I can’t drink real beer anymore. That ship has sailed, sunk, and is probably being explored by James Cameron right now.
And as much as nonalcoholic beer has come a long way — craft labels, cool branding, enough hops to make you second-guess — I’ve never fully trusted it. Or myself, for that matter.
Too close to the real thing. Too tempting to indulge like the old days. And let’s be honest, if I’m cracking open a six-pack of “nonalcoholic” anything, I’m not just thirsty — I’m chasing something. So I leave it alone.
But then there’s ginger beer. Spicy. Bubbly. Loud. It doesn’t whisper like club soda. It announces itself. It doesn’t pretend to be beer — it’s own wild and refreshing category. And I love it.
It checks a lot of boxes for me. It feels like a treat. It hits like a reward. And there’s no regret baked in. Just fizz, flavor and that signature kick that reminds me I’m still alive and paying attention. It’s become a ritual. Something small that feels earned. And in recovery, those moments matter more than they used to.
I love trying new brands, comparing spice levels, searching for that perfect burn in the back of my throat like a sober dragon. Sometimes, if I know I’ll be around people who are drinking — backyard hangouts, BBQs, holidays — I’ll bring an assortment of ginger beers like a weird, spicy sommelier. No one ever complains. Especially at the end of the night, when I’m able to walk out on my own.
Here are five Ginger Beers that slap harder than a hangover and won’t make you regret tomorrow:
- Fever-Tree – My personal go-to. Balanced, flavorful, just the right kick without going full ginger-ninja.
- Bundaberg – Australian. Comes with a pull-tab. Feels like a treat every single time. Deep flavor. Classy burn.
- Gosling’s – Classic. Caribbean vibes. Dark and stormy? More like bold and comforting.
- Trader Joe’s – Surprisingly strong ginger bite for a store brand. Like finding out your quiet friend can throw a punch.
- Barritt’s – Old-school. A little less heat, but plenty of charm. Solid everyday drinker.
Honorable Mention: Betty Buzz – Crisp, light and super clean. Plus, Blake Lively made it, and I support sober overachievers.
Honorable Mention #2: Uncle Waithley’s – A smoked pineapple ginger beer with a smooth kick of smoky pineapple, ginger heat and Caribbean spice — bold enough to surprise you, tame enough to share with your in-laws.
And if I really want to kick back — like, feet up, playlist on, no-one-ask-me-to-do-anything kind of night — I make what I like to call The Faux-jito Royale (I just made that name up, don’t judge):
- Ginger beer
- A handful of frozen berries
- A splash of grenadine (for drama)
That’s it. It looks fancy, tastes amazing and won’t leave you texting apologies in the morning.
I don’t need beer anymore. I’ve got a hobby — and maybe a new, slightly less dangerous addiction. Ginger beer reminds me that recovery doesn’t have to be bland. That you can still seek flavor, experience and yes — even a little fire — without burning down the whole damn neighborhood. And in a world full of NA beers I can’t trust… ginger beer gets me.
It doesn’t try to be what it’s not. It doesn’t flirt with old habits or trigger old ghosts. It just shows up, does its job, and leaves me feeling better instead of worse.
Got a favorite ginger beer I missed? Send it my way — just don’t ask me to share my last Bundaberg.
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