OFF THE SAUCE: THURSTQUEEN SHARES 5 ALCOHOL FREE BEVVIES FOR THE SOBER CURIOUS
So, it’s Dry January, and your liver needs a break. I get it. But that sober life doesn’t have to be boring - not in the least. In fact, there are loads of delicious non alcoholic beverages for folks looking to live a booze-free life. Let’s get cracking!
OPTION ONE: KOMBUCHA
TRY THESE BRANDS: ROWDY MERMAID, BREW DOCTOR, FERMENSCH
Folks who love their wine - especially the sparkling kind - should seriously consider giving Kombucha a shot if they haven’t already. This yeasty, fermented tea drink has a surprising amount of health benefits (probiotics, anyone?) and channels major sparkling wine/cider vibes.
Check out Rowdy Mermaid if flowers are your thing — they do a mean lavender Kombucha. Brew Doctor is perfectly balanced, with citrus and herb-driven Kombuchas for folks who miss their glasses of Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re all about that cider life, give Fermensch a try - their dry hopped pear is to die for.
OPTION TWO: FANCY AF SODAS
TRY THESE BRANDS: UNITED SODAS OF AMERICA, CASAMARO CLUB, FENTIMANS
Not all sodas are sweet. And I’ve made sure these sodas are much more on the “adult” end of the spectrum.
Folks who aren’t familiar with United Sodas of America should get up on this cult soda brand ASAP. United has a variety of flavors to choose from - ranging from Toasted Coconut to Blackberry Jam. A great thing about these sodas is that they’re only 30 calories with no artificial anything.
For amaro enthusiasts, check out the Casamaro Club. These sodas are more herbal and botanical than sweet and are perfect for folks who love Fernet-Branca or Amaro Montenegro.
And last but not least, don’t miss out on Fentimans. I used to work fairly extensively with their line of sodas - which are also great mixers by the way - and am very partial to the ultra-pretty Rose Lemonade. Their Curiosity Cola is a more grown up twist on generic Coke, perfect for folks who want to indulge their inner kid yet keep it classy.
OPTION THREE: SPARKLING WATER
TRY THESE BRANDS: TOPO CHICO, LACROIX, RECESS
Add a little pizzaz to your next bottle of H2O. The culty bubbly water of choice for hipsters everywhere - Topo Chico - is fabulously crisp and refreshing and goes with just about everything (including your morning cup of coffee.) Consider this friendly bottle of bubbly bottled at the source in Monterrey Mexico (since 1895, no less) a great non alcoholic option.
I’m a diehard Lacroix enthusiast. As a matter of fact, I’ve got a case of Watermelon in the fridge right now and whenever I’m booze-free Lacroix is my go-to. With their rainbow of “essenced flavors,” Lacroix has no additives whatsoever.
If you’re looking to unwind, check out Recess calming sparkling waters. These sparkling waters are infused with Magnesium and other adaptogens to give you your daily dose of chill. They come in a variety of flavors, ranging from blackberry chai (my favorite) to pomegranate hibiscus and coconut lime.
OPTION FOUR: TEPACHE
TRY THIS BRAND: DE LA CALLE
Love this stuff so much I plugged it on the ‘gram.
Tepache is a fermented probiotic beverage made in Mexico from pineapples and other spices. It’s low in sugar, and if you like the taste of all things tropical - be sure to give De La Calle’s line of Tepaches a shot. This is great for folks who normally hit up Tiki bars on the reg, and are fans of any and all things pineapple.
It seems like Tepache is relatively new stateside, and De La Calle is the only brand that I’m aware of. But I wanted to hype it because it is friggin’ DE-LICIOUS. De La Calles Tepaches come in a variety of different flavors, ranging from Watermelon Jalapeño, to Cactus Prickly Pear, to Pineapple Spice.
OPTION FIVE: NON ALCOHOLIC TONICS & ELIXERS
TRY: KIN, CURIOUS ELIXERS, ACID LEAGUE
If you’re missing craft cocktails and want something of the non alcoholic persuasion that you can sip and savor — check out Kin Euphorics. Their Dream Light tonic is the ultimate nightcap, with loads of spices. Curious Elixers also has a plethora of booze-free cocktails (albeit at a slightly higher price point.) Last but not least, if you’re looking to try something truly wild, check out Acid League proxies. Their proxies series are wine alternatives, composed of teas, fruit and spices to give you the ultimate wine-less wino experience!