Its delicate floral flavor not only soothes the mind but also offers a fantastic way to signal your body that it’s time to relax. Peppermint tea is another great option; it refreshes while also having a soothing effect on the stomach, which can be beneficial when anxiety manifests physically. Incorporating these teas into your evening routine creates a peaceful environment, making it easier to transition into a state of relaxation. Staying hydrated and healthy while still enjoying social gatherings is all about making smart choices. One of the best ways to do this is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also consider bringing a refillable water bottle with you to social gatherings to ensure that you always have water on hand.

Sparkling water with a slice of fruit

Switching from alcohol to kombucha might boost your overall vitamin intake, according to experts. “Kombucha has vitamins B1, B6, and B12, which help boost your immune system, regulate your mood, and produce red blood cells,” Dr. Bulsiewicz tells Bustle. Just like alcohol, there are a lot of varieties of kombucha, so it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact effects of exchanging all booze for kombucha drinks. The precise impact of an alcohol-kombucha switch will depend Alcoholics Anonymous on how much you drink, how regularly, and other aspects of your lifestyle, including your diet.

Building Trust in Your Recovery Journey

• Whether you prefer a light, crisp lager or a hoppy IPA, there’s a non-alcoholic beer out there for you.
• Even just five to ten minutes a day can create noticeable improvements in mood and stress levels.
• Or maybe the things you used to do while drinking just don’t seem as interesting sober.
• When you’re craving the ritual of enjoying a drink but want to avoid alcohol, kombucha offers a compelling alternative.
• Whether you spend five minutes in the morning reviewing your intentions or journaling before bed, these practices create mental clarity and emotional grounding.
• Traditionally, Matcha tea is made from green tea leaves that have been stone-ground into a soft powder by hand.

Nonalcoholic beer offers a refreshing and satisfying alternative for those looking to reduce their alcohol intake. Brewed with traditional ingredients like water, malt, hops, and yeast, its key distinction lies in the significantly reduced or removed alcohol content. Through techniques such as vacuum distillation or halting fermentation early, the alcohol level remains below 0.5% ABV, allowing these beverages to qualify as nonalcoholic in most countries.

• By switching to zero-proof or non-alcoholic drinks, you’re cutting out most of the negative effects of alcohol consumption, including the hangover.
• One of the best drinks to have instead of alcohol to relax is herbal tea.
• Opt for sparkling water, flavored sparkling waters infused with fruit tastes, or add a slice of lemon to your glass.
• These methods include stopping the fermentation process early, using special strains of yeast that produce less alcohol, and employing a process called vacuum distillation to remove alcohol after fermentation.
• This award-winning U.S. brand specializes in small-batch, non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs that are chock-full of botanicals inspired by South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom.
• Learning a new skill, such as a language or subject you’ve always been curious about, also fills time that might otherwise have been lost to drinking.

Why Choose Kombucha?

This simple yet refreshing combination provides the effervescence of sparkling water while enhancing the drink’s flavor profile with natural, vibrant tastes. This drink is perfect for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to elegant brunches, allowing individuals to enjoy a festive beverage without the effects of alcohol. Kombucha is a top class alternative to alcohol offering a tangy, effervescent drink that can satisfy the craving for something fizzy without the intoxicating effects. Brewed from green or black tea, this fermented tea comes in a variety of fruity flavors like ginger, lemon, raspberry, and passionfruit. Kombucha has become more accessible in grocery stores and online, making it a great choice for those looking to cut back on alcohol or find a tasty nonalcoholic option.

The only difference is that after the usual fermentation process most, if not all, of the alcohol is removed. Everything else stays as it is, which is why it still holds its flavour, body, and colour. It’s also completely sugar-free, so you won’t have to worry about that – just be sure to opt for pure coconut water and always read the label. Traditionally, Matcha tea is made from green tea leaves that have been stone-ground into a soft powder by hand. This is sifted and whisked with a specialist tool with hot water to make the beverage.

What are some creative ways to serve non-alcoholic drinks at a party?

But bring other routines into your repertoire that give you a sense of calm and joy. Even if you’re a casual drinker, Dr. Chiligiris says alcohol can have a boomerang effect on anxiety. For starters, alcohol can interfere with your sleep cycle, making it tougher to get a full night of quality rest. And we know poor sleep contributes to anxiety, so reaching for alcohol to calm your nerves may become a vicious circle, she explains. Whether you’re cutting back or committing to long-term sobriety, the key is consistency.

• The adorably designed spritzes and N/A aperitifs are crafted for all the girlies trying to add a little more whimsy and fun to their mocktail bar.
• If you’re looking for alternative beverages to help you unwind, there are plenty of options to choose from that can offer similar calming effects without the downsides of alcohol.
• If you’re a Rosé Wine lover, I recommend Surely Sparkling Rosé, which comes in both cans and large full bottles.
• With delicious blends available from your local grocery store for much less than a bottle of wine, it’s another great option.
• They want structure, sober housing, and support—but not the justice‑system focus that often comes with a halfway house.

It teaches you to observe your surroundings in a more focused way, which is especially helpful if you’re dealing with restlessness or emotional triggers. Whether you’re photographing nature, people, or everyday scenes, the process of composing, capturing, and editing images can be deeply absorbing. It replaces passive drinking time with active engagement, and the more you immerse yourself, the more fulfillment it provides. If the goal is a non-alcoholic drink that leaves you actually feeling better, these are serious upgrades.

Top 15 Fun Things to Do Instead of Drinking

I loved their ‘dark and stormy’ style option and although the effects were mild, it was pleasant and delivered what it promised. Modern innovations around functional beverages are opening up new ways to experiment with kava, nootropics, adaptogens, or CBD-infused drinks, and changing the game for mindful drinkers. That’s exactly why we talked with some expert dietitians to learn about their favorite non-alcoholic drinks for the month of Dry January, so that we can feel prepared and ready to tackle this month with confidence. Dry January is here, and many people are setting up a game plan for how they’re going to tackle the difficult step of giving up their favorite alcoholic drinks.

It’s yummy and the branding is amazing, but it really is just a placebo for a drink, and there is nothing wrong with that. It’s a perfect drug addiction treatment option if you’re out for the night and need a cool drink in hand, but you won’t suddenly feel calm and ready to unwind. Curious Elixers have been around for almost a decade (pretty unbelievable!) and have refined their flavours and functional blends to six or seven core products. Infused with active ingredients and functional herbs, each bottle has a unique and delicious faux cocktail flavour but a similar effect of creating a calming, relaxed sensation.

It’s also an activity that rewards progress over time, keeping you engaged and motivated to return. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to replace alcohol because it naturally boosts mood, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins and dopamine, two brain chemicals heavily involved in the reward system that alcohol often hijacks. By incorporating movement into your daily routine, you not only support your physical health but also recondition your brain to seek pleasure and relief through healthier channels. Below are a few powerful fitness-related alternatives to drinking that promote both emotional balance and a sense of control.