1. Guinness 0.0 – The Dark, Handsome One
If regular Guinness is the charming Irishman you flirt with at the bar, Guinness 0.0 is his sober, equally charismatic twin who still texts you back the next day.
- Tastes shockingly close to the real thing
- Smooth, roasty, cosy, basically a blanket in a glass
- Works brilliantly with Thanksgiving dinner (especially anything gravy-adjacent)
2. Athletic Brewing Co. – The Overachiever
Athletic Brewing Co. is that overly productive friend who wakes up at 6am, runs a marathon “for fun,” and somehow still has time to meal prep.
They do everything well, golden ales, IPAs, dark beers and none of it tastes like sadness or punishment.
Top picks for Thanksgiving:
- Run Wild IPA (bold and citrusy)
- Upside Dawn (light, crisp, and my personal fave)
3. The Classic Old-School One: Clausthaler
Yes! Clausthaler. The OG. The “I was doing NA beer before it was cool” brand.
It’s simple, malty, drinkable, and reliable, like the Volvo of non-alcoholic beers.
Perfect for the uncle who insists “beer without alcohol isn’t beer,” then drinks the entire six-pack.
Smart Sips: Nutrition Facts for My Favorite Alcohol-Free Beers
| Beer | Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Notes |
|---|
| Guinness 0.0 | 12 oz (355 ml) | 60 kcal | 13.5 g | Classic stout flavor, widely available |
| Athletic Brewing – Run Wild IPA | 12 oz (355 ml) | 65 kcal | 14 g | Hoppy IPA flavor, full-bodied |
| Athletic Brewing – Upside Dawn Golden Ale 12 oz (355 ml) | 12 oz (355 ml) | 45 kcal | 10 – 11g | Light, crisp, golden ale style |
Non-Alcoholic Spirits & Spritzers
Non-alcoholic wine? I haven’t found one I enjoy yet, spritzers are the next best thing. My go-to NA spirits: Tanqueray 0.0 for gin lovers and Seedlip for everything else. Add plenty of lemon and lime, cherries, or any garnishes you like, mix, sip, and enjoy.
If You Are Drinking: Let’s help the Morning-of-Regret Hangover
Holidays are for fun, and part of the joy is relaxing with a cocktail or a nice bottle of wine. Here are a few simple tips to help you enjoy the festivities without waking up to a headache the next day.
1. Water | Hydrate or Regret
For every alcoholic drink, have a glass of water.
Yes, it’s annoying.
Yes, it works.
Hydration: the cheapest hangover prevention tool that literally 95% of people refuse to use because they “forget.”
2. Food | Eat Like You Mean It
Yes its the Holidays, plus you need protein, complex carbs, and fat to buffer absorption.
Basically: have turkey before tequila.
3. B Vitamins | Give Your Liver Some Backup
Alcohol depletes important nutrients like thiamine (B1), B12, and other B vitamins which your body needs to process alcohol and recover efficiently. Taking a daily B-complex supplement can give your liver some extra support and help prevent common side effects of depletion, including fatigue, mouth sores, shortness of breath, and mood swings.
Final Thoughts
The holidays don’t have to feel like a competitive sport. A little tipsy is fun, but overdoing it can be painful. These tips may seem obvious, but they actually work. Cheers, and Happy Holidays!
Check out ‘Stress-Free Holiday Eating‘ for tips on enjoying the holidays without the guilt
