À La Vôtre

There was a time when the only non-alcoholic beer was Sharp’s and O’Doul’s. I can’t imagine why I ever drank them. I must have been a designated driver. The flavors were best described as fizzy dishwater. Finally, there are non-alcoholic beverages that taste great. If you or someone you love will.

My first entry in this category is a wine-style drink that doesn’t try to taste like wine. That’s why it’s good. I discovered the non-alcoholic Töst while working in New England, it’s very popular there. Made in Vermont, Töst is a very fizzy, non-alcoholic beverage that pairs beautifully with food. Töst comes in two flavors: regular (cranberry with a spicy sweetness) that can be enjoyed with your Thanksgiving dinner, and Rosé (ginger and elderberry notes) a drink that pairs well with Asian or spicy foods. Serve both flavors of Töst cold. My only caveat is to open a bottle of Töst slowly, the carbonation is wild.

For non-alcoholic beer, my favorite is the Athletic Brewing Co. brand. Technically, Athletic has a trace of alcohol, less than half a percent but I know for some that’s a deal-breaker. The upside of not burning off all the alcohol in the making of beer means there’s more flavor. My personal favorite is the citrusy Hazy IPA. Refreshing on its own and also food friendly. Athletic’s Run Wild IPA is more on the floral side with a tangy IPA finish. Their Witt is lighter, almost in the style of a Budweiser, that is versatile enough for pizza or BBQ.

You’ll find those and other non-alcoholic beverages in the beer cooler.

Whatever you’re drinking, I wish you a joyous holiday with family and friends.

In cooperation,

Troy Bond
Community Co-op Market CEO