Dry January was once seen as a challenge no one wanted to undertake. A month without booze? No, thanks. But now, with the shifting tides and more of us rethinking our relationships with alcohol, the month comes as an opportunity to reset and explore a new, more intentional approach. And thanks to the rapid expansion of the non-alcoholic category—and plenty of players coming on the scene—we have more delicious options beyond O’Doul’s. Truly, the best non-alcoholic drinks are a delight to sip and savor.
If you’re ready to sleep better, ditch the brain fog, and step into every day with more energy—join the party. Trust me, the best non-alcoholic drinks have come a long way. They’re bubbly, tasty, and just might rival your favorite glass of pinot. Skeptical? Pour a glass, then we’ll talk.
Featured image by Joann Pai.
The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Sip This Season
We’re coming off the holiday season and still riding the high of a new year. There’s no better time to reflect on how we’d like to show up for the rest of 2024. Do your intentions include avoiding hangovers at all costs? You’re in good company. Between canned mocktails and sophisticated NA wines, I guarantee you’ll find a new favorite ahead.
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Best Non-Alcoholic Wines
NON
Let me introduce you to one of my new favorites. When I’ve tried non-alcoholic wines in the past, every bottle has come with zero nuance (I’m talking straight-up grape juice). Thankfully, the times are changing, and when you’re craving something full of distinct flavor, minus the booze, NON is a go-to. Not only do the minimalist bottles look undeniably chic on your shelf, but the real, natural ingredients are a perfect happy hour pour. Non5 is my favorite bottle, drawing upon tart and citrusy flavors that taste beautiful on their own or paired with your best curry.
Proxies
Another favorite, Proxies has made a name for itself in the space, holding its own as countless brands have flooded the market. I stick mainly to Pinot Noir and red blends as the temperatures cool, and Proxies’ Red Ember is my favorite bottle to warm up with. Expect a complex sip that pairs big and bold flavors with a deep, dark sweetness that touches upon all the nuance of black pepper, cayenne, and coffee. Wherever you fall on the Dry-ish January spectrum, Proxies will satisfy.
Kally
Come for the gorgeous labels, stay for the satisfying bubbles. (And come back again, because Kally makes a great gift.) I love a vibrant, crisp non-alcoholic wine alternative, and Kally is the best. The brand produces its beverages using verjus—the tart juice of early-harvested Chardonnay grapes—as the base for every bottle. From there, it’s infused and layered with a blend of herbs, botanicals, and teas for a resulting flavor that’s wonderfully complex.
The Golden Sparkler is my favorite and the best NA substitute for champagne. It’s sparkly, elegant, and made with zero grams of added sugar. Here’s to enjoying our bubbles minus the headache.
Allay
While I love that some zero-proof beverages taste exactly like (or even better than) the *real* thing, Allay is something else altogether. It’s fruity, floral, and always a delight. And let’s chat about the functional edge it boasts as well. Expect ingredients like ashwagandha and reishi to give your glass a stress-relieving, immune-supporting boost.
Best Non-Alcoholic Spirits, Mocktails, and Ciders
Seedlip
Seedlip was one of the earlier non-alcoholic spirits I tried, but within the past few months, I’ve seen it offered at bars, restaurants, and served at many events from baby showers to product launches. If you’re used to a gin and tonic or a vodka soda, give this one a try. Their variety pack of flavors lets you experiment a bit with a good soda water or sparkling water.
Duché de Longueville Cider
This is not the Marintelli’s you sipped on at family gatherings as a kid. Whereas most NA ciders are overly sweet and cloying, Duché de Longueville is a refined, fresh-tasting cider that pairs perfectly with any elegant meal. I popped a bottle of it on Christmas Eve and all my guests were asking for a second pour. It’s fruity, but still sophisticated and crisp thanks to the unique blend of French apples and elements of influence from the Normandy terroir. I’ll serve and bring a bottle to any gathering that calls for something special.
Figlia
I first tried the brand this fall, and the Fiore immediately sold me. The flavors are creative and lush, drawing floral influence from Italian gardens and capturing the bitter bite of a spritz sipped as a pre-dinner aperitivo. It’s perfect poured over ice with a simple orange peel for garnish. I love sipping Figlia while I’m cooking dinner and transitioning from the workday.
Ghia
When I took my first sip of Ghia, I couldn’t believe I was actually drinking a non-alcoholic beverage. Their mix topped with a splash of sparkling water tastes like the perfect summer spritz. They also have a fun selection of mixes or ready-to-drink cans with fun flavors inspired by the Mediterranean. I was happy to see this one around several bars and retailers.
De Soi
While most celebrities are going all-in on the tequila game, Katy Perry went the apértif (and adaptogenic) route utilizing botanicals to emulate a spritz. While most beverage companies rely on synthetic ingredients for taste, De Soi uses fruit juices and mushrooms for flavor—and function. Sample the brand’s variety of flavors with the Starter Pack. I’m partial to the newest addition, Très Rosé that perfectly encapsulates the crisp, refreshing, and fruity flavors of my favorite wine. But instead of a hangover, you get all the mood-boosting benefits of lion’s mane and saffron.
Kin Euphorics
Infused with adaptogens and nootropics, Kin is a “daily brain care ritual designed to help you connect to your center and find better balance.” A non-alcoholic drink focused on helping calm the brain and promoting relaxation? Yes, please. You can find these by the can or as a pre-mix at specialty convenience stores and cafés. Use their store locator to find a stockist near you.
Recess
Recess entered the scene with its vibey branding and adaptogen-infused sparkling water, but it’s stealing the show with its release of craft mocktails. Select from Margarita, Paloma, Mojito, or Mule—or better yet, stock your fridge with them all. With functional ingredients like guayusa, L-theanine, and lemon balm, expect a mood boost and a healthy dose of chill.
Hiyo
Nootropics, adaptogens, and functional botanicals, hiyo delivers what the brand calls “the float”—its signature stress-relieving, mood-boosting lift. With this variety pack, you can expect everything from cordyceps to turmeric to ginger and lion’s mane. If you’re looking to step up your wellness game while also indulging in a satisfying sipper, make hiyo your zero-proof brand of choice.
Cann
Branded as a “cannabis-infused social tonic,” Cann is for those who enjoy a little buzz without a full-on hangover. The classic Canns contain 2mg of THC and 4mg of CBD, creating what the brand calls a “relaxing-yet-sociable buzz.” Each can is microdosed with just the right amount of THC, giving you a pleasant buzz without going overboard.
Nowadays
For those who prefer not to drink alcohol but still enjoy a little buzz, Nowadays is another brand that delivers a premium experience. The cannabis-infused spirit comes in two different strengths, 2mg or 6mg THC per serving. As someone who likes a light, social vibe, I find the Micro Dose (2mg) to be perfect. Expect to feel the effects about 15 minutes after taking, and you’ll still wake up feeling clear-headed and energized in the morning. While you can simply enjoy a shot over ice, the brand also offers tons of recipes to experiment with. (I’m partial to the Chilled Heat.)
Whistle Pig
I’ll admit, I’ve never been a whiskey girl until I tried Whistle Pig. And while I’d still consider it a once-in-a-blue-moon bevvy, I did love that the smoky flavor was tempered with a hazy aroma. I had a bottle at Christmas and I can confirm that my dad and brother-in-law were both fans. It’s sweetened with an earthy, caramel-like maple syrup (the real, good stuff) and features non-psychoactive cannabis terpenes to support emotional wellness and provide a calm, happy vibe. And as a born and raised New Englander, I trust anything that comes from Vermont.
Apothékary
Apothékary was one of my favorite wellness brands I encountered in 2023, and it’s continuing to surprise and delight this year. The thoughtfully crafted, clean herbal tinctures combine a host of benefits, including everything from stress relief to gut support to boosted energy and immunity. Made from real plants, every bottle contains a potent herbal experience. I’ve been loving the Rosé-Tinted Glasses as a wine alternative. Ingredients like hibiscus, schisandra berry, and ginseng provide a calm, present energy while reducing stress. It’s exactly what you want from your glass of rosé—with skin-boosting benefits to boot.
