The nonalcoholic drinking landscape can be overwhelming. How do you make a not-boring mocktail? What’s up with nonalcoholic champagne? And what actually tastes good? Here’s what we do know: Opting to cut out alcohol shouldn’t make your life more stressful. So we’ve rounded up our favorite nonalcoholic drinks and fun accessories to enjoy all month (and year) long. Cheers.
Nonalcoholic drinks
A canned mocktail that’s like a breath of fresh air…
This mocktail has just three ingredients: carbonated water, lemon extract, and ginger extract. Which means you’ll feel just as good after as you did while you were sipping. If you’re looking for a flavor that’s like a warm hug, check out their Apple Cinnamon flavor, in partnership with Magnolia Bakery. ($33/12 cans, Aura Bora)
A low-dose THC beverage that’s redefining happy hour…
Consider this zero-sugar bubbly seltzer the opposite of a hangover. It’s made with minimal, plant-based ingredients and low-potency THC doses. It comes in flavors like tropical mango, juicy watermelon, squeeze of lime, and bright berry. PS: If you’re looking for something a little stronger, they also sell seltzers with slightly higher dosages. ($16.99+/4-pack, Delta)
A low-alcohol alternative for wine lovers…
After discovering Arlow at a happy hour event, one editor now swears by their red, white, and rosé varieties to fuel her yap sessions. Each bottle has half the amount of alcohol as a regular bottle. This is a great option for anyone looking to cut back on wine without giving it up entirely. ($33/3-bottle bundle, Arlow)
A sampler pack of nonalcoholic spirits…
This trio comes with three Seedlip elixirs, each with their own unique flavor. Spice 94 has notes of citrus peel and bark, Grove 42 has notes of spiced orange, and Garden 108 is floral with hints of peas and garden herbs. If a gin and tonic is your drink of choice, these elixirs will get you pretty close. ($89.99, Amazon)
A THC seltzer for a buzz without the hangover…
This seltzer has 5 milligrams of THC and 10 milligrams of CBD in each can, so you can relax and enjoy without any alcohol involved. The black currant flavor is deliciously sweet and tart at the same time and is made with all-natural fruit juices and zero artificial flavors. Bring these to your next party, and you’ll still be feeling great the next day. ($19.99/6-pack, Cycling Frog)
Something more interesting than sparkling water…
If you’re over sugary juices and sparkling waters, meet our secret third friend: agua fresca. Bawi’s lightly bubbly aguas use real juice from your favorite fruits, like passionfruit and pink guava. Cheers. ($39.99/12-pack, Bawi)
A set of aperitifs that doubles as an amazing hostess gift…
Show up with these sleek, alcohol-free drinks and you’ll be the favorite guest at your next gathering. Ghia’s cult-favorite original aperitif has notes of florals, earthy botanicals, and a hint of citrus. It’s on the bitter side, with no added sugar, so no sugar hangovers here. The brand’s new berry aperitif is bold and tart, so you can mix up your palate throughout the night. ($75, Ghia)
A feel-good subscription…
Each month, you’ll get a variety pack of booze-free craft cocktails delivered right to your doorstep. Inspired by classic cocktails, the drinks are made with organic ingredients and are free of refined sugar and caffeine. Herbs and adaptogens in the mix can provide stress relief and help to build immunity, as an added bonus. ($36+/month, Curious Elixirs)
Canned cocktails to bring to your next get-together…
If you or anyone you know is hosting watch parties this awards season, this variety pack has a little something for everyone. We’re talking Tres Citrus Margarita, Perfect Paloma, Muddled Berry Mojito, and Mischievious Mule. Each can has only three grams of sugar, and added electrolytes for a little extra boost. Even better? They come ready to enjoy. ($19.59, Remix)
A premium, sugar-free gin so you can have a consequence-free night…
This nonalcoholic gin is made from a blend of juniper, natural botanicals, citrus, and spices. It’s handcrafted in small batches from a distillery in Southern California. Just swap it in for any recipe that calls for gin. ($40, Monday)
A chardonnay that’s not like other chardonnays…
It’s bubblier, tastier, and completely delalcoholized. It’s made with 100% chardonnay grapes that are sustainably sourced in Spain. After the brand’s exclusive vacuum distillation process, all that’s left is a bright and zesty brut- or prosecco-alternative, sans alc. Serve cold and top it off with raspberries for an extra treat. ($70, Society De La Rassi)
A mocktail subscription box so you’re always prepared to entertain…
Each box comes with four canned mocktails in party-ready flavors, like Capri Spritz and Havana Twist. Ingredients include organic lime juice, cardamom, clove, decaffeinated teas, and natural mint flavors. Plus, they don’t include artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or refined sugars. You can serve them straight up or mix them with other beverages. ($19.96/4 cans, Mocktail Club)
A spritz-inspired botanical soda that will make you feel cool, calm, and collected…
Aka, everything we’re going for in the new year. These adaptogen drinks use ashwagandha and L-theanine to help alleviate stress, clear your mind, and keep you focused — all while tasting great. They have zero caffeine, alcohol, or added sugars but are jam-packed with flavor. ($40.00, Amazon)
A variety pack of kombucha to satisfy your taste buds…
With flavors like Berry Lemonade and Pink Lady Apple, these kombuchas are just the thing when you want a refreshing pick-me-up. Plus, thanks to probiotics and natural antioxidants found in the fermented tea, you’ll also contribute to your gut health each time you drink one. ($49.95/12-pack, Health-Ade)
Smart drinking accessories
Chic flower-shaped ice molds…
If you’re going to serve something over ice, make it extra cute with these floral ice cube molds. The set comes with two rose molds, two daisy molds, and two lotus molds. Each cube will also melt slowly, so you won’t have to worry about diluting your (nonalcoholic) bev. ($44.65/set of 6, Williams Sonoma)
Whiskey stones to chill your next glass…
Whiskey not required. Keep these in your freezer, and when you’re ready to start sipping, add one to your mocktail. The soapstone material won’t impact the flavor of your drink, and they come in a velvet pouch for stylish storage. ($6.99, Amazon)
Glass markers so you can keep track of which drink is yours…
Because no one wants to accidentally sip from someone else’s cup, especially during cold and flu season. They’re also stain-resistant, absorbent, and will fit on most stemmed glasses, from wine glasses to champagne flutes. ($22.00, Amazon)
A wine tote that’s stylish and protective…
Whether you want to use it to carry your nonalcoholic drinks to a party, or gift it along with a bottle (or two) for your friend, you really can’t go wrong. This tote has an insulated interior to ensure your drinks stay cold for hours. Plus, its interior divider is padded to keep bottles separated and avoid clinking or shattering. Bonus points for its thick comfy strap for easy transport. ($20.99, Target)
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