One non-alcoholic drink trend I’ve been noticing is the rise in functional non-alcoholic beverages—drinks infused with adaptogens and nootropics to promote relaxation.
Adaptogens, nootropics, and herbs are natural ingredients known to help our bodies relax, balance our mood, and combat stress and tiredness. Some popular ones include Ashwagandha, holy basil, and chamomile.
After trying several brands of non-alcoholic adaptogenic drinks, I’m not entirely sold on their effectiveness. Nevertheless, I’ve been advised that consistent consumption of these functional beverages is key.
From ready-to-drink options to sparkling water infused with Ashwagandha and L-Theanine, here are some of the best-tasting non-alcoholic relaxing drinks I’ve tried.
Best For Flavor: Moment Botanical Water
I love the flavors of Moment’s Sparkling Lemon Turmeric and Still Blueberry Ginger, with both varieties combining water, juices, and adaptogens like Ashwagandha, chaga, turmeric, and L-theanine.
In addition to the mentioned adaptogens, healthy botanicals such as ginger, turmeric, hibiscus, and jasmine are also added for both flavor and health benefits.
Fun fact: the founders pitched Moment on Shark Tank. I wonder if they consumed a ton of Moment before presenting to the judges.
Check out our full review of Moment botanical waters here.
Order directly from Moment (within United States).
Best For Sparkling Water: HOP WTR
Hop water is another prominent non-alcoholic beverage trend I’ve noticed, and HOP WTR ingeniously combines both trends into one refreshing drink.
Crafted from carbonated sparkling water, hops (the same ones used in brewing beer), adaptogens, and nootropics, HOP WTR is touted to enhance focus and promote tranquility.
Moreover, it incorporates Ashwagandha, known for aiding in stress and cortisol management, and L-Theanine, which boosts specific neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin to improve brain function.
My favorite flavors are the Classic and Mango, featuring a blend of seltzer and fruity undertones.
Read our full review of HOP WTR here.
Order directly from HOP WTR (within United States).
Bravus Focus Sparkling Hop Water
Another functional hop water that I love is Bravus’ Focus.
This mood-enhancing beverage is brewed with Amarillo and Citra hops, as well as adaptogens and nootropics such as organic Siberian ginseng extract and organic green tea extract.
As for the taste, I appreciate the hints of lemon and ginger from the organic lemon and ginger extracts.
Order directly from Bravus (within United States).
Best For Reishi Mushroom: Kin Euphorics
If you’re in search of a non-alcoholic adaptogen drink featuring Reishi mushrooms, then my top pick for taste is Lightwave by Kin Euphorics.
Co-founded by Bella Hadid, Kin Euphorics offers a non-alcoholic, functional beverage designed with adaptogens to help manage stress and nootropics to support brain cognition.
Lightwave’s flavor is a unique combination of lavender-vanilla, birch, and smoked sea salts, which I found to be quite interesting.
In addition to the stress-reducing Reishi Mushroom, the drink also incorporates Saffron, L-Tryptophan, and Passionflower extract for a holistic mind and body-balancing experience.
Order from non-alcoholic drink retailer Proof No More (within United States)
Best As Apéritifs: De Soi
Here’s another celebrity-founded relaxing alcohol free drink that hits the mark for me.
Co-founded by Katy Perry and made with award-winning Master Distiller Morgan McLachlan, De Soi is a range of non-alcoholic apéritifs made with natural adaptogens.
The De Soi Variety Pack contains three different aperitif flavors:
- Golden Hour, which is a citrusy drink with maca and L-theanine sourced from green tea
- Purple Lune, a more complex drink with ashwagandha, cherry, vanilla oak, and rose petals
- Champignon Dreams, a summer-themed blend of reishi mushroom, passion flower, and strawberries
Order directly from De Soi (within United States).
Best For Kava: Psychedelic Water
Kava, a popular natural ingredient derived from the piper methysticum plant in the South Pacific, has been utilized by islanders for its natural relaxation properties.
Psychedelic Water is a mood-elevating, non-alcoholic relaxing drink that combines a blend of kava, damiana, and green tea extract.
Concerned about the ingredients? These are FDA-compliant ingredients and they replicate the calming and uplifting effects of psychedelics without inducing hallucinations.
I personally prefer the taste of the Blackberry + Yuzu flavor, but that’s just because I am a huge fan of yuzu, which is a type of citrus fruit.
Order directly from Psychedelic Water (within United States).
Slide Kava
Slide is another Kava-infused non-alcoholic relaxing drink, equally tasty with prominent peach notes.
My favorite flavor is the Peach-Mango. It’s a tad sweet with peach and mango undertones, so you might find it too sweet if you don’t like sweet drinks.
It contains 5-HTP for serotonin boosting, hibiscus flower to reduce anxiety levels, Holy Basil to rejuvenate, and B-Vitamins to help uplift and enhance focus.
Order from non-alcoholic drink retailer Proof No More (within United States)
Best For Athletes: Peak Cocktails
Peak Cocktails advertises itself as non-alcoholic canned cocktails that help athletes recover and also aid in the relaxation of mind and body.
The cocktails are crafted by an award-winning mixologist, and they come in two flavors: Passion Fruit Margarita and Blood Orange Spritz (my favorite is the Blood Orange Spritz).
Each can of cocktail contains nootropics such as:
- L-Theanine and Zinc for mood uplift
- Superfoods such as tart cherry and curcumin for muscle recovery and better sleep
- Adaptogens such as Ashwagandha and lemon balm for decreasing stress and fatigue
Order directly from Peak Cocktails (within United States).
Recess Mood
This non-alcoholic sparkling water is infused with magnesium and adaptogens to promote calm and uplift the mood.
Magnesium has been shown to increase feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, while the adaptogens help you better deal with stress.
The Recess mood lineup features flavors such as Strawberry Rose, Raspberry Lemon, Lime Citrus, and Grapefruit Tangerine, with each flavor brewed using real fruits and herbs.
Personally, I love the Strawberry Rose for its vibrant burst of red berry flavors.
Order online from Amazon (within United States).
Best For Convenience: Renude
Of all the best non-alcoholic relaxing drinks I’ve featured so far, this one might have surprised me the most. As someone who loves coffee, discovering Renude’s Chagaccino blew my mind.
The Chagaccino is an instant mushroom-based adaptogenic coffee, crafted in the style of a mocha latte.
It is made with 100% wild-foraged mushrooms and adaptogens such as raw cacao, Ceylon cinnamon, Madagascan vanilla, and monk fruit.
Order directly from Renude (within United States).
Benefits Of Adaptogen, Nootropics, And Herbs
Adaptogenic botanicals, such as ashwagandha, holy basil, and chamomile, are reputed for their stress-reduction and relaxation-promoting qualities.
Similarly, certain nootropic compounds, like L-theanine naturally occurring in green tea, offer a calming influence that can be harnessed to craft non-alcoholic beverages designed for relaxation without inducing drowsiness.
Herbs such as lavender, valerian root, and passionflower are known for their relaxation-inducing effects.
In my experience drinking non-alcoholic drinks with adaptogens, the doses are low but the effects are usually subtle enough for you to wind down or feel calmer without a sudden change of mood.
Who Should Avoid These Adaptogen, Nootropics, And Herbs?
While these natural ingredients are typically regarded as safe, they may not be suitable for individuals for specific reasons.
For instance, expecting mothers should avoid Ashwagandha as it could potentially pose risks during pregnancy, and Rhodiola is a mild MAOI inhibitor and might interact with certain medications.
It is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare provider before enjoying one of the following non-alcoholic calming drinks.
Conclusion
With the rise in adaptogen drinks and the inclusion of Ashwagandha and L-theanine in beverages, you can drink your calm and elevate your mood with the best non-alcoholic relaxing drinks.
So next time you’re in need of a little relaxation, consider trying out one of these delicious and soothing non-alcoholic drinks. Your body and mind will thank you for it.