In addition to passing our taste test, every brand and product was thoroughly vetted by our team of medical experts. Healthline Nutrition Market Editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, tested all the products, and we also sourced opinions from alcohol and non-alcohol industry experts, bartenders, family members, friends, and other Healthline editors. Adaptogens are plant-based https://ecosoberhouse.com/ extracts that have been found to help manage stress. While there is research to support their benefits, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution (24, 25). Nutritional stats for Spindrift vary by flavor, though all flavors are low in calories and sugar. For example, one 12-oz (255-mL) can of Spindrift Pineapple provides 15 calories and 3 g of sugar (12).
Burdened by unnecessary “adaptogens,” this drink has a slight health-food-store aroma and medicinal aftertaste. A splash of seltzer mellows that out and amplifies the carbonation. Curious Elixir No. 2 comes in 355 mL bottles that reminded us of homemade beer. Mixed with seltzer and a squeeze of lime, the drink opened up—the more off-flavors subsided, the floral notes expanded, and the drink melded into a heady, unusual, interesting experience as savor-able as any boozy cocktail. As a staff writer on Wirecutter’s kitchen team, Mace Dent Johnson has worked on multiple taste tests and written about soda makers, air fryers, food processors, other small appliances, and specialty consumables. Mace is a hydration enthusiast and a non-alcohol drinker—and is serious about special little drinks.
Why Seek Alternatives to Alcohol?
Carefully crafted with adaptogens, like lion’s mane and L-theanine to “support a mood-boosting buzz without the booze,” this mouthwatering aperitif tastes like a more interesting Aperol spritz. Zero calories and zero alcohol, DASH’s mixed pack contains 4 lemon, 4 raspberry, 4 blackcurrant, and 4 peach-flavored drinks, all made with low-wastage wonky fruit and veg for flavor. If you’re looking to cut down on your drinking but still want to be able to pop open a bottle of low-alcohol wine on occasion or with dinner then de-alcoholized options are a great alternative to your usual tipple. And this is about as close to healthy alcohol as we can get for now.
- This nutrient has numerous health benefits, including enhancing bone health and reducing one’s risk for diabetes, heart disease and anxiety.
- Rhodiola Rosea – Rhodiola rosea is growing in popularity; as seen above, it is a key ingredient in Kin Euphorics.
- More than Figlia Fiore, Wilfred’s has an alcohol-like sting and a bracing bitter edge.
- Traditional medicine makes heavy use of chamomile since it was one of the most widely available herbs in ancient times.
While alcohol-free spirits tend to be on the more expensive end, despite containing no alcohol, Seedlip’s selection of non-alcoholic gins and low-calorie vodka is occasionally on sale. Ish Spirits does a great collection of alcohol-free tequila, rum, and cocktails. And for more insight into the world of alcohol-free drinks, plus some recipes to make yourself at home, check out some of the best quit lit books and audioguides. Having one of the tastiest alternatives to alcohol on hand can really help you out, whether you’re looking to take on Sober October or just cut down your intake. From classics like flavoured sparkling water to new adaptogenic blends that can produce the same relaxing effect as your favourite tipple, these are the ones you need to know about.
Hawthorn Tea / Crataegus
An alcohol substitute that, perhaps, can bring some of the same benefits in terms of sedation, euphoria, or anxiety relief. This herb is often used in place of alcohol to help users fall asleep and relax at the end of the day. It’s also used by people who like the experience of lucid dreaming.
- Delta-9 THC is the primary (of multiple) natural active ingredient within cannabis responsible for the psychoactive high.
- The natural herbs on this list are viable alternatives to alcohol for people who find it difficult to relax and those who struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep at night.
- Plus, all the flavors are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
- Because of the last two ingredients, No. 6 is not safe for pregnant or lactating people.
- It became less intense once we mixed the Livener with tonic, but it still burned on the way down in a way we didn’t love.
- The process begins with selecting and pressing apples to extract the juice.
With countless kombucha brands on the market, it’s hard to definitively say which one is the best. However, Health-Ade is our favorite option if you’re looking for a substitute for a sparkling cocktail. Keep in mind that while one bottle is listed as a single serving, the company recommends using one bottle to craft two cocktails.
Non-Alcoholic Beers, Wines & Spirits
“A zero-calorie soda or sparkling water with a slice of grapefruit is so delicious and a glass of water with ice and lime will also do the trick and keep you hydrated.” Mocktails, or non-alcoholic cocktails as they’re otherwise known, are one of the best alternatives to alcohol if you’re drinking in a bar. Ginger beer and ginger ale are two of the top low-calorie beer options to go for if you’re looking to cut back or do more mindful drinking.
- One of the more unique NA spirits we’ve tasted, Arise keeps you pondering as you sip, and it mellows into a refreshing, compelling drink when mixed.
- They also require a prescription, making them difficult — or even impossible — to acquire for some people.
- The Saskatoon was the one we liked least out of the three, though it was quite interesting.
- It’s not so much a rum dupe as it is a sultry rum-inspired cocktail that you can enjoy over ice for a more saturated experience or cut with ginger beer to mimic a Dark & Stormy.
- With the addition of niacin, it’s slightly more energizing than phGABA too.
Over the past century a range of synthetic compounds have also been developed and subsequently discovered to share this potentiating action. These include the benzodiazepines, e.g., Valium and Z-drugs that are used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and epileptic seizures. Low doses of some of these have been shown in human studies to have effects that are indistinguishable from low doses of alcohol, suggesting they might be alternatives to alcohol [30].
What Should You Drink Instead of Alcohol?
Apothékary recommends mixing it with warm milk, warm water, or fruit juice if you’re looking for something more wine-like in flavor. The powder has a slightly gritty texture and doesn’t dissolve super easily, so we would recommend using some kind of hot liquid if you don’t want a powdery beverage. The sparkling brut had a pleasantly sweet flavor, a good level of carbonation, and enough acidity and sharpness to be reminiscent of conventional wine. It did seem slightly fruitier than alcoholic Champagne would be and almost tasted like Champagne mixed with Martinelli’s sparkling cider. The other Fre bottles were also tasty, but they weren’t quite as successful as the sparkling brut.
The savoriness of the Seedlip counteracts the sweetness of the ginger ale, giving you something more intriguing and adult-tasting. The soda also unlocks a little bit of healthy substitute for alcohol peppery bite that’s quite pleasing. Each one was refreshing and quaffable, but our favorite was the Havana Twist, which leaned heavily into cucumber, mint, and lime.