Happy St. Patrick’s Day week, everyone! Even though the official day has passed, there is absolutely no reason we can’t keep the spirit of Ireland flowing right into the weekend. Whether you’re hosting a hearty weekend feast or just looking to unwind with a good pint, celebrating without the ABV has never been easier or more delicious.
Today, we’re diving into the best non-alcoholic Irish beers available on this side of the pond. If beer isn’t your taste, jump to our recipe for a zero-proof twist on a classic Irish cocktail.
THE BEST NON-ALCOHOLIC IRISH BEERS TO POUR THIS WEEKEND
Here are a few standout brews that perfectly capture the magic of the Emerald Isle:
Guinness 0 Draught
Crafted exactly like the traditional stout using the same natural ingredients, Guinness 0 undergoes a cold filtration process to gently remove the alcohol. It pours with that signature dark ruby hue and thick creamy head, delivering the rich coffee, chocolate, and bittersweet roasted notes you expect, with all of the flavour and none of the alcohol.
HARMON’S DEMPSEY’S NON-ALCOHOLIC STOUT
Inspired by the rugged coast of County Wexford and crafted by Harmon’s Irish-born brewmaster, this traditional dry stout is a true gem. It is nitro-infused to give you a beautifully smooth, velvety pour and dense creamy head. Expect a well-balanced profile with deep roasted malt, light coffee, and dark chocolate notes that finish delightfully dry and clean.
SOBER CARPENTER IRISH RED ALE
Brewed in the true Irish style using Windsor yeast, this medium-bodied ale opens with inviting, malt-forward aromas. Thanks to the roasted barley, you’ll pick up lovely, subtle undertones of caramel and coffee with every sip.
ATHLETIC BREWING CO. IRISH-STYLE RED
This amber-hued gem is a brilliant homage to the traditional red ale. It balances inviting caramel and dark stone fruit notes with a roasted malt finish and a gentle touch of bitterness. It’s smooth and slightly sweet, but still packs enough of a bite to pair beautifully with good company and a heavy meal.
THE ZERO-PROOF IRISH COFFEE
If you’re looking for an alcohol-free Irish whiskey-based beverage to cap off the night, you can’t go wrong with a classic Irish coffee. It’s warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to make.
INGREDIENTS
2 oz Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Alternative (Brands like Lyre’s, Spiritless, or Ritual Zero Proof work wonderfully)
4 oz Hot, freshly brewed coffee (regular or decaf)
1 to 2 tsp Brown sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
2 tbsp Heavy cream (or a rich dairy-free alternative like oat cream)
THE METHOD
Warm a glass mug by filling it with hot water, then discard the water.
Add the brown sugar and hot coffee to the mug, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Stir in your non-alcoholic whiskey alternative.
Lightly whip the heavy cream just until it thickens slightly (you want it to pour out smooth, not form stiff peaks). Gently pour the cream over the back of a warm spoon so it floats perfectly on top of the coffee. Do not stir! Drink the hot coffee through the cool cream for the ultimate experience.
WHERE TO FIND YOUR POURS
Wondering where you can stock up on these fantastic brews and spirits before the weekend hits? Make sure to head over to my previous post, The Quiet Shift, on The Dry Side blog. I’ve put together a comprehensive guide on exactly where to find the best zero-proof beverages locally and online.
Sláinte to a great weekend!
