You’ve probably seen non-alcoholic drink substitutes in stores and restaurants before. Drinks like non-alcoholic beer, alcohol-free wine, and fancy mocktails are becoming popular with adults. This can leave parents wondering: Is it okay for my teen to drink these?
The answer is not always simple. Even though these drinks may not contain alcohol (or have very small amounts), they can still send mixed messages to young people. Understanding the possible risks can help you make the best choice for your family.
What This Article is About
This article explains what non-alcoholic beer and mocktails are, why some parents have concerns about them, and how these drinks may affect the way young people think about alcohol. It also offers tips for talking with your teen and answers common questions parents ask.
What Are Non-Alcoholic Beer and Mocktails Made Of?
Non-alcoholic beer is made to taste like regular beer but contains little or no alcohol. Some commonly known brands, like Guinness, now offer a non-alcoholic version of their beer, while newer companies like Athletics only sell non-alcoholic beers.
In the United States, drinks labeled “non-alcoholic” can still contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume.1 That is much less than regular beer, but it is not always completely alcohol-free.
Mocktails are mixed drinks that look like cocktails but do not contain alcohol. They are often made with fruit juice, sparkling water, herbs, and flavored syrups.
Why Do Some Parents Worry?
The biggest concern about non-alcoholic beverages is not necessarily the small amount of alcohol they might contain. Instead, it is what these drinks may teach young people about alcohol.
When teens drink beverages that look and taste like beer or cocktails, they may become more comfortable with and used to alcohol-related habits. This can make drinking seem like a normal part of having fun, relaxing, or fitting in with others.
Experts say that this can normalize alcohol use. Even if the drink does not contain alcohol, it may make alcohol seem normal, appealing, and an important part of social life. They may also help teens get used to the taste, smell, and look of beer or other alcoholic drinks. Because of these concerns, many experts believe it is best for teens to avoid drinks that are made to copy alcoholic beverages.
Could It Increase the Chance of Drinking Later?
Research on this topic is still ongoing. Some studies have found that teens who drink non-alcoholic beer are more likely to say that they plan to drink alcohol in the future.2 However, researchers do not know if drinking non-alcoholic beer actually causes teens to use alcohol later.
What About Mocktails?
Not all mocktails are the same. A fruit smoothie or sparkling lemonade served in a regular glass might just be a fun drink. But a mocktail that looks like a margarita or martini may send a different message.
The concern is less about what is in the glass and more about what the drink represents. Drinks that closely copy adult alcoholic beverages may make drinking culture seem exciting or grown-up.
It’s also important to note that some mocktails contain “adaptogens,” which are certain plants and mushrooms intended to cause calming effects. These supplements are largely unregulated and underresearched.3
What Can Parents Do?
Parents can help teens build healthy attitudes about alcohol by setting clear expectations. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Talk about why your family chooses certain drinks.
- Explain that some products are made to copy alcoholic beverages.
- Offer them alcohol-free drinks that do not imitate beer, wine, or cocktails.
- Be a good role model by showing that celebrations and relaxing do not have to center around alcohol.
- Keep the conversation open so your teen feels comfortable asking questions.
The Bottom Line
For most teens, there is little benefit to drinking non-alcoholic beer or mocktails that imitate alcoholic drinks. While these beverages may contain little or no alcohol, they can make alcohol seem like a normal or exciting part of everyday life.
Helping teens enjoy drinks that are clearly meant for everyone—not just versions of adult alcoholic drinks—can support healthier attitudes as they grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-alcoholic beer contain alcohol?
Yes. Some products labeled “non-alcoholic” can contain up to 0.5% alcohol. Others are completely alcohol-free. Always read the label carefully.
Are mocktails safe for teens?
Most mocktails do not contain alcohol. However, parents may still want to think about whether the drink is designed to look like an alcoholic beverage and what message that sends. Additionally, they might contain unregulated substances.
If my teen tries a mocktail once, will it lead to alcohol use?
Probably not. One drink is unlikely to determine future behavior. The bigger picture is the messages teens receive over time about alcohol from family, friends, media, and everyday experiences.
What should I say if my teen wants to try non-alcoholic beer?
You can explain that while it contains little or no alcohol, it is made to copy an adult alcoholic drink. Tell your teen that your goal is to help them develop healthy habits and wait until they are old enough to make adult choices.
What are some fun alternatives?
Try flavored sparkling water, fruit-infused water, smoothies, lemonade, iced herbal tea, juice, or sparkling apple cider. These drinks can be festive without copying beer or cocktails.