I don't like beer either but find that it doesn't taste like beer when cooking....beer battered onion rings, beer bread. It's not the same as drinking beer. I would use the beer. It's the malt and hops you want in the cooking.

Mom said that they went to a pig roast once, and it was basted with beer, and she didn't like the flavour of the pork.
There's probably something else that can be used in place of beer.
I'm thinking apple juice, for one, but I'm not sure.

I think you could use any liquid since it's the moisture that is most important. Seven-Up, Ginger-ale, etc would all work.

I've made hundreds of these. I have a cookbook that's nothing but birds on cans. There are recipes using cola, ginger ale, black cherry soda, peach nectar, lemonade, and even iced tea.

As you can see, you can use pretty much anything in a can. The spice rubs are different, though. I'm happy to share recipes...just ask!

Jasdip, I've tried it with water, 7up, Ginger ale and always come back to the beer. You only need half a can, and all it does is steam the inside of the bird. Honestly, there is no beer taste, but the bird is so juicy and tender! I use the cooked beer in my gravy too, but you don't have to if you choose not to.

Laurel

I have done it with Sprite and also reg Coke and was pleased with both. I think it is really just the liquid, and the flavor comes from the onion and garlic or what ever you put in the can.

I haven't made one of those yet this summer -- It's sounding real good right now! All I need is a suggestion, and I'm hungry for it!

Methinks you could slip a beer in there and tell mama it was ginger ale and she'd love it. Tell her there was beer in the butter on her bread and she'd probably hate it?? :) Unless she actually can taste the difference from the grains and hops, who knows.

With vertical roasting, as said, you can use most any liquid. Wine, beer, apple or orange juice, well any juice. Lemon, lime or orange might give a citrus flavor. I imagine you could use tea or coffee if you like. Or just use water. Much of it is the steaming effect.

I dont like beer and I ate the chicken ,it was good.Didnt taste the beer.

my gs loves beer butt chicken

think he gets to say "butt" without being reprimanded :o)

Agreed! It's the steam that does the trick. The fact that it's beer is just a gimmick. There might be a very slight difference in flavor from one kind of liquid to another, but once it turns into steam the steam is basically water.