What's the Best Non-Alcoholic Alternative to an Ice Cold Beer at the End of the Day?

The flavor of beer is rich and complex and I can't think of anything to replace the experience of beer.

If it helps, I actually like fruity beer, something sweet but with still some bitterness and that complex flavor I can't describe that most good beers have.

Why not a softdrink or a root beer? It's just not the same, it's like a different branch from beer.

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[–] 11 points 3 years ago (2 children)

I switched from from beer to flavored carbonated water. This was 18 years ago though and the options were pretty limited back then. Mostly it was just artificially sweetened garbage. I'd rather just have a club soda and add my own fruit or juice to taste. But these days it's just easier to buy Polar or whatever.

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  • [–] 8 points 3 years ago

    Highly recommend a soda stream, or soda stream alternative. My go to is 4 or 5 drops of lime juice in a glass, then the carbonated water. Tastes identical to the canned stuff, but way cheaper (and maybe less preservatives? Idk if the canned water has anything besides fruit juice and water)

    I also occasionally like root beer if I'm eating something junky like a pizza slice or burger. I bought a bag in a box of syrup from the small root beer brand I enjoy, and can make my own for a few cents instead of a few bucks per bottle. Plus, I can control the concentration depending on how sweet my sweet tooth is feeling that day

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  • [–] 7 points 3 years ago (2 children)

    Same for me. Lots of great options for sparkling water these days. I prefer it to soda.

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  • [–] 4 points 3 years ago (2 children)

    A Sodastream with a bulk tank and adapter is righteous. I love my set-up and it’s about as basic as It gets. Then flavoring and sweetness are totally customizable according to the user. Full disclosure: I’m diabetic so the sweetener/lack of is key for me.

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  • [–] 2 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    Do you have a hard time charging your tanks? Mine only get about half full - little better if i put them in the freezer for awhile.

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  • [–] 3 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    I have a bulk tank that holds 15# of CO2 and a hose from it to the fitting where the small tank attaches. It’s just so much more economical. I get it refilled at a fire extinguisher shop.

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  • [–] 1 point 3 years ago (1 child)

    You have no problem filling the little ones? Mine only fill about half way and i can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. I get my big tank filled at the keg store.

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  • [–] 1 point 3 years ago

    I have a soda stream but not a bulk adapter. I don’t want to clutter up the counter space since we use it to entertain (it’s open to the living space). I really wish there were more options for flavors though.

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