Hop water
A non-alcoholic hop-flavored carbonated drink.
Hop water is a carbonated American beverage that gets its main flavor from hops, the same ingredient used to flavor beer. It contains no alcohol and is typically low in calories. The drink was first introduced in 2014 by California homebrewer Paul Tecker, who sold it under the name H2OPS. Different producers use various methods, but all involve steeping hops—either as oil or whole cones—in water, then carbonating the mixture or adding carbonated water. Some versions also include additional flavors, such as cannabis. Sales reached $1.9 million in 2019 and either $5.5 million or $13.6 million in 2022. By that year, more than a dozen brands existed, with Lagunitas Brewing Company among the producers. Critics have described it as a crisp, refreshing drink that delivers the appeal of beer without alcohol’s side effects, though it does not taste exactly like beer. One maker called it a placebo that tricks the brain into thinking you’re drinking a beer, offering a calming effect without the alcohol that can bog you down.
- First sold by
- Paul Tecker
- First brand
- H2OPS
- Year first sold
- 2014
- Sales 2019
- $1.9 million
- Sales 2022
- $5.5 million or $13.6 million
- Number of brands as of 2022
- more than a dozen
- Notable producer
- Lagunitas Brewing Company
Lore & Background
Hop water was first sold by Californian homebrewer Paul Tecker as H2OPS in 2014. Production methods vary between makers, but they all involve adding hops, in oil form or in cones, to water and steeping them. The water is then carbonated, or carbonated water is added. Additional flavorings, including cannabis, are sometimes used. As of 2022, there are more than a dozen brands, and Lagunitas Brewing Company is one of the producers.
Reader's Guide
Hop water's significance lies in its ability to offer a refreshing, beer-like experience without alcohol. The New York Times described it as 'essentially LaCroix for beer fans,' noting it delivers what people love about beer without alcohol-induced side effects. Men's Journal said it can 'provide a refreshing beer-like experience' even though it doesn't taste like beer. Taste of Home described it as 'a refreshing seltzer with a vibrant botanical edge and fresh notes of forest and citrus peel.' One maker called it a placebo that tricks the brain into thinking you're drinking a beer, offering a stress-relief alternative without alcohol's bogging effects. Sales grew from $1.9 million in 2019 to either $5.5 million or $13.6 million in 2022, indicating rising market interest.
Did You Know?
- Sales were $1.9 million in 2019 and $5.5 million or $13.6 million in 2022.
- Additional flavorings, including cannabis, are sometimes used in hop water.
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