Alcohol alternatives that give you a buzz
We may earn a commission from links on this page.
If you want an alcohol-free drink you can actually feel, the realistic options are three plants: kava, kratom and kanna. Non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits give you the ritual but not the feeling, and most "functional" sodas are subtle at best.
| Option | Will you feel it? | How people describe it |
|---|---|---|
| Kava | Yes | Relaxed, loose-shouldered, clear-headed |
| Kratom | Yes | Bright, upbeat or calm, depending on the color |
| Kanna | Yes, lighter | Social, chatty, a lifted mood |
| Adaptogen and "functional" sodas | Subtle | Varies by brand |
| NA beer, wine and spirits | No | Tastes like the real thing |
1. Kava
A South Pacific root drunk for centuries at evening gatherings. It's the closest match to the "take the edge off" beer. Canned versions like Orange Dream hide most of its earthy taste. Don't mix it with alcohol. What is kava?
2. Kratom
A Southeast Asian leaf sold by color: white for bright, green for upbeat, red for calm. That range makes it the most flexible option on this list. What the colors mean.
3. Kanna
A South African succulent people reach for on social nights: lighter and chattier than kava. It must not be combined with antidepressants. What is kanna?
4. Adaptogen and "functional" sodas
Drinks with ingredients like ashwagandha, L-theanine or mushrooms. Pleasant, but most people feel little or nothing from them.
5. Non-alcoholic beer, wine and spirits
Great if what you miss is the taste and the ritual. There's no buzz, but they're the easiest swap at a bar or party.
What about THC?
Hemp THC drinks are a separate category with their own rules, and federal changes to hemp THC are coming. This list sticks to non-THC options.
Which one should you try?
If you want to unwind, start with kava. If you want options for different times of day, start with kratom. If you want something social, try kanna. The drink finder narrows it down in five questions.
Related: Kava vs. kratom vs. kanna · Kratom vs. alcohol · Botanical Brewing Co. drinks