Whether you’re forgoing alcohol for one night, one month, or indefinitely, you still might want your drinks to “do” something. Enter functional beverages. These non-alcoholic options can energize, uplift, or relax you—without the downsides of alcohol.
Consumers’ first questions are: “what do they do?” and “do they actually work?” So, here I wanted to share a bit more about functional bevs and the ones I personally actually feel.
What do functional beverages do?
In this sphere, two terms often pop up: adaptogens and nootropics. Here’s what they mean:
- Adaptogens: These are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalizing effect on bodily processes. They’re like your body’s own stress management consultants, helping to balance, restore, and protect your body.
- Nootropics: These are substances that can enhance cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation. Caffeine is the most well-known and widely consumed nootropic.
For example, relaxing functional bevs often include:
- Ashwagandha (Adaptogen): An ancient medicinal herb that may help your body manage stress.
- CBD (Nootropic/Adaptogen): A compound from the cannabis plant that may help reduce stress and anxiety without psychoactive effects.
- Chamomile (Adaptogen): A gentle sedative that may help ease anxiety and promote sleep.
- Lavender (Adaptogen): Known for its calming aroma, it’s also used in flavoring to help reduce stress.
- L-Theanine (Nootropic): An amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness.
- Valerian Root (Adaptogen): A root that may improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
Note: if you have special considerations, such as medicine use or medical conditions, check with your physician before exploring the world of functional ingredients.
Do functional beverages actually work?
Efficacy is a fair question. If you compare them to the exact effects of alcohol, you’ll be disappointed. As Tati Mercer of Three Spirit explained in our interview, “If you’re looking to get smashed, I can’t help. If you’re looking for a magic wand, this isn’t going to solve all your problems.” In addition to whether or not a functional bev works, there’s the question of whether or not it will work for you. Tati notes, “Everyone is different. There will always be variation in how people experience them.”
I’ve tried dozens of functional bevs over the years, from complete duds to total standouts. While your experience may be different, I’m excited to share the ones I’ve been loving lately for their efficacy. They also happen to taste great, too.
The ones I actually feel
As you approach the functional sub-category, it’s helpful to bucket them by your desired effect. Here are my current favorites that help me feel energized, uplifted, or relaxed.
Good news on the energizing front: there’s no efficacy concern with caffeine, the most widely-consumed nootropic. Bonbuz contains natural caffeine from green tea, so I reach for it in the early evening if I’m going to have a long night out. It’s satisfyingly complex and bitter, too. I also love YATÉ’s yerba mate-based “social tonic.” YATÉ is reframing this popular coffee alternative for evening drinking occasions: “notorious techno clubs in Germany and the Netherlands serve yerba mate to help party goers stay up and keep dancing,” their co-founders explained in our interview. Check out their Sub-lime Ginger Sparkling Yerba Mate.
The uplift sub-category is decidedly a little harder to navigate. Candidly, I’m not sure if these bevs actually uplift me or if it’s just the placebo effect. Nevertheless, for over three years I’ve particularly enjoyed how both Three Spirit Social Elixir and Kin Euphorics Spritz make me feel. Plus, these brands have done the work. Three Spirit has been perfecting their formulations since entering the market in 2018, a long time ago in the world of alcohol alternatives. And Kin is more than a beautiful brand. Founder Jen Batchelor explained in our interview that they “work with some of the top nutraceutical firms in the country… many of whom started in pharma.”
To relax, I love Three Spirit Nightcap and Kin Dream Light. I’ve previously written about both in the context of calming mocktails. Relaxation bevs are my favorite sub-category within functionals. When I do have an alcoholic drink, it’s often because I’m looking to unwind. These recreate that ritual when I’m not drinking.
