1. CBD Drinks
The rise of CBD products in the UK has not gone unnoticed. You’ll find CBD oil, capsules and even CBD-infused drinks in stores. If you’ve somehow missed the new trend, CBD is the non–psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant. Adding it to your daily routine can be a great way to find moments of calm among a busy lifestyle.
Despite the initial buzz we get from drinking alcohol, its depressant qualities mean we often feel worse the next day. But swap your alcohol for CBD and you’ll experience the opposite effect, able to unwind without a hangover the next day.
We have a range of CBD drinks in three flavour combinations to replace alcohol in your cocktails. Combined with fruit, juices, and ice, you can make a delicious alcohol-free beverage.
2. Kombucha
Missing the fizziness of beer? Kombucha is your new best friend. It’s a fermented drink made of tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast, with antioxidants and antibacterial properties. Kombucha is a probiotic, giving your gut the healthy bacteria it needs. It may also help to manage type two diabetes, reduce the risk of heart disease and have extra benefits when made correctly.
Overall, kombucha is a healthy alternative to alcohol. There are many kombucha varieties in supermarkets and health stores. These can replicate the tangy, refreshing taste of cocktails. You can even pretend you're sipping beer as kombucha often comes in a glass bottle.
3. Kanna
Kanna is a perfect alcohol replacement. It's known for creating a feeling of lightness similar to having a massage or deep meditation session. But what is Kanna? It’s a native plant of South Africa, used for centuries to relieve tension, boost mood, and foster a sense of tranquillity. It can even be an alcohol alternative for anxiety. Studies say it “enhances a sense of well-being and properties for anxiety, depression, and stressed individuals.”
Kanna is commonly brought in powder form so that it can be brewed into tea. You can find Kanna tea bags in most health stores. Some people add honey to sweeten the earthy taste. Switch your glass of wine for a relaxing drink to unwind in a healthier way.
4. Matcha Tea
Matcha can be found in coffee shops and cafes everywhere nowadays. Matcha is a type of green tea, made from the plant Camellia sinensis. But it's grown slightly differently from regular green tea. It’s exposed to more sunlight, which means it has a higher chlorophyll and amino acid content.
Matcha is high in antioxidants, can protect the health of your liver and boost brain function. It may also play a role in your heart health, reducing the risk of developing heart disease, which is fatal. Green tea is known for enhancing weight loss as it speeds up your metabolism. This then increases your energy expenditure and leads to fat burn.
Instead of a whiskey on the rocks, brew a lovely cup of matcha tea. It’s straightforward to prepare. Add one to two teaspoons of matcha powder to a mug and fill the cup with boiling hot water. You can adjust ratios according to your tastes, just like you would with other teas.
What can I drink to relax instead of alcohol?
While alcohol can mimic feelings of relaxation, it’s a temporary solution. Switch to tea for an alcohol free way to relax. Whether that's a milky English breakfast brew or a peppermint option, tea is soothing. Not only can tea help you unwind, but it’s also a cosy beverage.
Tea is likely to be the most relaxing alcohol alternative. But if you don't like it, flavoured sparkling water is another good choice. Bubbly and fizzy, it can feel just like a sip of alcohol! You can add extra flavourings to this too, such as berries, citrus fruits, and herbs. Soft drinks are another option, but best to be avoided at night if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Why do I feel like I need alcohol to relax?
Alcohol has various effects on our nervous system. It’s a depressant that causes a slowed heart rate and breathing. This creates a relaxed feeling that people associate with their first alcoholic drink of the evening. Excessive consumption of alcohol causes an influx of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which causes you to feel calm and relaxed too.
Summary
Hopefully these healthy alternatives to alcohol have sparked some inspiration for you. With kombucha and CBD drinks, you can experiment with different flavour combinations, so whatever your tastes there’s something for everyone! If you want to explore more CBD products, our CBD bundles are a great starting point for your alcohol-free journey.
