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Holiday dinners can be a doozy. Between juggling cooking timelines for each dish and navigating tough political conversations with relatives, we don't need a crystal ball to predict you might be feeling stressed about Thanksgiving festivities. At dinner, you might even feel tempted to pour a second glass of Pinot to loosen up -- but hey, let's take a pause first.
Mindful alcohol consumption is one of the biggest wellness trends of the year, and this is one we'd argue truly pays off in the long term, especially when it comes to the high-stress weeks surrounding the winter holidays. Experts say alcohol and high-stress situations often don't mix, meaning that extra-tall eggnog or White Russian can make for an even worse time. Whether you're on a sobriety journey or simply consider yourself sober-curious, it's nice to have a few booze-free options for holiday dinners, too.
These occasions are also a key opportunity to explore new flavors and aromas with the ones you hold most dear -- and what better way than by introducing a fun and funky alternative beverage? If you needed any final convincing, Black Friday crowds are also more manageable without a pounding headache, thank you very much.
Ren Peir is a sommelier, wine educator, and co-founder of BABE, a queer wine bar concept in New York City.
Just like that spread of savory side dishes offers a buffet of possibilities at Thanksgiving, non-alcoholic wines give your loved ones a greater array of beverage options. There's never been a better time to explore the market, either: In the past couple years, brands like NON and Proxies have explored the space with their multi-layered, complex takes on traditional wine as the greater industry erupted with other new innovators. They offer the chance to still participate in toasts and happy hours, even for those who choose not to drink.
"Beverages, in and of themselves, are such an important part of your meal," sommelier Ren Peir says. "Getting into your body and being able to smell all the complex flavors of your drink is such a fun experience. For folks who are a bit more conservative or are on a sober journey, to be able to partake on that is something really special."
At BABE Wine Bar, co-founders Peir and Trent D. aim for inclusivity by offering at least one non-alcoholic drink at events. Beyond offering options for sober and sober-curious folks, this also quietly introduces moderation for those who opt to imbibe -- and as Trent D. notes, having a bottle or two of dealcoholized wine on hand makes it easy to cut back. During your own Thanksgiving festivities, you might choose to alternate between alcoholic and zero-ABV options to fit your health goals or switch to non-alcoholic beverages after the first glass.
"It's nice to have something in my glass," Trent D. says, "I'll alternate between wine and an alternative -- it helps you still have the feeling of being cutie, without being several glasses in within the hour."
Chef Nik Fields says the right bottle can still give you the full-sensory tasting experience. Warming spices, aromatics, added acidity, herbs, and other ingredients give an experience that's just as special as traditional wine.
When shopping, you can typically select from two categories: dealcoholized wine (bottles that mimic the real thing by removing the alcohol content after fermentation) or wine alternatives. The latter often involves tea, juice, and other ingredients to create an altogether new, exciting beverage that might not be similar to the wine you're used to.
There are often fewer legal restrictions around shipping and purchasing non-alcoholic wine, as Fields notes -- which means you might have an easier time securing that top-rated bottle online even if your local grocery doesn't stock it.
Not sure where to start? We asked Fields, Peir, and Trent D. to share their top recommendations for a Thanksgiving-appropriate bottle, and they graciously delivered. Eat, drink, and avoid getting tipsy in front of your beloved nonna? Don't mind if we do. Browse these nine delicious bottles to sip, slurp, and swirl to your heart's content.
Champagne toasts don't need to be boozy, especially when there's so many non-alc sparkling options out there. Fields recommends Noughty wines for an "impeccable" take on realistic bubbly, and nearly 300 reviewers agree with their five-star seal of approval.
Fields recommends selecting a bottle with oaky notes -- and this Cab Sauv from Ariel fits the bill. It's softly tannic with flavors of blackberry and juicy currant, which means it'll pair well with your aunt's signature sage turkey stuffing.
Lush berries and bright acidity team up on this light rosé, which is created from 100% Shiraz grapes. It brings aromas of melon and strawberry, alongside a balanced flavor and distinctly long finish.
Save this one for dessert. NON's sparkling red alcohol-free wine offers a moody palate of dark berries and spice, finished with balanced tannins from added cold brew coffee. BABE Wine Bar has worked with NON in the past, so it's a versatile pick spanning different social occasions.
For Bitter For Worse's award-winning mocktails offer a complex, layered approach to non-alcoholic beverages. The brand deems its Smoky No. 56 bottle, a spicy tea-based drink with hits of maple, as ideal for pairing with pumpkin pie.
If you're not looking to break the bank and don't mind a straightforward profile, consider Sutter Home's line of alcohol-removed wine. This bottle of juicy rosé doesn't hold any surprises -- just a berry-forward taste that's akin to grape juice.
Turkey pairs well with a buttery Chardonnay or medium-bodied Riesling, and this bold NON wine fits right in. You'll taste minerality alongside hits of vanilla and caramel, which is contrasted by a light brininess.
If you love white wine that's impeccably crisp yet still fruit-forward, Noughty has the non-alc version for you. This bottle blends Chenin and Chardonnay grapes for a citrusy, highly acidic wine.
Want to make sure that everyone's included in the dinner toast? Bring this medium-bodied bottle of Chardonnay sparkling wine, which features a slight hint of sweetness.