On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the NYT Mini Crossword delivered a compact grid full of clever wordplay. Below are all Across and Down clues with answers,
Across Clues & Answers:
- 1 Across: With 4‑Across, non‑alcoholic drink with a flavor reminiscent of beer → HOP
- 4 Across: See 1‑Across → WATER
(Combined: Hop Water – the trendy zero-alcohol sparkling beverage) - 6 Across: Houston M.L.B. player → ASTRO
- 7 Across: Sister’s daughter → NIECE
- 8 Across: “Just ___ a bite” (parent’s dinner encouragement) → TRY
Down Clues & Answers:
- 1 Down: Possesses a certain unnameable quality → HASIT
- 2 Down: Animal that’s the mascot of California State University, Monterey Bay → OTTER
- 3 Down: Best friend of Thomas the Tank Engine → PERCY
- 4 Down: Sickly in appearance → WAN
- 5 Down: Spheres on a sushi roll → ROE
Unpacking Each Mini Crossword Entry
- HOP + WATER – The central pair that names the beverage trend, featured in 1‑ and 4‑Across.
- ASTRO – Places the puzzle in everyday culture via the Houston Astros baseball franchise.
- NIECE and TRY – Familiar, conversational clues that add a warm, domestic touch.
- HASIT – A colloquial down clue hinting at that special charm or charisma—apt for a drink gaining a cult following.
- OTTER – A charming nod to Cal State Monterey Bay’s mascot, adding whimsy.
- PERCY – A nostalgic reference to Thomas the Tank Engine’s sidekick.
- WAN – A four-letter “crosswordese” adjective meaning pale or sickly.
- ROE – A sushi staple, showcasing the mix of food and culture in bite-sized clues.
Together, they weave sports, family, childhood, and foodie culture into a tight 5×5 grid.
- Crossword + Culture Payoff
The creative pairing of puzzle language and current trends (i.e., hop water) sparked social chatter—especially among crossword communities testing themselves and discovering something new via wordplay. - Rise of Health-Forward, Zero-Proof Alternatives
As habits shift toward mindful consumption, hop water answers the craving for bold flavors without alcohol or sugar.
Industry Momentum
Brands like HOP WTR, Sierra Nevada’s Hop Splash, Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher, and Fieldwork Hop Water fuel the category’s growth—often promoting craft-forward ingredients and functional benefits