic beer may not be enough to help you sustain a sober life, but help is available. There are several resources available to help those suffering from alcohol abuse and alcoholism, so please reach out today. Give us a call at (858) 784-7867.