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Anyone who’s ever imbibed in one too many alcoholic beverages knows the debilitating effects of a hangover—physically and mentally.
Whether you’re someone who suffers from hangxiety (hangover anxiety) or alcohol withdrawal headaches, you’re aware that the negatives get, well, more negative with age. And when those negatives start to outweigh the initial dopamine rush and relaxation a cocktail brings on, it could be worth exploring a non-alcoholic (NA) or low-ABV beverage option.
If the very thought of this induces a light panic (Uhhh, no more whiskey?), you’re not alone. Denying a drink, when it’s culturally normative to accept one, feels like a giant buzz-kill. And up until recently, it kind of was. Those who chose not to partake were left drinking sodas, Shirley temples, or boring old water in the corner, while the rest of the group got loose and rowdier as the night went on.
Now, non-alcoholic aperitifs and adaptogen drinks have exploded onto the scene—a new, cool, aesthetically pleasing alcohol-free liquor brand stops us mid-Instagram scroll daily.
What’s Sober Curious?
These new brands come on the heels of the “sober curious” movement, a school of thought adopted by those who choose not to drink for various reasons; because of an alcohol dependency issue, because they just don’t feel like it works for them anymore, or because they need a booze break.
The result? NA brands that have created beverages just as complex as an herbaceous cocktail, or as full-bodied as a glass of red, without the effects of alcohol. Those that choose not to drink, whether for the evening or for life, have plenty of alternatives that allow the joys of bellying up to the bar and ordering something delicious and intricate, just like normal.
You’ve Got NA Options
For those that detest the word “mocktail” (raises hand), there are zero-proof elixirs and aperitifs meant to craft a tasty cocktail, sans liquor, hard seltzer-inspired soft seltzers, and even fruity, wine alternatives that pair with charcuterie boards and medium-rare steaks.
There are no-ABV drinks that come in a well-designed can akin to that of your favorite micro-brew. Pop a top without rotting your insides with sugary sodas. These range from mild, spiked seltzer-style bevs to complex elixirs, complete with herbs for a supposed added mood boost. If you perked up at the sound of this, try an adaptogen drink (adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt to stress) with ingredients like CBD, ashwagandha, or ginseng.
Speaking of mood boosts—if you live in one of the 19 states that have legalized recreational marijuana use and you’re pro-pot, there are THC-infused seltzers and aperitifs for a little cannabis-induced buzz.
It took many attempts to get these NA alternatives right, but the 17 below did just that. Read on for our list of non-alcoholic, adaptogen drinks we’re confident you’ll love.
The 17 Best Alcohol Alternative Drinks
Liquor Alternatives
And by that, we mean high-quality mixers. While we wouldn’t necessarily down a glass neat (unless the brand specifically states that), these picks are infused with botanicals and natural extracts to add extra intrigue to NA cocktails. Grab a few to keep on your bar or in your fridge for an anytime, anywhere, zero-proof cocktail.
1. Seedlip Trio
If we are judging entirely off looks, Seedlip is tops. Aside from a handsome bottle that can sit on your bar cart or countertop (it doesn’t have to be refrigerated after opening; something not many other picks on this list can claim), it’s truly what’s on the inside that counts most.Made with a short list of ingredients—water, botanical extracts, and some natural shelf-stabilizers like potassium sorbate and citric acid—the consistency of this elixir is less syrupy and isn’t sweet in the slightest, so you can control how sweet you want your beverage.The brand recommends mixing its products with ginger ale or tonic water, but they work well in seltzer or as an addition to a more complex cocktail. Many bars and restaurants now stock this brand behind the bar.
2. Spiritless Kentucky 74
Whiskey aficionados will be disappointed to sip this neat, but that’s not why Spiritless made an NA bourbon. It shines at its true calling: being a stellar bourbon stand-in in any cocktail. Try it in a mint juleps or an old-fashioned, or even a highball with some seltzer and a zing of citrus. It features hints of charred oak, a subtle tongue-numbing effect, and even buttery caramel undertones. It’s complex, it’s tasty, and it’s the closest thing to the real deal that we’ve found. Spiritless also promotes a concept called “halvesies,” which involves replacing half the whiskey in any cocktail with Kentucky 74. We’ve tried with Manhattans, Highballs, and even a Paper Plane with wonderful results.
3. Pentire Adrift
Looking to recreate a gin and tonic? The search ends with Pentire’s non-alcoholic spirit Adrift, which features botanical ingredients reminiscent of gin (think rosemary, pine, and lemon). Just want an imitation gin on the rocks? Pentire’s spirits work well on their own as well as in cocktails. They’re also unsweetened and made with mostly water, so you’ll never get something sickly sweet or overly Stevia-ed. The brand has another flavor profile called Seaward, which features notes of peppercorns, pink grapefruit, sea rosemary, and wild seaweed for a coastal-inspired sip whenever the mood strikes.
4. The Pathfinder Hemp & Root
If a soul-warming concoction is what you seek, turn to The Pathfinder’s Hemp & Root tonic. Made with hemp (but without any cannabis effects), this syrupy mixer is a natural stand-in for amaro, with a bitter root beer flavor, and all the sweetness to boot. It’s best diluted in tonic or seltzer and garnished with a lemon wheel for an extra hit of acidity to balance it out. This is another pick that’s meant to be displayed (that label, though), and is shelf-stable after opening up to three months.
Feel-good food
Non-Alcoholic Cocktails & Canned Drinks
Behold: The easiest replacement for beer. These canned and bottled adaptogen drinks offer a 1:1 swap in the relaxation department but come with none of the less desirable side effects (bloat, inflammation, sleep trouble, anxiety, etc.). Bring them to the tailgate, keep a six-pack in the fridge, or pour one into a frosted glass when you’re feeling fancy. The adaptogens will loosen you up and melt away stress much better than an IPA ever could.
5. De Soi Variety Pack
Pronounced “De Swah,” De Soi is the type of brand we’d reach for during a party. Each of its three flavors is slightly sparkling, laced with adaptogens for added relaxation, and layered with complexities (such as blackberry nectar, vanilla oak, and rose petals) that make you smack your lips and impulsively tip back sip after sip.Take your pick of a four-pack of 8-oz. cans or a 750 mL bottle (best for sharing with friends in one sitting so the bubbles don’t go flat) or variety packs that give you a little taste of each. You can set up a subscription of these bad boys to be delivered at the cadence of your choosing. They’re a bit sweet, with 10 to 12 grams of sugar per tiny can, so you might not want to crush a whole case of them if you’re watching your sugar intake. Still, the Purple Lune flavor is our favorite by far.
6. Kin Euphorics Sample Pack
Kin Euphorics offers another line of canned, slightly sparkling, adaptogen-infused, NA cocktails that are less sweet —and for that reason, we like it a bit more. With three canned “spritzes”—Kin Spritz, Kin Bloom, and Lightwave—and two made-to-mix elixirs, Kin Euphorics offers plenty of variety for the sober curious.
Each of its cocktails and mixers is formulated with adaptogens, nootropics, and botanics like Reishi Mushroom, L-Theanine, and L-Tryptophan, which it claims “mellows your mind, balances reactions to stress, and helps conjure inner peace.” We didn’t notice any zen vibes while sipping on these, but the taste is great and the fizz level is perfect. The cans taste healthy thanks to the lack of sugar (only between 3 and 4 grams, and no added sugars) and ingredients like ginger and bitter orange extract.
7. Hiyo Seltzer Variety Pack
Self-dubbed the “better-than-alcohol-alternative,” Hiyo had some big claims to live up to. And they do. Exotic flavored seltzers (hello, watermelon lime) are infused with six organic adaptogens, natural nootropics, and functional botanicals meant to induce an immediate mood boost (they call it the float). They’re a crushable stand-in for White Claw, thanks to real seltzer taste and tall, slim, aluminum cans. At 12 oz., they’re nearly double the size of the above cans on this list, yet still clocking in at just 5 grams of sugar and 25 calories per can and cost just $45 for a 12-pack.
8. Recess Mood Sampler
You’ve likely heard of Recess—the CBD-seltzer brand was one of the first big players in the market. And while the OG CBD seltzers are wonderful (coconut lime, we see you), the real stars are the brand’s new Recess Mood bevs, which are made with magnesium and adaptogens like L-theanine and ginseng to calm the mind and lift the mood.
9. Casamara Club Sparkling Amaro Soft Drink Variety Pack
Lighter than your average soft drink, but complex enough to compete with alcoholic beverages, these refreshing seltzers are aptly referred to as “leisure sodas.” Made with a non-alcoholic version of amaro, an Italian bitter drink, you have to like the flavor of amaro to enjoy all four of the brand’s flavors—from wild lemon to grapefruit spritz. Each comes in either a deep-brown bottle (like your favorite beers) or 12 oz. cans with Italian-inspired labels that conjure visions of Positano in the summertime.
10. Curious Elixirs Variety Pack
Made to be “shaken, not slurred” according to the brand, Curious Elixirs is a line of ready-made non-alcoholic cocktails in single-serve bottles. Each of the seven different varieties (named No. 1 through No. 7) is formulated with high-quality, responsibly-sourced juices and extracts plus adaptogens and super herbs to aid in balancing the body, building immunity, and reducing stress—and without any refined sugars. They’re quite flavorful, so if you find them too intense, we suggest cutting them with a bit of seltzer. If you’re someone who likes a mixologist-level cocktail, pop a few in the fridge for consumption at any time.
DRINK WELL
Aperitifs
By definition, an aperitif is an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite. But it’s more than a drink in European culture—it’s a way of life. And it’s not so much the alcohol that whets the palate; it’s the traditionally bittersweet flavors that get the tastebuds working. Why should the sober curious be denied this ancient right? These five NA-aperitif brands answer the question flawlessly.
11. Wilfred’s Bittersweet Aperitif
There’s something nostalgic about a Negroni’s bitter flavor and striking ruby hue—both of which Wilfred’s Bittersweet got right. Mix this aperitif into seltzer for a twist on an Aperol Spritz, or dress it up in a lowball tumbler (one giant ice cube, please) for a faux-groni. The taste is a little bitter, a little sweet, and decidedly less syrupy than Campari or Aperol. It’s more enjoyable to sip all night.
12. Ghia Aperitif
If you’re looking for a less bitter aperitif, we give you Ghia, a pure, natural drink inspired by Mediterranean aperitivo culture. Made with a balanced blend of potent extracts of natural nervines—herbs proven to both soothe and stimulate the mind and fight burnout—it’s best served chilled, as the main attraction in a simple NA cocktail of soda water and orange zest. The flavor profile is interesting; not sweet, not savory, not bitter; just kind of lovely and mild, despite the deep plum color. We recommend trying out a few different cocktails to figure out what you like—the website has plenty of recipes. Ghia also makes canned Le Spritz, and, interestingly, a Nutella-like healthy hazelnut spread called Ghianduja. Do with that what you will.
13. Figlia Fiore Aperitif
The Italians love an aperitivo. And Figlia Fiore is a love letter to their beloved tradition. A delightfully herbaceous mix of citrus, rose, cranberry, ginger, and nutmeg flavors, it’s much less bitter than other aperitifs. Credit the subtly sweet base of water and white grape juice concentrate. It’s easier to drink on its own t, but when mixed with sparkling water, it’s even better. The best thing is a chameleon quality that allows for hot or cold enjoyment, thanks to the ginger, nutmeg, and cranberry. Mulled wine or Hot Toddys, anyone?. We also love that the company donates part of its proceeds to Partnership to End Addiction and 1% for the Planet.
14. Proteau Ludlow Red
At zero percent ABV, you’d expect a drink like Proteau’s Ludlow Red to fall flat. Wrong. Combining bitter, floral, and fruity notes, it’s the type of drink that works well paired with savory food or on its own. It’ll make you sip and think, as you decipher the flavors you’re tasting (that’s black pepper, dandelion, and blackberry), for a truly unique experience. It has 30 calories and 6 grams of sugar (none added) per serving, making it one of the healthier options on this list.
15. Wine Proxies Acid League
Not exactly wine, but just as complex, Proxies delivers vino rituals we love after a long day. Uncorking a bottle for dinner with that telltale pop, clinking glasses with your guests, smuggling a bottle into the park for a shady Sunday picnic.
Made by Acid League, a brand specializing in vinegar, each of the Proxies has a decidedly vinegary undertone paired with a grape juice base and herbs. If you’ve ever tossed back apple cider vinegar for the immune-boosting health benefits, Proxies are kinda like that, but tastier—like a shrub. They come in a variety of flavors akin to red, white, and rosé wines. We’re big fans of Pistache, which gives big crisp white wine energy. Serve chilled for best results.
Cannabis-Infused Drinks
There are a few cannabis-infused drinks worth mentioning on this list. Though they’re not technically substance-free, they are alcohol-free and offer a bit more of a relaxation effect than some of the other adaptogen-infused options on the market.
16. Cann Social Tonic
While many THC seltzers are packed with paranoia-inducing levels of cannabis, one brand noticed a void in the market: low-THC seltzers that can be enjoyed in social settings as you would beer. That brand is Cann. Its seltzers come in a variety of flavors, from lemon lavender to blood orange cardamom, and have 2.5mg THC and 4 mg CBD per 8 oz. can for an elevated yet grounding feel.
17. Artet Cannabis Aperitif
While many THC seltzers are packed with paranoia-inducing levels of cannabis, one brand noticed a void in the market: low-THC seltzers that can be enjoyed in social settings as you would beer. That brand is Cann. Its seltzers come in a variety of flavors, from lemon lavender to blood orange cardamom, and have 2.5mg THC and 4 mg CBD per 8 oz. can for an elevated yet grounding feel.
