The non-alcoholic drink revolution is here, and it's better than you think.
Whether you're doing Dry July, cutting back for health reasons, designated driving, or just want to enjoy the taste of beer and wine without the buzz, non-alcoholic beverages have come a long way from the watery, flavorless options of the past. The sober curious movement has exploded, and major brands are finally taking NA drinks seriously.
At StackCart in Granby, MA, we've stocked up on the best non-alcoholic options for summer 2026. Here's your complete guide to navigating the NA drink scene.
Why Non-Alcoholic Drinks Are Having a Moment
The numbers don't lie: non-alcoholic beer and wine sales have grown over 30% year-over-year, with millennials and Gen Z leading the charge. It's not just about sobriety anymore—it's about:
- Health consciousness: Fewer calories, better sleep, no hangovers
- Social flexibility: Enjoying the ritual without the effects
- Better taste: Craft NA brewers are making legitimately great products
- Inclusive gatherings: Everyone can participate in the toast
Best Non-Alcoholic Beers to Try
Top Tier: Worth Seeking Out
Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA - The gold standard in NA craft beer. Athletic Brewing has basically solved the "NA beer tastes like cardboard" problem. Run Wild has genuine hop character, citrus notes, and actually tastes like the IPA you'd order at a craft brewery.
Heineken 0.0 - The mainstream champion. Heineken nailed the formula for making their signature lager taste nearly identical without the alcohol. Perfect for BBQs.
Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects - Another craft brewery that took NA seriously. Special Effects is a hoppy lager with actual depth and complexity.
Clausthaler Original - German engineering at its finest. Full-bodied, malty, and satisfying.
Solid Options
Budweiser Zero - If you're a Bud drinker, this tastes pretty much like the real thing.
Corona Cero - The beach beer without the buzz. Throw a lime in there and you've got the full Corona experience.
Guinness 0.0 - Yes, they made NA Guinness, and yes, it actually works. The roasted malt character and creamy texture translate surprisingly well.
Best Non-Alcoholic Wines
NA wine has historically been trickier than NA beer—wine's complexity relies heavily on fermentation. But brands are finally cracking the code.
Surely Non-Alcoholic Wines - The leader in NA wine. Their Sparkling Rosé is genuinely celebration-worthy—bubbly, fruity, and festive without tasting like grape juice.
Proxies - Takes a different approach: instead of de-alcoholized wine, they create complex "wine alternatives" from scratch using vinegar, tea, juice, and spices.
Fre Wines - The grocery store standby. Gets the job done at a lower price point.
Non-Alcoholic Spirits and Cocktails
Seedlip - The original NA spirit brand that proved this category could exist. Seedlip Grove mixed with tonic is legitimately refreshing.
Ritual Zero Proof - Makes NA versions of whiskey, tequila, gin, and rum. Their zero-proof margarita kit is impressive.
Lyre's - The most comprehensive NA spirits line.
Making NA Cocktails at Home
You don't need fancy NA spirits to make great mocktails. At StackCart, we stock everything you need:
- Flavored sparkling water
- Fresh citrus
- Bitters
- Ginger beer
- Tonic water
- Simple syrup
Best Times for NA Drinks
- Sunday afternoon BBQs: Stay sharp for the whole day
- Weeknight dinners: Wine with dinner, without affecting sleep
- Designated driver duty: Full participation without the risk
- Work events: Social drinking without impairment
- Dry July/Sober October: The obvious one
- Training for events: Athletes love NA beer post-workout
FAQ: Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Q: Is non-alcoholic beer really 0% alcohol?
A: Most NA beers contain trace amounts (under 0.5% ABV), which is about what you'd find in ripe fruit or bread. It's physiologically insignificant.
Q: Why does NA beer sometimes taste sweeter?
A: Without alcohol's bitter edge, other flavors become more prominent. Better NA beers compensate with more hops.
Q: Do NA drinks still have calories?
A: Yes, though usually fewer than alcoholic versions. NA beer typically has 50-80 calories per 12oz, compared to 150+ for regular beer.
Q: Where can I buy good NA drinks in Western Massachusetts?
A: StackCart in Granby stocks a curated selection of NA beers, wines, and functional beverages.
The Bottom Line
Non-alcoholic drinks in 2026 are legitimately good. The "sacrifice" of going NA is smaller than ever, and the benefits—better sleep, clearer mornings, sustained energy, responsible driving—are as real as they've always been.
Stop by StackCart and ask what's new in our non-alcoholic section. We're happy to make recommendations based on what you normally drink.
StackCart is located at 77 West State St, Granby, MA. We carry a rotating selection of non-alcoholic beers, wines, and functional beverages alongside our full beer and wine selection. Small Town, Big Savings.