Pick by the moment
The best alcohol alternative depends on what you're replacing. The after-work beer, the glass of wine with dinner, and the cocktail at a party are three different jobs. So instead of one universal winner, here's the best drink for each.
Kava Orange Dream
If you want something that replaces the ritual of the after-work drink, not just the liquid, start with kava. It's a root from the South Pacific that's been the end-of-day drink there for centuries, and it's the closest thing to a drink-in-hand moment we've found. Botanical Brewing's Orange Dream is the easiest way in: sparkling orange, 50 calories, zero alcohol.
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Kanna Pomegranate Fusion
Kanna is a South African succulent, and Botanical Brewing's Pomegranate Fusion is one of the few ready-to-drink kanna cans: sparkling pomegranate and raspberry, made with a blend of three kanna types (per BBCo's listing). It pours pink and looks like an occasion on the table, which is why it's our dinner-party pick. For adults 21+, and never with antidepressants.
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Red Elixir Blueberry Lemonade
Botanical Brewing's elixirs are brewed with kratom leaf and labeled by leaf color. Red Elixir Blueberry Lemonade is sweet blueberry and tart lemon, sparkling. Kratom is for adults 21+, can be habit-forming with regular use, and isn't legal everywhere, so read who should skip it below before you buy.
Shop Blueberry LemonadeZero alcohol · Ships direct from Botanical BrewingHiyo Social Tonic Classic Pack
Hiyo calls its drinks "social tonics." Each can has 1.7 grams of adaptogens, nootropics and botanicals, including ashwagandha, lion's mane, L-theanine, lemon balm and passion flower, with 30 calories and no caffeine. Fruit-forward flavors like blackberry lemon and peach mango. A good everyday option if you want something lighter than kava. For more cans in this style, see the best adaptogen drinks, ranked.
Check price on AmazonKin Euphorics Lightwave
Kin Euphorics Lightwave is built for winding down: lavender-vanilla, smoked sea salt and passionflower, with reishi and L-theanine, no caffeine, in an 8 oz can. It's more complex and bitter than most canned drinks, which is exactly why people like it.
Check price on AmazonRecess Mood Blood Orange
Recess Mood is a sparkling water with magnesium L-threonate (sold as Magtein) and adaptogens, in light flavors like blood orange. It's the easiest swap if you already drink a lot of seltzer and want something with a little more to it.
Check price on AmazonAplós Arise
Aplós Arise is a zero-proof spirit with agave flower, Black Sarawak pepper and lemon verbena. Mix it with lime and soda for a margarita-adjacent drink.
Check price on AmazonSeedlip Spice 94
Seedlip Spice 94 is the zero-proof spirit that started the category: allspice, cardamom and citrus peel, with a long bitter finish. Pour it with tonic and an orange twist. It doesn't do anything functional; it just makes a very good drink.
Check price on AmazonGiesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc
Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc is a New Zealand sauvignon blanc with the alcohol removed (no more than 0.5% ABV). It keeps the bright, grassy citrus you'd expect. Our pick when the dinner menu calls for white wine.
Check price on AmazonWhat "actually works" means
A good alcohol alternative does three things: it tastes like something you'd choose on purpose, it fits the moment you used to reach for a drink, and it doesn't leave you feeling like you're missing out. Plain soda water fails all three. The drinks above don't.
Where to start
If you're not sure, start with kava. It's the easiest first step on this list, and it replaces the ritual, not just the taste. If you're in recovery from alcohol or other substance use, skip the botanical cans and start with the zero-proof spirits and alcohol-free wine instead.
Who should skip kava
- Kava drinks are for adults 21+. Skip them if you're under 21.
- Skip kava if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Skip kava if you have a liver condition or drink heavily. Kava has been linked to rare cases of serious liver injury.
- Skip it if you take antidepressants (including SSRIs), sedatives, sleep aids or medications that affect the liver, unless your doctor says it's OK.
- Rules on kava vary by place. Check your local rules before you buy.
- One can or shell is one serving. Don't mix kava with alcohol, and don't drive after drinking it.
Who should skip kanna
- Kanna drinks are for adults 21+. Skip them if you're under 21.
- Skip kanna if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Never combine kanna with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs) or other serotonergic medications.
- Talk to your doctor first if you take sedatives, sleep aids or any other daily medication.
- Rules on botanical products vary by state and country. Check your local rules before you buy.
- One can is one serving. Don't drink it with alcohol, and don't drive after drinking it.
Who should skip kratom
- Kratom drinks are for adults 21+. Skip them if you're under 21.
- Skip kratom if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Kratom can be habit-forming with regular use, and the FDA hasn't approved it for any use. Skip it if you're in recovery from alcohol or other substance use.
- Skip it if you take antidepressants (including SSRIs), sedatives, sleep aids or any other daily medication, unless your doctor says it's OK.
- Kratom is banned or restricted in some states, counties and cities. Check your local rules before you buy.
- One can is one serving. Don't drink it with alcohol or other botanicals, and don't drive after drinking it.
These are general cautions, not medical advice. If you're unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions people ask
What is the best alternative to alcohol?
For the end of the workday, kava. It's a traditional South Pacific drink made for winding down, and Botanical Brewing's Orange Dream makes it easy to drink. For dinner parties, try kanna; for cocktails, a zero-proof spirit.
What can I drink instead of alcohol at a party?
Kanna drinks like Pomegranate Fusion, social tonics like Hiyo, or a zero-proof spirit with tonic all feel like a real drink in your hand.
What drink replaces wine with dinner?
A dealcoholized wine like Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling kanna drink if you want something different.
Are these drinks alcohol-free?
The cans and spirits on this list are zero alcohol. Dealcoholized wine can contain up to 0.5% ABV.
