Based on a 2020 study conducted by the JAMA Network Open, they saw an overall increase of 14% in the frequency of alcohol consumption since 2019.
The study analysed a representative sample of 1,540 people aged 30 to 80. The researchers surveyed the drinking habits of the volunteers from April 29 to June 9, 2019, and May 28 to June 16, 2020, and compared the data between the two periods.
Results from the survey show that the volunteers drank alcohol on more days every week in 2020. In addition, there was also an increase in the number of drinks they had. This significant increase in alcohol consumption can be attributed to the coronavirus pandemic. Drinking became one of the people’s coping mechanisms during the pandemic. Recognizing these patterns is the first step to transform your health by adopting healthier coping mechanisms and reducing reliance on substances for stress relief.
Non-Alcoholic Drinker
Consequently, the rise in demand for alcoholic beverages brought about by the pandemic in the past years can also be seen in non-alcoholic drinks. In this evolving landscape of beverage preferences, people are not only exploring alternatives to traditional alcoholic options but also seeking unique experiences and health-conscious choices. For example, kava, a traditional South Pacific drink made from the roots of the kava plant, has gained attention as an intriguing non-alcoholic option. Known for its calming effects due to kavalactones, kava provides a unique alternative for those seeking relaxation without the intoxicating effects of alcohol. So, what is kava, and how does it fit into this shifting paradigm?
Based on statistics in keyword research over the past two years, there’s clear evidence of increased demand for non-alcoholic beverages, shown by the number of people searching for non-alcoholic drinks online, specifically on Amazon. Additionally, more than 40 new non-alcoholic products have been launched this year alone. Non-alcoholic drinks may sound counterintuitive since the primary purpose of alcohol is often associated with intoxication. But times have changed, and more people are now focused on health-conscious alternatives.
Some avoid alcohol for medical reasons, such as during pregnancy, while others do so for religious reasons. For some, it’s about enjoying a night out without the aftereffects, like hangovers. Many are also turning to non-alcoholic alternatives with unique benefits, like kava, which provides relaxation without alcohol’s effects. Kava benefits make it a popular choice for those seeking a calming experience without intoxication.
To reduce alcohol intake, some people alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening, or they mix drinks with non-alcoholic options to dilute their effects. Whatever the reason, non-alcoholic drinks continue to gain popularity, and with rising demand, beverage producers are innovating to meet the needs of a broader audience.
Types of Non-Alcoholic Drinks
With the growing choice of great alcohol-free drinks that can meet your needs, here’s a list that can help you choose the best non-alcoholic beverage that will suit your budget and taste. Let’s take a look at each one below and some examples too.
Non-alcoholic Spirits
If you want a non-alcoholic drink with a simple ingredients list but packs a punch with herbal flavours that sparkle, you may want to try Pentire Adrift.
It contains the following ingredients:
- water
- British sea herb extract blend
- lemon juice from concentrate
- natural flavours
- malic acid
- Cornish sea salt
- potassium sorbate
The Cornish sea salt gives this drink a salty taste that perfectly complements the citrusy notes from the lemon juice. You may choose to drink this with a light tonic or soda over ice so you can enjoy its flavours more.
Or, if you want to try a more tropical vibe, you may try Caleño Dark & Spicy. It’s similar to a bright and punchy piña colada that is perfect if you want to have some fun. You may serve it with ginger ale or soda over ice, and it ideally becomes a thirst-quenching delightful treat.
It contains the following ingredients:
- water
- glycerin
- botanical extracts and distillates (including pineapple, coconut, kola nut, black cardamom)
- natural flavourings
- caramel colour
- citric acid
- malic acid
- sodium citrate
- potassium sorbate
- potassium benzoate
Hemp drinks are also becoming more popular. These beverages are made from hemp, but they don’t have any cannabis-like effects. Instead, these drinks are more similar to an amaro, perfect for nightcaps. If you are looking for a beverage with a deep bitter root beer flavour, the Pathfinder Hemp & Root is your best option.
It contains the following ingredients:
- water
- sugar
- fermented and distilled hemp
- wormwood
- Angelica root
- ginger
- sage
- saffron
- orange peel
- Douglas fir extract
- natural flavours
- glycerol
- citric acid
- caramel colour
- tri-sodium citrate
- lactic acid
Non-alcoholic Aperitifs
These drinks are usually served before meals to stimulate the appetite, and Figlia Fiore is one of the best ones you can drink pre-dinner. It’s a versatile non-alcoholic staple that you can enjoy all year round. It’s sweet but not to the point that it’s not palatable. Like Pentire Adrift, you can also enjoy it over ice when mixing it with tonic.
It contains the following ingredients:
- water
- white grape juice concentrate
- ginger juice
- lemon juice
- rose extract
- rosemary extract
- natural elderflower flavour
- black currant juice concentrate
- chamomile-extract
- ginseng root
- lemon balm extract
- bitter orange rind
- fruit & vegetables extract
Or, if you love coffee and you want to be daring or if you want to impress your guests, you may want to try Woodnose Sacré. It’s crafted with organic maple syrup and fermented in bourbon barrels. Since it’s a fermented drink, it tastes sour with a strong taste of dark roast coffee. However, it’s often served chilled as is and taking a shot of it is an experience worth remembering.
It contains the following ingredients:
- organic Vermont maple syrup
- organic bourbon-barrel-aged fermented maple
- gourmet coffee
- natural essences
Fizzy Spritzers
These drinks are often made with three main ingredients; prosecco, bitter liqueur and sparkling water. It is usually served as aperitifs before a meal, and they are also well-known as fizzy wine cocktails; Eva’s Spritz is one you may want to try with its classic refreshing taste.
It contains the following ingredients:
- filtered water
- rhubarb juice
- white wine grape concentrate
- organic sweet orange peel
- organic bitter orange
- beetroot powder
- gentian root
- organic rhubarb root
- hibiscus
- organic spices
- non-GMO monk fruit
- non-GMO citric acid
- organic hyssop
- angelica root
- organic roasted dandelion root
However, these drinks have as much alcohol as kombucha. So if you can’t consume alcohol for medical and religious reasons, you may want to try other non-alcoholic options.
Feeling Adventurous
If you want to check out a variety of non-alcoholic drinks that a shop can deliver right to your doorstep, you can check out Boisson. Aside from a more comprehensive array of non-alcoholic beverages, they also have pre-mixed cocktails, elixirs, mixers, and home bar supplies such as bitters, glassware, ice moulds, and trays.
Jessi is the creative mind behind The Coffee Mom, a popular blog that combines parenting advice, travel tips, and a love for all things Disney. As a trusted Disney influencer and passionate storyteller, Jessi’s authentic insights and relatable content resonate with readers worldwide.