Latest news with #AthleticBrewingCompany
Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Athletic Brewing Company Pledges $30,000 CAD for Trans Canada Trail's Great Canadian Hike Français
Athletic Brewing donating $1 CAD per kilometre, up to $30,000 CAD, to Trans Canada Trail's nationwide challenge to collectively log 30,000 kilometres in 30 days OTTAWA, ON, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - To help get Canada moving, Athletic Brewing Company, America's largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, is supporting Trans Canada Trail's upcoming Great Canadian Hike campaign by pledging $1 CAD for every kilometre logged — up to 30,000 kilometres, equaling $30,000 CAD. The Great Canadian Hike is a national challenge that invites people of all ages and abilities to get active in support of Canada's nationwide trail system. From Sept. 20 to Oct. 19, people across the country will be hiking, biking, paddling and rolling on their section of the Trans Canada Trail, logging their distances towards a goal of collectively covering 30,000 kilometres, the approximate length of the Trail, in 30 days. All funds raised directly support the Trans Canada Trail, including critical projects like trail maintenance, greenway development, climate resilience efforts and accessibility upgrades. "We're proud to support Trans Canada Trail's Great Canadian Hike and this inspiring effort to get people moving and connecting with nature," says Athletic Brewing co-founder & CEO Bill Shufelt. "We believe that great brews and the great outdoors go hand in hand, and it's an honour to play a part in protecting such a meaningful resource for generations to come." Athletic Brewing has granted more than $6.3 million to support trails and outdoor spaces around the world under its Two For The Trails initiative. Inspired by co-founder Bill Shufelt's longtime love of exploring the outdoors, Two For The Trails contributes up to $2 million annually to protect and restore local trails. Prior to supporting the Great Canadian Hike, Athletic Brewing has been a supporter of Trail Care, an annual funding program offered by Trans Canada Trail. This program provides funding for community-driven initiatives that help maintain and improve trails while recognizing the vital role volunteers play in sustaining Canada's national trail system. By supporting the Great Canadian Hike, Athletic Brewing is growing its support for Trans Canada Trail to become a year-round National Trail Partner. "It is very clear that the team at Athletic Brewing has a deep-rooted passion for trails and all the benefits they bring to people and communities," says Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer at Trans Canada Trail. "The team at Athletic has been a wonderful supporter of our Trail Care program and we are extremely grateful that they have extended their support to the national partnership level by supporting the Great Canadian Hike. Together, we can inspire Canada to get active, support the Trail and explore the vast beauty of our country's natural landscape." Registration and donations for the Great Canadian Hike are currently open. Anyone in Canada can register, create a team, raise funds and log their activity for free at Participants will begin logging their kilometres towards the 30,000 km collective goal on Sept. 20. About Athletic Brewing Company Athletic Brewing Company is America's largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer. Athletic is revolutionizing how modern adults drink by crafting game-changing NA brews that can be consumed anytime and anywhere. Launched commercially in 2018, Athletic is the number one non-alcoholic beer brand in America 1 and a top 20 U.S. brewing company 2. Its award-winning brews are available at over 75,000 retail locations in America. Athletic operates custom breweries in Connecticut and California and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic is proudly a Certified B Corporation™. Learn more and shop at About Trans Canada Trail The Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world and it is always growing. It reaches every province and territory and connects all three of Canada's coastlines. Each section of the Trans Canada Trail is managed locally and supports different activities and community needs. Trans Canada Trail is the organization that advocates for, stewards and champions Canada's nationwide trail system. It is a registered charity that receives funding from the Government of Canada (through Parks Canada), various provincial and municipal governments, and generous donors. 2 Brewers Association Top 50 U.S. Brewing Companies of 2024 SOURCE Trans Canada Trail
Cision Canada
14-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Trans Canada Trail Challenges Canadians to Collectively Cover 30,000 KM in 30 Days Français
The Great Canadian Hike invites participants to hike, bike, paddle or roll to raise funds for the world's longest trail system OTTAWA, ON, July 14, 2025 /CNW/ - 30,000 kilometres in 30 days. That's the ambitious goal behind an initiative being launched by Trans Canada Trail. Registration is now open for The Great Canadian Hike, a national challenge that invites people of all ages and abilities to get active in support of Canada's nationwide trail system. From Sept. 20 to Oct. 19, people across the country will be hiking, biking, paddling and rolling on their section of the Trans Canada Trail, logging their distances to collectively cover 30,000 kilometres, the approximate length of the Trail, in 30 days. How it works: All funds raised directly support the Trans Canada Trail, including critical projects like trail maintenance, greenway development, climate resilience efforts and accessibility upgrades. "Every kilometre of the Trans Canada Trail has the power to inspire and bring us together and I invite everyone to join the Great Canadian Hike to experience that power firsthand," says Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Trans Canada Trail. "This challenge is about more than raising funds and logging kilometres, it's about forging meaningful connections with nature and our nationwide community. The Trail is a truly national, multi-generational project and when we come together to support it, we are protecting an essential part of who we are as Canadians." Why this challenge matters: Spanning nearly 30,000 kilometres and touching every province and territory, the Trans Canada Trail connects thousands of communities and reaches more than 80% of Canadians within 30 minutes of where they live. A 2023 study showed the Trail delivers significant benefits, including: $23.1 billion in economic activity $1.7 billion in public health impact $82 million in environmental benefits Canadians agree: 94% say trails are essential for accessing nature 92% use trails to support their mental health 91% value trails as a free, accessible way to stay active The Great Canadian Hike is generously supported by Athletic Brewing Company, a long-time champion for trails and access to the outdoors, and Manulife, who is committed to helping Canadians live longer, healthier, better lives in alignment with their Impact Agenda. About Trans Canada Trail The Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world and it is always growing. It reaches every province and territory and connects all three of Canada's coastlines. Each section of the Trans Canada Trail is managed locally and supports different activities and community needs. Trans Canada Trail is the organization that advocates for, stewards and champions Canada's nationwide trail system. It is a registered charity that receives funding from the Government of Canada (through Parks Canada), various provincial and municipal governments, and generous donors.
Forbes
02-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Athletic Brewing's Non-Alcoholic Beer Boom: Big Growth Ahead
The core lineup of Athletic Brewing Company. Athletic Brewing Company In an era when the traditional beer market continues to contract under the weight of shifting consumer preferences, declining alcohol consumption, and fierce competition from ready-to-drink cocktails and cannabis beverages, one company is defying the trend and redefining success: Athletic Brewing Company. Now ranked as the eighth-largest craft brewery and 18th largest overall brewery in the United States— up two spots from the previous year — Athletics' rise is a case study in what happens when smart strategy, cultural timing, and visionary execution converge. At a time when most brewers are fighting for survival, this non-alcoholic (NA) beer pioneer is celebrating the production of its one-millionth barrel, completing its fourth production facility, and capturing more shelf space and consumer attention than ever before. Founded just seven years ago by Bill Shufelt and John Walker, Athletic Brewing emerged from a simple but audacious premise: modern adults deserve high-quality, full-flavored non-alcoholic beer that fits their increasingly mindful lifestyles. Today, that idea has become a national movement, one that grew 27% in 2024 and is forecast to reach $5 billion in the US by 2028, according to IWSR data. The co-founders of Athletic Brewing Company John Walker and Bill Shufelt. Athletic Brewing Company "Our emergence as a leader in the NA category isn't the result of any one factor," says Shufelt. "It's the compounding effect of sustained investments in manufacturing, marketing, innovation, and our team." Those investments include more than $100 million invested in state-of-the-art brewing facilities on both coasts, including the repurposed former Ballast Point brewery in San Diego, which will come online this August. With this expanded capacity of over 1.2 million barrels, Athletic is ready to meet demand far beyond the nearly 400,000 barrels it produced in 2024. With only about 20% brand awareness and peak distribution for its top-performing SKU sitting at just 38%, Athletic sees wide-open terrain ahead. Its team is executing a savvy multi-pronged marketing approach that blends broad-scale campaigns with hyper-local precision. This includes strategic media spending, cultural partnerships, and on-the-ground activations at festivals such as BottleRock and La Onda. 'We shine in person,' says Andrew Katz, CMO for Athletic Brewing Company. 'Getting cans into hands at those peak life moments, whether that's a marathon finish line or a live music set, is where curiosity turns into brand loyalty.' Athletic Brewing Beers at IRONMAN. Athletic Brewing Company Their dual strategy is built around two pillars: "moments of participation" and "moments of enjoyment." The former includes high-performance events like IRONMAN, Spartan Races, and the Leadville 100. The latter spans over 100 Live Nation venues, MLB's Seattle Mariners, the NBA champion runner-up Indiana Pacers, and international soccer matches at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. They even have inked NIL deals with star college athletes. The approach ensures Athletic is both present and relevant wherever people gather to push their limits or celebrate life. A Category-Expanding Force Unlike many trends in the alcohol space that cannibalize existing categories (hard seltzers drawing from light beer drinkers, for example), Athletic is additive. By appealing to drinkers and non-drinkers alike, it's expanding the beer aisle itself. A consumer who once had alcohol only on weekends can now enjoy a guilt-free, award-winning brew daily. Athletic's role as a "chaser, pacer, and replacer" positions it as a flexible option, not just for abstainers, but for moderating consumers seeking balance without compromise. "This is a positive-sum revolution," says Shufelt. "We're not replacing drinking occasions — we're creating new ones." The Long Game: Innovation and Impact Shufelt and Walker's willingness to take the long road is paying off. Their in-house R&D program produces over 50 new brews annually, a pace that keeps the brand fresh and fuels a continuous feedback loop from fans. With innovations like IPA-inspired hop bombs, rich stouts, and citrusy radlers, the company has made it clear that flavor doesn't need fermentation. But the brand's vision extends beyond beer. Through its 'Two For The Trails" grant program — the largest environmental initiative in craft brewing — Athletic is donating up to $2 million annually to preserve outdoor spaces, with a total of $6.3 million given since 2018. It's not just a feel-good story; it's a values-first foundation that resonates with a new generation of consumers. Positioned to Lead a Growing Segment While the beer industry contracts, the NA segment is expanding, and Athletic is setting the pace. Shufelt believes NA beer will surpass 10% of total beer sales within the next decade. According to Shufelt, some grocery chains are already exceeding that threshold, highlighting the unlimited short-term ceiling for NA beer. Globally, the potential is just beginning to unfold. Athletic is already selling in Canada, the UK, and select European markets, with more international expansion on the horizon. To help fuel its growth, the company announced its latest funding round, a Series D investment of $68 million, in July 2024, bringing its total funding to $251 million across 11 rounds since its founding. Athletic Brewing Company beers on the shelf at retail. Athletic Brewing Company Those funds are helping Athletic Brewing continually expand its retail footprint, meet growing demand with new production facilities, and position the brand in front of consumers. It doesn't seem likely that the brand will surrender its position at the top of the charts by resting on its laurels. The Verdict In many ways, Athletic Brewing is following a similar trajectory as early movers in the hard seltzer wave — but with greater cultural staying power. By staying laser-focused on product quality, authentic partnerships, and long-term brand building, it has established a dominant position in a segment that's still in its infancy. Unlike hard seltzers, which peaked quickly, the non-alcoholic movement is rooted in fundamental shifts: wellness, moderation, and mindfulness. And for Athletic, that's not just a business opportunity — it's a belief system. 'We've intentionally invited both drinkers and non-drinkers alike into the world of modern adult beverages. In many cases, this means recruiting drinkers back to the beer aisle and expanding into new populations. At the same time, we're giving everyone the option to enjoy a great-tasting adult alcohol alternative more often,' says Shufelt. 'By positioning Athletic as a chaser, pacer, and replacer, we're able to appeal not only to those who abstain from alcohol altogether but also to those who are looking to moderate their consumption. We're still in the early innings of what's possible for Athletic and the broader NA category, and we couldn't be more excited." \ Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes The World's Best Vodkas—According To The 2025 International Wine And Spirit Competition By Hudson Lindenberger Forbes The Best Wheated Bourbon In America—According To The 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition By Hudson Lindenberger Forbes Bourbon Powerhouse Heaven Hill Dominates 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition By Hudson Lindenberger Forbes The Ultimate Beer Road Trip, Featuring Some Of America's Top Lagers By Hudson Lindenberger
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brewery raises millions to support innovative project with big community impact: 'A shining example'
Athletic Brewing Company, a nonalcoholic brewery based in Connecticut, has raised over $6 million to support nature trail restoration projects as a part of its groundbreaking Two for the Trails initiative. Through partnerships with local and large-scale organizations — including The Nature Conservancy and SeaTrees, according to press releases — Athletic donates a portion of its revenue to fund trail maintenance around the U.S. The value of Athletic's annual donation has multiplied by a factor of over 300 since the program's introduction in 2018. According to the American Hiking Society, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom are home to only some of the projects Athletic has sponsored. Nature trails are at the heart of Athletic's environmental mission; promoting restoration, maintenance, and accessibility allows us all to enjoy their beauty. "Trails afford everybody to get out and experience nature," said The Nature Conservancy's David Gumbart in a discussion with CT Insider. "The more people are tuned into what's around them not only benefits nature, they generate more respect and enjoyment of it." Athletic is no stranger to eco-conscious engagement, reported Asia Rau of Columbia Distributing. Two for the Trails is only the latest and greatest in a long line of sustainable brewery habits, from energy-efficient brewing equipment to water conservation and waste minimization. In addition, Athletic is setting a bold example for businesses everywhere by supporting paid volunteer days for its employees, during which folks can get their hands dirty and join the restoration effort — all within their working hours. "Athletic stands out as a shining example of how businesses can prioritize social and environmental impact alongside financial success," Rau wrote. If you partake in hiking, biking, sightseeing, or anything of the sort, you've probably engaged with the cultural, aesthetic, or environmental significance of nature trails. Maintenance and upkeep, however, can be a massive and expensive undertaking, especially as a warming climate and urbanization continue to threaten the natural world. To protect your local trails, you can try to support businesses and initiatives like Athletic's that use their revenue to help offset these costs. Since Athletic beverages are nonalcoholic, you don't have to be a beer lover to give their brews a shot. "There's a lot I love about Athletic, like creating a great, delicious brew," said Rob Nilan, a brewery supervisor with the company. "But the most impactful thing we can do [is] to help protect our nature and green spaces." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The 16 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks That Your Party Guests Will Fight Over
If you're sober, sober curious or simply looking to cut back on alcohol, you might be planning to enjoy nonalcoholic drinks all year round. For folks who like to host, these beverages are great alcohol alternatives to serve to people who don't want to drink booze. Fortunately, nonalcoholic drinks have come a long way, and many brands now offer alcohol-free alternatives that taste great and even have added health benefits. If you hadn't noticed, more adults are going sober or cutting back on their alcohol" target="_blank intake. According to Hilary Sheinbaum, journalist and author of , there are various reasons why people are saying no to alcohol. "There are health benefits like better sleep, better digestion, more energy and weight loss ... and some people are sick and tired of being hungover," she says. Sheinbaum points out that there's plenty of research regarding the hazards of drinking, and millennials and Gen Zers tend to adopt lifestyles that are more health-conscious (and less boozy) than their predecessors'. If you or a loved one is considering giving alcohol the boot this summer -- or even if you're just going to be the designated driver for the next party -- you'll be pleased to know that there are a variety of nonalcoholic beers, wines, spirits and functional beverages that have the flavor profiles of your favorite alcohol-based drinks, without the buzz. We researched and personally taste-tested 16 nonalcoholic brands and dove deep into customer reviews to decide which taste best and closest to the real thing. Athletic Brewing Company, a Connecticut-based brewing company that specializes in nonalcoholic craft beer, sent me three selections to try: Run Wild IPA, Free Wave Hazy IPA and Upside Dawn Golden Ale. The brewing company also has its own stout beer and other limited-edition beers. To develop its nonalcoholic beer, Athletic Brewing uses only four ingredients: water, hops, yeast and barley. They also keep the alcohol by volume, or ABV, under 0.5% to meet the qualifications of a nonalcoholic beer. Much to my surprise, the Run Wild IPA and Free Wave Hazy IPA taste exactly like a traditional alcoholic IPA, and have enough carbonation to pass for one, too. The Upside Dawn Golden Ale is the only version of the three that is gluten-free but tastes the least carbonated and slightly darker than I prefer. However, related to Upside Dawn being gluten-free, Athletic Brewing Company notes, "This product is fermented from grains containing gluten and crafted to remove gluten. The gluten content of this product cannot be verified, and this product may contain gluten." I had friends who brew their own beer weigh in on this company's products and they found Athletic to be a solid choice for the best nonalcoholic beer. I would recommend Athletic Brewing Company as a substitution for those who enjoy IPAs but are trying to cut back on their alcohol intake. See at Athletic Brewing I was impressed by the packaging of Free Spirits because these deceptively look like real bottles of bourbon, tequila or gin. What's even more surprising is how realistic the gin and bourbon smelled upon opening the bottles. The bourbon, my favorite selection of the three, had the flavors and elements of the actual liquor (such as a smooth wood oak-like aroma, combined with vanilla and other spices). Free Spirits follows a process called Distillate Reconstruction, which involves identifying each spirit's unique flavors and raw materials and then distilling those materials into natural extracts and botanicals. The brand also infuses its nonalcoholic spirits with B vitamins and amino acids to help enhance your mood and make the drinks more nutritious. Free Spirits can be served on its own or mixed into your favorite cocktail. See at Free Spirits DRY Botanical Bubbly Reserve markets itself as a soda company that also makes nonalcoholic drinks. The sodas come in cans, while the nonalcoholic wines are packaged in standard bottles and are available in pineapple and cranberry flavors. The brand also has nonalcoholic Botanical Bitters (Aromatic, Bright/Herbal, Sweet and Spicy) which can be used in your mocktails. I was able to try the DRY nonalcoholic Botanical Bitters and they were a pleasant surprise. My favorite was the Bright/Herbal flavor, which was refreshing and tasted good on its own. Reviewers are also big fans of the bitters and the Vanilla Bubbly Reserve. Some compare the vanilla nonalcoholic drink to a less sugary version of Coca-Cola. The DRY drinks are decent alternatives to have around that can be mixed with cocktails or enjoyed on their own. See at DRY If you like dark and stormies, you'll enjoy Lyre's Dark 'N Spicy Premix Drinks. This beverage comes in a red 8-ounce can and maintains its carbonation as you drink it. The well-balanced flavors are a mix of ginger, lime juice, sugar cane and spices. This drink was refreshing and not too sweet and definitely tasted like a real cocktail. See at Lyre's At my housewarming party, I wanted to have a solid nonalcohlic option that didn't compromise on taste, and Almave Blanco delivered. It's easily one of the most authentic nonalcoholic alternatives I've tested. I used it for margaritas, and my guests (many of whom drink real tequila) were seriously impressed. It has the bright taste you expect from a good tequila, without the burn of alcohol. This nonalcoholic spirit is made from agave, so it doesn't have that artificial, overly sweet taste that some other nonalcoholic spirits do, It's smooth but still has enough depth to hold its own in a cocktail. Whether you're skipping the booze entirely or just pacing yourself, this is a fantastic alternative to keep your cocktails interesting without losing the complexity of a traditional margarita. See at Almave I'm not a big beer drinker, but I've found I enjoy a classic Samuel Adams seasonal beer. I was impressed by Samuel Adams Just the Haze nonalcoholic IPA beer, which was released last year. It took two years in the making to perfect the Sam Adams nonalcoholic IPA recipe. The flavors that make up Just the Haze include a full-bodied brew of citrus such as grapefruit, tangerine and lime, and fruity notes from pineapple, guava, melon and peach. This was one of the best nonalcoholic brews I tried. The Sam Adams Just the Haze is a drink that IPA lovers and those who normally aren't beer drinkers can enjoy alike. The best part is that you don't have to worry about a buzz after a couple of these. See at Total Wine & More Upon looking at the Three Spirit bottles, I was captivated by the design and sleek, bewitching style. These nonalcoholic spirits were developed by plant scientists, bartenders, herbalists and artists, and you can definitely see each influence. The three different spirits available are called Livener, Social Elixir and Nightcap. When I tried them, I couldn't pinpoint what they reminded me of, because I've never tried anything like it. Each is unique in its own way and has different flavor profiles. The Livener is caffeinated and is the most invigorating of the three made up of green tea, guayusa, watermelon and berries. The Social Elixir is a darker, bittersweet blend that consists of passionflower, yerba mate, cacao, molasses and other spices. The Nightcap is intended to mellow you out and has valerian root, Canadian maple syrup and lemon balm, among other herbs. These are best used as mixers to complement other cocktails or can be consumed on their own, over ice. Reviewers appear to favor the Nightcap overall because of its mellow flavor and because it relaxes them -- ideal for winding down at the end of a long day. See at Three Spirit Sovi is a Sommelier-owned, nonalcoholic wine company that created its own sparkling rosé and red blend. The red blend is made up of several Spanish and French grape varieties in California. The rosé is dry yet bubbly and maintains the carbonation, which is key to nonalcoholic drinks. The red blend is a dry full-bodied red wine and has hints of cherry, grapefruit and watermelon. These drinks did not arrive in time for me to sample, but reviewers love this wine alternative for both the flavor and realism. One sommelier even relied on these nonalcoholic wines (among other drinks) during her pregnancy. See at Sovi Partake Brewing's nonalcoholic beers are available in IPA, Dark Ale, Blonde Ale, Pale Ale and Red Ale. The beers are made up of 0.3% ABV and depending on the brew, can be as low as 10 calories. I tasted the IPA, Red Ale and Blonde Ale and the three did resemble the alcoholic versions that inspired them, but with less body and carbonation. My favorite was the Blonde ale -- it's ideal for the person who enjoys a light beer but wants a nonalcoholic option without going overboard. See at Partake Brewing Lagunitas, best known for its IPAs, has its own line of nonalcoholic beers that are sure to appeal to sober-curious beer lovers, including the Hoppy Refresher and IPNA. The Hoppy Refresher is clear and sparkling and is brewed using citra, equinox and centennial hops, and it tastes fruity. It reminded me of a sweeter yet refreshing flavored seltzer that could be enjoyed on its own or mixed in nonalcoholic cocktails. The IPNA is made up of the same ingredients featured in Lagunitas original IPA. Its ingredients include dry hops, mosaic and citra, and its flavor profile has hints of citrus and pine. It has less than 0.5% ABV and tastes exactly like a traditional IPA -- which means Lagunitas stayed true to its original product but left out most of the alcohol. If you're already a Lagunitas fan, you'll appreciate this nonalcoholic substitution. See at Total Wine & More Founded in 2017 by Bella Hadid and Jen Batchelor, Kin Euphorics is rooted in Ayurvedic medicine and creates nonalcoholic functional beverages meant to nourish the body and mind. Specifically, the brand incorporates adaptogens (which help the body deal with stress), nootropics (meant to enhance brain function) and botanics (plants that can help the body while improving taste). Kin Euphorics kindly sent me its line of drinks to try, and this has become my new favorite beverage brand. Though I enjoyed all the drinks, out of the canned ones, these are what I'd recommend: Lightwave, which is noncaffeinated, meant to calm you down, and tastes like a lavender-vanilla root beer; the fruity Actual Sunshine, which contains 33 milligrams of caffeine and works to boost both your immunity and complexion (it includes bovine collagen, making it nonvegan); the caffeine-free Kin Bloom, which was created to provide 'heart-opening joy' and tastes like a sparkling white grape juice; and Luna Morada, a noncaffeinated drink based on the Latin American Chicha, meant to support your liver and digestion. The latter is beautifully spicy, with prominent pineapple, tamarind and chili flavors. There's also the postbiotic Picklesecco, which I enjoyed in small quantities but which was a bit too dill-forward for me to drink in full. I did think the pickle taste was fun, though. Also, for reference, postbiotics are the waste left behind after your body digests prebiotics and probiotics. Useful postbiotics can help encourage the growth of healthy bacteria and slow the growth of harmful bacteria. Lastly, Kin Spritz, which I personally didn't love as much as the others taste-wise, contains 50 milligrams of caffeine. As someone who tries to avoid caffeine, I wouldn't drink this one again, but if you need a pick-me-up during the day, I could see you enjoying it. My favorite of the Kin Euphorics made-to-mix drinks was Dream Light, which is noncaffeinated and designed to help you sleep, with reishi mushroom, melatonin and l-tryptophan. I loved mixing this warm-spicy concoction with oat milk and heating it up before bed. For nonalcoholic happy hours, there's High Rhode, which contains 50 milligrams of caffeine per serving, Rhodiola rosea (for energy, per the brand), 5-HTP (for joy) and GABA (for easing stress). It has a pleasant citrus taste that works well when added to sparkling water and fruit juice (I used apple). Available for preorder is Matchatini, which I haven't tried yet. See at Kin Euphorics Created in 2018, you've likely seen Olipop pop up in your local grocery or health food store. The soda contains prebiotics, botanicals and plant fiber to support digestive health. It's also low-sugar, high-fiber, low-calorie, vegan, gluten-free and GMO-free, and it contains no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colors. It's marketed as a 'new kind of soda' meant to be good for you while tasting good, too. I've been a fan of Olipop for years. The brand recently sent me its tropical punch, vintage cola, root beer, cream soda, classic grape, orange squeeze, Doctor Goodwin and lemon-lime sodas, but I have also purchased the following flavors on my own: peaches and cream, strawberry vanilla, cherry cola, watermelon lime, banana cream and cherry vanilla. I enjoyed all of these flavors and found that they are perfect in mocktails, whether they are the base of the drink or added alongside a nonalcoholic liquor. The vintage cola, tropical punch and orange squeeze are my favorite mocktail additions. I made a nonalcoholic rum and cola using the vintage cola and Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative, and it was delicious. I did the same for a nonalcoholic whiskey and cola using the Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative and also loved it. To the orange squeeze, I mixed in the Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative and it was a wonderful fruity mocktail. See at Olipop In 2017, Recess was launched to provide drinks designed to make you feel calm. In addition to Recess, the brand's hemp and adaptogen drink, there are also the magnesium and adaptogen Recess Mood, alcohol-free Recess Zero Proof and Recess Mood Powder lines. For testing, Recess sent me its Recess Mood variety pack in the flavors strawberry rose, blood orange, peach ginger and black cherry. I also got to sample the Recess Zero Proof cosmo, island spritz, lime margarita and grapefruit paloma. I genuinely enjoyed all of these drinks, but my favorite from the Mood line was strawberry rose, while I loved the Zero Proof paloma and island spritz. The Recess Zero Proof paloma has a perfectly intense grapefruit flavor mixed with a welcome amount of fizz. It is made with red rio grapefruit juice, uplifting guayusa (a holly tree with leaves believed to have mood-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits) and balancing adaptogens. If you love a refreshing paloma, then you will probably enjoy this nonalcoholic version. As for the island spritz, it also contains guayusa and balancing adaptogens, but has a pineapple-coconut flavor that is super tasty. I especially love how coconut-y the drink is and how it's balanced out with the more fruity pineapple. See at Recess Ritual Zero Proof was launched in 2019 to provide zero-proof spirits that are low- or no-calorie, low-sugar, gluten-free and contain all-natural flavors. The line now includes nonalcoholic tequila, rum, whiskey, gin and aperitif alternatives, all of which Ritual Zero Proof kindly gifted me to try. It's important to note that these drinks are meant to be enjoyed in mocktails and not alone. Of all five spirits I tried, my favorites were the whiskey, rum and tequila alternatives. The nonalcoholic whiskey is reminiscent of actual whiskey with its vanilla, oak, smoke, caramel and toasted spice inclusions. It was great in a nonalcoholic whiskey and cola, but I wouldn't recommend it with fruity drinks because of its smoky flavor (unless you enjoy a smoky, fruity drink). The rum was a blend of flavors, including vanilla, ripe banana, bitter orange, star anise, fresh ginger and charred apricot. It was also great in zero-proof rum and cola. I especially enjoyed the citrus and fruit tang. The tequila alternative paired well with fruitier beverage additions (such as Olipop's orange squeeze), as it contains ingredients such as blue agave flower, Mexican lime and tropical guava. These flavors pair beautifully with the rum alternative's charred oak, mesquite smoke, prickly ash and green bell pepper. You can taste the drink's flavors in all their complexity, which creates a thoughtful beverage. Aside from the taste, I also love the look of these bottles. Each has a sturdy wood cork, helpful labeling with all the ingredients and a beautiful glass shape. Plus, the drinks each have their own color -- for instance, rum is orange while tequila is blue -- which I found to be a nice touch. See at Ritual Zero Proof Lisa King created Free AF in 2020 to help those who are sober-curious explore a different relationship with alcohol. Low in sugar and calories and containing natural flavors, Free AF's cocktails contain the brand's 'Afterglow,' a 100% natural botanical extract that mimics the warmth of alcohol (without the alcohol, of course). For the purposes of testing, Free AF sent me its paloma, Cuba libre, "vod%a" spritz and apero spritz. While I enjoyed them all, the Cuba libra was my favorite. A Cuba libre is a rum and cola drink, and Free AF captured this perfectly in its nonalcoholic version, which contains lime extract, giving the drink a welcome citrus flair. In all of its drinks, I found that the brand's Afterglow produced a sparkling, warm sensation that mimics alcohol. However, it did create a tickling sensation in my nose, but this went away after a minute or so. In addition to the Cuba libre, the nonalcoholic paloma was a great recreation perfect for those who prefer a more subtle grapefruit flavor. I also loved the passion fruit and lime flavor of the vod%a spritz. While I am not a fan of Aperol spritzes, I did find Free AF's to be the most realistic nonalcoholic version I've tried thus far. See at Amazon Known for its spirits-free aperitif, Ghia was created in 2020 by Melanie Masarin. Following its original nonalcoholic aperitif, Ghia has since released nonalcoholic berry, lime and salt, ginger, sumac and chili and soda aperitifs in both can and bottle formats. These are all alcohol-free, vegan and gluten-free with no artificial flavors or added sugars. The brand recently released its strawberry and orange blossom Le Fizz, which it sent me to try. Although I'm not typically a fan of aperitifs because of their bitterness, I enjoyed this sweet, bubbly version. The strawberry and orange blossom pair well together to offset the tartness of the aperitif itself. However, if you do not have a sweet tooth and would prefer a more bitter drink, then you will likely enjoy all of Ghia's other flavors. Out of the rest of its line, I've only had the sumac and chili, which was too bitter and spicy for my personal taste. See at Ghia According to WebMD, cutting out alcohol can include the following benefits: Reduce your risk of fatalities: The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration states that 32% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism adds that 178,000 deaths each year are attributable to excessive alcohol use. Repair your liver: Heavy drinking can lead to types of liver disease such as cirrhosis (or scarring) of the liver, alcoholic hepatitis and a fatty liver. When you stop drinking, you give the liver the opportunity to repair itself. Weight loss: If you are trying to lose weight, consider giving up alcohol, which is high in calories and can be high in sugar. When your body is metabolizing alcohol, it also stops metabolizing fat, which can put a halt on weightloss entirely. Improve your sleep: Drinking large amounts of alcohol before bed can disrupt your sleep and cause poor sleep quality. Reduce cancer risk: Alcohol is a human carcinogen, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which states, "Consumption of alcoholic beverages has been shown to cause cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus." Improve heart health: Drinking alcohol in excess can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease. According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, it is recommended that women have one drink or less in a day. As for men, it is recommended that they have two drinks or less in a day.
