Something has shifted in the non-alcoholic drink world. A few years ago, NA wine meant grape juice and NA beer meant watery, flat disappointment. Today, the category has been transformed by serious producers applying real craft to the challenge of making alcohol-free drinks that are actually worth drinking.
Why NA Drinks Have Gotten So Good
The sober curious movement has driven serious investment in non-alcoholic beverages. According to market research from IWSR, the no and low alcohol category has been one of the fastest-growing segments in the drinks industry. Better technology has helped too — vacuum distillation, reverse osmosis, and dealcoholization processes that weren't commercially viable at scale ten years ago now preserve much more of the complexity and character of alcoholic originals.
The Best Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wines
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Riesling: One of the best NA sparkling wines available. Leitz uses vacuum distillation to preserve the bright, citrusy character of Riesling. Widely available at Whole Foods and specialty wine retailers.
Oddbird Blanc de Blancs: A Swedish brand at the forefront of quality NA wine. Elegant, with fine bubbles and real complexity. Good for occasions when you want something that looks and feels like actual champagne.
Thomson and Scott Noughty: An organic, vegan NA sparkling wine from Spain. Light, refreshing, and genuinely good on its own or as a mixer base.
What to Mix With NA Sparkling Wine
NA sparkling wine becomes exceptional when used as a mixer base. The carbonation and mild acidity provide the same structure that prosecco provides in cocktails, without any alcohol.
NA Pineapple Mimosa: Mix one packet of OFTN Pineapple Mimosa with 6oz of NA sparkling wine over ice. The tropical pineapple notes elevate the sparkling wine beautifully, and the result is a genuinely festive drink that is completely alcohol-free. Get the full recipe in our Pineapple Mimosa recipe guide.
Watermelon Spritz: Half a packet of OFTN Watermelon Margarita mixed with NA sparkling wine and a squeeze of lime. Pink, fizzy, and striking.
The Best Non-Alcoholic Beers
Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA: The brand that arguably started the NA craft beer revolution. Athletic Brewing uses a proprietary fermentation process that produces a full-bodied IPA with real hop character.
Heineken 0.0: The most widely available quality NA beer. Uses a unique parallel brewing process that produces a result remarkably close to regular Heineken.
Brooklyn Special Effects: A hoppy amber lager from Brooklyn Brewery that has genuine malt character and real hop aroma.
Guinness 0.0: Guinness finally got the NA version right. The current Guinness 0.0 has the roasted malt character, the creamy texture, and the distinctive flavor that makes Guinness what it is.
What to Mix With NA Beer
Yuzu Ginger Shandy: Mix half a packet of OFTN Yuzu Ginger Mule with a can of NA lager over ice. The yuzu and ginger brighten the beer flavor significantly and create something that tastes like a premium craft shandy.
Watermelon Beer Spritz: Half a packet of OFTN Watermelon Margarita mixed into a light NA lager creates a refreshing summer drink unlike anything on a standard menu.
Non-Alcoholic Spirits: The New Category
Seedlip: The pioneer of the NA spirits category. Three expressions using distilled botanicals: Spice 94 (warm, aromatic), Garden 108 (herbal, floral), and Grove 42 (citrus-forward). They mix well with tonic water or sparkling water.
Lyre's: An Australian brand making NA versions of virtually every major spirit category. The Dry London Spirit mixed with OFTN Yuzu Ginger Mule and tonic water is one of the most convincing NA gin and tonics available.
Building the Perfect NA Drinks Menu
- NA sparkling wine + OFTN Pineapple Mimosa: The brunch and celebration option
- OFTN Yuzu Ginger Mule + sparkling water: The sophisticated cocktail option
- OFTN Watermelon Margarita + sparkling water: The crowd-pleaser
- NA beer: For beer drinkers who just want a beer
- NA spirit + OFTN mix + tonic: The premium cocktail experience
For more ideas on making mocktails that actually impress, read our guide to mocktails that actually taste like real cocktails. And if you are navigating the sober curious lifestyle, our guide to having a social life without drinking covers everything you need to know.
Try the OFTN Variety Pack and discover your new favorite NA drink combination.
