It’s no secret that parenting can be tough. Drinking a glass of wine to relax at the end of a long day has been a celebrated ritual for decades. So why have so many people started to unwind with non-alcoholic wine alternatives instead?
Who doesn’t love a nice glass of wine after a busy day? From driving to endless sports practices and juggling laundry to managing the family calendar, having something to help decompress after the kids are in bed is almost as necessary as that family calendar itself.
But let’s face it, dealing with stains from that bottle of red wine, bloating, or—worst of all—a headache in the morning is not ideal. So, in the spirit of helping you relax without those unpleasant side effects, we’ve put together a list of refreshing non-alcoholic alternatives that might be just what you need.
Tips to Easily Switch to a Non-Alcoholic Wine Alternative
Before we give you the list of our 8 favorite non-alcoholic wine alternatives, we want to share some tips that will help you make the transition from booze to NA brews easier.
- Pour Your Drink Into a Wine Glass: Pour your NA wine alternative into your favorite long-stem wine glass. This simple step can make a simple beverage feel more sophisticated. It’ll contribute to a relaxing bedtime ritual that’s both enjoyable and effective.
- Prep Your Alternatives in Advance: If you’re used to quickly opening a bottle of wine at the end of the day, you might feel frustrated if your chosen alternative requires more time to prepare. Pre-brew your herbal teas or pre-mix a few mocktails and keep them in the fridge so they’re ready to pour when you want them in the evening. You can prep larger batches and separate them into single-serving jars that will last for a few days.
- Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day: Sometimes what feels like a craving for alcohol might just be thirst. Try to drink water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated. By evening, you may find you’re more interested in lighter, non-alcoholic options.
- Combine Your Wine Alternative with a Soothing Activity: If you typically reach for wine when you’re feeling stressed, you may find it harder to swap to something that isn’t alcohol. Try pairing your new drink with a calming activity like reading, stretching, or listening to relaxing music. This way, you’re creating a new relaxation routine that helps reduce stress while enjoying your wine alternative. It can be difficult to carve out time (and patience) to do some of these activities, but they have benefits that can last far beyond the time you spend sipping.
Now you’re all set to grab your favorite wine glass and pick one (or a few) non-alcoholic wine alternatives to try.
1. Kombucha
Though it’s an acquired taste, kombucha’s fizzy, slightly sour notes can be a great stand-in for your evening bubbly. This fermented tea drink has been praised for its potential health benefits, as it is rich in B vitamins and probiotics.
With a calorie count usually between 30-90 per bottle, it’s a low-calorie option that still feels indulgent. Keep in mind that kombucha does contain a small amount of alcohol due to fermentation, so it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider if you’re sensitive to alcohol or pregnant.
2. Sleepy Girl Mocktail
After a hectic day, winding down and transitioning to sleep can be a challenge. Enter “the Sleepy Girl Mocktail”. This drink recently rose to popularity on social media, so you might have seen it mentioned on your “for you page” on TikTok or Instagram. The star of this easy mocktail is tart cherry juice, known for its melatonin and tryptophan content, which are natural sleep aids.
Since tart cherry juice can be quite sour, recipes typically include a touch of your favorite sweetener and some club soda for fizz. Some sleepy girl mocktail fans also add soothing ingredients such as magnesium powder or chamomile tea.
Here’s a popular sleepy girl mocktail recipe to try.
3. Non-Alcoholic Wine and Cocktails
If you’re after the taste of wine without the alcohol, plenty of options are available. The non-alcoholic wine and bottled mocktail markets have come a long way. They offer sophisticated flavors and will satisfy your cravings without the buzz.
They’re perfect for those who appreciate the nuances of a good drink but want to skip the alcohol content. There are plenty of pre-pre-bottled options to take out some of the extra work, but there are also plenty of fun recipes out there!
4. Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are a classic choice for unwinding. Varieties like chamomile, peppermint, or lavender can offer calming effects and help you relax before bed. Brew a pot of your favorite blend, add a bit of your favorite sweetener, if that’s your cup of tea, and enjoy a soothing, caffeine-free beverage that’ll help ease you into a peaceful evening.
Decaf iced tea also makes a great base for a mocktail. You can brew your tea earlier in the day, then stick it in the fridge to chill.
5. Kratom Tea
If you’re seeking not just a drink but a way to unwind and achieve that relaxed feeling like a glass of wine, kratom tea is worth exploring. Kratom, which comes from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree, can be brewed into a tea that some find helpful for relaxation or stress relief.
Kratom is not regulated in every state, so if you decide to give kratom tea a try, make sure to source it from reputable vendors who have done the work to make sure that their products are safe to fill your mug with. Things to look out for in searching for a safe vendor would be thorough lab testing and transparency in what’s going into their products. This takes the worry out of the equation, leaving the enjoyment.
If you have a little extra time on your hands, try this non-alcoholic sangria recipe. It’s a fun way to incorporate a non-alcoholic wine alternative into a drink for a gathering or holiday party.
6. Coconut Water with a Twist
Coconut water is naturally hydrating—comparable to some of your favorite sports drinks—and has a subtle sweetness that can be quite refreshing. It’s a great way to stay hydrated without any added sugars or artificial ingredients.
For an added twist, try infusing it with a splash of fruit juice like pineapple or lime. For a fun mocktail, try mixing it with pineapple juice and topping it with a maraschino cherry for a tropical twist.
7. Infused Water
If you’re looking for a simple and customizable option, making your own infused water is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to prepare and allows you to experiment with flavors that suit your taste. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with Fresh Ingredients: Choose slices of your favorite fruits, herbs like mint or basil, or a splash of citrus. Popular combinations include cucumber and mint, lemon and lime, or strawberry and basil.
- Prepare Your Infusion: Fill a pitcher with cold water. Add your chosen fruits, herbs, or citrus slices. For a more intense flavor, gently muddle the ingredients before adding them to the water.
- Let It Infuse: Allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. For the best flavor, let it infuse overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will become.
- Keep It Fresh: You can keep the infused water in the fridge for up to a week. For best results, strain out the solids to keep the water tasting fresh.
Infused water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated while adding a bit of natural flavor without any caffeine or alcohol. Plus, you can get creative with your flavor combinations to keep things interesting.
8. Sparkling Apple Cider
For a bit of a festive feel, sparkling apple cider can be a delightful treat. It offers the bubbly sensation of champagne without the alcohol, and its sweet, crisp flavor can be a perfect end to your day. As a bonus, it’s often available in various blends and flavors, so you can find one that suits your taste.
Avoid Combining Alcohol with Certain Non-Alcoholic Wine Alternatives
If you have multiple glasses of wine in a night, you can consider swapping out one or two glasses at a time instead of all of them at once. You can drink your first glass of wine as you normally do, and then have an NA wine alternative in place of the next.
This can help you ease into a new routine, but you should be cautious and do your research. Some non-alcoholic wine alternatives, such as kratom or kava, aren’t recommended to be consumed alongside wine. Small amounts of each drunk a few hours apart likely wouldn’t be an issue for most people, but it’s still important to be conscious of potential interactions.
No Booze, No Problem!
There are plenty of ways to enjoy a relaxing drink at the end of a busy day without the need for alcohol. Whether you prefer the fizzy tang of kombucha, the soothing qualities of herbal tea, or the refreshing taste of infused water, there’s an option here to suit your taste and help you unwind. So, next time you’re ready to kick back and relax, consider trying one of these non-alcoholic alternatives.
Cheers to a well-deserved moment of peace!
