Cobra

Cobra Beer emerged from a student flat in 1989 with a simple observation: most lagers fought against Indian food rather than complementing it. Founder Karan Bilimoria, studying in Cambridge, wanted a beer smooth enough to drink alongside a curry without the bloat and fizz of standard lagers. He developed a recipe using seven ingredients and brewed it in Bangalore before importing it to the UK.

The gamble paid off. Cobra became a fixture in Indian restaurants across Britain, its distinctive green bottles as familiar as poppadoms and pickle trays. The brand built its reputation on being gentler on the palate, with lower carbonation than typical lagers. That positioning as a beer designed for food remains central to the brand today.

Molson Coors took a controlling stake in 2011, bringing larger distribution muscle while maintaining the brand's identity. The range has expanded beyond the original Premium lager to include King Cobra (a stronger, bottle-fermented version), Malabar Blond IPA, a gluten-free variant, and Cobra Zero.

Cobra Zero sits at 0.0% ABV and aims to deliver the same smooth, malty character as the original. It works as a food-pairing option for those avoiding alcohol, particularly with spicier dishes where you want something refreshing without sharpness. The lower carbonation philosophy carries through to the alcohol-free version.

You'll find Cobra in most UK supermarkets and countless Indian restaurants. Cobra Zero is the obvious pick for a curry night when alcohol is off the table.

The Collection

Zero