Hop water is exactly what it sounds like: sparkling water brewed or steeped with real hops, the same ones used to make beer, but without any malt, sugar, alcohol or fermentation. It picks up the bitter, citrusy, piney character of hops without the calories, carbs or buzz.
It first appeared in 2014 from a California homebrewer selling it as H2OPS, and it has since grown into its own category with dozens of brands, led by craft breweries like Sierra Nevada and standalone startups like HOP WTR. Here is what it actually is, how it differs from non-alcoholic beer, and which brands are worth trying.
What is hop water, exactly?
At a Glance
| What it is | Sparkling water infused or steeped with hops, no malt or fermentation |
| ABV | 0%, always alcohol-free |
| Calories | Typically 0 per can |
| Carbs/sugar | Usually 0g, most brands are unsweetened |
| Flavor | Piney, citrusy, floral notes depending on hop variety, closer to seltzer than beer |
| Gluten free | Usually yes, since there is no malted barley |
Hop water vs non-alcoholic beer
These two get lumped together, but they taste nothing alike. Non-alcoholic beer is brewed like regular beer and then has the alcohol removed, so it keeps the malt sweetness and body of a real beer. Hop water skips the brewing process entirely, it is just water and hops, so it has a crisp, seltzer-like body with no malt character at all.
If you like the bitterness of an IPA but want something that tastes closer to sparkling water than beer, hop water is the better fit. If you miss the actual mouthfeel of beer, a non-alcoholic lager or IPA will scratch that itch better.
Best hop water brands to try
Sierra Nevada Hop Splash
Brewed by an actual brewery using the same water and hops that go into Sierra Nevada’s beers. Citra and Amarillo hops give it bright, fruity notes with zero alcohol and zero calories. This is the pick if you want the closest thing to an IPA without the beer itself.
HOP WTR
The category leader by volume and flavor range, with 10 different flavors including Mango, Blood Orange, Lime and an Iced Tea & Lemonade blend. Brewed with Citra, Amarillo, Mosaic and Azacca hops, it leans fruitier and more drinkable than Hop Splash, and each can also includes adaptogens and nootropics for a subtle relaxation angle.
Who hop water is actually for
Hop water makes the most sense for three groups: people cutting back on alcohol who still want a hoppy, IPA-adjacent flavor, people who like flavored sparkling water but find plain seltzer boring, and craft beer fans who want something to drink on a work day without giving up the taste they like. If you are exploring alcohol-free options more broadly, our guide to the best beer to drink on a diet covers low-calorie and non-alcoholic picks side by side.
FAQs
Does hop water get you drunk?
No. Hop water has 0% ABV. Hops themselves do not contain alcohol or have any intoxicating effect, they are only used for their flavor and aroma.
Does hop water taste like beer?
Not really. It has the bitter, piney and citrusy character of hops, but without the malt sweetness or body that makes something taste like beer, it is closer to a hoppy sparkling water.
Is hop water good for you?
It is typically zero calories, zero sugar and gluten free, making it a lower-calorie alternative to soda or alcoholic beer, though it is not a health drink on its own.
What is the difference between hop water and non-alcoholic beer?
Non-alcoholic beer is brewed like regular beer with the alcohol later removed, keeping malt character. Hop water is just water infused with hops, with no brewing or malt involved, giving it a lighter, seltzer-like body.
What brands of hop water are there?
Popular brands include Sierra Nevada Hop Splash, HOP WTR, Hoplark, Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher and Short’s Brewing Thirst Mutilator.
Browse more best beers guides for other low- and no-alcohol picks.
