New Launcher doesn't allow for Offline Gameplay

After downloading the new update, I went to play it offline, and the new launcher says "cannot login: minecraft.login.net" or similar.

Please find a quick fix, or bypass if possible (not moderators, you guys are busy, but anyone else good at program bypass). I don't want to rely on my crappy internet just to enjoy testing and playing the new update.

EDIT:
The only way around is connecting to the internet, logging in, then once in-game, disconnect from internet. Seems a bit redundant though.