Top Picks for the Best Alcohol Alternatives for Dry January

Unlike agave nectar, which is high in fructose, stevia and monk fruit are natural sweeteners that contain zero sugar and have no impact on blood sugar levels. Sunny with a Chance of Flowers Pinot Noir is a zero-sugar red wine from Monterey County, California. Each 5-ounce serving contains 85 calories and 3.4 grams of carbohydrates. A line of NA sparkling, low-cal apéritifs made with natural adaptogens and founded by Katy Perry and Morgan McLachlan, available in individual-sized cans or larger bottles.

Can herbal teas give you a buzz without alcohol?

• Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, offers a unique buzz without alcohol.
• Perhaps not the best thing to serve to get the party started, but a nice alternative for lazy summer days.
• It drinks like a quality Dutch beer, similar in flavor to a Heineken.
• They replicate the richness of spirits without the alcohol content.
• Lion’s mane is brewing up in beers too, infused within Collider’s recently released non-alcoholic Unwind Lager and Unwind Session Pale (from £27 for 12, drinkcollider.com).

The result is a refreshing flavor profile that tastes like a lemon drop shot with a ginger kick, providing a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. Kin Euphorics, Sun Chaser, and other drinks in Kava Bars 4 can give you a buzz without alcohol. Since kava lactones from Kava tea harvested in the Pacific Islands can give you a buzz and health benefits, it can be a zero-proof alcohol alternative.

Essential Ingredients for DIY Zero-Proof Spirits

Making non-alcoholic beer was “a culturally challenging idea in Australia” just five years ago, according to Ben Holdstock, Halfway house co-founder and head brewer at alcohol-free beer company Heaps Normal. Today, NoLo consumption is increasing worldwide, with ANZ’s Food For Thought Report finding that non-alcoholic beer made up about 10 per cent of beer sales in Australia in 2023. We asked experts why it’s so hard to figure out what to replace alcohol with—and to share their favorite ideas on how to relax booze-free.

alcohol alternatives

• The main difference and what makes Picamilon exceptional, is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
• Fortunately, there are several alternatives that can provide similar effects as alcohol.
• It has been used for centuries in ceremonies and social gatherings across the South Pacific.
• Now, let’s discuss the best alcohol-like supplements and raw ingredients.
• Whether you opt for the floral blend boosted with ashwagandha or the carbonated concoction cooled with ginseng, the drinks are best enjoyed on the rocks with your favorite garnish.

L-theanine, and it’s cousin suntheanine, elevate levels of GABA and dopamine, both neurotransmitters that help us feel good. A study found that suntheanine mixed with water reduced levels of anxiety while performing a stressful task. L-theanine has few side effects, but like any herbal supplement, it is best to talk with a doctor before starting a heavy regime. That can lead to addiction and compulsive drinking, Piccirillo adds. Each beverage was tested and scored according to its ingredients and nutritional profile, appearance, aroma, taste, texture, drinkability and aftertaste. The beers, wines and aperitifs were all enjoyed cold, while the spirits were either tasted over ice, mixed in a cocktail or with tonic water.

• Avoid energy drinks that are high in sugar and artificial ingredients.
• The non-alcoholic drink contains L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan, and Reishi Mushroom, which will help reduce stress and mellow your mind.
• The long-running French liqueurs and syrups producer just debuted its first line of booze-free spirits.
• Mingle Mocktails are light, bubbly and fun—perfect for girls’ night or even as a mixer for guests who want to add a splash of spirits to their glass.
• With a variety of health benefits and an easy-to-use format, whether as powders or teas, adaptogens are becoming a go-to option for people looking to feel calm and centered, all while cutting back on alcohol.

This means that while they are significantly lower in alcohol compared to regular beer, they are not completely alcohol-free. Premium non-alcoholic spirits can often rival the cost of their alcoholic counterparts. By making your own at home, you save money while enjoying the satisfaction of a homemade alternative. Simple ingredients like teas, herbs, and spices are affordable and accessible, allowing you to create high-quality substitutes without breaking the bank. As the sober-curious movement continues to grow, so does the demand for sophisticated, alcohol-free alternatives that offer all the flavor and complexity of traditional spirits.

• The herb can even be added to bath water to help with restlessness.
• Replicating these qualities can take your substitutes to the next level.
• We continuously update this list with new favorites that meet the following criteria.

Popular Alcohol Alternatives That I Wouldn’t Buy

Kava is a drink made from the ground roots of the Piper methysticum plant. It has been used for centuries in ceremonies and social gatherings across the South Pacific. The active compounds, called kavalactones, are responsible for its relaxing properties.

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The initial aroma of La Planta Reposado Agave Spirit took me straight back to my twenties when tequila was a staple. And the hints of vanilla and subtle heat at the finish sealed the deal for me — if you’re looking for a nonalcoholic liquor, this is a good option. You can find more great brews in our story on the best nonalcoholic beers. Not to mention, going alcohol-free or cutting back on your intake can pay off in dividends for your health.

Kanna: The Mood Lifter

By blending complementary elements, you can replicate the complexity of traditional spirits while keeping your drinks entirely alcohol-free. Regular and heavy drinking mess with the cortisol cycle, causing an overall elevation of cortisol, particularly in the morning. This means drinkers wake up feeling more highly aroused, less relaxed, and more stressed. Elevated stress levels create an increased desire to drink, particularly in regular drinkers.

Three Spirit

It has notes of prickly pear, damiana, and peppercorn that made it subtly sweet and pleasantly smooth to drink on its own — but it was even better natural alternative to alcohol once I added lime. I love how this one didn’t try to imitate booze, but rather became its own thing. The brand has a few other enticing botanical flavors, too, like Spice 94 and Garden, with notes of allspice and pea, respectively.

According to a recent survey, nearly half of Americans are trying to cut back on their alcohol consumption in 2025—a 44% increase since 2023. The message is especially getting through to young Americans, who increasingly view less as more, leading the charge among age groups going dry. No matter your reason for going without alcohol, choosing one of these five options will ensure you’re just ditching the negative effects and not flavor or fun. Users rave about its smooth taste and noticeable effects on focus and productivity. Many reviews highlight how it provides a balanced energy boost that’s perfect for starting your day or powering through an afternoon slump. Buddha Teas Organic Damiana Leaf Tea offers an easy way to enjoy the benefits of damiana without any hassle.