Untoxicated Ed. | Functional RTD’s
Learn About Ready to Drink Cocktails with Adaptogens and Nootropics
Hello, and welcome to 2024! I know many of you, like myself, are working hard towards trying to get this year started off right by challenging yourself to Dry or Damp January. Luckily for us, tons of new companies have emerged to bring us several great alcohol-free options.
One of the best parts about this new and growing category of beverages is that we now have something called “functional drinks”. They have officially started bottling up happy and/or relaxed feelings into cans and bottles… pretty crazy, I know, but I am here for it.
I love the fact that I can now drink something healthy that will actually benefit my body and improve my focus rather than numb me down and leave me feeling like crap the next day. There are so many options now, however, that it can feel a bit overwhelming - so, I’m making you a list! Everyone wants to know, what’s what, how it works, and how it tastes. Well, I am here to help you out.
I am focused entirely on adaptogens and nootropics and I will not include any CBD or Hemp-infused drinks. I will also not be including any kombuchas or pre/probiotic drinks. That still leaves us with PLENTY of other functional ready-to-drink products to dive into!
In this list, you will find a few teas and waters, but most I am targeting non-alcoholic cocktails! I have chosen the brands that have more flavor, more effect, and will actually help you curve your cravings for the traditional stuff to help you say no to booze and yes to joy and focus. This is done alphabetically, but take note on the first few brands, I am diving into their ingredients and exactly what the effects are. Many of these options are using the same adaptogens and nootropics.
Let’s dive in!
Bennu
One of the newest functional beverages on the market, Bennu Beverages have four amazing different options, two to lift you up, and two to calm you down. “Energy and calm from plants”.
Their two ‘Uplift’ cans are plant-based energy supplements powered by adaptogens & 100 mg of natural caffeine. Their adaptogenic blend includes:
Lion’s mane mushroom: cognition and memory support
Ashwaganda: helps fight stress and boost immunity
Rhodiola Rosea: reduce stress, boost energy, offers emotional calm and cognitive stimulation
Niacin: fat-burner
Echinacea: Immunity
L-theanine: focus and energy
Ginseng root: anti-inflammatory, brain function support - supports amino acids like l-theanine.
vitamin B & D: immunity, energy, and nervous system support
Lots of great stuff to be sure! With these ingredients you are not only getting energy, but stress relief, cognitive support, fat burning, and immunity support as well. Try both their Cherry Lemon Verbena and Passion Fruit Green Tea.
Their ‘Unwind’ options include two flavors: Dragonfruit Camomile and Blueberry Lavender. These relaxing herbal supplements are formulated with adaptogens & kava - traditionally used for anxiety, decompression, and social connection. With the same adaptogens as the Uplift but 500mg of added Kava Kava extract, the Unwind drinks are meant to help give you a calming sensation.
Bonbuz
Bonbuz was the first functional drink (non-CBD) that really made me feel something. It truly is a buzz without the booze. Here are their two low-calorie, low-sugar ready-to-drink options:
Tomorrow Things - Hibiscus, Yuzu, and Lime
Bad Enough Already - Pineapple, Tamarind, and Chili
950+ Mgs of Nootropics, Adaptogens & Medicinal Mushrooms
Ashwaganda: anti-stress and anxiety plus immunity
5-HTP: an amino acid that aids serotonin production
Rhodiola Rosea: reduce stress, boost energy, offers emotional calm and cognitive stimulation by modulating neurotransmitters.
Ginseng: anti-inflammatory, neurorestorative (brain booster!) and anti-depressant
Guaraná: energy and antioxidants
Pyridoxine: Vitamin B6 - this helps boost and support the other ingredients
Reishi Mushroom: for stress and fatigue fighting
GABA: stress support
L-Theanine: clarity and focus
Maca: libido support
They also have some fun spirits as well if you would like to get your mixology on. They just came out with their newest flavor: the bonbuz bittersweet citron.
Botanical Brewing Co.
While Botanical Brewing Co. does carry both CBD and Delta 8/9 drinks, they also have adapotgenic elixirs and kava and kanna drinks. Intrigued? Well, let’s learn more.
Kava is a root indigenous to the South Pacific and famous in Hawaii where it is known as “Awa” and believed that it connects you to the knowledge of your ancestors. They have found that kava is a natural muscle relaxer that gives you a bit of a buzzed feeling without affecting your motor or cognitive skills. Their kava drinks come in two different flavors: Orange Dream and Peach on the Beach. It is sweetened with monk fruit and agave.
Kanna is native to South Africa and known for its use as a mood-enhancing and stress-relieving herb. They just released their first kanna beverage: the Pomegranate Fusion which is also sweetened with agave, juice, and monk fruit.
The Botanical Brewing Company also have a variety of alcohol-free elixirs that use kratom tea leaf known to boost your immune system and provide muscle relief.
The have four elixir flavors included Blueberry Lemonade, Tiki Apple, Island Breeze with passion fruit and spicy mango, and a double strength CAT 5 which blends all three flavors and doubles the strength of their effects.
Curious Elixirs
The OG NA cocktail, Curious Elixirs has been around over double the time as most alcohol-free options today. They have eight flavors available, all of them adaptogenic and well-crafted. They take their ingredients seriously and never use refined sugar, preservatives, or any other artificial ingredients. They want only the best products for thier consumers and know that we all deserve something elevated and good for us. Each number has a different flavor with different Adaptogens to help you unwind and live life to its fullest.
No1- The Negroni:
Flavors like pomegranate, orange, and lemon combine with 400mg of rhodiola per bottle (two servings) to bring you a special spin on an old classic.
No2- Dark&Stormy meets Spicy Margarita
Pineapple, orange, lime, ginger, and three different chile extracts blend with Damiana to help relax, reduce inflammation and boost your immunity all at once. Damiana is also known for suppressing your appetite and works as an aphrodisiac.
No3 - Cucumber Tom Collin’s
Cucumber, white grape juice, lemon verbena and juniper mix with 125mg of Ashwaganda and Angelica root. This mixture is not only delicious but will also help to balance your hormones, aid digestion, and reduce stress.
No4 - Blood Orange Spritz
An Italian classic boosted with American ginseng, holy basil and tumeric. The No 4 was the first Curious Elixir I ever tried. I loved the bitter flavors from the organic green mandarin and grapefruit mixed with the other herbs and spices. I love drinking these knowing that I am being good to myself in more ways than one.
No5 - Smoked Cherry Chocolate Old Fashioned
Sounds interesting right? It is! Dark Cherry, elderberry, orange, lemon, cacao, ginger, chicory and more! This cocktail is full of antioxidants, immunity boosters, and other super healthy ingredients for you to sip in style with ease.
No6 - Pina Colada Painkiller
My favorite! This booze-free creamy tropical dream has coconut cream, pineapple, tons of citrus and delicious spice. It also includes aloe, lemon balm, and nutmeg to improve your skin, reduce stress and boost your mood. I enjoy it best with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
No7 - Elderflower French 75
Chardonnay grapes, clarified lemon, elderflower, green tea with jasmine, lavender and juniper. Sounds damn good, right? It is. Its ingredients are known to help improve your mood, boost your immunity, and are antioxidant rich.
No8 - Limited Edition Black & Blue Amaro
BlackBerry, blueberry, fig, lemon and ginger. This is specialty cocktail is infused with three different mushrooms (lions mane, reishi, and chaga) which all help to relax the mind and body while also increasing your immunity.
De Soi
Famous thanks its founder, Katy Perry, De Soi’s four beverages are each unique and bursting with interesting flavors. They are all apple cider vinegar based and infused with l-theanine to help with digestion and mood. Each flavor is also infused with its own unique adaptogen. These versatile drinks are meant to replace either cocktails or wines.
Champignon Dream - bitter, earthy and fruity. Uses Reishi Mushroom & Passion Flower.
Purple Lune - rich, tart, and with a touch of vanilla oak. Uses Tart Cherry & Ashwaganda.
Golden Hour - like a lemony green tea - it used to use maca but from what I have seen, they have now taken it out.
Très Rosé - Lion’s mane and saffron mix with tart raspberry and earthy Rooibos. Instead of apple cider vinegar, Très Rosé uses champagne vinegar, along with other natural flavors and extracts.
Droplet
I have always enjoyed droplet when looking for something soothing and less intensely flavored. While still sparkling, its carbonation isn’t as strong and goes down easy.
pretty bright mixes yuzu citrus with ginger and reishi mushroom to boost immunity, revitalize, and rejuvenate
pretty balanced - my favorite of the three. It is uses white peach, lemon verbena, and ashwagandha to calm and balance, nourish and recover.
pretty happy - passion fruit + cacao + vanilla bean + rhodiola = a boosted mood, sharpened focus, more energy, and healthy mind and body.
Hiyo
Sparkling social tonic crafted with organic adaptogens, natural nootropics, and functional botanicals, hiyo provides an stress-relieving, and mood-boosting. Flavors include peach mango, watermelon lime, and blackberry lemon. They are low sugar and only 30 calories a can with all organic ingredients.
L-theanine, ashwagandha, lion’s mane mushroom and, ginger combine with:
Cordyceps mushroom - boosts natural energy and fights fatigue. Also known to slow the aging process and increases libido.
Turmeric- acts as a potent anti-inflammatory, reducing pain while promoting healthy liver function.
Immorel
Step one, pick your effect - Wake the Eff Up, Feed Ur Focus, and Slow Ur Roll. Step two, look up an NA bottle shop near you. Step three, try one of these sparkling mushroom infused teas. Feed Ur Focus is my favorite, a strawberry-flavored green tea with a hint of vanilla and lemongrass. However, if you are looking for energy try, Wake the Eff Up with blood orange, apple, vanilla and cinnamon. It uses Cordyceps mushrooms to help give you a boost and power your day. For stress-relief and a calming effect go for Slow Ur Roll which is flavored with mango and chamomile tea.
These are much less of an NA cocktail than most of the others but still worthy of our list because of their great functional ingredients.
Jas
Alcohol-free Paloma’s with a Oaxacan twist. Traditional grapefruit and citrus flavors are mixed with vanilla oak, cinnamon, and cardamom. Jas uses pure cane brown sugar and all natural juices and flavors. Less than 70 calories a can, Jas uses ashwaganda to give consumers less stress, more energy, and improved concentration.
Kin Euphorics
Celebrity endorsed by Bella Hadid, Kin Euphorics is one of the most popular ready to drink functional options available today.
The have four different ready to drink canned cocktails, all with different effects and benefits. Their first two seem to be the most potent to me, but their new releases have my favorite flavors.
Kin Spritz
Flavor ingredients include: white grape juice concentrate, agave, gentian root extract, orange peel extract, licorice root extract, hibiscus extract, citrus acid, bitter orange extract, orange extract, ginger extract, and sea salt. The flavors are citrusy, juicy, bitter, and even a bit of a kick.
Gently caffeinated, Kin Spritz is infused with adaptogens, nootropics, and botanics. L-Tyrosine, Rhodiola Rosea, 5-HTP, and Gaba help to elevate your mood, smooth out stress, and offer a boost of energy.
Lightwave
Flavors and ingredients: apple juice, birch bark extract, organic agave inulin, organic natural flavor, lime juice, vanilla extract, lavender extract, american oak extract, smoked salt, gentian root extract, ginger extract, passion flower extract, cimmerian extract, licorice root extract, organic bourbon vanilla extract, cinnamon extract, chili pepper extract, rosemary extract, clove extract,
saffron extract. The most predominant flavors for me were the lavender and vanilla. Intriguing and quite different.
The non-caffeinated Lightwave is infused with adaptogens, nootropics, and botanics that include Reishi Mushroom, L-Theanine, L-Serine, Magnesium Glycinate, and L-Tryptophan to mellow your mind, balance reactions to stress, and help bring on a calming effect.
Kin Bloom
Kin Bloom is infused with Schisandra, Damiana, and L-Theanine, GABA, 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), Phenylethylamine, and L-Tyrosine, Ashwaganda. The effect is soothing and joyful and gives you energy without caffeine. The feeling to me was akin to how I feel after a good workout - reinvigorated, less-stressed and ready to take on my day.
The flavor? They mix white grape juice, agave, organic bourbon vanilla, grapefruit strawberry extract, american oak hibiscus, rosemary, bitter orange, and gentian root. I read these ingredients and thought, “hmmmm…” but gave it a go and ended up enjoying it.
Actual Sunshine
Actual Sunshine is an immunity and beauty booster with vitamins C and D with calcium, iron, potassium and zinc. It also uses saffron and turmeric for a super boost of immunity. Collagen brightens complexion while Coffeeberry gently caffeinates.
My favorite of the flavors. This drink has pineapple, lemon, ginger, turmeric and guava which make this drink juicy, citrusy and perfectly included into your morning routine.
Leilo
Kava cocktails. Our second on this list. These plant-powered non-alcoholic social tonics have four sparkling flavors that include lemon ginger, tango berry, raspberry hibiscus, and blackberry orange all sweetened with organic cane sugar and stevia extract. They also have Leilo Lite, a sugar free option (sweetened with monk fruit and stevia), which is their Pina Colada.
Each can has 225mg of Kavalactones (or 750mg of kava extract) to promote relaxation and contentment which is said to last anywhere between one and three hours. They say the more often you use it the better the effects.
They also have the Leilo Luna or their “calm in a can” which mixes both kava and melatonin to help you sleep. Leilo is also packed with vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin b6, b12, and potassium.
Little Saints
Little Saints NA RTD cocktails are infused with reishi mushroom and terpenes and come in four different flavors including a Spicy Margarita, a Ginger Mule, a Paloma, and a Negroni Spritz. They have only 5 calories a can and are sugar free by use Monk Fruit to sweeten their drinks.
Although they used to have 10mg of CBD, they have now moved away from it and use use a propriety blend of adaptogens that includes terpenes derived from cannabis.
What are terpenes then if they are not CBD but come from cannabis?
Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and in some animals. They’re responsible for the aromas, flavors, and even colors associated with various types of vegetation. In terms of cannabis, terpenes are what make certain strains smell or taste different from others. Here are some of the terpenes used and their benefits:
Beta-caryophyllene. Potentially beneficial for managing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Beta-pinene. Potentially both anti-depressant and anti-cancer properties.
Humulene. This terpene is found in ginseng, which has long been used in folk medicine for energizing effects.
Limonene. One of the most commonly found terpenes, limonene has distinct citrus notes and may potentially have anti-cancer properties. In mice, it’s been shown to have anti-anxiety properties.
Linalool. Lovers of lavender as aromatherapy may want to seek out cannabis with linalool, which may help alleviate stress.
Myrcene. Found in mangoes, myrcene has antifungal and antibacterial properties and could also have sedating effects.
Moment
So, when it comes to Moment, I will tell you that it would take far more than a moment to go over all of their products and options. Moment is a great brand for anyone looking for a wide range of options and especially for those that are looking for a non-sparkling option. They have both still and sparkling which is great for anyone that isn’t a huge fan of bubbles. They also have botanical waters and powders.
By using Stevia and Monk Fruit, Moment keeps their calories and sugar levels ultra-low and have a huge selection of options in not only flavor but in effect as well.
Their sparkling flavors include Cherry Hibiscus, Lychee Mint, Plum Ginseng, Cherry Chaga, Cranberry Ginger, Lemon Turmeric, Kiwi Chlorophyll, and Orange Thyme.
Their still flavors include Reishi Orange, Blueberry Ginger, Spiced Mango, Blood Orange Abhwagandha, Tulsi Lemon, and Hibiscus Dragon Fruit.
You can shop by ingredient or by benefit which I love. Their adaptogens are very similar to what is being commonly used by the other brands such as l-theanine, ashwagandha, lion’s mane mushroom, reishi, chaga and ginseng.
Odyssey elixir
Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Odyssey Elixirs are another mushroom-powered beverage meant to help you both quench your thirst and gain some energy and focus. They have have both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options all of them using organic ingredients with low calories and sugar. They do use the sugar alcohol, erythritol and monk fruit to sweeten their drinks.
They are mostly known as a sparkling mushroom-infused energy drink — a much healthier option compared to most. Their original Mushroom Elixirs use fun flavors like Passion Fruit Orange Guava, Blackberry Lemon Twist, Dragon Fruit Lemonade, and Orange Ginger. It has 1500mg of Lions Mane, 1250mg of Cordyceps, 85mg of Caffeine, 85mg of L-Theanine, and 100mg of Panax Ginseng.
Their Odyssey 222 boasts the same mushroom and adaptogenic power but with 222mg of caffeine to give you even more energy. The 222 comes in Pineapple Mango, Blue Raspberry, Lemon Lime, and Strawberry Watermelon.
They have one other option called the Odyssey Revive that swaps out the caffeine for extra hydration with ph-balancing electrolytes. You get the same great mushrooms and l-theanine with magnesium and zinc to help you feel focused and calm. This one comes in Prickly Pear, Yuzu Lime, and Strawberry Passion Fruit.
Parch
Parch truly tastes like a tequila cocktail and if you like mezcal specifically, you are going to love their Spiced Pinarita! Made with real smoked blue agave, pineapple, and all-natural good-for-you ingredients, the Spiced Piñarita is surprisingly strong and perfect for someone that wants something that tastes more like the ‘real thing’. For me, I like to calm it down a bit with some extra pineapple and sparkling water but this drink is potent on purpose! Rim a glass with Tajin, fill it with ice and pour for something worthy of sipping slowly.
Their Prickly Paloma is right up my alley with some bittersweet and juicy flavors that include prickly pear, grapefruit and lime and hibiscus. Parch Non-Alcoholic Agave Cocktails are infused with a propriety blend of adaptogens that includes GABA, L-theanine, Ashwagandha, and Ginseng to give you a wonderful mix of focus, stress-relief, immunity, and a touch of joy. Use my code: JESSAXPARCH for a discount.
Peak Cocktails
Alcohol-free and only 35 calories, Peak Cocktails is meant specifically for athletes looking for fitness recovery. They have no added sugar and have 6 Superfoods, Adaptogens, & Nootropics + Ashwagandha + Curcumin +L-Theanine + Lemon Balm + Tart Cherry +Zinc
They have two flavors that use all natural products, no caffeine, no added sugar and are made by professional mixologists: Passionfruit Margarita and Blood Orange Spritz.
Recess
Although I personally prefer their mood-enhancing sparkling waters, Recess has expanded their selection to include some craft mocktail options that are infused with guayusa, l-theanine, and lemon balm.
Guayusa is a nootropic leaf that has about the same amount of caffeine as coffee but is also rich in antioxidants that are known to help lower blood pressure, help with inflammation and protect you against a variety of other ailments.
Beyond their craft mocktails, they carry hemp drinks with 10mg of CBD and mood-enhancing sparkling waters infused with magnesium. Recess’s flavors are some of my favorite because they are lighter and super refreshing. They have raspberry lemon, lime citrus, grapefruit tangerine (my favorite), strawberry rose, peach ginger, black cherry and blood orange.
Closing Remarks
I think it is important to note that all of these ingredients are not regulated by the FDA and need to be used with caution. As with most adaptogens and nootropics, I recommend speaking to your health care providing before using them especially if you are pregnant, nursing or using regular medication.
That being said, I do believe in the use of nature made, historically proven medicinal herbs, roots, and other botanicals. There are plenty of things that the FDA has deemed as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) that I don’t approve of.
The truth is, we are all looking for ways to make life just a little bit easier. We search out alcohol - or a substitute- to help us cope and manage, but what it all really comes down to is awareness. Awareness of ourselves, of our society, and how we move in and around it.
If you are struggling with anxiety, stress, and leaning heavily on specifics products (alcohol-free or not), reach out, join a community, find a coach, and get the support you need. We are all in this together.
Thanks for being here.
xx Jessa