Non Alcoholic Drinks That Give You a Buzz

We are not here to knock your favorite cocktails, but let us be honest, not everyone wants the hangover that follows.

More and more people are swapping vodka sodas for non alcoholic drinks that give you a buzz, and honestly, we get it. Gen Z is leading the charge, with one Gallup poll showing that nearly 28% of Americans aged 18-34 are drinking less than they did five years ago. So what are we sipping instead?

Welcome to the new wave of alcohol alternatives. Think THC-infused seltzers, kava coolers, nootropic spritzes, and mushroom tonics, all functional drinks with purpose, flavor, and yes, real effects.

1. THC & CBD Drinks - The Closest Thing to a Real Buzz (Without Alcohol)

Let us kick things off with the category closest to our hearts (and fridges): hemp-derived THC drinks.

Little Rick is our laid-back hero here. Our Delta-9 THC seltzers are Farm Bill-compliant, meaning every can contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, but packs just enough to give you that mellow, euphoric lift without tipping into couch-lock.

Each can blends THC, CBD, and CBG in a full-spectrum formula that mimics the social, chilled-out feeling of a glass of wine, minus the regret or dehydration. Expect smooth onset in 20 to 40 minutes, effects lasting 3 to 5 hours, and zero morning-after fog.

Our THC drinks come in four strength levels:

• 5mg THC for a soft float

• 10mg THC for a smooth lift

• 25mg THC for a deeper chill

• 60mg THC when you are ready to melt into the sofa

Sip Little Rick, real fruit, real chill, zero hangover.

2. Kava & Botanical Relaxation Tonics

Kava is a root native to the South Pacific, known for kavalactones, compounds that promote calm and sociability. Kava tonics have been catching on in sober-curious circles, offering a grounded, muscle-relaxing sensation without alcohol’s intensity.

A 2022 study in Nutrients confirmed kava’s calming effects on the nervous system, although it also advised moderation due to potential liver strain from chronic use.

This is not your party starter, it is your wind-down pal. Netflix and snacks, not dancing on tables.

3. Adaptogenic & Nootropic Drinks for the Focused Buzz

Not every buzz needs to feel floaty. Sometimes you want your brain switched on, your stress dialled down, and your mood gently lifted. Think ashwagandha, L‑theanine, and lion’s mane mushroom working together like the chill, organised friend who always knows where their keys are.

These ingredients do not hit fast. They work best when you give them time and consistency. A lot of brands hype them up as instant magic. They are not that. They are more chill than thrill, a slow warm-up rather than a spark.

If you want something subtle, steady, and daytime-friendly, these blends can fit the vibe.

4. Mushroom & Plant-Medicine Drinks (Mind Lift & Mood)

Not those mushrooms, but close. Lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps are getting bottled up into drinks that support mental clarity and mood.

Lion’s mane is the big brain mushroom. Cordyceps brings the energy. Reishi takes the edge off. Together, they offer a clear-headed kind of lift. Not relaxing like CBD, not euphoric like THC, just calm focus and a little mental glow.

These are ideal if you are the sober-curious type who still wants an edge at work, during creative projects, or while making sense of your inbox. You stay sharp, feel steady, and skip the crash entirely.

No hangover, no couch-lock, just a gentle hum that keeps your brain switched on.

5. Mocktails & Zero-Proof Spirits That Feel Sophisticated

Sometimes, the ritual is the reward. A chilled glass, a bold citrus twist, a slow sip that signals, “we made it.”

Mocktails and zero-proof spirits give you that same satisfying unwind, minus the ethanol. No buzz needed, just flavor, presence, and a good vibe.

But if you want to take it further? A splash of our 5 mg THC drink turns that clink into calm. Want more lift? Swap in a 10 mg or 25 mg can for a stronger mood shift.

These are for the sober-curious who still love a little ceremony. Elegant, elevated, and easy to control.

6. Functional Sparkling Waters & Mood Boosters

Then there are the lightweights, the sparkling waters with functional ingredients like ginseng, maca, or lemon balm.

Some work, some… not so much. A recent study pointed out that most adaptogens need effective doses (often 300mg+) to really deliver. So read the label before expecting fireworks.

Still, these low sugar, easy-to-find cans are a decent daily reset when you are skipping your usual energy drink.

Which Non-Alcoholic Buzz Drink Is Right for You?

Safety & Legality - What to Know Before You Sip

Non alcoholic drinks that give you a buzz sound fun (and they are), but safety matters.

Delta-9 THC from hemp is federally legal in the United States if it contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. That is how we make our Little Rick drinks legal in all the right ways.

New to THC? Start low. A 5mg THC drink is a great entry point. Go slow, stay hydrated, and avoid stacking with alcohol.

Skip unverified powders and “energy drink” buzz blends that lack lab testing. Stick to brands that are transparent. Little Rick THC drinks are lab-tested, clean, and fully compliant.

FAQs

Is kava healthier than alcohol?

It depends. Kava has fewer long-term harms, but regular high doses can affect the liver. Use sparingly.

Can you get a buzz from non-alcoholic?

Absolutely. THC drinks, kava, and adaptogens can all offer a light or functional buzz.

Do mushroom drinks give you a buzz?

Yes, but not a body high. It is more like a mental lift or focus enhancement.

What do Gen Z drink instead of alcohol?

THC seltzers, non alcoholic beers, kava, and functional drinks are huge among Gen Z.

What drink mimics the effects of alcohol?

Little Rick THC drinks come closest, social, relaxed, but still in control.