The NA beverage space is growing rapidly, and so is the lingo
around it. 

Let's get on the same page about our terms and definitions since some words may be unfamiliar. We certainly hadn’t heard of “nootropics” anywhere else before exploring non-alcoholic drinks. Speaking of, what exactly is a non-alcoholic drink vs. say,
an alcohol-free drink? 

As with anything new to the world, there will be many questions to ask and answers to discover! So let this be the foundational post where we lay out how SobrBox talks about this delicious new world.

What is Non-Alcoholic and what is Alcohol-Free?

A drink labeled non-alcoholic contains an amount of alcohol that is less than half of one percent by volume (<0.5% ABV). 

Alcohol-free, on the other hand, means there is no alcohol in the drink at all. This is important to know in case you are allergic to alcohol, or are trying to avoid it entirely as you pursue sobriety.

In general, SobrBox focuses on non-alcoholic beverages over totally alcohol-free beverages. 

Non-Alcoholic Beer and Wine

NA beer and wine is commonly found in grocery and liquor stores and will feel most familiar. These drinks mimic traditional beer styles like lagers, ales, and IPAs as well as popular wines like pinot grigio and merlot.

In our opinion, many N/A brewers have figured out recipes and techniques that yield a beverage very close in flavor and experience (refreshment, mouth-feel, temperature retention) to alcoholic beer. The N/A vineyards however, have more to do to refine their product; some N/A wines are fantastic while others fall flat.

Spiritless Spirits and Cocktail Bases

Spiritless spirits are the base liquid for mixing mocktails at home or when ordering at a bar. Expect to see low-ABV versions of whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, brandy, and tequila in this category. They are typically distilled just like their alcoholic counterparts, but diverge by decreasing, rather than increasing, ethanol levels from distillation. A “spiritless” spirit then, has all of the flavor imparted during distillation but without the alcohol.

This is a category to watch, the race is on to invent the closest-tasting N/A spirits and it has only just begun. SobrBox will review and recommend drinks in this category but rarely ship them because they are typically sold in larger-format glass bottles.

Ready-to-Drink Mocktails

When you hear “Mocktails” you might do an eye-roll, snapping back to memories ordering Shirley Temples or virgin strawberry daiquiris. Similarly to NA beer, Mocktails have come a long way in recent years. You'll find inventive, original creations at many bars and cocktail lounges these days, but there’s also dozens of new pre-made, ready-to-drink mocktail cans for when you're at home or at a BBQ. Canned mocktails are meant to be enjoyed straight away from the fridge or cooler, no further preparation or ingredients necessary. These drinks are convenient, good for social settings, and are often inspired by classic cocktail recipes and flavors. SobrBox will include one or two mocktails in every box!

Functional Social Tonics 

Social tonics are a newer class of non-alcoholic beverage focusing on how they make you feel. They use ingredients that produce physical effects ranging from relaxation and social ease, to heightened focus. These drinks can be a good alternative for the social role that alcohol plays, they are usually interesting flavor combinations and if nothing else, are a good conversation starter. We would not recommend mixing these drinks with additional ingredients other than a garnish since they are complete beverages, not a “base” for mocktails.

Adaptogenic and Nootropic Drinks

These beverages lean into plant-based ingredients like herbs and mushrooms, natural ingredients that have been around for ages but are just now making their way into mainstream recipes. These drinks offer physical effects as well, but differ from social tonics in that they're likely to make you snuggle up on the couch rather than be the life of the party. These beverages can also make you feel more balanced and clear-headed, and support stress-relief. 

Botanical Elixirs and Herbal Tonics

These drinks are similar to digestifs that you would have after a meal. Drawing from traditional herbal practices, they have complex flavors ranging from bitter to floral and are meant to be enjoyed as slow sippers. This category includes both ready-to-drink canned beverages as well as larger format base ingredients in glass bottles. SobrBox will ship these on occasion when we find ones we love!

Wellness and Gut-Health Drinks

These kinds of drinks may be more familiar, they’ve been in health-minded circles for years now. Expect beverages that prioritize digestion and overall well being like kombucha, kefir, and probiotic sodas in this category. SobrBox will rarely carry these types of drinks but that may change as different products enter the market. 

Elevated Sodas, Adult Soft Drinks, and Seltzers

Finally, we have the category that we think of as “fancy pop.” From Olipop to Spindrift, these drinks are popping up in grocery stores and pharmacies across the country, sometimes sold as individual cans rather than in a pack. Because they are relatively cheaper and easier to find, Sobrbox will not carry drinks in this category - but do give them a try when you can!

Bottoms Up

It’s clear that modern N/A beverages are a vast and varied landscape compared to a few years ago. Some categories are further along in the development of flavors and techniques, and the finished products really showcase that innovation. Other categories have more work to do to mimic their alcoholic counterparts and produce a consistently pleasant beverage.

Of course, within each category there will be some drinks that are fantastic and others that are so-so or even outright bad. And of course, all of our personal opinions on this-or-that drink are to our own personal tastes and preferences. But at least now we have some common terms to work from as we explore the N/A world together, one mindful sip at a time. 

Cheers!

– Eric