There are few things finer than sitting down to a Sunday roast. Whatever you’ve had sitting in the oven – from beef or chicken to game and vegetarian roasts – when it hits the table, there’s something almost indefinable about how a roast makes you feel. Perhaps it’s a suitable cap to a weekend of adventure. A fitting feast for a couple of days of taking it easy after a hard week of work. Or simply a way to show the love you have for friends and family. Whatever the reason, a roast almost always hits the spot. And if it’s accompanied by a suitable tipple, even better? So, if you want to go booze free (and avoid a Monday morning hangover), what are the best non-alcoholic beers for a roast?
Here’s a guide to NA brews that will bring out the best in any roast you choose to serve.
Non-alcoholic beers for a roast: 6 of the best
1. Big Drop Galactic Milk Stout – Best for roast beef
Roast beef is rich, savoury and often served with a deep, meaty gravy. A dark, malty beer complements these flavours perfectly. Big Drop’s Galactic Milk Stout is full-bodied with notes of cocoa coffee, and roasted malt, making it an excellent match for a classic roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. The slight sweetness balances out the saltiness of the meat, while its creamy texture holds up against thick gravy. These flavours combine to create a well-rounded, full-bodied experience that mimics the flavour depth of traditional stouts, despite the lack of alcohol. The creamy smoothness is noticeable from the outset, and the integration of lactose adds a velvety texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel.
2. Wellbeing Victory Wheat – Best for roast chicken
A roast chicken, with its crispy skin and herby seasoning, pairs well with a wheat beer. Wellbeing’s alcohol-free version has a gentle citrusy sweetness and a smooth, bready backbone that enhances the golden goodness of the chicken. The orange peel notes contributes a gentle sweetness, while the lemon adds a tangy brightness. The subtle wheat undertones also work well with sage and thyme, which are often found in stuffing and seasoning.
3. Mikkeller Drink’in the Sun – Best for roast pork
Roast pork with crackling demands a beer that can cut through the fattiness while enhancing the crispy textures. Mikkeller Drink’in the Sun is unfiltered and leans heavily on bright, fruit-forward notes. Zesty lemon and orange take centre stage, with tropical undertones of pineapple and mango adding further depth. The malt, while present, remains subtle and doesn’t overpower the fruitiness. Instead, it provides a delicate backbone that complements the citrus and tropical flavours. It also has a refreshing bitterness that balances the richness of pork belly or a slow-roasted shoulder. Its carbonation also helps cleanse the palate, making every bite of that crackling as satisfying as the first.
4. Ceria Grainwave – Best for vegetarian roasts
For a vegetarian wellington, nut roast or even a stuffed squash, a wheat beer like Ceria Grainwave is a great option. On the palate, he orange peel takes centre stage again, providing a bright and slightly sweet citrus character. The coriander adds a nice note of complexity, weaving in earthy and herbal notes that elevate the beer’s profile, alongside a light and bready malt base and the tang of Hallertau Tradition hops. There’s also a faint touch of honey-like sweetness that rounds out the flavours.This profile makes it ideal for complementing the earthy, umami flavours of mushrooms, nuts and roasted vegetables.
5. Guinness 0.0 – Best for roast lamb
Roast lamb, with its deep, gamey flavour, calls for a bold drink. Guinness 0.0, with its rich roasted malt, coffee and dark chocolate notes, is a fantastic match. As the beer develops on the palate, subtle hints of toasted bread start to come through, adding depth and complexity. The bitterness is restrained enough to avoid any harshness while still adding a nice balance. As a result, it enhances the savoury, herby character of the lamb while providing a smooth, slightly bitter contrast to the dish.
6. Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects – Best for roast game birds
For roast game birds, a non-alcoholic amber ale works beautifully. These beers offer malty depth and subtle spice that complement the rich, slightly wild flavours of the meat. Brooklyn Brewery Special Effects is a great choice. It has a solid, comforting base of malt that’s rich without being overly heavy. As you continue drinking, the beer’s complexity gradually unfurls. There’s a light hop bitterness that adds a layer of balance to the malt, keeping it from becoming too sweet or too heavy. Alongside the malt and hops, you’ll notice subtle notes of caramel that deepen the flavour further, creating a satisfying richness and complementing the savoury, roasted qualities of game birds.
Perfect non-alcoholic beers for a roast every time
When you sit down to a Sunday roast, why not reach for a non-alcoholic beer to go with your grub? With the wide range of styles available, you can find the ideal booze-free brew to make Sunday lunch a delicious occasion.
Image credit: Sebastian Coman Photography