There is a reason that many of us reach for a drink when we’re feeling low. Studies show that alcohol can temporarily alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. But while that first drink can act as a mood booster, further drinks can reverse this effect and exacerbate negative feelings.
Alc-free drinks, on the other hand, can boost your mood without the negative side effects of alcohol.
Here are five drinks that are guaranteed to make you smile.
Wild Life Botanicals Sparkling Blush
Championed as ‘bubbles with benefits’, this sparkling wine is infused with an uplifting blend of botanicals including Lemon Balm, Damask Rose, Rosemary, Damiana and Ashwagandha. And of course, it tastes amazing with flavours that evoke rosehip tea, strawberries as well as Cornish orchard fruits such as crab apple and red apple.
Barton & Guestier Alcohol-Free French Sparkling
Popping a Champagne is always a nice way to boost the mood, and while the Barton & Guestier Sparkling Non-Alcoholic Wine isn’t technically an alc-free champagne, it is made in France via traditional wine making techniques. This is an easy drinking sparkling wine with floral and fruity flavours and a long, refreshing finish.
Thomson & Scott Noughty
Sugar has been linked to an array of health issues, so opting for a low sugar non-alcoholic sparkling wine such as Thomson & Scott Noughty is a great way to unwind (especially if, like me, you drink a glass of it in the bath.)
And of course, the sense of celebration that comes with popping a cork will bring a smile to your face whether you’re toasting good news or it’s just a random Wednesday.
Noughty is one of our best selling wines, and one of the closest in taste, mouthfeel and aroma to a premium French Champagne. Made from Chardonnay, this sparkling wine is pale in colour with an extra dry, crisp taste.
ZERO+ Pale Ale
One study shows that drinking non-alcoholic beer can also boost your levels of dopamine (the feel-good hormone), as long as you already associate the taste of beer with alcohol.
Some non-alcoholic beers also contain minerals such as magnesium, potassium and polyphenols which are great for hydration and sports recovery.
Finally, this beer tastes great – it’s an easy-drinking Pale Ale brewed with notes of caramel and a crisp and refreshing finish.
Strangelove Hot Ginger Beer
Ginger is a powerhouse when it comes to plants, and the Strangelove hot ginger beer has a warming, dry finish that feels like a warm hug. You can enjoy this drink on its own, but it also pairs well with alcohol free rum and alcohol free whiskey
Carl Jung Merlot
Studies show that drinking red wine can help you wind down, as well as being rich in skin loving antioxidants and resveratrol.
Alcohol-free wine is also a better way to enjoy the ritual of pouring a big glass of red.
The Carl Jung Merlot is full-bodied with notes of black cherry and current.
Sources: Headspace. Org. au. Healthline - 12 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha Sleep and Health Journal – Dorma, Dorma, Dorma Neuropsychopharmacology, April 2013; Dopamine Release in Male Drinkers Neuropharmacology, 2019 The antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of resveratrol: Involvement of phosphodiesterase-4D inhibition
