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Spoiler coming: What would you say if someone asked you to name a “non-alcoholic drink with a flavor reminiscent of beer”? I would be lost, and I was. That was the clue for a two-word phrase in today’s Mini Crossword solving 1-Across and 4-Across. Look away if you don’t want the answer…
HOP WATER. I swear on my salt-rimmed margarita that I have never heard of this drink before. But it’s a thing. The website Tasting Table even found 16 of them to rate. One of the brands even goes by HOP WTR. Sorry, I’m apparently not up on my beery beverages.
It’s always kind of panic-inducing when you can’t get the first TWO clues, especially on the notably simple Mini Crossword. Thankfully, the other clues were easy enough that it filled itself in. Read on for the answers to the rest of the Mini Crossword. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips. Not sure they’d have helped with HOP WATER, though.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Aug. 5, 2025.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: With 4-Across, non-alcoholic drink with a flavor reminiscent of beer
Answer: HOP
4A clue: See 1-Across
Answer: WATER
6A clue: Houston MLB player
Answer: ASTRO
7A clue: Sister’s daughter
Answer: NIECE
8A clue: “Just ___ a bite” (parent’s dinner encouragement)
Answer: TRY
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Possesses a certain unnameable quality
Answer: HASIT
2D clue: Animal that’s the mascot of California State University, Monterey Bay
Answer: OTTER
3D clue: Best friend of Thomas the Tank Engine
Answer: PERCY
4D clue: Sickly in appearance
Answer: WAN
5D clue: Spheres on a sushi roll
Answer: ROE
