Zero-Proof and Highly Intoxicating Alcohol Alternatives
People just don’t drink like they used to. There must be something in the air — or in the booze.
Whether you’re sober curious, California sober, or you claim any other moniker, you may be realizing, like many others, that alcohol is sure catching up to you. Regardless of what label you claim, or don’t claim, we went on the hunt for what was out there besides alcohol. Of course, you could drink juice, or soda, or kombucha, or any other beverage, but where’s the fun in doing what’s expected?
We found a few companies that market their drinks as alcohol alternatives, and we decided to test them out to get the scoop on going straight. The common thread is that they each contain adaptogens, which are plants and mushrooms that are used medicinally to aid in physiologic homeostasis — typically stress relief. We’re not doctors, but that sounds a little different than what alcohol does to the brain. Of course, no alcohol alternative can perfectly mimic the buzz or taste that comes with alcohol. We kept an open mind in trying these by thinking of them more as better-for-you alternatives to drinking alcohol that are a little snazzier than a club soda and lime.
These beverages can, of course, be enjoyed any time — considering their ABV is 0% — but one of the most satisfying parts of any cocktail is the ceremony of it. With that in mind, we dreamt up some scenarios in which we think the imbibing should take place for optimal enjoyment and preservation of ceremony.
Curious Elixirs
Curious Elixirs has nailed the branding on making a cocktail — excuse us — a mocktail into an experience. Not only do they urge you to “use fancypants glassware” and “garnish with abandon,” they have curated their seven elixirs to mimic classic cocktails right down to how they recommend serving them. They are ready to pour straight from the bottle (after a gentle mixing) and each has its own instructions for glassware, ice and garnishes depending on the cocktail it’s functioning as. With seven different elixirs and one digestif, there’s an option regardless of what your go-to cocktail order is. Whether or not you’re limiting or abstaining from alcohol, Curious Elixirs are just fun to partake in. Of course, branding isn’t everything and outside the branding are the benefits. The herbs and adaptogens (along with organic fruit) vary between each elixir and can reduce inflammation, ease stress and balance hormones. All the elixirs are made with organic ingredients, without refined sugar, preservatives, sulfates or fillers, and are caffeine and gluten free.
We liked Curious No. 1, the Pomegranate Negroni Sbagliato, though it was missing the typical bite of alcohol. So, whether that’s a downside depends on your perspective. Curious No. 2, the Spicy Pineapple Ginger Margarita, was our favorite. We’re suckers for a spicy marg. Curious recommends a salt rim, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t suggest chili salt instead.
Occasion
We imagine Curious Elixirs would be perfect for a dinner party. The combination of ambient lighting, the nice dishes that you had to dust off, and the glass bottle of Curious on the table is sure to impress friends, colleagues, or a new beau. Regardless of what’s on the menu — and whether or not you actually did order it off a take-out menu — Curious has a perfect pairing. You can go for No. 5, the Smoked Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned; No. 7, a French 77 riff with ‘champagne,’ elderflower, jasmine and lavender; No. 4, a Blood Orange Spritz, or whichever Elixir you feel would most complement a meal not worth forgetting.
Ghia
This company was founded with the inspiration of Mediterranean summers and sipping limoncello long into a balmy night. Ghia created a zero-proof apéritif to inspire the bright and lively feelings of the drink’s tradition without any of the snooze from the booze.
The Ghia Original Apéritif, and the more recent Berry Apéritif, are made with herbs and botanicals like elderflower, gentian root, cardamom, ginger and much more, to leave you feeling invigorated. Not like you just drank 8 ounces of sugar in a bottle labeled “juice.” Ghia technically uses nervines, which are herbs that affect the central nervous system, rather than adaptogens, but we won’t tell if you don’t. The apéritifs can be enjoyed sipped slowly on the rocks or with bubbles as a spritz. They also have dozens of recipes for “cocktails” such as a Berry Hot Toddy, a Ghia Colada, and even more original Ghia creations, on their website.
In our exploration of zero-proof herbal drinks, we decided to try the Le Spritz by Ghia. They are canned, pre-mixed mocktails using the apéritifs and taking out any guesswork. The four varieties are Ghia Soda, Ghia Ginger, Lime & Salt, and Sumac & Chili.
Occasion
Because Ghia is inspired by the French and Italian culture of apéritifs and aperitivos, a specific drink for before a meal, we’re leaning into that and suggesting you pair Ghia with a big blanket, a stretch of grass — or sand — and a charcuterie board appetizer to nibble while you sip. Olives, cheese, meats and crackers are a necessary pairing with a Le Spritz in a coupe glass.
Hiyo
This social tonic is a sparkling, canned alcohol alternative that will look completely inconspicuous in your hand at a backyard barbeque under the palms or in a cooler for a boat day on the inlet. Hiyo is made with organic ingredients that create “flavors so delicious that you crave them, not chase them,” as they say.
The medicinal ingredients include herbs like ashwagandha, lion’s mane, l-theanine, ginger and more, that come together to create a mood-elevating and stress-relieving feeling that Hiyo refers to as “the float.” Many people consider alcohol a social lubricant and source of liquid courage, and Hiyo was created to tap into those same feelings by using ingredients that are good for your brain.
Now, at first, we thought it sounded a little woo-woo, but “float” is really just a word that incites feelings of lightness. And couldn’t we all use the lightening of a load?
Hiyo comes in four flavors: peach mango, watermelon lime, blackberry lemon and strawberry guava. They were reminiscent of soda alternatives like Olipop with the carbonation and fruity flavors — just with added mental benefits. Each can has 30 calories and only five grams of sugar, which is definitely less than your favorite cocktail.
Occasion
Pour Hiyo into your insulated cup over ice and sip while lounging on a pool float or between turns on the wakeboard. A nice cold drink is necessary to cut the heat, and Hiyo will keep you balanced, rather than dehydrating you the way alcohol would. The fruity flavors pair nicely with sunshine and a subtle note of sunscreen in the air. Cheers!
