Alternatives to alcohol
Many people avoid alcohol for various reasons; some for religion and others for secular health or legal reasons. Drinking is prohibited in some public spaces, and there are entire dry regions where alcohol is totally banned.
This article is an overview of alternatives to various alcoholic beverages that emulate the taste of the target beverage, including both alcohol-free and low-alcohol options.
Low-alcohol beerBeer with little to no alcohol is sold in many countries, especially where alcoholic drinks are prohibited or regulated.
Non-alcoholic wineNon-alcoholic spritzers are made without white wine and commonly sold in the United States as spritzers. In Germany, carbonated juice is known as Saftschorle or Fruchtschorle.
Malt drinksKvass is a low-alcohol malt drink of cloudy appearance, with a sweet and sour taste. It is popular in the Baltic states and Eastern Europe, as well as in Finland, Poland and Central Asia.
MocktailsMocktails are mixed drinks, similar to cocktails, but made without alcohol.
Spirit alternativesThere are some no alcohol drinks which attempt to imitate spirits. These may only make a good drink when mixed with a flavoured mixer rather than water.
Stay healthyScientific studies show that there is no safe limit for alcohol, and some alcohol alternatives might still contain a small amount of alcohol, so being completely sober is best for your health.
Stay legalSome alcohol alternatives advertised as "non-alcoholic" or "alcohol-free" might still contain a small amount of alcohol. Different countries have different definitions for non-alcoholic drinks.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Alternatives to alcohol" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0