Compared to a decade ago, the non-alcoholic drinks scene is unrecognisable. Much to the delight of the sober community, pregnant people and even those simply keen to swerve a hangover with a spot of mindful drinking, what used to be a pitiful selection of super-sweet 'mocktails' has transformed into a burgeoning market. These days, there are zero-proof spirits from major distilleries, genuinely good alcohol-free beers, chic aperitifs and a variety of other great sober options on offer. And now, there are drinks that claim to boost your mood and reduce anxiety at the same time, meaning your sober nights out don’t have to mean standing in a corner while your friends have fun without you. But are they safe? Do they taste nice? And do they actually do anything?
Consider Kin Euphorics. Founded by supermodel Bella Hadid and wellness guru Jen Batchelor, Kin calls upon adaptogens, nootropics and serotonin-boosters like 5-HTP within a range of non-alcoholic beverages, which are now available in the UK after making waves in the US since 2017. You might have seen them on Instagram or TikTok: this new breed of NA drink brand tends towards a strong social-media presence, Gen Z-friendly packaging and a sort of California-inspired 'good vibes' approach to marketing. Kin's premixed canned drinks, for example, proclaim such benefits as “social energy”, “beaming joy” and “inner peace”.
PHILLIP FARAONE
Hadid is, naturally, the ultimate poster girl. “I love Lightwave for moments when I want to mellow out. When I feel that anxiety riding up through my tummy and chest, I know it’s time to get my journal out and chug my Kin,” the model tells Bazaar of one of the brand’s most popular drinks, which combines adaptogens and nootropics, including botanics like reishi mushroom, L-theanine, and L-tryptophan. “It drops the layer of ‘worry’ for me, and in no time I realise I’m able to speak and think more clearly, instead of spending that time thinking about my anxiety.”
Hadid's attitude chimes with the attitudes of an increasing number of the Gen Z community. In fact, a 2019 DrinkAware study found that UK adults aged between 16 and 24 were the most likely to be non-drinkers, compared to all over-25s. And it’s not just Kin leading the change. Bartender-founded brand Three Spirit creates drinks designed “to enhance your night from start to finish”, from Social Elixir – which features nootropic lion’s mane mushroom and has a moreish, bittersweet flavour – to Nightcap, which has a selection of adaptogens to help you “relax and unwind”. They look good, and they taste good too – a far cry from the sugary, fruit-based concoctions many non-drinkers will be used to.
"UK adults aged between 16 and 24 are the most likely to be non-drinkers, compared to all over-25s"
According to Batchelor, nootropics and adaptogens work by regulating our endocrine systems, and provide mood-boosting effects that offer those who use alcohol as a social lubricant a better alternative. “We’ve surveyed more than 20,000 people on this topic since launch, and most people say they turn to alcohol to help them gain confidence in social situations,” she says. “ We know that the ingredients we include in Kin can help them be on their A-game instead.”
Meanwhile, UK-based brand Trip is stocked everywhere from Sainsbury’s to Holland & Barrett, offering lightly sparkling canned drinks infused with 15mg of CBD, a non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant which has been linked with anti-inflammatory benefits, anxiety relief and pain relief. The brand boasts a partnership with the sleep app Calm, and has even expanded into merchandise such as clothing.
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Another UK brand, Goodrays, uses 30mg CBD in its range of drinks, which includes blood orange and grapefruit, passionfruit and pomelo, and elderflower and yuzu flavours. It also sells CBD gummies. The brand’s website says the drinks offer “relaxation and refreshment, without the compromise”, and refers to cannabis as “the world’s most misunderstood plant”.
But are these drinks safe? Some of Kin’s products come with a warning that they shouldn’t be consumed if you’re under 18, breastfeeding, pregnant, have a medical condition, or are taking SSRIs, while Three Spirit’s drinks have a similar message, alongside the advice to wait for up to an hour before driving after drinking its products – though the brand does make clear that “there is nothing in Three Spirit that would make it illegal for you to drive”. Similarly, the World Health Organisation has found no public health-related problems associated with the use of CBD, and in the UK there are no official legal restrictions on CBD drinks, though many brands and retailers choose to sell them only to over-18s. CBD is not advised for use in pregnancy or when breastfeeding, but this is due to a lack of relevant research rather than proof that it isn't safe.
If you’re keen to cut back on your alcohol consumption, it seems there’s no harm in trying them. You’ll certainly save on empty calories and hellish hangovers. And – who knows –you may find you have a better time, too.
Feel like cutting down? These are the best NA drinks to try now
Three Spirit Social Elixir
Now 13% Off
£22 at Amazon
Designed to make you the life and soul of the party, this award-winning Social Elixir spirit lives up to its name. Packed full of high-grade actives, adaptogens and nootropics, it has bright, dry and spicy top notes, which develop into a rich, dark apple and cacao flavour – and it's vegan and gluten-free to boot. Best served with ginger ale over ice.
Botivo Non-Alcoholic Aperitif
£27 at The Whisky Exchange
Fast becoming one of the most highly recommended alcohol-free options out there, Botivo is a moreish and bitter aperitif made in Hertfordshire from herbs and spices, including wildflower honey and wormwood. It's delicious enjoyed with just sparkling water and an orange wedge, or with tonic and a sprig of thyme.
Tanqueray Alcohol Free Spirit
Now 22% Off
£13 at Amazon
Wedded to your favourite gin and tonic? Try premium brand Tanqueray's alcohol-free version: a blend of four botanicals, perfectly balanced to give the same complex and refreshing taste that Tanqueray's much-loved gin is famous for. Mix with your favourite tonic and add ice and lemon, or use as the base for a sober version of a classic gin cocktail, such as an elderflower collins.
Galipette Non-Alcoholic Cidre
£2 at Ocado
Nothing quite beats that first sip of a cold pint, and with Galipette's non-alcoholic cider, you can enjoy one without racking up alcohol units. An all-natural, semi-sweet non-alcoholic craft cider, this is pressed from carefully selected cider apple varieties grown in France, then blended following the tried and tested traditions of the region. With its amber colour, light fizz and rich apple flavour, it's our number one choice for a soft cider.
Mother Root Ginger Switchel
£24 at motherroot.london
If you're a fan of fresh, spicy drinks (a picante springs to mind) then consider trying Mother Root's excellent Ginger Switchel, a fiery and all-natural mix of zingy ginger, apple cider vinegar, blossom honey and a lick of chilli. It's best served chilled over lots of ice, with soda or sparkling water – though if you can handle the heat, try it on its own, on the rocks.
Jarr Kombucha Mixed Case
$39 at Dry Drinker
Kombucha is a stalwart of the alcohol-free drinks genre, and Jarr makes the best flavours around. Opt for this mixed case, which contains multiple bottles of four flavours: ginger and lemon, original, raspberry and – our favourite – passion fruit blends. With its subtle tanginess and natural effervescence, kombucha is an excellent round-the-clock option for those abstaining.
Kin Euphorics 'Lightwave' Non-Alcoholic Beverage, Pack Of Four
$20 at Boisson
A smooth mixture of lavender-vanilla, birch, and smoked sea salts liven the spirit and satiate the palate in Bella Hadid's favourite alcohol-free drink, which also happens to have very fridge-friendly packaging. Try the others in the range, too – we particularly like the 'Bloom' blend, which Kin describes as "rosé-inspired summer in a can – without the alcohol". We'll drink to that.
Goodrays CBD Sparkling Drink, Mixed Pack
Now 20% Off
£6 at Waitrose
If you're in the market for an excellent CBD option, look no further than Goodrays: the brand prioritises both taste and efficacy, so you know you're getting something delicious that actually works. This mixed pack of drinks contains elderflower and yuzu, blood orange and grapefruit, raspberry and guava, and passionfruit and pomelo flavours, all with added vitamin D.
Kylie Minogue Wines 0% Sparkling Rose
£7 at Amazon
There's no need to miss out on any celebratory moments just because you're not drinking. Kylie Minogue's suitably festive sparkling rosé, created by pop's favourite superstar no less, has hints of berry and a deliciously light and airy mousse. Ideal for birthdays, parties and hen dos – or just a decadent night in.
Nio Lemongrass Citrus Mocktail, Pack Of Six
£39 at NIO
Love negronis? Give this lemongrass and citrus alcohol-free cocktail a try. A light and zesty aperitivo, this has a hint of ginger combined with refreshing lemon notes, which blend perfectly with MeMento, an exclusive blend of aromatic waters distilled in copper pots. Nio are the masters when it comes to single-serve, letterbox cocktails, and this non-alcoholic version is just as good as you'd expect.
Pentire Coastal Spritz Non-Alcoholic Spirit
£27 at Waitrose
Made by distilling botanicals native to the Cornish coast to create a perfect balance of natural bitter flavours and refreshing overtones, Pentire's Coastal Spritz is an excellent cocktail base for springtime tipples. Serve it in a glass full of ice with light tonic or soda, and garnish with a slice of orange and bay leaf. Plant-based, low-calorie and non-alcoholic, it's one of our favourite healthy choices.
Organic Rosé Kombucha
£14 at Daylesford
It may not totally replace a cold glass of rosé on a summer evening in your affections, but Daylesford's rosé kombucha is definitely a tasty substitute. Aromatic and sweet, with a gently tart finish from the live cultures, this tea-based kombucha (brewed in England with Sencha and Assam) has the perfect level of fizz; pack it in a picnic basket and serve over plenty of ice.
