Dry January was once considered a challenge that no one wanted to face. A month without alcohol? No thanks. But now with the tides changing and there are more of us rethink our relationships with alcohol, the month is an opportunity to reset and explore a new, more intentional approach. And thanks to the rapid expansion of the non-alcoholic category and the arrival of many new players, we have more delicious options than O’Doul’s. In reality, the best non-alcoholic drinks are a delight to sip and savor.
If you are ready to sleep better, ditch the brain fog and enter each day with more energy: join the party. Trust me, the best soft drinks have come a long way. They’re bubbly, flavorful, and might just rival your favorite glass of pinot. Skeptical? Pour a drink, then we’ll talk.
Image selected by Joann Pai.
The Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Sip This Season
We’re coming out of the holiday season and still on the high of a new year. There’s no better time to think about how we’d like to look for the rest of 2024. Do your intentions include avoiding hangovers at all costs? You are in good company. Between canned mocktails and sophisticated NA wines, I guarantee you’ll find a new favorite coming your way.
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Best non-alcoholic wines
NO
Let me introduce you to one of my new favorites. When I’ve tried non-alcoholic wines in the past, every bottle contained no nuance (I’m talking straight grape juice). Fortunately, times are changing, and when you crave something full of distinct flavors, without the alcohol, NO is a must. Not only do the minimalist bottles look undeniably chic on your shelf, but the real, natural ingredients are perfect for happy hour. Non5 is my favorite bottle, relying on tangy, citrusy flavors that are delicious on their own or paired with your best curry.
Powers of attorney
Another favorite, Proxies has made a name for itself in the space, holding its own as countless brands have flooded the market. I mostly stick to Pinot Noir and red blends when temperatures cool, and Red Ember from Proxies is my go-to bottle to warm me up. Expect a complex sip that combines strong, bold flavors with a deep, dark sweetness that hits all the nuances of black pepper, cayenne and coffee. Wherever you are on the dry January spectrum, the proxies will satisfy you.
Kally
Come for the gorgeous labels, stay for the satisfying bubbles. (And come back, because Kally makes a great gift.) I love non-alcoholic wine alternatives that are bright and crisp, and Kally is the best. The brand produces its drinks using verjuice, the tart juice of early-harvested Chardonnay grapes, as the base of each bottle. From there, it’s infused and layered with a blend of herbs, botanicals and teas for a wonderfully complex flavor.
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. So much for enjoying our bubbles without the headaches.
Soothe
While I love that some safe drinks taste exactly the same as (or even better than) the *real* thing, Allay is something else entirely. It’s fruity, floral and always a delight. And let’s also talk about the functional advantage it has. Expect ingredients like ashwagandha and reishi to give your drink a boost of stress relief and immune system support.
Best Spirits, Mocktails, and Mocktail Ciders
Seed lip
Seedlip was one of the first non-alcoholic spirits I tried, but over the past few months I’ve seen it offered in bars, restaurants, and served at many events, from baby showers to product launches. If you’re used to a gin and tonic or vodka soda, try this one. Their variety pack of flavors allows you to experiment a little with a good sparkling water or sparkling water.
Duchy of Longueville Cider
This isn’t the Marinelli’s you drank at family gatherings when you were a kid. While 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 drank a bottle of it on Christmas Eve and all my guests were asking for a second one. It’s fruity, but still sophisticated and crunchy thanks to the unique blend of French apples and elements of Normandy terroir influence. I will pour and bring a bottle to any gathering that calls for something special.
Figlia
I tried the brand for the first time this fall and the Fiore was immediately sold to me. The flavors are creative and lush, drawing floral influence from Italian gardens and capturing the bitter bite of a spritz sipped before dinner. aperitif. It’s perfect poured over ice with a simple orange zest for garnish. I love sipping Figlia while I cook dinner and transition after the work day.
Ghia
When I took my first sip of Ghia, I couldn’t believe I was drinking a non-alcoholic drink. Their mixture topped with a little sparkling water tastes like the perfect summer spritz. They also offer a fun selection of mixes or ready-to-drink cans with fun Mediterranean-inspired flavors. I was happy to see this one in several bars and retailers.
Self
While most celebrities are going all-in on the tequila game, Katy Perry has gone the aperitif (and adaptogenic) route, using botanicals to mimic a spritz. While most beverage companies rely on synthetic ingredients for taste, De Soi uses fruit juices and mushrooms for flavor and function. Taste the brand’s variety of flavors with the Starter Pack. I have a weakness for the latest addition, Très Rosé, which perfectly encapsulates the bright, 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 Euphoria
Infused with adaptogens and nootropics, Kin is a “daily brain-care ritual designed to help you connect to your center and find greater balance.” A non-alcoholic drink aimed at calming the brain and promoting relaxation? Yes please. You can find them in cans or pre-mixed form at specialty convenience stores and cafes. Use their store locator to find a reseller near you.
Break
Recess hit the scene with its vibrant brand and adaptogen-infused sparkling water, but it’s stealing the show with its release of craft mocktails. Choose 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 good mood and a healthy dose of freshness.
Hi
Nootropics, adaptogens and functional plants, hiyo offers what the brand calls “the float”: its signature anti-stress and mood-boosting lift. With this variety pack, you can expect everything from cordyceps and turmeric to ginger and lion’s mane. If you want to step up your wellness game while still indulging in a satisfying sip, make hiyo your zero-proof brand of choice.
Can
Billed as a “cannabis-infused social tonic,” Cann is for those who like a little buzz without the hangover. Classic cans contain 2 mg of THC and 4 mg of CBD, creating what the brand calls a “relaxed yet sociable buzz.” Each can is microdosed with just the right amount of THC, giving you a pleasant buzz without overdoing it.
Today
For those who prefer not to drink alcohol but still enjoy a little buzz, Nowadays is another brand that offers a premium experience. Cannabis-infused alcohol comes in two different strengths, 2 mg or 6 mg THC per serving. As someone who likes a light, social vibe, I find the Micro Dose (2 mg) to be perfect. Expect to feel the effects about 15 minutes after taking, and you will still wake up clear-headed and energized in the morning. If you can just enjoy a shot over ice, the brand also offers tons of recipes to experiment. (I have a weakness for freezing heat.)
Pig Whistle
I admit I was never a whiskey girl until I tried Whistle Pig. And while I still consider it a one-of-a-kind drink, I loved that the smoky flavor was tempered by a hazy aroma. I drank a bottle of it at Christmas and 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 contains non-psychoactive cannabis terpenes to promote emotional well-being and provide a calm, happy vibe. And as a born and raised New Englander, I trust anything that comes from Vermont.
Apothekary
Apothekary was one of my favorite wellness brands I came across in 2023, and it continues to surprise and delight this year. Clean, carefully crafted herbal tinctures combine a multitude of benefits, from stress relief and gut support to increased energy and immunity. Made from real plants, each bottle packs a powerful herbal experience. I love rosé tinted glasses as an alternative to wine. Ingredients like hibiscus, schisandra berry, and ginseng provide calm, present energy while reducing stress. It’s exactly what you want from your glass of rosé, with added benefits for the skin.
