There are one million reasons to drink this holiday season, but ringing in the season, thankfully does not require a stop at the liquor store. If you are looking at pausing on the ‘drink’ and focusing more on the ‘be merry,’ then there are many zero-proof cocktail alternatives that will check all the boxes on your wish list!
First and foremost – you do not owe anyone an explanation of what you are drinking and why. Any reason is a good reason. Second, if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or even think for a microscopic second that you could be pregnant, no drop of alcohol is safe. Lastly, please be aware of all ingredients, including those that claim to be ‘alcohol-free’ beverages as well as with any alternative substances. Many can contain herbal extracts or adaptogens that may not pair well with specific medications. Always look at the health warnings or talk with your medical professional to come up with the best enjoyable plan for you.
Let’s start with definitions and warnings. Zero-proof means absolutely no alcohol was involved in the process of making the drink. Alcohol-free or non-alcoholic labels mean the beverage can contain up to 0.5% ABV of alcohol. If you are in recovery, pregnant, or abstaining for any medical reason, then AF or NA drinks may not be the ones for you. Also, an alternative is to use adaptogens -plant substances- such as roots and mushrooms that help the body to relieve stress. Some of these can have a mood-altering effect as they can lower cortisol levels. It is an organic high.
So with that – here are my top five zero-proof holiday cocktail alternatives.
#5 – Figlia Fiore is a shareable spirit that stands alone on ice. Comparable to a mulled wine, you will taste citrus, ginger, and bitter orange. It comes in a display-ready bottle and can be paired with a fancy carbonated water or tonic! The main ingredients include ginseng, lemon balm, and chamomile. No alcohol by volume (ABV). Bonus: It is a deep-marinated red color!
#4 – The Pathfinder Hemp & Root (think of it as the rum & Coke of NA beverages). It is a full-bodied drink that tastes best as a mixer with tonic and is non-refrigerated. The ingredients include ginger, sage, and saffron. It also boasts distilled hemp as an ingredient and tastes great poured over lemon juice. You will want to definitely take a look at this if you prefer bold drinks.
#3 – De Soi is Katy Perry’s NA brand full of adaptogens like gentian root, Ashwagandha, pine, and rose that is fruity and fantastic right out of the can. There is no fizz, but it is bitter and comes in many varieties. This sippable beverage boasts the tagline, “a mood-boosting buzz without the booze.” You can expect to average about $25 for a four-pack.
#2 – Spiritless is the closest I have tasted to the real thing. Women-owned and operated, they use non-alcoholic bourbon, cane sugar, and chai to make pour-overs like their award-winning Old Fashioned. This brand uses the proprietary reverse distillation process and (if you are up for more fun) makes another great shareable non-alcoholic cinnamon spiced whiskey that is delightful!
#1 – Hiyo is that perfect social tonic that you can pop open while sitting on a boat or relaxing poolside. This mood-lifting drink only has thirty calories per bottle and six grams of sugar. It does have nootropics like mushrooms, Lion’s Mane, I-theanine, and Ashwagandha that can mimic the effects of alcohol by its organic.
If the atmosphere is what you are hoping to achieve, then head to Indiana’s first, recently opened Memento Zero Proof Lounge in the Fisher’s Nickle Plate District! This is a much-needed cocktail-themed bar that serves delicious coffees, zero-proof alternative cocktails, with a food menu. The venue holds to the nightclub vibe and from 8 pm-midnight is reserved for patrons 18+.
More Indianapolis Bars with mocktails on the menu are The Cannon Ball Lounge, BODHI: Craft Bar & Tai Bistro, The Sun King Brewery, and The Ball & the Biscuit.
If you would like to browse all of the options, you will find many at Total Wine (a mix of both alcoholic and NA/Zero Proof options) and Lorens AF (an alcohol-free beverage shop) in Carmel, Indiana.
I hope you find yourself happy, healthy, and safe as you celebrate the holidays this season! Cheers!
