Sober curious? Although a glass of wine a day is not particularly harmful for most people, when it comes to alcohol, drinking less is better for your health than drinking more. You can totally enjoy time with friends and wind down without the whisky or wine!

Why Cut Down On Your Alcohol Intake?

There are many reasons to reduce alcohol intake. Did you know that over time, excessive alcohol intake can lead to higher blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive issues? It's also linked to cancers of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, etc. For women, 'excessive' is defined as more than 8 drinks per week for women, and for men, more than 15 drinks per week.

However, we also understand that alcohol has become a major part of our culture and social lives. Going out for drinks has become a go-to date proposal, and a fun way to catch up with old friends. However, there are now luckily plenty of non-alcoholic options for those cutting down on the booze.

What Goes Into Vegan Non-Alcoholic Cocktails & Spirits?

You must be wondering how brands can recreate the acid, bitter, stinging flavor of most popular spirits. It's quite a complex process, and the results are not always entirely identical. Some are described as 'watered down' versions of their alcoholic counterpart. So, it may be useful to think of non-alcoholic drinks as simply a fun alternative to try, rather than an exact replica of the drinks you know and love.

However, there are a few brands that do an astonishingly good job at recreating the original deep, bold flavors of each spirit. Using herbs and spices like peppercorns, ginger, hops, or hot peppers, they are able to create complex, burning flavors that impress even the skeptics. You may be surprised about some of the ingredients that are layered to create the perfect non-alcoholic spirit! Think cilantro, berries, oak, hay, and more.

Some brands even add health-promoting or feel-good ingredients like reishi mushrooms or L-tryptophan to their elixirs. As a result, these alternatives will not only leave you hangover-free, but can even make you feel mellow and/or energized!

Can Vegans Drink Alcohol?

There's no reason vegans should avoid alcohol more than any other group. However, certain types of alcohol may have been refined using animal-derived substances like egg whites, gelatin, isinglass (fish bladder), fish oil, and even casein (the main protein found in milk). So, we do need to watch out for certain brands of beer and wine.

Although most spirits and store-bought cocktails are 100% vegan, some brands (especially artisanal or experimental brands) may add honey, egg whites, or dairy products to the mix. So, it's always a good idea to check the label.

Even among your non-alcoholic options, some drinks may include questionable ingredients like honey and refined sugar processed with bone char. Luckily, we've compiled a list of totally vegan mocktails and non-alcoholic spirits you can enjoy to avoid nasty hangovers and kickstart your sober journey this summer!

The 10 Best Vegan Mocktails & Non-Alcoholic Cocktails To Try!

Curious Elixir No. 1

This elixir is the brand's take on a virgin Blood Orange Spritz, complete with a soft NA prosecco fizz. It's also layered with American ginseng, rhubarb, holy basil, tulsi, and turmeric for a mature, complex finish. Pair it with a side of indulgent dairy-free cheese to truly bless your palate!

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Ghia Apéritif

Ghia's Apéritif is powered by a carefully selected combination of plants, herbs, and botanicals like gentian root, fig, elderflower, acacia, and ginger! Crafted to give you an energy boost and clear your mind, Ghia's non-alcoholic beverages are best enjoyed chilled and in good company.

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Three Spirit Nightcap

Looking for a drink that can help you wind down with adaptogenic ingredients and zero liquor? Three Spirit's Nightcap is made with mild, ethically-sourced herbs and aromatics and no artificial flavors or colors! Enjoy the calming aroma of black pepper and valerian as you savor rich notes of maple, vanilla, and hazelnut! You also may be happy to learn that it's totally gluten free and packaged sustainably with recyclable materials.

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De Soi Purple Lune

A refreshing and complex blend of cherries, blackberry nectar, and vanilla oak, Purple Lune is De Soi's top-rated beverage! At just 40 calories per glass and enhanced with adaptogens, this alcohol-free vegan cocktail is just what you need to refresh your palate before or after a few gourmet vegan dishes!

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Hiyo Blackberry Lemon Seltzer

Bubbling with botanical goodness, Hiyo's popular Blackberry Lemon Seltzer is crafted to relieve stress and lift your mood! This fizzy NA vegan cocktail is also enhanced with organic adaptogens like ashwagandha and cordyceps, and nootropics like L-theanine to boost your energy and support mental clarity.

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Seedlip Grove 42

Perfect for recreating gin and tonics, this herbal blend boasts a dry finish and sophisticated citrus flavors. Made with bitter orange peel, blood orange, mandarin, lemon peel, ginger, and lemongrass, this elixir is totally sugar free, calorie free, and allergy-friendly! Use it in your next Cosmopolitan, Toddy, or Citrus Fizz for a light, refreshing twist.

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Spiritless Kentucky 74

Craving an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour? Spiritless' Kentucky 74 was designed to recreate the unique hints of smoky oak, vanilla, and caramel you'll find in a high-quality bourbon! Using thermal extraction and reverse distillation, this brand is able to mimic the complex, woody flavors found in this popular spirit. Although it's perfect for cocktails, you can always add a hint of ginger to give it a little more bite in case you'd prefer to enjoy it on the rocks.

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For Bitter For Worse Smoky No.56

Using smoked tea, figs, and maple syrup, For Bitter For Worse has crafted the perfect campfire centerpiece! Enjoy it in cocktails or on its own. However, keep in mind that it boasts a bold taste that is not watered down like other NA drinks. We recommend trying it with some club soda, lime, and a side of fancy vegan cheese!

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Free Spirits The Spirit of Bourbon

Laced with mood-boosting nutrients like B vitamins and taurine, The Spirit of Bourbon is the perfect NA drink to lift your spirits! This botanical beverage is crafted through a process called Distillate Reconstruction using ingredients like blue agave, white oak, and juniper berries. It's then infused with vitamins to increase your energy levels. At just 5 calories per serving, and loaded with healthy ingredients, don't hesitate to break out this elixir at your next dinner party!

Kin Spritz

Spiked with adaptogens and nootropics instead of liquor, Kin's Spritz can lift your spirits, reduce stress, and give you the energy you need to enjoy your day off to the fullest! Using grape juice, agave, and gentian root extract as its base, this sweet sparkling beverage is enhanced with rhodiola rosea, 5-HTP, and GABA to stimulate your senses without the negative side effects.

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Nutritional Value Comparison

Ready to sip on some gentler alternatives to preserve your health and mental clarity while having fun? We hope you were able to find a vegan non-alcoholic cocktail you can come back to again and again when straying away from booze-filled drinks. Thanks for always checking out the most ethical alternatives for your vegan lifestyle, and don't forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive carefully-curated vegan tips, advice, and recommendations!

More Vegan Alcohols