Over the hangover: The best non-alcoholic drinks for the sober curious

I’ll be honest: like many of you reading this, I’ve fallen victim to the cliché of New Year’s resolutions. You know the drill—those lofty goals we declare at the stroke of midnight, fuelled by self-reflection and maybe one too many flutes of champagne. And, without fail, “drink less” always seems to find its way to the top of my list, right next to “finally start working out” and “stop hitting snooze.”

As I sit here writing this, thinking about that smooth Negroni I could be sipping, I can’t help but reflect on how much harder it gets to ignore the call for sobriety as life barrels forward. Mid-twenties chaos has a funny way of forcing these moments of clarity, doesn’t it? Between the relentless pace of work, the social obligations, and the occasional existential crisis, the thought of dialing down the buzz to find some actual balance feels… revolutionary.

And I’m not alone. Recent studies reveal that 61% of Gen Z and nearly half of Millennials are making a conscious effort to cut back on alcohol. These are generations known for rewriting the rulebook, and this time, they’re choosing clarity over cocktails and wellness over wooziness.

But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to be boring. The “sober curious” movement is flipping the script on what it means to say no to alcohol. It’s less about deprivation and more about exploration. And let me be clear—we don’t have to be boring in this exploration.

Say goodbye to Shirley Temples, lemon-and-lime soda cop-outs, and lackluster grocery store non-alcoholic beers. It’s 2025—there’s a market for everything, and the non-alcoholic scene is booming as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the beverage industry. After tasting some absolute gems on my own sober curious journey, I can see why. These aren’t just substitutes; they’re experiences. Whether you’re cutting back on the sauce or just need a delicious, hangover-free option for the group hang, I’ve got you covered.

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The best non-alcoholic beverages for Dry January and beyond

Nonny Czech Pilsner

This Czech-style pilsner is proof that you can have it all—light, crisp, and just the right touch of bitter, all without the buzz. Featuring Saaz hops and staying under 0.5% alcohol, it’s the perfect pour for when you want the vibe of a barstool without the next-day regrets. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and yes, it’s always a good day for a pint.

Available at Nonny.

Barbet Deep Dive Soda

Believe me when I say, this is no average soda. New to my palette and taste buds, Barbet completely rocked me with this juicy white peach, zippy yuzu, and fresh mint combo that tastes like summer in a glass. It’s the perfect Dry Jan sidekick—fun, refreshing, and proof that your drink doesn’t need booze to feel bougie. You’ll want to add this one to your cart.

Available at Barbet.

St. Agrestis Phony Negroni

As you can tell, I have a thing for Negronis—call it an obsession, call it a lifestyle. So when I stumbled upon the Phony Negroni from St. Agrestis, I was ready to roll my eyes. Phony? Sure. But fake? Absolutely not. With 30 raw botanicals sourced from five continents (yes, five), this drink brings all the floral, citrus, and bitter vibes of the real deal without the booze. It’s bold, complex, and—dare I say—better than the original. Dry Jan just got a little more dangerous.

Available at St. Agrestis

Proxies

Proxies and I go way back. My first sip—back when they were under the Acid League banner—was a revelation. Think skin-contact, natural wine vibes without the next-day grogginess from polishing off a bottle (or two). These aren’t just alcohol-free knockoffs; they’re intentionally crafted blends of juices, teas, spices, and bitters, made to pair with food and stand on their own. It’s wine reimagined, not watered down.

Available at Proxies.

NON3 Toasted Cinnamon & Yuzu

For the wine connoisseur cutting back but refusing to sacrifice the ritual, NON3 is your saviour. Bright, tart, and beautifully balanced with a savory edge, it’s like the perfect dinner guest—sophisticated, memorable, and never overstays its welcome. Chill it, pour it into your finest glass, and keep the pairing ritual alive. Sober curious can be decadent too.

Available at NON.

Bier Sans Alcool Sour Beer

This is sour beer reimagined—just the right hit of tropical tang balanced with a subtle, cereal finish. Light-bodied and topped with a frothy head that’s almost too pretty to drink, it’s the perfect choice for anyone dipping their toes into the sober curious world. Exotic, refreshing, and full of personality—who needs booze when you’ve got this?

Available at Biére Sans Alcool

Poppi Rasberry Rose Soda

I’ve always been more of a soda water person—unless we’re talking Coke Zero, of course—but Poppi completely caught me off guard. I first tried it in Miami a few months ago, before it even hit shelves in Canada, and let’s just say… game changer. With 5g of sugar or less, it’s bubbly, bold, and packed with prebiotics for gut health. Somehow, Poppi makes drinking soda feel elevated. Consider me converted.

Available at Well.ca

Ole Alcoholic Paloma

Can you imagine being whisked away to the humid air of Mexico, toes in the sand, and a crisp, salt-rimmed Paloma in hand? No? Well, Olé can. And trust me, they’ve nailed it with their alcohol-free version. Smooth, effervescent, made with fresh juice, a kiss of organic agave nectar, and finished with a pinch of sea salt—it’s like a beach vacation in a glass. No buzz, just pure bliss.

Available at Olé.

Bero Golden Pilsner

Are your Spidey senses tingling? They should be—because Tom Holland’s new non-alcoholic beer brand just swung into the scene. The Kingston Golden Pils, inspired by the charm of Holland’s hometown in England, is crisp, smooth, and perfectly balanced with a touch of bitterness. It’s the kind of drink that pairs with anything—movie nights, work breaks, or just a moment to yourself.

Available at Bero.

Lyre’s American Non-Alcoholic Malt

I get it: the fizzy sodas and faux margaritas aren’t for everyone. But this? This luxurious non-alcoholic malt is in a league of its own. It’s like an American classic bourbon that took a contemporary twist and decided to mellow out—rich, bold, and smooth in all the right ways. Who needs the buzz when the flavor goes this hard?

Available at Amazon.