As delicious as coffee is, and no matter how much we might enjoy wine, seltzers and cocktails, they’re not always the best drinks for our bodies. Whether it’s the jitters from too much caffeine, weight gain from sugar-loaded cocktails, or the dreaded wine hangover, they can have some unpleasant side effects.
That’s why these small businesses created healthier alternatives so you can still enjoy your favorite beverages, while also taking care of your body. Here are nine “better for you” drinks to swap into your daily routine.
Dhōs
Dhōs makes three different spirits for the health-conscious drinker — Gin Free, Bittersweet and Orange. Handcrafted at their Ransom organic farm and distillery in Oregon, they aimed to replicate the flavors and taste of booze with these spirits so that the only thing missing is the alcohol.
Dry Farm Wines
Dry Farm Wines come from small family farms in Europe that use dry farming. Dry farming is farming done without irrigation where the vine finds its own water source which is supposed to save water and create a better fruit. These wines contain lower sulfites, an ABV of less than 12.5%, and they are sugar free and vegan. You can select different memberships based on your preference and have wine delivered right to your door.
Ghia
Ghia is a non-alcoholic apéritif and its ingredients are designed to promote a natural, soothing, stimulating experience. It includes nervines, which are herbs that are known to soothe the mind and bring the body back from burnout according to Ghia. With an ABV of 0%, this is a drink you can savor all night without fear of the morning hangover. This beverage is definitely for those who like strong drinks as it is fairly bitter and quite herbal.
Lifevine Wines
These natural wines are pesticide-free and contain zero sugar per serving. They are also lower in calories and carbohydrates, and are designed to fit into a variety of diets while still maintaining good quality and flavor.
Luna Bay Booch
This female-founded, female-run company strived to make booze that was better for the mind, body and planet, and thus came hard kombucha. Their drinks have an ABV of 6% and they are gluten free, low in sugar, and vegan. Some flavors include Hibiscus Lavender, Huckleberry Basil and a new light version, Lychee Lime.
Marz Brewing CBD Coffee Tokyo Drift
If you’re looking to escape the jitters that can come with normal coffee, especially after a few cups, this cold brew might be the one for you. Each serving contains 30 mg of organic and certified non-GMO hemp as well as zero calories and zero sugars. The beans for this cold brew are roasted at Bridgeport coffee and Marz describes the drink as having a bright acidity. For those who like a simple, no-frills brew, this could replace your morning cup of joe.
Marz Brewing CBD Elixir Citrus Party
Hard seltzers and non-alcoholic ones alike have grown in popularity recently, and Marz Brewing’s CBD seltzer is a perfect addition. It contains 30 mg of organic and certified non-GMO hemp. The citrus flavor is pleasantly strong in this light, refreshing seltzer. A daily can could keep your thirst quenched, and your mind and body calm at the same time.
Seedlip Grove 42 Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Seedlip’s Non-Alcoholic Spirit comes in a few flavors and they are allergy friendly, calorie free and sugar free. Grove 42 combines Mediterranean Orange, Lemon Peel, Lemongrass and Ginger with a dry finish. Seedlip recommends serving over ice with Indian Tonic or soda or in your favorite mocktail. This beverage provides a refreshing alternative to traditional cocktails.
VYBES CBD Drink – Strawberry Lavender
This beverage is reminiscent of tangy strawberry lemonade with a delicate lavender taste. The included 25 mg of hemp extract is supposed to balance your mind and body, and have a calming effect and anti-inflammatory benefits. For those looking for a sweet drink, minus all of the sugar, this is the beverage for you.
Bay Area Local Spirits
Wanting to support local while drinking healthy? Here are a couple alcohol-free spirits made in the Bay Area.
The Free Spirits
Not only are these spirit alternatives crafted to be bold, delicious and non-alcoholic, they are also each infused with B vitamins and amino acids to help elevate your mood, energy and experience. The Free Spirit Company uses a process called Distillate Reconstruction wherein they source natural ingredients like American White Oak, European Juniper and Mexican Blue Agave then distill and extract the essential oils and flavors in ways that honor the nose, taste and mouthfeel of traditional spirits while skipping the fermentation process. They currently offer three nonalcoholic alternatives inspired by the greats: The Spirit of Bourbon, Gin and Tequila.
Proposition Cocktail Co.
Designed to arouse the palette and excite the senses, these hemp-derived CBD and adaptogenic cocktails are non-intoxicating social lubricants made from organically-sourced botanicals, herbs, fruits and spices found in modern cocktails. The ready-to-serve Turmeric Ginger Mule and Smokey Margarita are the newest additions to Proposition’s craft cocktail alternatives. Relieve stress, fatigue and mental disarray — what more is there to say.
How to Help
For more ways to support local businesses, go here.
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Aliyah Armstrong is an intern at Better with a passion for arts and entertainment reporting. A senior in Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, she is also minoring in Sociological Studies. Aliyah supports the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Black Youth Project 100, an organization that aims to create justice and freedom for all Black people.
