Alternatives to alcohol: 10 drinks you’ll actually want

As you savor this drink, you’ll feel a more profound sense of calm wash over you. Navigating away from alcohol doesn’t mean you have to give up the comforting ritual of having a drink. Let’s explore some delicious, calming beverages that work wonders without the hangover or harmful effects of alcohol. If cocktails are your thing, try building your own “sober bar.” You can build the classics around one of these non-alcoholic liquor substitutes, or even try mixing your own mocktails from scratch.

Cannabis-Infused and CBD Herbal Tea

Its popularity has risen, particularly in major cities where progressive pubs and restaurants have heroin addiction noticed its “cool” factor because of its lack of sugar and health benefits. Check the label to ensure you’re getting 100% coconut water, not a flavored product loaded with sugar and artificial flavorings. Do yourself a favor and make it an occasion—serve your water in a beautiful glass to elevate your drinking experience. The big push is to have a non-alcoholic beer that still tastes like its alcoholic counterpart, and for the keenly minded, here’s a list of the top non-alcoholic beers you can try. These teas are free of caffeine and are some of our most popular herbal teas. Adaptogen-containing drinks are considered functional beverages, as discussed in our post on the Benefits of Collagen Tea.

Effects Of Giving Up Alcohol for One Month

• As the reality of these health hazards comes to light, there is a growing movement of people changing their relationships with alcohol, from conscious cutbacks to completely eliminating them.
• In addition to these well-known brands, there are also many craft breweries that offer non-alcoholic beer options.
• At Lantana Recovery, clients receive personalized recovery plans that integrate mental health support, behavioral tools, and sustainable lifestyle changes.
• Cocktail expert Derek Brown, author of Mindful Mixology, has championed this movement, and high-end restaurants like Eleven Madison Park increasingly feature sophisticated non-alcoholic pairings on their menus.

Choosing alcohol alternatives can offer a pleasant experience without the effects of alcohol. To stay hydrated while you’re out with friends or even just at work, you can also opt for plain water with fruit ice cubes. This is admittedly more for aesthetics, but it can also add a hint of fruity flavor to cold and refreshing water while also making it beautiful!

How to Make the Most of Energy & Sports Drinks

If you’re a fan of campari or aperol, this is a great substitute and an excellent grown-up drink in its own right. Wonderful balance of blood orange, bitterness and natural-tasting sweetness. Read our full review of the best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers for more. If you’re looking to relax, research from the University of Chicago shows that activities like cardiovascular exercise and strength training can be incredibly useful. Exercise alleviates stress by inhibiting the production of typical stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline and offering a positive shot of endorphins instead.

This nutrient-rich drink can help ease the signs of anxiety while promoting overall health. Drinking tea can serve as a moment for reflection and meditation to naturally let go of the day’s residue to bring about an organic sense of well-being. By bringing your attention to the act of making and drinking tea, you connect with the present moment.

For these reasons you should discuss these supplements with your doctor or dietitian before trying them. Your doctor or dietitian will be able to assess your medical history to determine if you are at risk for adverse effects. Most of these supplement-containing mocktails are not recommended for those pregnant, breastfeeding, or under the age of 18. Lacy Ngo, MS, RDN is a registered dietitian and owner of Mindfulness in Faith and Food, LLC.

A word of caution, however, some CBD products may have trace amounts of THC, and although this trace amount is not thought to affect you, in rare cases it could still show up on a drug test. CBD is considered a supplement; therefore, you should discuss CBD with your doctor before consuming CBD. Even picking one new thing to try this week can take the pressure off when temptation hits. Long-term relaxation without alcohol isn’t out of reach—it’s actually more doable (and enjoyable) than you’d expect.

Professional athletes are increasingly endorsing healthier lifestyles, contributing to the growing acceptance of non-alcoholic options. Movements like “Dry January” and the growing “sober-curious” trend have further propelled the demand for satisfying alternatives to alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic beer and wine offer a flavorful and socially acceptable way to enjoy the rituals of drinking without the negative consequences of alcohol consumption.

Drinks that have hype but don’t really work

Ever notice how reaching for a drink after a tough day just feels automatic? It’s not just about the buzz—it’s the ritual, the glass in your hand, the way it signals your brain to slow down. If you’re thinking about cutting back or ditching alcohol altogether, you’ve got options that are actually tasty, satisfying, and way healthier. Mixing sparkling water with juices, fruit concentrates, or bitters is a great way to mimic the experience of drinking alcohol without any of the effects. There’s something deeply comforting about a warm cup of cocoa, especially when it’s made from high-quality dark chocolate. Cocoa is packed with magnesium, which plays a crucial role in managing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

• Even short outings or simple day trips can reframe your perspective and create new, sober memories.
• “This tonic is made with ashwagandha-an ingredient that helps people adapt to stress in a natural way, and this blend of ingredients helps people get their chill on while avoiding booze,” says Manaker.
• But if you’ve noticed that the main or only way you’re doing so is by reaching for a beer, glass of wine, or cocktail, we have some alternatives to alcohol to help you relax.
• Whether you go for a single-flavor pack or sample them all, RSRV Collective’s Kenshō cocktails are a memorable journey into the art of alcohol-free mixology.
• This is a choice for those who love the ritual of cocktail drinking but want to skip the alcohol, all while supporting local agriculture.

Similar to Champagne but without the alcohol, Töst can be sipped solo or added to sparkling cocktails, such as a French 75. With hints of white tea, ginger, and white cranberry, it’s uniquely refreshing and hangover-free — talk about a cause for celebration. This tequila is perfect for a watermelon margarita, which would make a great addition to my list of the best non-alcoholic drinks for summer. There are lots of reasons you could be refraining from drinking alcohol (and they’re all valid!) Maybe you’re sober. ” (We’ve been there.) You’re prioritizing your health, you hate the way alcohol makes you feel, or you simply dislike how it tastes. Whatever the reason you might be abstaining, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the ritual of winding down with a special beverage.

Alternatives To Drinking Alcohol

The beverages listed above not only satisfy your thirst but also help you stay focused on your recovery goals. Additionally, having a go-to non-alcoholic drink can ease social situations, reducing the pressure to conform to drinking norms. These beverages cater to all tastes and preferences, offering a satisfying alternative for those seeking healthier and more inclusive drink options. Embracing these options allows individuals to prioritize their well-being while still enjoying the social and flavorful aspects of drinking. The specialty coffee world is brimming with diverse options, catering to every palate.

If you’re looking to swap out your nightly trip to the bar with a healthier habit, try exercise instead. Hitting the gym or a fun workout class (think aerial yoga or kickboxing) with a friend or coworker can help you beat stress without the hangover. Even a quick 20- or 30-minute exercise session has calming effects—and research shows these benefits can last for several hours after your workout is complete. One problem many people face when they quit drinking is plain-old boredom.

The drink involves combining fruits, sugars, and vinegar in a definite ratio and then pouring the mix into soda water. It is a very easy alcohol replacement drink that can be made at home, too, and offers a punch of rich flavors and sparks to enjoy. Mocktails are non-alcoholic versions of cocktails, often made with a combination of juices, sodas, syrups, and fresh ingredients.