4 booze-free options for your post-run celebration
Mix up your post-run traditions with these non-alcoholic substitutes
Many runners find themselves looking for alternatives to alcohol this winter. Either because of the new guidelines from Health Canada lowering the recommended maximum number of drinks per week from 15 to two, the awareness that being hungover may be impacting your performance, or just a desire to cut back after the busy holiday period (Dry February, anyone?), there are more and more great-tasting alternatives to traditional beer or spirits.
These are not your granddad’s non-alcoholic beers, we hasten to add; the latest low- and no-alcohol options taste a lot better than they did in the past. We tried four non-alcoholic options, and we bring you the results, below.
@canadianrunningmagazine Looking for a fun post-run drink? We tasted some non-alcoholic drinks for dry Jan/Feb! #running #runningtiktok ♬ original sound – Canadian Running Magazine
Partake (Ale)
Our score: 8.5/10
This Toronto-based pale ale is an award-winning craft beer with a crisp, smooth taste and a balanced blend of caramel sweetness. This pale ale is will please both beer lovers and occasional beer drinkers–perfect for a post-run beverage.
Lake of Bays (Ale)
Our score: 6/10
This dry and crisp pale ale leaves a citrus taste, with hints of grapefruit and barley. It does not go down quite as smoothly as Partake, and leaves a unique aftertaste. We’d recommend the Lake of Bays pale ale for a runner only looking to have one or two.
View this post on Instagram
Spiritless Hibiscus (G&T)
Our score: 8.5/10
If you prefer a mixed drink over a beer, here’s a ready-made “mocktail” to try: Spiritless Hibiscus Gin & Tonic from H2 Craft in Niagara Falls, Ont., has a smooth taste and cranberry-like flavour. With each sip of this pre-mixed G&T substitute, you can really taste the floral notes, which makes Spiritless Hibiscus an easy choice for a post-run “libation.”
View this post on Instagram
Clausthaler (Lager)
Our score: 8/10
We could tell as soon as we poured the Clausthaler that we’d love it. It has a rich and golden look, with a smooth citrusy taste. It’s a bit sweeter than the beers we tried previously, but goes down extremely easy, and tastes like a mix of apple, citrus and malt. We look forward to enjoying a cold Clausthaler when summer comes, after a hot, long run.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
