If you enjoy a relaxing drink or glass of wine in the evening, but don’t like the other side effects, there’s a new alternative available that you might want to try. In this post, I’ll share what I learned when I tried a couple of the new nonalcoholic adult beverages designed to boost your mood and decrease stress with Adaptogens, Nootropics and Botanicals.
What are Adaptogens, Nootropics and Botanicals?
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are herbs that help us manage stress. According to Healthline, “Adaptogens are herbal pharmaceuticals [that] work to counteract the effects of stress in the body.” Examples of frequently touted Adaptogens are Siberian Ginseng, Artic Root and Schisandra. For more information about how and why Adaptogens work, check out this helpful article on healthline.com.
Nootropics
Nootropics are compounds – some natural and others synthetic – that support cognition. In other words, they boost your brain. Nootropics are most often used to boost memory, focus, creativity, intelligence and motivation, according to Healthline.com. Some of the more well known Nootropics are Caffeine, Ginko Biloba and Panax Ginseng.
Botanicals
Botanicals are plants, herbs and spices that contribute to the flavor and coordinate well with other ingredients. For example, botanicals such as orange peel or cinnamon extract might be used to flavor a mix of other ingredients.
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About the Sober Curious Movement
This move towards a new kind of adult beverage has been at least partially sparked by the Sober Curious Movement (a social movement that promotes being more intentional about drinking alcohol). This is not the same as “sobriety” where people quit drinking because they have an alcohol addiction. Rather, the idea is that people avoid mindlessly drinking simply because alcohol is ingrained in many of our cultural activities such as family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The Sober Curious movement promotes a sober lifestyle, but is still open to people who aren’t intending to entirely give up alcohol.
While not a new concept, the Sober Curious movement has risen in popularity over recent years in large part due to the younger generations. This can be largely attributed to Millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996), who generally have a more health and fitness oriented perspective than previous generations.
Alcohol free bars are opening in several of the larger U.S. cities to provide a place for social interaction that does not involve alcohol. Bars such as these provide complex and sophisticated nonalcoholic cocktails often featuring ingredients such as Adaptogens and Nootropics.
Can Nonalcoholic Drinks with Adaptogens and Nootropics Really Give You a Buzz?
While intentionally abstaining from alcohol in observance of Lent, I recently tried a popular nonalcoholic beverage called High Rhode by one of the leading brands called Kin Euphorics. Kin Euphorics markets their products as “the first innovation in a 10,000 year long drinking tradition … deliver[ing] a menu of mood-defining drinks designed to elevate the spirit and relax the body for a pleasure you won’t forget.”
High Rhode is like a modern-day aperitif (a drink taken before or after a meal) except nonalcoholic, of course. My first cocktail was High Rhode and Diet Tonic (a Kin and Tonic, ha!). I sipped it curiously, enjoying the pleasant, slightly floral flavor and waiting for something. What I was waiting for, I’m not sure. Something akin (sorry, couldn’t help it) to a buzz from alcohol, I suppose. What I experienced was not really a buzz, but something more like a warm, focused sense of calm. It was also interestingly satisfying to sip a drink in the evening, sort of like an adult treat, even if it didn’t contain alcohol. I have to say, the overall experience was quite pleasant and enjoyable.
I can see how it would be pleasant to sit in a bar with others after work and sip a couple of these before driving home, happily socialized and relaxed but unimpaired. High Rhode does contain caffeine, so I wouldn’t recommend drinking this late at night. But Kin Euphorics has plenty of other other beverage blends to choose from, including one called Dream Light which is marketed as “a twilight beverage that soothes the spirit and quiets the mind.” I think this will be the next one I try.
Are Nonalcoholic Cocktails Containing Adaptogens and Nootropics Healthy?
Are alcohol free cocktails containing Adaptogens and Nootropics healthy? Before I jump into whether or not something is healthy, please know that I am not a nutritionist, doctor or medical professional of any kind. The content in this post is informational only and should not be perceived as medical advice. If you are thinking of adding Adaptogens, Nootropics, botanicals or supplements to your diet, please consult a medical professional prior to doing so.
There are many adult nonalcoholic beverages on the market that feature Adaptogens and Nootropics, some of which are shared below. Here are a few tips:
- Watch out for sugar content. If you’re like me and you like to limit your sugar intake, you’ll want to look at the nutrition labels on some of these products. A quick Amazon search will show you that there are a lot of options, but some of them are quite high in sugar.
- Many of these beverages contain healthy combos of vitamins such as Vitamin C and B Complex Vitamins that truly are great for you. Read the labels before you buy in order to choose the best products for your health.
- Adaptogens are generally accepted as healthy additions to your diet. By definition, Nootropics are also generally believed to be safe additions to your diet. Nootropics are often, but not always, made from all natural ingredients. Some Nootropics, such as caffeine, are actually man made. This is not a showstopper for me. However, it might be for you, so check the labels. Also, there is some good reading out there about the possible dangers of mixing too many Adaptogens and Nootropics without understanding the implications of how different compounds layer together. Here’s an interesting article on Well+Good, that addresses these concerns.
Nonalcoholic Adaptogen Products to Try Now
I’ve personally tried High Rhode by Kin Euphorics, as well as Tran Quini and Zenify. All of these were so good that I plan to work my way through this list. If you try one, use the comments section below to share your experience with the Older, Wiser, Hotter Community!
With notes of bitters, tart citrus and spices, High Rhode promises to lift your mood and balance your body’s response to stress. I tried this High Rhode and loved it!
Dream Light is a nonalcoholic cocktail with a smooth, earthy oak, smoky clove, and spicy cinnamon finish. Drink Dream Light to wind down, reduce stress and ease into a deeper sleep. Wake up restored and ready for the day!
Tran Quini is delicious! This berry flavored sparkling drink, made with all-natural herbal adaptogens, aids with focus and offers anxiety and stress relief. Try it in three delicious flavors including Mixed Berries, Ginger Lemongrass and Green Tea Twist.
Zenify is an all natural sparkling beverage designed to reduce stress, improve focus, creativity and productivity. With the same stress-relieving antioxidants found in 25 cups of green tea, Zenify features a blend of l-theanine, GABA and glycine to promote relaxation and focus. If you’re carb conscious, check out Zenify Zero Sugar! I’ve been drinking Zenify Zero Sugar and I love it!
Hop Water, is a healthy zero calorie alternative to beer with Adaptogens and Nootropics to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Hop Water is available in three flavors including Blood Orange, Mango, and Classic.
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