What To Drink This Sober October
While Sober October may be a few weeks off from booze, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a good drink. This month offers a great opportunity to take some time and explore the abundance of amazing non alcoholic options available.
Shops like Whole Foods or boutique food markets typically have numerous fun options to explore- otherwise many online marketplaces carry fun products to try too. Just because something doesn’t have alcohol doesn’t mean it won’t taste great!
Here at Grüvi, we decided to taste test a ton of NA products to show you what to drink this Sober October. There are so many elevated & craft drinks we had a hard time choosing our favorites! So take some time to kick back and enjoy a tasty adult beverage- sans booze!
What to Drink:
Kin Euphorics
Kin creates aperitif style “euphorics” using adaptogens, nootropics and botanicals to replicate a true drinking experience. Adaptogens and nootropics have definitely been some buzz words lately, but the real basis is they work to help improve brain/memory function or moderate stress within the adrenal system. This lends to the “buzz” type feeling you may experience while sipping these herbal mixtures. While Kin offers a few different options, our favorite was the Kin Spritz. This one comes pre-mixed so you can have it straight out of the can (or poured over ice). Notes of citrus and ginger are followed by a pleasant floral aftertaste. If you want to see how the adaptogens and nootropics might work with you, definitely try Kin to see.
H2OPS
This hop water is definitely a super light version compared to some other NA beers, but if you are a fan of hops, we recommend you try H2OPS hop water. Their brewers use similar techniques to beer such as dry hopping, which helps enhance hop flavors and aromas. They currently offer two options- their traditional water and a new grapefruit flavor. Their flagship product has subtle notes of pine and lemon, while the grapefruit packs a citrusy punch. This hop water is also calorie free, meaning it can be sipped all day long with no regrets. If you’re looking for a light and refreshing option, H2OPS is a great place to start.
Grüvi Bubbly Rosé
Our newest bubbly rosé is another refreshing and healthy option to try this Sober October. We utilize hand-picked wine grapes to replicate the body and mouthfeel of a traditional rosé, but with a fraction of the calories. Tart notes of green apple and strawberry compliment a slightly sweet backend. Grüvi Bubbly Rosé is also a great option as a base for mocktails too. Add in some fresh fruit for an NA sangria, or add some lemon juice and alcohol-free gin for an elevated mix.
Curious Elixers
Curious Elixers is another brand that focuses on herbal and aromatic qualities to replicate regular cocktails. They currently offer 4 different varieties, from a blood orange apertif to a fresh cucumber “collins” style. Of these options, we fell in love with the Curious Elixer No. 2, which claims to be a “mix of pineapple margarita and the Dark & Stormy”. The No. 2 is a nice mix of earthy ginger and balanced spice- top over ice with fresh lime for a real treat. Hey, who said a margarita needed tequila?
Dram CBD Water
Not only does Dram CBD water utilize adaptogens in their drinks, but they also pack each can with 25mg of CBD from Colorado grown hemp farms. Another healthy kicker, this water is also void of any calories and uses only real, organic ingredients. Flavors such as lemongrass or gingergrass really enhance the subtle herbal taste in each drink. CBD is also a growing trend, having been found to help with anxiety and alleviate insomnia. Crack a can before bed to see if the CBD might help you sleep better than you have been.
Element Shrub
Element Shrubs are a great option to try if you miss that “bite” from alcohol. Shrubs are a sort of herbal tonic made with vinegar, which totes health benefits such as lowering blood sugar levels or helping with weight loss. Element offers some unique flavors like honeydew jalepeño or blueberry rosemary. Of all their options, I think the pineapple turmeric is my new favorite. It plays off a more tropical vibe with sweet notes of pineapple balanced with the aromatic qualities in turmeric. Mix with coconut water or coconut cream to experience your own tropical paradise.
Sunwink
Sunwink makes “sparkling wellness tonics” utilizing fresh and potent herbs that are traditionally known to help with digestion or immunity. Sunwink emphasizes the quality and quantity of herbs used in each drink, and they even bring on a Clinical Herbalist to ensure each product is packed with beneficial ingredients. Sunwink offers a decent variety of these tonics, some more herbal while some are more floral. The lemon-rose uplift is a great option for those looking for a lighter, mood-boosting beverage, while the detox ginger has a stronger “spice” meant to aid in digestion. If you dig herbal drinks, Sunwink is a great option to try.
