Chapter 4 • 6 Min Read

Best Non‑Alcoholic Drinks of 2025

Sip, savor, and feel amazing with drinks that taste incredible and support your wellness journey.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the NA Revolution

Remember the old days? When "not drinking" meant a sad, lukewarm club soda with a limp lime, or pointing to the dusty bottle of O'Doul's at the back of the cooler? Yeah, we're glad those days are over, too.

Welcome to the NA Revolution.

We're living in a golden age of non-alcoholic drinks, a time when "sober curious" isn't just a buzzword—it's a full-blown cultural movement. Millions of people are choosing to drink less, not because they have to, but because they want to feel better, sharper, and more present.

This isn't just a list. This is your personal roadmap to navigating the incredible new world of non-alcoholic drinks. Whether you're a craft beer lover searching for a hazy IPA that actually tastes like a hazy IPA, a wine enthusiast who still wants to pop a bottle for a celebration, or you're just looking for a little "buzz without the booze," we've got you covered.

Let's find your new favorite drink.

49%
of Americans plan to drink less in 2025
65%
of Gen Z reducing alcohol intake
8.5%
annual market growth rate

What is the "Sober Curious" Movement (And Why is Everyone Talking About It)?

Understanding the cultural shift that's reshaping how we think about drinking

Nearly half of all Americans (49%) plan to drink less alcohol in 2025, a figure that has been accelerating consistently over the past three years. Gen Z is the primary engine of this transformation, with 65% planning to reduce their intake and a remarkable 39% aiming for a completely dry lifestyle.

The motivations behind this shift are profound and multifaceted. The primary drivers are a holistic approach to wellness, encompassing both physical and mental health. For Gen Z, mental health is a paramount concern, with 58% citing it as a reason to cut back—a 45% increase from the previous year. Other key factors include financial prudence, saving money, and the desire to make a conscious, intentional lifestyle change rather than defaulting to habit.

What's Your Vibe? Finding the Perfect NA Drink for You

The non-alcoholic aisle can be overwhelming. So, let's break it down by what you're actually in the mood for.

"I Miss My Go-To Drink": The Best 1:1 Swaps of 2025

You love the ritual, the flavor, the experience—just not the alcohol. These are the best-in-class replacements that will make you forget what's missing.

For the Craft Beer Aficionado

Hops, complexity, satisfaction

The days of watery, flavorless NA beer are long gone. Today's brewers are using cutting-edge techniques to create full-bodied, complex, and satisfying brews.

Top Pick
Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA

The undisputed king of NA IPAs. Packed with Amarillo, Citra, and Mosaic hops, delivering juicy notes of citrus and tropical fruit without the boozy bite.

Also Great:

Samuel Adams Just The Haze for a smooth, sessionable option, and Partake Brewing's Blonde Ale for those who enjoy a lighter, crisper beer.

For the Wine Lover

Elegance, ritual, celebration

This has been the toughest category to crack, but 2025 is the year NA wine truly shines. The secret? Bubbles. Sparkling NA wines often have a better texture and mouthfeel, closely mimicking their alcoholic counterparts.

Top Pick
Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay

Produced by a B Corp, this dealcoholized Chardonnay is crisp, dry, and elegant, with notes of green apple and ripe pear. Perfect for celebratory toasts where everyone can join in.

Also Great:

Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand for that classic grassy, citrusy profile, and Sovi's Red Blend for a surprisingly robust and realistic red wine experience.

For the Cocktail Connoisseur

Craft, complexity, mixology

Building a great mocktail starts with a great base. These zero-proof spirits are crafted to mimic the aroma, mouthfeel, and complexity of their alcoholic cousins, giving your cocktails the backbone they need.

🥃
For an Old Fashioned:

Ritual Zero Proof Whiskey Alternative. Notes of oak, smoke, and vanilla that stand up to bitters and sweetness.

For a Margarita:

Almave Blanco. Co-founded by Lewis Hamilton, this blue agave spirit is bright, peppery, and crisp.

For a Gin & Tonic:

Monday Gin. Bold with juniper and botanicals, creating a classic G&T that tastes like the real deal.

"I Want Something New & Exciting": Exploring the Frontiers

These drinks aren't trying to be anything else. They are complex, delicious, and category-defining in their own right.

The Aperitivo Hour, Reimagined

The tradition of a pre-dinner drink to whet the appetite is alive and well. These sophisticated sips are bitter, herbal, and deeply satisfying.

Top Pick

Ghia

Inspired by Mediterranean aperitivo culture, Ghia is a complex blend of botanicals, citrus, and herbs. It's fiercely bitter, unapologetically adult, and amazing on the rocks with a twist of orange.

Also Great:

De Soi's Haute Margarita, a ready-to-drink spritz with a welcome jalapeño kick, and the St. Agrestis Phony Negroni, a shockingly convincing take on the classic cocktail in a can.

Hybrid Experiences

The most innovative brands are blurring the lines between categories, creating entirely new flavor profiles. Look for tea-wine hybrids, coffee-based spirits, and complex fermented beverages that defy easy classification.

QUICK REFERENCE

The 2025 NA Cheat Sheet

In a hurry? Here are our must-try, best-in-class non-alcoholic drinks for 2025.

Product & BrandCategoryFlavor ProfilePerfect For
Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA
BeerJuicy, tropical hops, citrus, smooth finishThe IPA lover who doesn't want to compromise on flavor.
Ghia Aperitif
AperitifBitter herbs, yuzu, ginger, complex and savorySipping on the rocks before dinner to whet your appetite.
Noughty Sparkling Chardonnay
WineCrisp green apple, ripe pear, dry finishCelebratory toasts where everyone can join in.
Ritual Zero Proof Tequila Alternative
SpiritGrassy agave, tropical fruit, smoky finishCrafting a perfect, buzz-free Margarita or Paloma.
Sentia Red
FunctionalSpiced berries, earthy botanicals, warmingWinding down on the couch for that 'glass of red' feeling.
St. Agrestis Phony Mezcal Negroni
CocktailSmoky, bitter orange, herbal complexityAn instant, sophisticated cocktail experience without the work.

Availability Note: Availability may vary. We recommend checking online retailers like The Zero Proof or asking your local specialty beverage store.

The Functional Frontier: The Best Drinks That Give You a "Buzz Without the Booze"

Welcome to the most exciting space in the beverage world. Functional drinks are designed not just to replace alcohol, but to offer a new kind of experience. Using ingredients like adaptogens, nootropics, and botanicals, these drinks can help you relax, socialize, or focus—no hangover required.

A Little Science, Made Simple

What are Adaptogens & Nootropics?

Think of them as nature's stress managers and focus friends. Ingredients like Ashwagandha, L-theanine, and Lion's Mane have been used for centuries to help the body manage stress and support cognitive function.

Meet GABA

Some of these drinks, like Sentia, contain ingredients that work with your brain's GABA system. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps calm your nervous system.

Similar to Alcohol

Alcohol targets these same receptors, which is why a glass of wine can feel relaxing. These drinks aim to create a similar sense of calm, without the negative effects of alcohol.

Curated Functional "Best Of" List

For Chilling Out (The Couch Cuddle)

When you want to melt away the day's stress and sink into the sofa.

Top Pick
Aplos Ease

After a small glass of this, you can feel your shoulders get heavy and the urge to doom-scroll just... disappears. It's a gentle, calming effect that's perfect for unwinding.

Also Great:

Three Spirit Nightcap for its woody, warming profile, and Dromme Calm for its ginger bite that helps you feel a little less wired at bedtime.

For Socializing (The Party Starter)

When you want a little lift, a boost of confidence, or just a happy, ready-to-dance feeling.

Top Pick
Kin Euphorics

With its "mood-boosting" ingredients, Kin is designed to give you a joyful, open-hearted feeling. It's the perfect pre-party drink to get you in a social mood.

Also Great:

BonBuz, which provides a tingly, enlightening "social awakening," and Three Spirit Livener, a fiery, fruity elixir that gets you energized.

The Rise of Cannabis Beverages

It's also worth noting the growing interest in THC and CBD-infused drinks like BRĒZ. These offer a different kind of buzz entirely and are becoming more popular where legally available. They are designed for relaxation and a mild euphoric effect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Everything you need to know about non-alcoholic drinks

What does it mean to be sober curious?

Being sober curious means questioning your relationship with alcohol and exploring what life might look like with less (or no) drinking. It's about making intentional choices rather than defaulting to habit, often motivated by wellness, mental health, or simply wanting to feel better.

Do non-alcoholic drinks have any alcohol?

Most non-alcoholic drinks contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is considered negligible. For context, this is less alcohol than what's naturally found in many fruit juices and kombucha. Some products are completely alcohol-free (0.0% ABV).

What are the health benefits of cutting out alcohol?

Reducing or eliminating alcohol can lead to better sleep quality, improved mental clarity, enhanced physical performance, better skin, weight management, and reduced anxiety. Many people also report feeling more present and energetic in their daily lives.

Are functional beverages safe?

Most functional beverages use ingredients that have been used safely for centuries. However, as with any supplement, it's important to read labels and consult with a healthcare professional if you have specific health concerns or are taking medications.

Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare professional before using any product.

Curious how much you really drink?

Use our standard drink calculator and get insights you can act on today.