Buzz Without The Booze: Best Drink Options For 2026
/I’m a sober(ish) mom who doesn’t drink, and it was my mission to find non alcoholic drinks that helped me feel relaxed without alcohol. Aside from Cali-sober options, there are actually lots of functional options out there that deliver on a feeling. Some of it is just marketing hype so here’s my take on what’s good and what’s not so good.
The world of non-alcoholic functional drinks is growing so fast, and I think it’s because people are looking for alcohol-free options that don’t make them feel like they’re missing something. We’re all looking for a buzz without the alcohol - alternatives that can still deliver that warm cozy ‘netflix and wine on the couch’ feeling.
I’ve tried dozens of alcohol alternatives on the market that promise a buzz without alcohol, both pre-made mocktails and liquid ‘spirits’. A lot of it is marketing hype. In 2026, the only non-alcoholic drinks that offer a buzz without the booze have either kava or kanna, and both come in various formats, like Kava Haven kava spirit and Myce canned kanna spritzers.
The biggest AHA moment for me was finding out adaptogens only work over time, which is not a bad thing for someone who is interested in the long game (like women in perimenopause, for example). They offer a very real positive impact on the HPA Axis, which is how your body manages stress.
But if you’re looking for an immediate ‘two-drink feeling’ from an adaptogen drink, most will not deliver it and if they do, it’s from added magnesium or valerian root which make you sleepy rather than calm.
Here is an overview of some of the non-alcoholic drinks that DID work to help me relax and feel chill, and my thoughts on a few high-profile options that didn’t.
1. Kava Haven
Kava Haven is still my number one, when I’m looking for that Friday night relaxation. I have ADHD and my mind whirs all day long, so kava helps me actually chill out naturally. This beautifully balanced kava-based spirit is designed to melt away stress and ease you into a relaxed, happy state. With 150mg of kavalactones per serving, it delivers that signature kava calm - without the muddy, earthy taste that turns some people off. Instead, you get bright lemon and ginger flavors that work beautifully in mocktails! ($53 USD, 750mL).
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2. Leilo Kava Social Tonics (Canned Kava Mocktails)
These are the BEST! I love that there is no mixing or fuss - there is nothing better than having kava in an easy to drink format like this. Plus, it’s easy to stow in your purse to carry to parties or the backyard - I took one with me to a holiday party in my little clutch and it was awesome. They come in four or five yummy mocktail flavours and are REALLY good. You can’t taste the kava at all and they’re only lightly sweetened with 4g sugar per can. Highly recommend! *The daily limit for kava globally is 250mg of kavalectones (approx. 500mg kava extract); Leilo has 1000mg of kava extract which is double the daily serving so drink cautiously!
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3. Myce Kanna Seltzer
Kanna is kind of like the new kid on the block to the n/a category but it’s actually a plant that has been around for thousands of years like kava. Myce has totally elevated this functional ingredient into a super tasty chili-lime-mango margarita-style canned bev that makes enjoying kanna really easy. The kanna makes you feel relaxed and less anxious, and a little more clear-headed. There was a tiny tingle - with kava it’s on the teeth and tongue, but with kanna it’s more internalized. Super fun and worth trying. Note that you WILL NOT feel a head buzz, this is not a psychoactive.
Get 15% off your order at The Zero Proof including Myce four-packs with this link (no promo code - discount applied at checkout.
4. Sentia GABA Spirits
Sentia is one of the other things that worked for me when it comes to something ‘relaxing’. It’s one of the most innovative alcohol-alternatives out there. Created by neuroscientists in the UK, it’s designed to activate GABA receptors (the same ones alcohol triggers) for a relaxed and social feeling - minus the booze. The red version has a strong ‘aperitif’ flavor, on the bitter side, making it ideal for slow sipping on ice or making a ‘sleepy mommy’ mocktail like I did - this is the one I usually reach for. They also have a gold and a black which is like an amaro and really great in elevated mocktails! ($36USD/£29)
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5. Three Spirit Non-Alcoholic Alternative Spirit - The Nightcap
This stuff is the best if you want to just be blissfully relaxed without feeling anything. Three Spirits Nightcap has valerian root in it, which is one of the main ingredients in Sleepy Time Tea, along with lemon balm which is also an effective relaxation aid. It has the requisite ashwaghanda which is mainly just hype (it doesn’t work like you think it does), and a nice bitter hoppy flavour to make a drink that tastes kind of whiskey adjacent. It’s a fantastic option! ($42 USD, 17oz)
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6. Dromme Calm
I was sceptical about Dromme Calm but it gets on the list because I did feel a little less wired at bedtime and in the ‘sleep’ state of mind. They say it’s crafted to bring on a sense of deep relaxation without drowsiness, and you could say that it kept it’s promise. It’s a great evening wind-down drink. It’s made with a blend of adaptogens and botanicals like ashwagandha and lemon balm, to gently soothe stress while keeping you clear-headed. It’s got a big ginger bite, so it’s a great option for a mule style mocktail. Add some sparkling water or light ginger beer, and even a non-alcoholic bourbon and you have yourself a Kentucky Mule!
7. Aplos Ease
I’ve seen a lot of hype about Aplos, but wasn’t that interested in trying it until recently. It tastes really good, first of all, and I was surprised at how effective it was. About 10 minutes after pouring a drink with about 2 oz of Aplos Ease and a few oz of seltzer and ice, my shoulders felt heavy and I definitely wanted to just chill out instead of making dinner. I would definitely recommend this for a very light relaxation effect that is easy to make and pretty widely available. A lot of bars and restaurants in NYC use Aplos in their mocktails as well! ($48, aplos.world)
8. BonBuz
This was a tingly, kind of enlightening drink. I didn’t feel drunk nor did I feel super calm and relaxed. It’s made with ‘nootropics’ and the buzz is more like a social awakening, feeling happier and more ready to dance to the music or initiate a conversation. As someone who regularly takes ADHD medication, this one felt similar to the clarity you get from something like that. I loved it! ($40, bonbuz.com)
Drinks that have hype but don’t really work
9. Curious Elixirs
Curious Elixers have been around for almost a decade (pretty unbelievable!) and have refined their flavours and functional blends to six or seven core products. Infused with active ingredients and functional herbs, each bottle has a unique and delicious faux cocktail flavour but a similar effect of creating a calming, relaxed sensation. I loved their ‘dark and stormy’ style option and although the effects were mild, it was pleasant and delivered what it promised.
10. Hiyo
I felt nothing. I had really high hopes for this, but it really fell flat. They advertise that you’re floating on a hiyo cloud or something, but I really just felt like it was a nice light seltzer. On the second can, I did feel a little more relaxed but I was watching a movie and it could have just been a placebo effect. They’re easy to find at your grocery store (I found mine in the Organics section at Walgreens) but also a little pricey at almost $4 a can. I wouldn’t buy it again unless I wanted something light and fresh for an outdoor event or function.
**Update that I recently discovered that the company keeps the functional dosage fairly low so that someone can be at a social event and have more than one drink without going over their daily recommended limit. Smart and definitely a reason to revisit Hiyo!
11. Kin Euphorics
Talking about placebo effect, Kin Euphorics is one big placebo. I’ve never felt anything but hydrated after drinking even multiple cans of this fun brand. It’s yummy and the branding is amazing, but it really is just a placebo for a drink, and there is nothing wrong with that. It’s a perfect option if you’re out for the night and need a cool drink in hand, but you won’t suddenly feel calm and ready to unwind.
12. DeSoi
Katy Perry’s canned mocktails are absolutely delicious and elevated but they miss the mark on the functional aspect. I adore their Tres Rose and Purple Lune for flavour but if you’re expecting to feel something immediately from the functional ingredients, you might not. There’s lion’s mane and reishi mushroom along with ashwaghanda, but I don’t think there’s enough quantity in one can to make more than fractional improvements to your psyche and mood in the moment. They are very delicious though so I rotate these often when I’m on vacation or on the weekends! (Prices vary through various online retailers)
