Lager: A Quick History of the World’s Favourite (Now Alcohol-Free) Beer

If there’s one beer style that’s truly everywhere, it’s lager. From beach bars in Italy to backyard BBQs in the UK, the cold, crisp sip of a golden lager is a universal experience. And thanks to a wave of new alcohol-free options, you don’t need booze to enjoy it.

But where did this fizzy favourite come from—and how did it get so popular in the alcohol-free space? Let’s take a quick (and casual) stroll through the history of lager, with a few 0.0% favourites we’ve reviewed here at Modest Drinker.

Lager: Born in a Cave, Basically

Lager wasn’t always the everyman beer. Back in the 1400s in Bavaria (modern-day Germany), brewers stumbled upon something pretty clever: storing beer in cold caves during winter made it smoother, clearer, and way more drinkable. The yeast they used preferred cooler temps and settled at the bottom unlike the ale yeasts of the time that liked to float up top and ferment warm and fast.

This slow, cold fermentation became the signature of lager which literally comes from the German word lagern, meaning “to store.” It took a while to catch on, but by the 1800s, especially after the invention of refrigeration, lager became the beer of the people.

So… Why Is Lager Everywhere Now?

Simple: it’s clean, crisp, and super easy to drink. Unlike hoppy IPAs or super malty stouts, lagers are all about balance. That makes them a crowd-pleaser, and also a prime candidate for going alcohol-free because they don’t rely on extreme flavours to shine.

We’ve tried our fair share of alcohol-free lagers, and some do a pretty convincing job of keeping the classic lager vibe alive.

A Few Standout 0.0% Lagers We’ve Reviewed

• Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0 – Honestly, this one’s pretty close to the real thing. Crisp, light, with a gentle bitter finish. Pairs well with pizza or just a hot day.
• Heineken 0.0 – Probably the gateway alcohol-free lager for many people. Solid, straightforward, and surprisingly satisfying.
• Birra Moretti Zero – Has a bit more malt character than others, which works if you’re after something a touch fuller-bodied.
• Lucky Saint Unfiltered Lager – This one’s a standout. Slight haze, nice bready aroma, and feels a bit craftier than your average AF lager.
• Asahi Super Dry 0.0 – Dry and clean, as the name suggests. Not much fuss, but super refreshing.
• Impossibrew Lager – A bit different, with added nootropics, but still delivers on that crisp lager experience.
• Warsteiner Fresh 0.0 – German roots show through here light, grassy, and a great nod to its traditional brewing heritage.

Lager’s Next Chapter: Sober, But Still Social

What’s cool is that alcohol-free lagers aren’t just for designated drivers anymore. They’re for anyone who wants the ritual of a beer without the buzz (or the hangover). Whether you’re cutting back, going fully AF, or just curious, there’s a world of lagers waiting to be explored—and they’re only getting better.

So next time you reach for a cold one, maybe make it a 0.0%. You’ll still get the flavour, the refreshment, and the vibe—just without the foggy head the next day.

Got a favourite alcohol-free lager we haven’t reviewed yet? Let us know—this story’s just getting started.