Top 4 Buzz-Worthy Alternatives for Alcohol when Socializing

If you’ve ever found yourself staring into a glass of rosé after a long day of momming, mentally calculating how bad you’ll feel in the morning... and still pouring it anyway... you are not alone.

For many of us, alcohol has become one of the only ways to quiet the chaos: work, carpool, relationships, endless snacks on the floor. It’s no wonder a glass of wine has become a shorthand for, “I need a break.” But lately, more and more of us are rethinking our relationship with alcohol and starting to drink less. And so the question becomes: What can I drink that feels like a treat, helps me relax, and doesn’t wreck my sleep, skin, or sanity?

Great news: the sober-curious movement has evolved way past warm LaCroix and lime. Here are four of the best alternatives to alcohol that are actually worth your time, money and taste buds.

*Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that this post may include affiliate links which means if you make a purchase using one of my links or codes I may be financially compensated, at no additional cost to you. Affiliates do not impact my reviews and opinions are my own.

Kava: The Natural Chill Pill

If you're looking for that glass-of-wine-but-not-wine vibe, kava might be your new best friend. This root from the South Pacific has been used for centuries to help people feel relaxed, talkative, and just a little floaty—in a good way. I'll be honest that the first few kava powders I tried were immediately dumped down the drain and tasted akin to a muddy bathwater, but I recently found a kava-infused spirit called Kava Haven that I absolutely love. It tastes like a gingery lemon drop and gives me a euphoric feeling with zero regrets or hangovers. Here is a blog post with more information and some of my favorite recipes to use it with.

THC (aka "Weed Light" for Grown Women)

We’re not talking about your college roommate’s questionable brownie here. Today’s THC options are cleaner, more controlled, and come in mom-friendly formats like gummies, low-dose beverages, and even sparkling drinks that feel just as fancy as a cocktail.

Look for microdose or low-dose THC (2.5mg–5mg) if you're new. You’ll get a gentle buzz and can still be present with your loved ones without flying to the moon. For a gummy, I love Cured's Serenity Gummies which have a powerful combination of ashwagandha (helps you relax and improve sleep), CBD, l-theanine (helps reduce anxiety), reishi mushroom extract, and a microdose of THC (about 1.3mg per gummy). I've been taking these on and off for 6+ months and they absolutely help keep me from reaching for a glass of wine in the evenings. I also really love their "Night Cap" capsules if you have trouble sleeping. Use code "Soberish" for 15% off any order here.

For seltzers or something a little stronger, I have tried dozens of brands and Cycling Frog is incredible - the flavors are juicy with none of that weird "hempy" taste (Wild Cherry and Black Currant are my personal favorites), it has a fast onset time (usually 30min for me), and a really fun, giggly buzz. Use "SoberishMom" for an extra stackable discount on top of any sales or offers here.

CBD Tinctures: Calm in a Dropper

If a glass of wine and a weighted blanket had a plant baby, it would be CBD. Now to be clear, it won't get you "high" or "buzzed" at all (that's THC's job), but take it at the right dose and suddenly you're not snapping at your partner, the toys on the floor don't feel like personal attacks, and you can actually form a complete sentence at a social gathering. It will take the edge off and help you feel calm, collected, and still totally in control. Start with a lower dose of full or broad-spectrum CBD (around 25mg) and stay consistent with it to really feel the benefits, almost like a supplement. I take 50mg daily before a social event to help take the edge off and relax, or before bed to help improve my sleep, pain management (this body can't do what it used to), inflammation and anxiety. I recommend USDA Organic Lazarus Tinctures and you can use code "Soberish5" on top of any sale or offer for an extra discount.

Kanna: A Mood-Lifting Secret

You've probably never heard of it, but this South African plant has been used for centuries to elevate mood, ease anxiety, and promote a gentle sense of euphoria. Kanna works by interacting with your serotonin system, helping you feel more sociable, less stressed, and generally more “you” (just without the wine fog). You can find it in capsules, teas, or even tinctures, and the effects are subtle but surprisingly uplifting. It pairs well with socializing, creative activities, or just giving your nervous system a break from, you know, everything. As with anything new, start with a low dose and don’t mix it with alcohol or SSRIs. But for moms looking for a little boost without the buzz, kanna is definitely worth a spot on your radar.

Adaptogens - Real or Bogus?

I have spent hundreds of dollars on every adaptogen drink from De Soi to Curious Elixirs (full reviews here). I'll be brutally honest - most of the products are completely overhyped, expensive and ineffective in the way they are marketed. While adaptogens can work when taken consistently, most drinks have very low doses and the occasional Hiyo seltzer is not going to make you "feel like you're floating," as they claim in marketing campaigns. However, there's nothing wrong with adding in some extra magnesium or holy basil to your mocktails and you may feel slightly relaxed, even if it's just placebo... and that ain't a bad thing. Just keep your expectations low.

Conclusion

Listen- no one’s here to shame your love of a good glass of wine. But if you’re exploring ways to feel good without the hangover, anxiety, or extra Amazon purchases after two glasses of rosé, these alcohol alternatives can totally change the game.

Whether you’re swapping out drinks a few nights a week or just trying to be more intentional, having options that feel adult, fun, and effective makes it way easier to say, “I’ll pass on the wine—but I'll take a kava spritz, thanks.”

Here’s to feeling good tonight and tomorrow morning. You deserve both. 💛