Atlanta is known for its breweries and there are so many to explore. I personally don’t like beer but I love going to breweries for the atmosphere, experience of a new place and the social scene with friends. Many breweries in Atlanta have started to add more variety to their menus and offer more drinks for non-beer drinkers like myself. If you are a seltzer, cocktail, cider, or flavored soda lover this is your guide to Atlanta breweries with more than just beer.
#1: Scofflaw Brewery/Dr. Scofflaw
This brewery holds a special place in my heart since we had our last minute rehearsal dinner here and their non-beer options were a huge reason why. Scofflaw always has seltzers on draft with my favorites being the Georgia Peach, Lime and Strawberry whereas their most popular one is Tropical Pog. Scofflaw also has draft cocktails as well like their well known pink drink with gin!
#2: Torched Hop
In the heart of the city this brewery has fantastic food and games but I also love that they have a full bar as well. Torched Hop has all the classic cocktails like mules and margaritas but they also have some homemade ones as well. If you’d rather get a specific type of liquor they have any spirit you would like as well. Added perk: Torched Hop has free parking in the Camden apartment garage on Penn Avenue.
#3: New Realm Brewery
Living two blocks from New Realm for the last two years has been a blessing and a curse since they offer some great non-beer drinks. New Realm’s black cherry seltzer tastes just like the frozen slushy you used to get at movie theaters as a kid. Their cucumber seltzer is very refreshing as well. Right now New Realm has mixed drink frozen cocktails that change every few weeks. Last week it was a blue lemonade flavor and this week they have a Flower Power cocktail and Blood Orange Is the New Block. Follow New Realm’s Instagram to know which ones they are offering.
#4: Steady Hand Beer Co.
Steady Hand only had one seltzer on tap, the Blueberry Lemon Sparkyr but it tasted a little too hoppy for my preference but I still drank it. I did love the live acoustic guitar player the weekend I visited and the outdoor area as well! There is always something going on here on the weekends if you want to pop by while in West Midtown.
#5: Monday Night Brewery/ Monday Night Garage
Monday Night brings up nostalgic college memories of having 6 drinks for $15 and I was always the designated driver since I didn’t like beer but it was a blast. (Fun Fact: they do this promo on Thursdays now with their original prices) Monday Night now has Narwater seltzer’s that are fantastic when you visit for non-beer drinkers. I love the Blueberry/Raspberry flavor and Key Lime/Cherry as well.
#6: Second Self Beer Company
Another fantastic West Midtown brewery with a lot of non-brewery options on tap. I enjoyed their delicious Peachy seltzer while watching the Atlanta United game. When I go back I’m excited to try Rudi’s hard seltzer and their cider on tap as well! They have fun indoor games to play at their location as well!
#7: Fire Maker Brewery
I recently visited this brewery and fell in love. It is a very small location compared to others but they always have local food vendors and live music on the weekends. Fire Maker has a whole section with just ciders and seltzers perfect for people like me! Their Cran-Pina Peach seltzer was perfect on a warm day. I want to go back and try their Strawberry Haze and Chardonnay seltzers.
#8: Sweetwater Brewing Company
Sweetwater has changed a lot from my undergraduate days and they have made a lot of updates including their non- beer drink list! Their Sweetwater Oasis hard seltzers offer a variety of flavors like black cherry-lime, mango-passionfruit, raspberry-lemon, and strawberry-kiwi. This is one of the few breweries in Atlanta that also has a substantive food menu always at the ready for your afternoon drinking!
#9: Orpheus Brewing
Right in the heart of Piedmont Park, Orpheus is the perfect afternoon spot to enjoy a delicious seltzer. Orpheus has a lemon lime seltzer that is very refreshing on any hot day. Make sure you explore the park after this fantastic stop.
#10: Elsewhere Brewery
Exploring the neighborhood of Grant Park is something everyone needs to add to their list this summer! Elsewhere Brewery offers a large variety of non-beer drinks like cocktails and a delicious peach seltzer as well. They have a happy hour from 4-6 pm Tuesday – Friday and lots of live music on the weekends. Don’t forget to try one of their amazing empanadas as well!
#11: Best End Brewery
A fantastic spot on the west end with a lot of non-beer options and a great spot to explore. Best End Brewery has two delicious ciders on tap. The best part is Best End has cocktails and wine as well all tiki themes for those coconut and tropical lovers.
#12: Eventide Brewery
Right down the street still in Grant Park is another fantastic spot. Their outdoor seating area is lovely and their Even Claw grapefruit seltzer hits the spot. Eventide has trivia nights on Thursdays along with food trucks on the weekends. Don’t forget to walk across the street and look at the Atlanta Police department horses!
Atlanta breweries are so wonderful and I love supporting all types of small business especially during this crazy last year. You can still enjoy a fantastic brewery without drinking beer! Seltzers have been the new craze and as a non-beer drinker I am all for it. Let me know your favorite non-beer drink at your favorite Atlanta brewery and any other one’s I might have missed!
