From Chili Heat to Americana

Wotcha!

So... three editions ago I wrote the following sentences at the end of my review of Go Brewing’s Salty AF Chelada:

“Here’s to Mexico going far in the competition. I’ll be rooting for them—unless, of course, they face England. In which case, all bets are off.”

Well, wouldn’t you just know it. Big mouth strikes again!

Enjoy some great football this week—and, of course, some great drinks.

Myles

In this week’s edition:

NAN
New NA Drink News

COCKTAIL
Aplos - Chili Margarita

BEER
Budweiser - Zero

Read time: 7 minutes 19 seconds

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COCKTAIL: Exciting news from Detroit, with No Fun Beverages launching their first SKU, Ashes to Orange, in what has to be the cutest/coolest can ever! (Link)

COCKTAIL: Look out for the new chef-inspired non-alcoholic aperitivo from Nomaro. (Link)

HOP WATER: Hot Girls Pickles and HOP WTR are collaborating on a limited-run Pickle Lemonade. (Link)

BEER: Talking of nifty collaborations, check out Go Brewing and Generation NA’s NA(ver) Ending Story Double IPA. (Link)

FUNCTIONAL WINE: Nothing wrong with playing a little catch-up! Bloom & Barrel launched two THC-infused wines—Paso Red and Chardonnay—at the beginning of the year. (Link)

BEER: Join the waitlist to be the first to get your hands on Otavo, a non-alcoholic craft beer with green tea and citrus vibes, launching with two styles. (Link)

COCKTAIL: Super stoked to see Dr Zero Zero has something new coming out in AperZero. The new non-alcoholic aperitivo from Trieste is available now on their website. (Link)

COCKTAIL

ModSub thoughts: I was around a friend’s house the other day and, as it often does, the subject of non-alcoholic drinks came up. She mentioned how a friend of hers had introduced her to Aplós and how much she’d been enjoying exploring their line of drinks. It dawned on me as I was chatting with her about their two spirits, Calme and Arise, that it has been nearly two years since I last covered anything from the Florida non-alcoholic spirit company.

Since then, they’ve released a third spirit and a whopping five RTDs, using those spirits as the foundation for their own take on some classic cocktails. So, for the rest of the year, I’m going to play a little catch-up and cover a few of their canned cocktails. First up, because it’s that time of year, is the Chili Margarita.

There’s a vast array of non-alcoholic margaritas on the market, but frankly, a hefty percentage of them miss the mark. The good news is this Aplós version joins the relatively small list of picks worthy of your hard-earned cash. What makes Chili Margarita stand apart from much of the competition is, at the same time, the very thing that might make you question whether it was a wise choice in the first place—the ingredients.

Aplós Arise forms the base of the margarita, bringing touches of lemon verbena, a hint of agave, and black Sarawak pepper for a gentle tickle at the back of the throat. Mandarin orange and Persian lime boost the citrus notes, while orange habanero gives a wink and a nudge to the black pepper.

All of those would surely create a magical cocktail on their own, but Aplós doesn’t stop there. To my mind, this is where their margarita has an edge. Black olive, thyme, oakwood, and sage lend an earthy, herbal undertone to the drink, simmering just beneath the surface of the more familiar flavors in the mix. It’s a small stroke of genius because it never strays too far from what you’ve come to expect from the cocktail. But it’s just enough of an unexpected twist on the recipe to make you sit up and pay attention to what you’re drinking, and pay attention you should.

Chili Margarita is a wonderfully intriguing take on a much-loved cocktail, unmistakably stamped with the Aplós style. One won’t be enough—by any means.

How Aplos describes Chili Margarita: A sparkling, non-alcoholic cocktail crafted with Aplós Arise, mandarin, Persian lime, orange habanero, and sea salt.

Chili Margarita is crafted with Aplós Arise, for moments of revelry. Each serving is infused with adaptogens and nootropics for a naturally stimulating and elevating effect. Pour over ice or sip from a chilled can and remember! Life is a riot!

*Just a heads up that in researching prices, I found 4-packs at Total Wine for $17.99.

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BEER

Mrs. ModSub’s thoughts: The Fourth of July holds a special place in my heart for many reasons, which will be revealed throughout my first review of a non-alcoholic beverage.  

Recently, Mr. ModSub and I approached a bar at a music venue with very few NA options; but to my delight, Budweiser Zero was one of them. The bartender cracked the can open for me, making the delightful two-step sound that always signifies something to look forward to as a bit of fermented foam emerges out of the top. When the cold can was placed in my hand, I stopped to admire the all-too-familiar symmetrical pattern with the artistic detail you’d find on currency or playing cards. Upon seeing, hearing and feeling this old friend, I was cautiously excited for the taste and it did not disappoint.

The straightforward, no-nonsense barley flavor in that metal can reminded me of simpler times—before Henry Weinhard, Widmer Hefeweizen or McMenamin’s Ruby Ale entered my world. Like me, Budweiser was born in St. Louis. It was the King of Beers. It had cool commercials back in 1975, 50 years ago to be exact. I loved the anticipation of the big Clydesdales galloping to a Germanic jingle leaving you with that earworm of a catchy phrase, “When you say Bud you’ve said it all, when you say Bud you’ve said it all!”

I’ve never known known why beechwood-aged beer is worth noting. I did learn that beechwood is what Popsicle sticks are made of and I am all too familiar with trying to suck red, orange and purple juices out of those tongue depressors in my childhood. Perhaps that ritual was preparing me for the beer I would one day love. Budweiser’s fermentation process includes running the beer through beechwood chips to ensure no other flavors are introduced. It’s just beer. And I am so happy to welcome it back into my life thanks to Budweiser Zero.

Sadly, I only have memories of the other special things associated with Budweiser that are no more. Seeing all the neighborhood dads in the 70s turning off their loud lawnmowers and hearing the refreshing crack of cans along with the smell of fresh-cut grass. Seeing my St. Louis grandmother, who had a summer cottage on the Mississippi River, greet us from her screened-in porch after a long road trip in our green Buick LeSabre. She often had a Cardinals baseball game playing on the radio when we arrived that you could just barely hear behind a cacophony of chirping crickets. The adults would crack open Budweisers and dip their hands into shallow bowls of peanuts, pretzels or Chex Mix. In fact, when I wrote my remarks for her funeral years later, I put pen to paper and cracked my own Bud while tearfully tossing back a bag of Chex Mix.

And finally—Fourth of July. There are so many magical places to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but nothing compares to Washington, D.C. I was lucky enough to live, work and play with a flock of Oregon Ducks in our nation’s capital for six years back when Democrats and Republicans had fun together. We were always out and about, running through our meager salaries at breakneck speed. “Red, white and blues in a can” were always affordable and what could be more patriotic to party with—especially on the Fourth of July. Those days were festive but unfortunately a bit foggy for me, like the night sky following the grand finale of a fireworks display.

Things are quieter and clearer now. On this Fourth, Mr. ModSub is wrapping up his newsletter next to me on an overcast Portland day. Our daughter is staying at the coast, making memories with her own wonderful friends. And I am wrapping up this NA review that is turning out to be more of a recollection of my relationship with this iconic Midwest brand.

Budweiser Zero is just like the Budweiser with alcohol, but it’s not red, white and blue. It’s silver, like Mr. ModSub’s hair, who is as handsome as ever. Did I mention we met 21 years ago on the Fourth of July while watching the 2024 Euro Cup Final? Like Mr. ModSub, I think Budweiser Zero benefits from not having alcohol.

I’ll close with a message that’s right on the can. It made me smile, thinking about my past, and my evolving relationship with Budwesier.

To the heroes of the hardwood. The sultans of swat. The guardians of the good. Introducing the genuine Budweiser Zero, a refreshing zero-alcohol brew with the choicest ingredients and great Budweiser taste. This Bud is brewed for those who make zero compromise. This Bud’s for you.

Cheers to you—and the red, white and blue.

Mary Faulkner

How does Budweizer describe Zero: Budweiser Zero is an alcohol-free brew with only 50 calories and zero grams of sugar and is made for those who want to cut back on alcohol without missing out on the full flavor and refreshment of Budweiser.

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