Everyone loves the feeling of a heady buzz, especially after a long day at the office (hello, happy hour!), which is why so much of our social lives are centered around alcohol. That, and the fact that cocktails are just plain delicious. But with all the recent research out there on how booze just isn’t that great for your body or brain, more and more people are jumping on the “sober curious” wagon. And with good reason: In the age of the hustle, who has time to be hungover?
After all, if you’re already KonMari-ing every other area of your life, your drinking may be next: Do those tequila shots spark joy? (Certainly in the moment, but perhaps not the next day.)
That being said, if you’re like us, it’s still hard to stop after just one French 75. But the new recommended alcohol guidelines for women cap the limit at just one drink per day (that’s 5 ounces of wine [12%], 12 ounces beer [5% ABV], 1.5 ounces of liquor [40% ABV]), before you inadvertently sign yourself up for some pretty serious adverse health effects over the long-term, like breast cancer, liver disease, stress on the heart, memory loss, and brain shrinkage (yikes!).
As the shelves fill up with birch water, CBD-infused seltzer, and chaga mushroom elixirs, it’s clear the wellness industry is taking note. We all still want something that’s not just plain water or the omnipresent Lacroix to sip on while communing with coworkers or catching up with friends.
Bars everywhere are starting to add zero-proof spirits and mocktails to their menus, but it’s just as easy (and fun!) to whip up one in the comfort of your own home. We’ve got a few recs and recipes straight from the brands, for you to stir up—and sip slowly.
Packed with adaptogenic herbs, medicinal mushrooms, and nootropics like GABA (brain-acting compounds that leave you with a calm mindset and less anxiety), Kin Euphorics promise a blissed-out vibe, no booze in sight. With social benefits similar to drinking an actual cocktail, this pick is perfect for Bumble-date jitters.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Step 1: Pour Kin High Rhode over ice in a highball glass.
Step 2: Add lime juice and stir for 10 seconds.
Step 3: Add a scoop of fresh ice and top with tonic.
Step 4: Serve with a lime wheel and optional edible flower.
You may already knock back a Health-Ade with your grain bowl on occasion, but kombucha makes for a great mocktail base, too. Packed with probiotics and botanical add-ins like rose, pomegranate juice, jalapeño peppers, or reishi mushrooms, Health-Ade definitely has a flavor for everyone.
Try this twist on a mimosa when hosting your next brunchy bridal shower. Note that kombucha has trace amounts of alcohol, around 0.5% ABV.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Step 1: Mix together OJ and kombucha in a pitcher.
Step 2: Pour into champagne flutes.
Step 3: Cut orange into slices.
Step 4: Garnish with orange slices and herbs of choice. Serve immediately.
The first actually distilled non-alcoholic spirit, Seedlip is a garden-forward concoction packed with herbs and spices that makes you feel like you’re drinking a super complex cocktail, even when you’re not. Designed for the home bartender to mix perfectly with ginger ale, soda water, or tonic water, they’re simple, sophisty, and seriously delicious. Try this when you’re in binge-watch-on-the-couch mode.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Step 1: Pour Seedlip over ice in a highball glass.
Step 2: Top off with ginger ale.
Step 3: Serve with a rosemary sprig.
What’s your fave mocktail to make? Share all in the comments–and shop our Beauty and Wellness selection for more self-care ideas!
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new content.
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