The best mid-strength and zero%* picks for chilling out on hot days.
It’s basically February. Already. The month where we collectively decide to actually try those resolutions. It’s also when the new year starts to feel suspiciously real. The Christmas ham is a distant memory and work is well and truly underway.
If your resolutions look anything like “eat healthier” or “try more non-alcs”, which, let’s be honest, is a lot of us, then consider this your sign. Here’s your line-up of the latest beers that are perfectly tailored for the moderate, semi-virtuous, Febfast-ish drinker.
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1. Great Northern Light: 2% ABV
Normally, we’d say don’t mess with a classic. But this lighter Great Northern proves the rule has an exception – the flavour stays put and the ride stays smooth. It pours glittering gold with a whisper of fruit on the nose, a touch of malt and just enough bitterness. Light but never watery, it’s an easy, well-balanced mix of malt and bite that lands refreshingly every time.
Where to take it: Great Northern Light follows the full-strength version anywhere and, according to the ads, that’s straight into the wilderness and onto a campsite. Just don’t forget to load the esky with ice.
2. Hahn Superdry Light: 1.8% ABV
Another lighter spin on a crowd favourite, the clever Hahn SuperDry 1.8% is everything you love about the OG – subtle malt, a touch of hoppy bitterness, dry, clean and crisp – but each can clocks in at exactly half a standard drink. A beer that’s low in calories and lower in alc that still tastes genuinely great? Hahn SuperDry has nailed it. The perfect moderate can for a moderate February.
Where to take it: Take a few to Dad’s house. The man practically stocks Hahn SuperDry by the pallet, so slip these into his fridge line-up and show him what the lighter life tastes like.
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3. Better Beer Halfy: 2.1% ABV
The better boys have gone and made an even better beer. Fewer calories and lower alcohol mean more room for the important things in life – like chippies. Kidding… mostly. The point is that you get all the flavour with less of the other stuff, making it the kind of upgrade you don’t need to think twice about.
Where to take it: Catching up with your Gen Z cousins? Toss a couple of these bad boys in the bag. They’ll appreciate that these beers are coming from two certified TikTokers, but, let’s be real, low-alc bevvies are 100% in their wheelhouse.
4. Stone & Wood Hinterland Easy Pale: 3.5% ABV
Ah, Stone & Wood – one of the biggest success stories in recent craft brewing. From their beginnings in 2008 to now, they’ve come a long way, and they’re true pioneers of the craft. That includes their newest addition, their Easy Pale – a beautifully balanced, full-flavoured pale ale made entirely with Australian hops and pale malts. Bursting with tropical hits of mango, guava and mandarin, it’s the perfect drop for those days when you just want to kick back and take it easy.
Where to take it: We all have that Stone & Wood mate. The uncle, old work buddy or school friend who found their beer and swore off trying anything else. Hand them this future classic and watch them nod their head in approval.
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5. Coopers Mild Ale: 3.5% ABV
Brewed to be lower in alcohol, not lower in flavour, this mid-strength ale hits all the right notes – balanced, refreshing and unapologetically drinkable. No additives, no preservatives, just good old-fashioned Coopers craft. Thanks to secondary fermentation, it’s naturally fizzy, cloudy and basically telling you, “Yeah, I’m a proper beer, just a bit cooler. Don’t overthink it.”
Where to take it: We’re partial to the old sausage sandy, so if you’re intending to fire up the barbie any time soon, do yourself a favour and crack one of these gems while you’re at it.
6. Coopers Zero: 0% ABV
For anyone actually sticking to Febfast, Coopers Zero packs all the flavour of a full-strength beer without the alcohol. Brewed with Coopers Pale, crystal malt and malted wheat, it pours a golden hue topped with a rich, creamy head. Think floral and fruity notes from new-world hops, just the right touch of bitterness, and a crisp, smooth finish courtesy of Coopers’ traditional ale yeast. Low-cal, refreshing and perfect for anyone who wants the taste of beer without the extra baggage.
Where to take it: Anywhere, really. That’s the beauty of a no-alc beer – you can crack one open wherever, whenever. On a sunny arvo at the park, at a barbecue or even just chilling on the couch mid-week.
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