For years, society has revolved around alcohol consumption for socializing. It’s so ingrained in our culture and society that we feel we need it for social functions and interactions, despite the damaging effects it can have on our health. Fortunately, the rise of alcohol alternatives has sparked a new conversation about wellness and enjoyment and may help us feel the same euphoric effects without the damage.
Why I started searching for alternatives?
Growing up in a place where alcohol was socially accepted, I started drinking in 7th/8th grade. I’d go to lots of parties where we’d binge drink and black out and then get ready to do it all again the following week, and this trend continued for me into my early twenties as I chose the number 1 party school in the US for college. These drinking habits ultimately developed as a byproduct of me wanting to fit in and ‘be cool’ but I didn’t realize the problems it was causing to my health and life until I cut it out and searched for alternatives.
After a mold infection at 21, I knew I had to prioritize my health and cut out alcohol completely. This proved harder than I first thought. My whole social identity had been built around drinking and I began to feel very lonely. I remember thinking I had two options: Cut it out completely and keep feeling alone or find alternatives I can drink with others socially, but help me feel good.
My Alcohol Alternative Journey:
After countless searches in the market, here are the alcohol alternative drinks I’ve tried and my honest thoughts and reviews.
Three Spirits - Liquor Alternative
The first alcohol alternative I tried was Three Spirit, a liquor alternative made from herbs. I opted for the ‘pre and post party sampler’ which contained a nightcap and liverner. The nightcap had a nice spice to it, similar to an apple cider and provided a nice light buzz. It’s unique blend of flavors are enjoyable and relaxing but not ideal - 2/5 ⭐
To buy and try 3 Spirit yourself, click the link here and use code 'KYLEGOTCAMERA' for a discount.
Tennyson - Whiskey Alternative
Tennyson has some BOLD flavors that my friends and I would describe as ‘tomato-like’ and ‘a powerful ginger taste’. I definitely think Tennyson is an acquired taste but I will note it does provide the light buzz of a traditional alcoholic drink and could easily be used as a social lubricant. 3.5/5 ⭐
To buy and try Tennyson yourself, click the link here and use code 'WELLNESSDADDY' for 10% off.
Hiyo - Seltzer Alternative
Next was Hiyo, an alcohol alternative that offers a refreshing and fruity experience similar to seltzer. It provides a light and euphoric feeling, tastes great and doesn’t have the depressant effect that alcohol typically does. I’d definitely drink these over popular seltzers on today’s markets like Whiteclaws and Truly's. 4/5 ⭐
To buy and try Hiyo yourself, click the link here.
Kin Euphorics - Cocktail Alternative
Kin Euphorics is a prominent player in the alcohol alternative space. The drinks were what I’d describe as a mix of ‘Kambuncha and Kava’ and had a light and fruity feel. It had a giddy and euphoric effect later into the night but also gave me a slight headache, which left me with mixed feelings overall. 3/5 ⭐
**I particularly liked and would recommend the green canned 'Kin Bloom' flavor which I'd give a solid 4/5, the orange canned 'Kin Spritz' was nice but not my favorite 3/5 and I wasn't a big fan of the blue canned 'Lightwave' - 2.5/5.
To buy and try Kin Euphorics yourself, click the link here.
Tru Kava - The Island Secret
My last alcohol alternative is a revolutionary drink called Tru Kava. The drink is based upon a strange root from the south pacific islands called ‘Kava’, also known scientifically as Piper methysticum. Traditional Kava drinks have been consumed for thousands of years in social and ceremonial gatherings, and have a host of strong benefits such as mood enhancement, relaxation and mentality clarity, all without impairing cognitive function.
The cost of all these benefits however is that traditional Kava tastes like mud water. This was until Tru Kava’s CEO Cameron George found a way to source the highest quality Kava, add in flavoring and stabilize it to produce the perfect alcohol alternative. Tru Kava’s tropical flavors were described as ‘a capri sun’ or ‘cream soda’ by my friends and left me feeling great the next day. 4/5 ⭐
To buy and try Tru Kava yourself, click the link here and use code 'Kava15' for 15% off.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the search for a healthier alternative to alcohol is ongoing, with various beverages offering unique experiences and benefits. Whether you're seeking relaxation, socialization, or simply a safer way to enjoy a night out, alcohol alternatives may be the solution you're looking for. I truly believe that with any of these alcohol alternatives, you can still go out and have a great time, without feeling like the odd one out. Cheers to health and wellness!
For the complete video detailing my alcohol alternative experiences and reviews, watch the video here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Do alcohol alternatives provide the same euphoria as traditional alcohol?
Alcohol alternatives aim to provide a similar sense of relaxation and mood enhancement as traditional alcohol but without the same level of intoxication. While they may offer a buzz-like feeling, it's typically described as more subtle and without the impairment associated with alcohol. Overall, they tend to offer a pleasant sensation, but a different and less intense experience compared to traditional alcohol.
Are alcohol alternatives safer than traditional alcohol?
Yes, alcohol alternatives generally offer a safer option compared to traditional alcohol. They often lack the negative side effects associated with alcohol consumption, such as hangovers, impaired judgment, and addiction. However, it's essential to use them responsibly and in moderation, as they may still have their own set of effects and potential risks.
Can alcohol alternatives help in social situations?
Absolutely! Many alcohol alternatives are designed to enhance social interactions by providing a similar sense of relaxation and mood enhancement without the negative effects of alcohol, making them ideal for gatherings.
Are there any health concerns associated with alcohol alternatives?
While most alcohol alternatives are safe for consumption, individuals with certain medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before trying them. Additionally, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to certain ingredients in these alternatives and excessive consumption of certain alcohol alternatives could lead to digestive issues or other adverse reactions.
Where can I find these alcohol alternatives?
Alcohol alternatives like Hiyo, Three Spirits, Kin Euphorics, and others can often be found in specialty beverage stores, health food stores, or online retailers. Many companies offer their products for purchase directly through their websites, making it convenient to explore different options and find the ones that suit your preferences, while they can also be found in select bars and restaurants.
