5 Types of Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Try, From Water to THC-Infused Drinks

I can’t believe how much the non-alcoholic beverage industry has blown up in the last five-ish years! There are so many different types of non-alcoholic beverages available on the market now, and it’s so much easier to find a variety of options when out and about. 

Gone are the days of limited non-alc options like Coca-Cola, soda water, ginger ale, and nasty O’Doul’s beer. Today’s non-alcoholic beverage options are more diverse than ever, and the variety has allowed so many more folks to turn to the sober-curious or full sobriety lifestyle.  

Below, I’m sharing a roundup of the different types of non-alcoholic beverages (these are some of the best non-alcoholic drinks) that you should know about—so you can order confidently when sitting at the bar or ordering a mocktail at a restaurant. 

5 Types of Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The alcohol free space has grown so much, and I don’t think it’s going to slow down any time soon. The sober curious movement continues to gain traction, and there has been a big increase in alcohol-free alternatives on the market, too. Plus, we’ve also been seeing a rise of functional beverages and a consumer interest in low-sugar options recently, making the category expand even wider. 

Being able to understand the different categories, labeling laws, and nutritional content will help you make more informed choices when trying to figure out which types of non-alcoholic beverages are the best fit for you. 

What Is A Non-Alcoholic Beverage?

Non-alcoholic beverages are, you guessed it, drinks that don’t contain alcohol. Well, I guess that’s not entirely true. There are some non-alcoholic beverages that do contain less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume in regulated markets. These are typically non-alcoholic beers or wines that have had the alcohol removed (sometimes called de-alcoholized). So, some beverages that are labeled non-alcoholic may legally contain trace amounts under 0.5 percent ABV. 

What To Know About Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Sugar content varies widely

The amount of sugar that’s in some of these non-alcoholic drinks can vary widely. Some state that they are “sugar-free,” while others will be loaded with sugar. Personally, it doesn’t bother me to have a drink that’s high in sugar—as long as I’m avoiding alcohol, I like to give myself grace around what I drink to replace booze in my life. 

Some contain caffeine

Some booze free beverages contain varied amounts of caffeine. These can include drinks like Kin Spritz, Three Spirit Livener, and more traditional drinks like cola or coffee.  

Some contain functional additives

A number of non-alcoholic drinks on the market now contain functional additives. These include ingredients like adaptogens (ashwagandha), nootropics (L-theanine), probiotics, amino acids, and botanicals, often used to create a “buzz” without alcohol.

Shelf stable vs refrigerated products

I’ve come across more shelf-stable non-alcoholic beverages than I have ones that need to be refrigerated. The non-alc drinks that need to be refrigerated can include functional drinks, fresh-pressed juices, cold-pressed beverages, live-product drinks (such as refrigerated Kombucha or ginger beer), and refrigerated RTD (Ready-to-Drink) mocktails. 

Trace alcohol labeling laws

This is one of those details that can feel confusing at first, but it’s actually pretty simple. In many places (including the U.S.), drinks labeled “non-alcoholic” can legally contain up to 0.5% ABV due to natural fermentation or the de-alcoholization process. You’ll often see a distinction between “non-alcoholic” (up to 0.5% ABV) and “alcohol-free” (0.0% ABV), which can matter depending on your personal comfort level. While these trace amounts typically don’t have any noticeable effects, it’s worth checking labels if you prefer to avoid alcohol completely.

What Are The Different Types Of Non-Alcoholic Beverages?

Water Based

• Still water – This one is self-explanatory!
• Sparkling water – This pick feels like one of the most important options on this whole entire list. Sparkling water is a huge part of my sobriety journey, and I oftentimes will order a sparkling water with lots of lime juice when out with my family and friends. Sparkling water feels really versatile and is a staple when I’m ordering a non-alcoholic beverage.  
• Mineral water – Wondering what the difference is between sparkling water and mineral water? Me too lol! Basically, mineral water is sourced from underground springs, containing natural minerals like magnesium and calcium, and can be still or carbonated. Sparkling water is just water with carbon dioxide added (or naturally present).
• Flavored water – This is another self-explantory option, but it’s just water with either natural or artificial flavoring added into it. 

Carbonated

• Soda – One of my favorite types of non-alcoholic beverages! I used to drink an XL Coca-Cola every morning in high school. I am now much older and much wiser, and I only drink soda on occasion. However, Coke is definitely my pop of choice if I’m out with my friends and want to get a little sugar high. Soda is a great non-alcoholic beverage that’s still tasty and enjoyable without the booze.  
• Tonic water – Unlike sparkling water and mineral water, tonic water is a sweetened, carbonated soft drink containing bitter quinine, and is often used as an alcoholic cocktail mixer. 
• Club soda – Club soda is another type of bubbly water—it’s carbonated water with added minerals (like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate) for a slightly salty, consistent taste, often used in cocktails.
• Root beer – Root beer reminds me so much of my childhood. It’s hella sugary, but it’s a nice treat to have every once in a while. And you know what? I’d rather consume a lot of sugar than get wasted and be hungover as hell the next day. 

Juice Based

• Fruit juice – This is a common pick that can easily be mixed with sparkling water or another drink to make a nice mocktail.
• Vegetable juice – This one kinda grosses me out. I’m not a huge vegetable juice person, unless it’s like a health juice that’s mixed in with other fruit juices. 
• Juice blends – See above—I prefer a blended juice with fruits and veggies. 
• Smoothies – Love a good smoothie! I make these at home all the time.

Brewed

• Coffee – I feel like a lot of sober people live off coffee once they quit drinking. And I don’t blame them! Sometimes, you gotta swap one addiction for another, and coffee is a safer bet than alcohol. 
• Tea – I used to drink tea 24/7. When I got back into drinking coffee a few years ago, I stopped drinking as much tea. Some mornings I like to pour myself a cuppa Irish Breakfast tea with a dash of milk. 
• Herbal tea – These are teas without caffeine. 
• Iced tea – I love iced tea, especially in the summer. I like that it’s lighter than an iced coffee, but still gives you a bit of a caffeine rush. 

Dairy and Alternatives

• Milk – My husband loves to pour himself a glass of milk after a long day at work lol. I’m not a huge glass of milk fan—I prefer to add it to my coffee, tea, or cereal. 
• Plant based milk – Once upon a time, I was convinced that dairy was causing all of my hormonal acne, so I stopped consuming it. I would opt for plant-based milks (mostly almond and oat milks) all the time. I rarely drink plant-based milks these days. 
• Drinkable yogurt – Sorry, but this one grosses me out! I can’t drink my yogurt. But I guess some people are into it!?

Functional

• Energy drinks – I feel like this is another drink that sober people have swapped out when quitting alcohol. And I get it–you wanna feel that high that you felt when you were drinking. I’m already an anxious person, so consuming energy drinks has always freaked me out a bit. But I guess don’t knock ’em till you try em! 
• Sports drinks – Full of electrolytes (and usually a lot of sugar, too). 
• Electrolyte beverages – I drink water with powdered electrolytes all the time. Just add sparkling water and you can easily make this into a little mocktail moment. 
• Kombucha under 0.5 percent ABV – I feel like the Kombucha phase came in hard a few years ago and has since faded a bit. I still like to drink it every once in a while. I do find it expensive though. 
• Non alcoholic beer – This is my bread and butter. I drink non-alcoholic beer all the time, and I credit it to keeping me sober. Especially all the picks from Athletic Brewing Co. 
• Mocktails – If you were someone who used to imbibe in cocktails a lot before you got sober, you definitely need to get on the mocktail train. There are so many to make and order, and some mocktail mixes really do kinda taste like cocktails in the best kind of way. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Does drinking non alcoholic beer break sobriety?

This is such a personal question, and honestly, the answer is going to be different for everyone. For me, drinking non-alcoholic beer has been a huge part of keeping me sober, but if you’re in a program like AA, it’s worth talking to your sponsor or support network about what feels right for you.

Do non alcoholic drinks have alcohol?

Some of them do—drinks labeled “non-alcoholic” can legally contain up to 0.5% ABV due to natural fermentation or de-alcoholization processes. If you want to avoid alcohol entirely, look for drinks specifically labeled “alcohol-free,” which means 0.0% ABV.

Are non alcoholic drinks safe during pregnancy?

This is a question best answered by your OB or midwife, since every pregnancy is different. Generally speaking, most standard non-alcoholic beverages are considered safe, but drinks with trace alcohol, high caffeine, or certain herbal additives are worth discussing with your doctor first.

Can non alcoholic drinks make you drunk?

In theory, no—the trace amounts of alcohol in most non-alcoholic beverages are so minimal that you’d have to consume an unrealistic quantity to feel any effect. That said, THC-infused beverages are a different story and can absolutely give you a noticeable buzz, depending on the dose.

Are non alcoholic drinks safe?

For the vast majority of people, yes, non-alcoholic beverages are generally very safe to consume. Just be mindful of sugar content, caffeine levels, and any functional additives—like adaptogens or cannabinoids, which may affect people differently.

Are non alcoholic drinks healthy?

It really depends on the drink. Sparkling water, herbal teas, and electrolyte beverages are great options, while some non-alcoholic drinks can be loaded with sugar or artificial ingredients. As with anything, it’s all about reading the label and making choices that work for your body and your goals.

Can non alcoholic drinks affect your liver?

Most standard non-alcoholic beverages won’t have any negative impact on your liver, which is one of the biggest perks of ditching alcohol. However, some highly caffeinated or heavily sweetened drinks consumed in excess could have other health implications, so moderation is always a good idea.

Why are non alcoholic drinks age restricted?

Some non-alcoholic drinks (particularly non-alcoholic beers and wines) are age-restricted because they can contain trace amounts of alcohol and are often marketed similarly to their alcoholic counterparts. Retailers and manufacturers put age restrictions in place to err on the side of caution and comply with local regulations.

Can you drink non alcoholic drinks while driving?

In most places, yes, since non-alcoholic beverages don’t impair your ability to drive, they’re generally legal to consume behind the wheel. That said, laws vary by location and some jurisdictions may have rules around open containers even for non-alcoholic drinks, so it’s worth knowing the laws in your area.

Do non alcoholic drinks dehydrate you?

Most non-alcoholic beverages (especially water, sparkling water, and electrolyte drinks) will actually hydrate you rather than dehydrate you. Highly caffeinated drinks like energy drinks or cold brew can have a mild diuretic effect, so balance those out with plenty of water throughout the day.

Heading out with friends and don’t know what to order? Here are some non alcoholic drinks to order at a bar.