Hop water is a sparkling drink made with water and hops, the same plant best known for giving beer its aroma and bitterness.
Unlike beer, hop water does not need to be brewed or fermented. The result is usually lighter, crisper and more refreshing, with hop flavour doing most of the work.
If you are looking for something less sweet than a soft drink and more interesting than plain sparkling water, hop water is worth knowing about.
What does hop water taste like?
That depends on the hops.
Different hop varieties can bring citrus, tropical fruit, floral, herbal, piney or more resinous flavours. Some hop waters are very light and aromatic. Others lean further into bitterness and can feel closer to a pale ale or IPA.
That range is part of the appeal. Hop water is not one flavour. The experience changes depending on the hop variety and how it is made.
Is hop water the same as alcohol-free beer?
No.
Alcohol-free beer is designed to taste like beer and is generally produced using a brewing process. Hop water is much simpler in style. It uses hops for aroma and flavour in a sparkling-water format.
That means hop water usually feels lighter and cleaner, without the malt character you would expect from beer.
If you like hops but do not necessarily want something beer-like, hop water can be a good middle ground.
Is hop water sweet?
It does not have to be.
One of the reasons people choose hop water is because hops can provide flavour, aroma and bitterness without relying on a lot of sweetness.
That makes the category appealing to people who find many alcohol-free drinks too sugary or soft-drink-like.
Why do people drink hop water?
There is no single reason. Common occasions include:
- Replacing an evening beer or wine
- Having something interesting with dinner
- Choosing an alcohol-free option at social occasions
- Wanting something less sweet than a soft drink
- Keeping the ritual of opening and pouring a proper drink
For many people, the appeal is less about finding an exact substitute for alcohol and more about having something they genuinely enjoy drinking instead.
How is HOPR different?
HOPR is our take on hop water.
We use hops as the starting point, then build the drink around flavour and occasion rather than trying to copy beer. The result is crisp, aromatic and designed to stand on its own.
Different HOPR flavours use different hop varieties and combinations, so some lean citrusy, some tropical and some more hop-forward.
Which hop water should you try first?
If you are completely new to the category, start with a mixed pack rather than choosing one hop variety based on the name alone.
If you prefer citrusy flavours
Look for hop varieties and blends that lean into lemon, lime, grapefruit or orange-style aromatics.
If you prefer tropical flavours
Look for hops with passionfruit, mango or other tropical-fruit characteristics.
If you prefer more bitterness
Choose something more hop-forward, particularly if you normally drink pale ale or IPA.
Can hop water replace wine?
It can, even though it does not taste like wine.
What hop water can replace is the occasion: something cold to open at 5pm, pour into a proper glass and drink with dinner.
If wine is your usual drink, we have a separate guide on what to drink instead of wine.
Want to try hop water?
If you are new to HOPR, the Sampler Case is the easiest place to start. It lets you compare different flavour styles side by side before settling on a favourite.
Ready to try it? Shop the Sampler Case.
Frequently asked questions
What is hop water made from?
At its simplest, hop water is made from water, carbonation and hops. Some brands also include botanicals, flavourings or other ingredients.
Does hop water taste like beer?
Not necessarily. It can share hop aroma and bitterness with beer, but it usually lacks the malt flavour and body of beer.
Is hop water bitter?
It can be. The level of bitterness depends on the hop varieties used and how the drink is made.
Is hop water good with food?
Yes. Crisp, aromatic hop waters can work particularly well with dinner because bitterness and carbonation help keep the drink refreshing alongside food.