Summer’s here, and nothing beats cracking open a cold, refreshing brew on a hot day. But what if you’re not into alcohol? No worries, the world of non-alcoholic beer has you covered. With brews that deliver all the crisp, hoppy flavour and satisfying mouthfeel of traditional beer, minus the buzz, these alcohol-free options are crafted with the same care and quality you’d expect from any great brewery. Whether you’re after something light and citrusy or a bold, hop-forward IPA, these drinks are perfect for keeping cool under the summer sun. New to the zero-alc scene? Here’s your ultimate lineup of the 8 best non-alcoholic beers to enjoy this season with all the flavour, none of the guilt.
What is Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Non-alcoholic beer is like regular beer's responsible twin. It looks, smells, and tastes like the real thing, but it contains less than 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume). That's about the same amount you'd find in a ripe banana or fresh orange juice. Pretty wild, right? These brews deliver all the hoppy, malty flavours you enjoy without the alcoholic kick. They are perfect for enjoying a cold one at lunch, staying sharp at afternoon gatherings, or giving your liver a much-needed break. It's not "fake beer"; it's genuine beer without the alcohol.
How is Non-Alcoholic Beer Made?
Here's where it gets interesting. Brewers begin the process by making regular beer the traditional way, mashing grains, adding hops, and fermenting with yeast. Then comes the dealcoholisation process, where the magic happens. The most common method is vacuum distillation. In this process, beer is gently heated under low pressure (around 40-60°C), allowing alcohol to evaporate without cooking away all those beautiful flavours. Another technique is reverse osmosis, which filters alcohol molecules out through special membranes. Some clever brewers also consider arrested fermentation; they stop the process early before much alcohol forms. Each method aims to keep that authentic beer taste while lowering the ABV below 0.5%.
Top 8 Alcohol-Free Beers to Drink This Summer
The world of alcohol-free drinks is evolving fast, and beer lovers are all in on this new era of guilt-free, mindful drinking. If you’re looking to buy non-alcoholic beers online, here are the top picks you shouldn’t miss, perfect for cooling off on warm days or cracking open with your mates.
1. Bach Brewing All Day Non-Alcoholic IPA
[product name="bach-brewing-all-day-non-alcoholic-ipa"]
Straight from New Zealand, Bach Brewing offers its All Day Non-Alcoholic IPA. It’s your ideal companion for poolside sipping, backyard BBQs, and festival days. This drink is full of tropical mango, juicy papaya, and zesty citrus, thanks to Citra, Mosaic, and Nectaron hops. It delivers all the flavour and refreshment without the alcohol. With only 8 calories and 1.3g of sugar per 100ml, it’s light, crisp, and perfect for sipping all day.
2. Hiatus Beers Non-Alcoholic Pacific Ale
[product name="hiatus-beers-non-alcoholic-pacific-ale"]
Born and brewed in Australia, Hiatus Beers focuses on keeping the good times rolling without alcohol. Their Non-Alcoholic Pacific Ale bursts with tropical fruit aromas and bright citrus notes that bring a true summer vibe in every sip. With its balanced bitterness and smooth, refreshing finish, it’s the perfect choice for sunny afternoons, backyard gatherings, or simple life moments. All flavour, no fuss.
3. Heaps Normal Another Lager
[product name="heaps-normal-another-lager"]
From the award-winning crew at Heaps Normal, Another Lager offers the taste of a true Aussie classic, but without the alcohol. Brewed with a blend of German Hallertau and Australian Ella hops, it presents smooth malty flavours along with subtle floral and spice notes. Crisp, refreshing, and perfectly bitter, it gives you everything you expect from a lager without the hangover. Additionally, it is low in calories (19 per 100ml) and low in sugar (only 0.1g per 100ml), making it the perfect choice for long sessions and easy summer sipping.
4. Better Beer Zero Alc
[product name="better-beer-zero-alc"]
Brewed in Australia by a group of friends aiming to improve beer, Better Beer Zero Alc offers all the good vibes without the alcohol. This non-alcoholic version is made by taking the alcohol out of their original full-strength lager, known as the “crispest beer in the world.” It retains all the flavour and refreshment you would expect. It’s light, clean, and perfectly balanced, while also being low in sugar and calories. It's the perfect guilt-free drink for sunny afternoons and relaxed summer days.
5. Heaps Normal Quiet XPA
[product name="heaps-normal-quiet-xpa"]
Heaps Normal’s Quiet XPA is an independently brewed, unfiltered gem that shows alcohol-free doesn’t mean flavour-free. It has strong tropical and citrus aromas and balances bitterness with malt smoothness. The result is a refreshing, full-bodied beer with a clean, satisfying finish. It’s perfect for easy summer sipping and good times with friends.
6. Maisel's Alcohol-Free Wheat Beer
[product name="maisels-alkohol-frei-wheat-beer"]
From the iconic Maisel Family, masters of Bavarian brewing, comes a standout alcohol-free wheat beer made with the purest natural ingredients. Its bright red-amber colour and mild, spicy aroma prepare you for rich flavours of malt, fruit, clove, and a hint of nutmeg. Made for the active and health-conscious, this isotonic brew is filled with vitamins and has only 26 calories per 100ml. It offers a refreshing, guilt-free way to enjoy a classic Bavarian beer experience.
7. Garage Project Tiny Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPA
[product name="garage-project-tiny-non-alcoholic-hazy-ipa"]
Straight out of Wellington, New Zealand, Garage Project adds its creative touch to the non-alcoholic scene with Tiny, a hazy IPA that delivers more than expected. Brewed with Mosaic, Strata, and Simcoe hops, it has vibrant fruity notes, strong hoppy aromas, and a long, refreshing finish. Staying true to the brewery’s experimental nature, Tiny shows that excellent taste doesn’t require alcohol; all it needs is pure craft and innovation in each sip.
8. Lightning Minds Pale Ale
[product name="lightning-minds-pale-ale"]
Brewed in NSW, Lightning Minds focuses on making quality non-alcoholic beers for today's drinkers. Their Pale Ale offers a modern take on the classic American style. It is light, refreshing, and packed with tropical aromas. With a balanced taste of gentle bitterness and malty depth, it provides easy-drinking enjoyment without the alcohol. At only 12 calories and under 1g of sugar per 100g, it’s the ideal guilt-free choice for sunny afternoons and good times.
Additional Read: Non-Alcoholic Beer Vs Low-Alcohol Beer: Key Differences?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does non-alcoholic beer taste like? I
A premium quality alc-free brew tastes very close to regular beer – hoppy, malty, refreshing. Modern brewing techniques preserve the authentic flavours, so you'll still get those crisp lager notes or rich ale characteristics without the booze.
2. When to drink non-alc beer?
Anytime! Perfect for lunch breaks, driving home after gatherings, midweek wind-downs, breastfeeding, or when you're training hard. No need to wait for "beer o'clock" anymore.
3. Does alc-free beer taste bitter?
Some do, some don't just like regular beer. IPAs and pale ales bring hoppy bitterness, while lagers and wheat beers are typically smoother. It's all about finding your style.
4. How to store no alcohol beers?
Keep them in a cool, dark spot like your regular beers. Refrigerate for best taste, and once opened, drink within a day or two as they can go flat.
5. What are the best Australian non-alcoholic beer brands?
Aussie brewers are smashing it with quality options. Heaps Normal, Bach Brewing, Garage Project, and Hiatus Beer are leading the wave with locally crafted, flavour-packed brews worth trying.
6. What is a good zero-alcohol beer?
The best zero alcohol beer depends on your taste lager lovers might enjoy crisp, clean options, while hopheads can find excellent IPAs. Try a few styles to discover your favourite.
7. Which is the best non-alcoholic beer in Australia?
When you buy non-alcoholic beer in Australia, the best alternatives come from dedicated local brewers. They experiment with unique native ingredients and new brewing methods that compete with international brands.
8. What food to pair with non-alc beers?
Pair them exactly like alcoholic versions – light lagers with seafood and salads, IPAs with spicy dishes and burgers, wheat beers with chicken, and darker brews with BBQ grills or hearty stews.
Summer’s here, and nothing beats cracking open a cold, refreshing brew on a hot day. But what if you’re not into alcohol? No worries, the world of non-alcoholic beer has you covered. With brews that deliver all the crisp, hoppy flavour and satisfying mouthfeel of traditional beer, minus the buzz, these alcohol-free options are crafted with the same care and quality you’d expect from any great brewery. Whether you’re after something light and citrusy or a bold, hop-forward IPA, these drinks are perfect for keeping cool under the summer sun. New to the zero-alc scene? Here’s your ultimate lineup of the 8 best non-alcoholic beers to enjoy this season with all the flavour, none of the guilt.
What is Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Non-alcoholic beer is like regular beer's responsible twin. It looks, smells, and tastes like the real thing, but it contains less than 0.5% ABV (alcohol by volume). That's about the same amount you'd find in a ripe banana or fresh orange juice. Pretty wild, right? These brews deliver all the hoppy, malty flavours you enjoy without the alcoholic kick. They are perfect for enjoying a cold one at lunch, staying sharp at afternoon gatherings, or giving your liver a much-needed break. It's not "fake beer"; it's genuine beer without the alcohol.
How is Non-Alcoholic Beer Made?
Here's where it gets interesting. Brewers begin the process by making regular beer the traditional way, mashing grains, adding hops, and fermenting with yeast. Then comes the dealcoholisation process, where the magic happens. The most common method is vacuum distillation. In this process, beer is gently heated under low pressure (around 40-60°C), allowing alcohol to evaporate without cooking away all those beautiful flavours. Another technique is reverse osmosis, which filters alcohol molecules out through special membranes. Some clever brewers also consider arrested fermentation; they stop the process early before much alcohol forms. Each method aims to keep that authentic beer taste while lowering the ABV below 0.5%.
Top 8 Alcohol-Free Beers to Drink This Summer
The world of alcohol-free drinks is evolving fast, and beer lovers are all in on this new era of guilt-free, mindful drinking. If you’re looking to buy non-alcoholic beers online, here are the top picks you shouldn’t miss, perfect for cooling off on warm days or cracking open with your mates.
1. Bach Brewing All Day Non-Alcoholic IPA
Straight from New Zealand, Bach Brewing offers its All Day Non-Alcoholic IPA. It’s your ideal companion for poolside sipping, backyard BBQs, and festival days. This drink is full of tropical mango, juicy papaya, and zesty citrus, thanks to Citra, Mosaic, and Nectaron hops. It delivers all the flavour and refreshment without the alcohol. With only 8 calories and 1.3g of sugar per 100ml, it’s light, crisp, and perfect for sipping all day.
2. Hiatus Beers Non-Alcoholic Pacific Ale
Born and brewed in Australia, Hiatus Beers focuses on keeping the good times rolling without alcohol. Their Non-Alcoholic Pacific Ale bursts with tropical fruit aromas and bright citrus notes that bring a true summer vibe in every sip. With its balanced bitterness and smooth, refreshing finish, it’s the perfect choice for sunny afternoons, backyard gatherings, or simple life moments. All flavour, no fuss.
3. Heaps Normal Another Lager
From the award-winning crew at Heaps Normal, Another Lager offers the taste of a true Aussie classic, but without the alcohol. Brewed with a blend of German Hallertau and Australian Ella hops, it presents smooth malty flavours along with subtle floral and spice notes. Crisp, refreshing, and perfectly bitter, it gives you everything you expect from a lager without the hangover. Additionally, it is low in calories (19 per 100ml) and low in sugar (only 0.1g per 100ml), making it the perfect choice for long sessions and easy summer sipping.
4. Better Beer Zero Alc
Brewed in Australia by a group of friends aiming to improve beer, Better Beer Zero Alc offers all the good vibes without the alcohol. This non-alcoholic version is made by taking the alcohol out of their original full-strength lager, known as the “crispest beer in the world.” It retains all the flavour and refreshment you would expect. It’s light, clean, and perfectly balanced, while also being low in sugar and calories. It's the perfect guilt-free drink for sunny afternoons and relaxed summer days.
5. Heaps Normal Quiet XPA
Heaps Normal’s Quiet XPA is an independently brewed, unfiltered gem that shows alcohol-free doesn’t mean flavour-free. It has strong tropical and citrus aromas and balances bitterness with malt smoothness. The result is a refreshing, full-bodied beer with a clean, satisfying finish. It’s perfect for easy summer sipping and good times with friends.
6. Maisel's Alcohol-Free Wheat Beer
From the iconic Maisel Family, masters of Bavarian brewing, comes a standout alcohol-free wheat beer made with the purest natural ingredients. Its bright red-amber colour and mild, spicy aroma prepare you for rich flavours of malt, fruit, clove, and a hint of nutmeg. Made for the active and health-conscious, this isotonic brew is filled with vitamins and has only 26 calories per 100ml. It offers a refreshing, guilt-free way to enjoy a classic Bavarian beer experience.
7. Garage Project Tiny Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPA
Straight out of Wellington, New Zealand, Garage Project adds its creative touch to the non-alcoholic scene with Tiny, a hazy IPA that delivers more than expected. Brewed with Mosaic, Strata, and Simcoe hops, it has vibrant fruity notes, strong hoppy aromas, and a long, refreshing finish. Staying true to the brewery’s experimental nature, Tiny shows that excellent taste doesn’t require alcohol; all it needs is pure craft and innovation in each sip.
8. Lightning Minds Pale Ale
Brewed in NSW, Lightning Minds focuses on making quality non-alcoholic beers for today's drinkers. Their Pale Ale offers a modern take on the classic American style. It is light, refreshing, and packed with tropical aromas. With a balanced taste of gentle bitterness and malty depth, it provides easy-drinking enjoyment without the alcohol. At only 12 calories and under 1g of sugar per 100g, it’s the ideal guilt-free choice for sunny afternoons and good times.
Additional Read: Non-Alcoholic Beer Vs Low-Alcohol Beer: Key Differences?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does non-alcoholic beer taste like? I
A premium quality alc-free brew tastes very close to regular beer – hoppy, malty, refreshing. Modern brewing techniques preserve the authentic flavours, so you'll still get those crisp lager notes or rich ale characteristics without the booze.
2. When to drink non-alc beer?
Anytime! Perfect for lunch breaks, driving home after gatherings, midweek wind-downs, breastfeeding, or when you're training hard. No need to wait for "beer o'clock" anymore.
3. Does alc-free beer taste bitter?
Some do, some don't just like regular beer. IPAs and pale ales bring hoppy bitterness, while lagers and wheat beers are typically smoother. It's all about finding your style.
4. How to store no alcohol beers?
Keep them in a cool, dark spot like your regular beers. Refrigerate for best taste, and once opened, drink within a day or two as they can go flat.
5. What are the best Australian non-alcoholic beer brands?
Aussie brewers are smashing it with quality options. Heaps Normal, Bach Brewing, Garage Project, and Hiatus Beer are leading the wave with locally crafted, flavour-packed brews worth trying.
6. What is a good zero-alcohol beer?
The best zero alcohol beer depends on your taste lager lovers might enjoy crisp, clean options, while hopheads can find excellent IPAs. Try a few styles to discover your favourite.
7. Which is the best non-alcoholic beer in Australia?
When you buy non-alcoholic beer in Australia, the best alternatives come from dedicated local brewers. They experiment with unique native ingredients and new brewing methods that compete with international brands.
8. What food to pair with non-alc beers?
Pair them exactly like alcoholic versions – light lagers with seafood and salads, IPAs with spicy dishes and burgers, wheat beers with chicken, and darker brews with BBQ grills or hearty stews.
