Reply #2: We found a recipe for ButterBeer that could probably be made non-alcoholic- [View All]

[haele]

2 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
6 - 8 oz good Cream Soda


You get a smooth, bright, butterscotch flavor and that slightly beery look.

If you replace the Schnapps with syrup, I can easily see it served to kids.
On edit - the article was complaining about English drinking habits. Most English, like Europeans, think that drinking is okay in moderation, and encourage kids to learn to drink responsibly so they're not tempted to binge-drinking (unless, of course they're Football Hooligans) once they leave home.
My understanding is that the first real alcohol kids drink at around 8 or so are Shandies; half pilsner and half lemon soda. I imagine the Harry Potter "Butter Beer" is a similar type product.

Haele