what to use if not using beer in brisket recipe

[Zengarden]

Shared a recipe with my cousin who has two little kids in the family. The brisket recipe contains one bottle of beer. If she decides not to use the beer, what should she use instead?

[Sharoneonta]

I second cola. My mom's secret ingredient.

I'm going to try ginger-ale though, that sounds good.

[Zengarden]

Appreciate the suggestions. Thank you everyone.

[coll]

I like to use ginger beer. Which isn't alcoholic despite it's name.

[mamachef]

She can use cranberry juice or apple juice, she can use cola, she can use an equivalent amount of beef or veg. stock, she can use tomato juice. She can use diluted bouillion or canned consomme. She can use a can of crushed tomatoes with half a can of water.
For the closet approximation, stock is probably the best option. If flavor is the issue, nix the beer; if it's the alcohol she could sub in a non-alcoholic beer.

[alanbarnes]

Wait, non-alcoholic beers have flavor? ;-)

I'd use stock.

[mamachef]

Someone told me that once but I have never confirmed it. : )

[escondido123]

Non-alcoholic beer has decent flavor. I would bet if you boil it alone for a few minutes then add to the stew it should have little if any alcohol. But I wonder what all those French and German families did make their stews with the local brew.

[alanbarnes]

>>"I have never confirmed it."<<

Smart woman. I like the way you think.