15 Drinks to Help You Relax If You’re Cutting Out Alcohol

September 23, 2023

Courtesy of Sandhills Elixirs

Is drinking the new smoking? It’s long been known that overindulging in alcohol is a health hazard, as anyone who’s had a hangover has personally experienced. However, research continues to show that even moderate use — defined as one drink or less a day for women and up to two drinks daily for men — can reduce brain volume and cognitive function, increase the risk of certain cancers, and disrupt the gut microbiota. From a mental health perspective, alcohol also exacerbates both depression and anxiety. And it can disrupt cortisol levels, which affects how your body reacts to stress, even when you’re not drinking.

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.

While alcohol may be falling out of favor, that doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing the ritual of enjoying a great drink. Whether you’re looking for a buzz without the booze, a vitamin-rich wellness tonic, or just something to relax with for a hop-free happy hour, there are plenty of non-alcoholic drink options. Here are some of the best brands offering a booze-free imbibing experience with drinks to relax.

1. Culture Pop Soda

Culture Pop Soda features probiotic-packed fizzy drinks that combine wellness and flavor in each can. Retailing at $32.99 for a 12-pack, this soda alternative is crafted from real, organic fruit juice and a curated blend of herbs. Free of refined sweeteners or stevia often found in other soda substitutes, Culture Pop keeps it real and gut-friendly with live probiotics in every sip. With an exotic array of flavors from Watermelon Rosemary & Lime to Ginger Lemon & Turmeric, this drink is a flavor adventure that’s also good for you. And it checks all the right boxes: vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, shelf-stable, and kosher.

Buy now: Culture Pop Soda

2. Brelixi

Brelixi specializes in THC and CBD-infused drink mixes enhanced with nootropics, electrolytes, adaptogens, and antioxidants for a multi-layered approach to well-being. Simply mix into your favorite water or juice. Featuring proprietary nano-cannabis technology, Brelixi’s mixes have a more potent and longer-lasting effect compared to other cannabis-infused products. The proprietary blends use functional ingredients that blend seamlessly when mixed with water or your juice of choice.

More info: Brelixi

3. VitaPod

If you’re looking for a drink that’s as beneficial as it is delicious, look no further than VitaPod, a unique elixir that packs up to 440 mg of polyphenols and magnesium in each pod. Polyphenols offer a range of health benefits, while magnesium serves as a natural muscle relaxer, aiding in stress relief and muscle and nerve function. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to manage anxiety and stress. Each pod makes up to 32 oz of drinks. With five delicious flavors to choose from, VitaPod drink offers both rapid hydration and essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids, making it a smart, cost-effective choice for holistic wellness.

Buy now: VitaPod

4. Wildwonder

Wildwonder is the first sparkling beverage to offer both prebiotics and probiotics in one delicious can. Each serving packs 1 billion live probiotics and 5 grams of prebiotic fiber—making gut health taste great. Lightly sweetened with agave nectar and monk fruit, each can contain only 6 grams of sugar and 35 calories — no stevia aftertaste or vinegar-y kombucha kick. Just pure, delicious, effervescent flavor. From tropical Pineapple Paradise to the soothing Guava Rose, Wildwonder’s bold flavors offer something for everyone. Bonus: It’s USDA Organic, vegan, GMO-free, and even won a deal on Shark Tank.

Buy now: Wildwonder

5. Aura Bora x Graza Olive Oil Martini

This unique blend of sparkling water and extra-virgin Picual olive oil is the debut product in Aura Bora’s new Dry Guys category, and it’s a collaboration with Graza Olive Oil. Tantalizingly described with tasting notes that promise “light sparkles and soft sweetness,” this intriguing concoction can be enjoyed in a luxurious glass for a mocktail experience, or straight from the can.

Buy now: Aura Bora x Graza Olive Oil Martini

6. Clean Simple Eats Drink Mixes

Clean Simple Eats‘ Hydration and Energy Drink Mixes are two perfect additions to any wellness-focused drink repertoire. The brand’s Hydration Drink Mix is a nutritional powerhouse designed to keep you well-hydrated with natural electrolytes, trace minerals, and branched-chain amino acids for optimum hydration and muscle recovery. While the Energy Drink Mix is a go-to for a morning or midday pick-me-up formulated to lift your mood. Packed with electrolytes, B vitamins, and natural caffeine, it provides a sustained energy boost without the dreaded crash.

Convenient for everything from outdoor adventures to household chores, both mixes only require water for preparation. Portable and simple, they’re the ideal companions for a health-conscious lifestyle.

Buy now: Clean Simple Eats Green Variety

7. Autumn Brands Elixirs

If you’re in search of pure, high-quality cannabis elixirs, Autumn Brands has got you covered with a lineup of premium offerings. Its Warrior Elixir, for example, is a potent concoction featuring a blend of THC and THCa. With each serving size of 0.25ml (approximately five drops), you get 8.33 milligrams of THC, ensuring a long-lasting, full-body psychoactive experience. This elixir includes MCT Oil and High-Terpene Full Spectrum (HTFS)-Grade Cannabis Oil among its ingredients, and it’s vegan, non-GMO, and free from any pesticides or additives.

On the lighter side, Autumn Brands has its Thrive Elixir, specially designed for daytime tranquility or to support a restful night’s sleep. Infused with 100% full-spectrum cannabis, it contains a balanced 300mg of THC. Each 0.25ml serving size delivers a mild 2.5mg of THC, taking about 1 to 2 hours for the full calming effects to kick in. Just like the Warrior Elixir, it’s made with MCT Oil and HTFS-Grade Cannabis Oil, containing no added flavors or additives, and is vegan, non-GMO, and pesticide-free.

Both elixirs come from cannabis flower that’s grown pesticide-free on Autumn Brands’ family farm, underlining the company’s unwavering dedication to consumer safety and product purity.

More info: Autumn Brands Elixirs

8. Abstinence Spirits, USA

This award-winning U.S. brand specializes in small-batch, non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs that are chock-full of botanicals inspired by South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom. Their two new offerings, the Abstinence Spirits Blood Orange Aperitivo Spritz and Abstinence Spirits Lemon Aperitivo Spritz, come in convenient 750ml bottles and provide an effortless way to enjoy an enticing aperitif. Simply chill the bottle, pour over ice, and add a fresh citrus slice for garnish. The best part? You get all the rich, complex flavors of a classic aperitivo without any of the alcohol or its consequences.

Buy now: Absitenence Spirits Blood Orange Apertivo Spritz

9. Goldthread Plant-Based Tonics

If you’re aiming to cut out alcohol but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or the fun of a well-crafted drink, Goldthread Plant-Based Tonics has a line-up of plant-based wellness elixirs that could be just what you’re looking for. With a diverse range of mocktail recipes available on their blog, from the Minty Mineral No-Jito to the Elderberry Mule, each tonic is loaded with 14 grams of whole herbs, spices, and adaptogens. These zero-proof alternatives not only taste great but also offer wellness benefits, making them the perfect addition to your health-conscious lifestyle. Retailing at $4.99 per tonic, with bulk purchase options at $27.50 for six or $55 for a dozen, Goldthread Tonics are both accessible and widely available.

Buy now: Goldthread Plant-Based Tonics

10. RSRV Collective

Launched just this year, RSRV Collective offers a line of non-alcoholic canned cocktails known as Kenshō, aimed to let you “see one’s true nature” without the fog of alcohol. Each cocktail is a symphony of premium ingredients like fresh fruit juices and botanicals, providing balanced and sophisticated flavors in every sip.

The new brand’s standout offerings include a variety of exciting flavors. “Botanica” conjures up the essence of a Gin and Tonic, with a light, refreshing profile full of green floral notes and a juniper finish. “Orana” leans into the smoky, rich world of an Old Fashioned, balancing charred, dark citrus flavors with a base of wormwood. “Rosata” offers a zingy blend of bright cherry notes with a sharp ginger finish, enhanced by small carbonated bubbles. Last but not least, “Amari” transports you to Italy with a deep blend of herbs, spices, plants, and dark citrus, all with a slightly bitter finish. 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.

More info: RSRV Collective

11. DAVIDsTEA Ashwagandha Pumpkin Superfood Tea

In the rush of modern life, we could all use a little more peace and tranquility. This specialty tea brand offers a range of calming teas crafted to help you destress and unwind. The Ashwagandha Pumpkin Superfood Tea is a potent blend that brings together the adaptogenic benefits of ashwagandha with the autumnal warmth of real pumpkin powder. Organic Serenity Now Tea promises to be your liquid lullaby with calming lavender and rejuvenating spearmint, offering the perfect balance to help you relax. For those looking for an adaptogen-packed option, the “Reishi Relax Tea” is a must-try. This caffeine-free brew features balance-restoring schizandra berries and skin-loving sea buckthorn, along with reishi mushroom known for its relaxation properties.

Buy now: DAVIDsTEA Ashwagandha Pumpkin Superfood Tea

12. Rest by Protekt

Rest by Protekt has earned its status as a best-seller by providing a clean, effective sleep aid that ensures quality rest without the morning fog. Formulated with valerian root, naturally occurring GABA, and theanine, this sleep companion is designed to calm your mind and body, setting the stage for a restorative night’s sleep. One satisfied customer raves: “Instantly hooked. No grogginess. No sudden passing out on the couch. Just really great sleep!”

Buy now: Rest by Protekt

13. Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits

Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits was founded by Houston-based entrepreneur Andrew Solis, who saw a gap in the market for high-quality, zero-alcohol spirits that didn’t compromise on flavor or the social aspects of drinking. Launched last October, the brand is committed to sustainability with its low-impact packaging, recyclable glass, and reusable bottles. Not only are Cut Above’s spirits environmentally friendly, but they are also low-carb, low-sugar, gluten-free, and certified non-GMO, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences. Cut Above gives consumers the freedom to choose their alcohol content, offering the flexibility for either a “Cut Cocktail” (low alcohol) or a “Zero Cocktail” (no alcohol).

Buy now: Cut Above Zero Proof Spirits

14. Sandhills Elixirs

Sandhills Elixirs brings the experience of your favorite cocktails to a non-alcoholic platform, letting you savor sophisticated flavors without the buzz. The brand’s elixirs feature a unique blend of native prairie herbs and fruits such as chokecherry, Aronia berry, and wild plum, all sourced from local farmers and ranchers. Adding to its commitment to local and sustainable ingredients, Sandhills Elixirs also uses water from the Ogallala Aquifer, the United States’ largest underground aquifer. This is a choice for those who love the ritual of cocktail drinking but want to skip the alcohol, all while supporting local agriculture.

Buy now: Sandhills Signature Pack

15. TranQuini

TranQuini is a sparkling beverage that might just be your new go-to drink for serenity and relaxation. Infused with a blend of herbal adaptogens like Green Tea, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and L-Theanine, this gently carbonated drink is designed to alleviate anxiety and promote a state of calm. With zero sugar, just one calorie, and a selection of tantalizing flavors such as Mixed Berries, Hibiscus, and Ginger Lemongrass, TranQuini supports a variety of wellness journeys. This plant-based, gluten-free, and non-GMO drink is available for purchase on TranQuini.com and Amazon.

Buy now: TranQuini

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