Are Nonalcoholic Spirits the New Trend? Exploring 12 Adaptogen and Herb-Infused Options for a Booze-Free Buzz

Alcohol is having it's cigarette moment and let’s be honest: the traditional cocktail scene is so yesterday. Who wants to wake up with brain fog, bloating, and regret when you could vibe responsibly? In the spirit of "Dry January," we've been fed constant ads for nonalcoholic spirits packed with adaptogens, herbs, and botanicals that taste and feel good. These concoctions are more than just a placebo; they tap into your nervous system, help you chill, and, yes, still deliver that sought-after “buzz” without the hangover.

So, for my fellow sportswomen who want to relax and stay sharp, here’s a list of 12 nonalcoholic spirits that will upgrade your sipping game:

1. Kin Euphorics

If Bella Hadid is sipping on it, you know it’s got to be good. Kin combines adaptogens, nootropics, and botanicals designed to lift your mood, calm your mind, and keep you creative. Their bestseller, High Rhode, is perfect for pre-dinner vibes, while Dream Light will lull you into the best sleep of your life.

Why it’s perfect for sportswomen: Think recovery after a long day. This will calm the nerves without dulling your focus.

2. Three Spirit

The UK-based brand offers a trifecta: Livener, Social Elixir, and Nightcap. Each one is carefully crafted with adaptogens and mood-boosting botanicals like lion’s mane, yerba mate, and valerian root.

Why we love it: Their drinks aren’t just alcohol alternatives—they’re functional. Feel a warm buzz without compromising your goals.

3. De Soi

Co-founded by Katy Perry, De Soi is all about indulgent, sophisticated sipping. These sparkling apéritifs are packed with stress-melting adaptogens like reishi mushroom and ashwagandha.

Flavor highlights: Golden Hour (citrusy and bright) and Purple Lune (rich with blackberry and vanilla).

4. Curious Elixirs

Curious Elixirs are craft mocktails infused with adaptogens like ashwagandha and holy basil to help you unwind. Each bottle is alcohol-free, sugar-free, and made with organic juices.

Try this: No. 4 tastes like a spicy, blood orange margarita—perfect for post-tennis brunches.

5. Ghia

Ghia doesn’t just skip the alcohol; it’s pro-pleasure in the most natural way. With botanicals like lemon balm and gentian root, this Mediterranean-inspired aperitif is a must for your bar cart.

Best served as: A spritz with soda and a twist of lemon.

6. Optimist Botanicals

Optimist’s lineup (Bright, Fresh, and Smokey) is all about connection, balance, and grounding energy. Packed with functional herbs like lavender, ginger, and turmeric, each blend is designed to evoke a different mood.

Pro tip: Use Bright as a base for your favorite mocktail; it’s citrus-forward and delicious.

7. Apéritif Rosso from Lyre’s

Lyre’s is a powerhouse in the nonalcoholic space, and their Apéritif Rosso is a standout. Crafted with premium herbs and botanicals, it’s a bold, bittersweet blend that mimics the depth of a traditional vermouth without the booze.

Pair with: Soda water, a slice of orange, and a sprig of rosemary for an elevated mocktail.

8. Hiyo

Hiyo is a sparkling social tonic packed with adaptogens, nootropics, and natural juices. Think of it as a functional soda designed to help you relax and feel radiant.

Why it’s a winner: It’s portable, hydrating, and perfect for poolside sipping.

9. Recess

Recess is all about calm, cool, and collected vibes. With flavors like Pomegranate Hibiscus and Peach Ginger, their drinks are infused with hemp and adaptogens like American ginseng and L-theanine.

Pro tip: Stock these for your next Sportswomen Summit. They scream “refreshing but classy.”

10. Mocktail Club

The Mocktail Club offers elevated, bottled mocktails with exotic flavors and functional ingredients. Think turmeric, chili peppers, and pomegranate to give you that slow-burn buzz.

Athlete-approved flavor: Havana Twist, with pineapple and ginger for a tropical escape without the plane ticket.

11. Almave

Co-created by Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, Almave is the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic blue agave spirit. Made in Jalisco, Mexico, using traditional tequila techniques (minus the fermentation), this spirit brings the bold, earthy essence of tequila without the alcohol.

Options to try: Almave Blanco for mixing into cocktails or Almave Ámbar for sipping straight. It’s perfect for the active lifestyle—think tequila vibes without the crash.

12. BRĒZ

BRĒZ offers a unique non-alcoholic social tonic infused with adaptogens and functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane. Lightly sparkling with hints of Italian lemon and elderflower, it provides a refreshing alternative to ordinary seltzers.

Why it’s perfect for sportswomen: BRĒZ delivers a gentle uplift without the alcohol, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a mindful drinking experience.

Final Pour:

Let’s normalize drinking for the feeling, not the coping. These nonalcoholic spirits and adaptogenic blends prove you can still celebrate, socialize, and let loose without derailing your goals or waking up in a fog. So, next time someone asks why you’re “not drinking,” hit them with this: “I’m chasing a buzz and my best self.”

Cheers!