You know that feeling when you’re dying to raise a glass, but then you remember you committed to no alcohol this month? Yeah, that can be a real bummer. But that’s exactly why the mocktail or that de-alcoholized wine was invented.
Drinking isn’t just about getting drunk; it’s about the social experience, where deals are made and connections are formed. We’ve found ways to keep those traditions alive while still having fun.
According to the Pew Research Center, about 1 out of 5 adults report drinking more than they think they should. If you’re looking for alternative ways to social drink, the options below can help.
Whether you want to quit alcohol cold turkey or have a glass or two less per week, these tasty mocktails, bubbly beverages, and non-alcoholic beers will get you through Sober October feeling healthier and, we hope, happier, too.
Best for your gut: Olipop
Pros:
- Multiple flavors available
- Gluten-free
Cons:
- Some customers find them pricey
Does sober-curious drinking have you curious? Olipop is one of my favorites for when I want to wind down after a long day.
There are tons of flavors to choose from, including the new Pomegranate Sparkling flavor. Each soda is prebiotic and contains a relatively low amount of sugar as well. My favorite part is that it’s lower in calories than traditional soda, which makes it something I reach for regularly.
For an easy mocktail, try this simple rendition:
Mocktail recipe
- 3 ounces Olipop (any flavor, but I prefer Cherry Cola)
- 3 ounces non-alcoholic Prosecco
- Ice
- Orange or lemon slice, for garnish
Fill a glass with ice, then pour in the Olipop and non-alcoholic Prosecco. Stir gently to combine and garnish with an orange or lemon slice before serving.
Customer Review: “I’ve tried other prebiotic sodas when my favorite is out of stock, but always disappointed! I like Olipop the best, and so does my teenage granddaughter! That said a lot! My favorites: Cream soda, orange, punch”
Mionetto’s non-alcoholic option tastes surprisingly refreshing and, when poured into a coupe, looks almost exactly like the traditional orange-labeled bottle you’re used to.
The flavor is subtle and crisp, and the drink pairs well chilled by itself or mixed into a spritz. It’s also just 36 calories per serving, which makes it an easy option when you want something lighter.
For a zero-proof take on a classic spritz, pair it with Mionetto’s Alcohol Free Aperitivo:
Mionetto Alcohol-Free Spritz
- 3 ounces Mionetto non-alcoholic sparkling wine
- 2 ounces Mionetto Alcohol Free Aperitivo
- 1 ounce sparkling water
- Ice
- Orange slice, for garnish
Fill a wine glass with ice, then add the Alcohol Free Aperitivo and Mionetto non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Top with sparkling water, stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
Pros:
- Contains caffeine
- Is hemp and adaptogen infused
Cons:
- May not be great for right before bed
This adaptogen beverage company makes delicious mocktails, and each packs less than seven grams of sugar. The flavors are all delicious, though the Classic Cosmo is one of my favorites. The brand says the drinks are also made from real fruit.
New York Post Review: “The first time I had Recess, I felt instantly calm. The flavor was full and bright, and I didn’t feel the need to reach for a glass of wine after finishing a can.”
Best Non-alcoholic Rosé: De Soi
Pros:
- Interesting flavors
- Available in cans
- Use of adaptogens
If you’re “Hot ‘n Cold” when it comes to alcohol, don’t let this brand be “The One That Got Away.”
If you couldn’t tell already, this non-alcoholic bubbly brand was founded by Katy Perry herself, alongside partner Morgan McLachlan. The drinks are made to be used for toasts to replace champagne, or just a sweet, bubbly treat to enjoy sans alcohol. The Variety Pack includes all three flavors: Golden Hour, Champignon Dreams and Purple Lune for $70 total or $60 when you subscribe. If you prefer a single bottle (or maybe a few cans), we suggest the Tres Rose (from $22), which customers call “enjoyable” and “refreshing.”
Customer Review: “Love this as an alcohol alternative when I am wanting to enjoy something yummy but not wanting to consume alcohol!”
Pros:
- Huge selection
- Ability to shop by discount on-site
Cons:
- Not ideal for those who dislike the taste of beer
No one wants to do anything athletic with a beer belly.
That’s why Athletic Brewing Co. has non-alcoholic brews for you to try this October. The company is based out of Stratford, Connecticut but ships nationwide. Best of all, if you’re curious about extending your dry period, the company also has a subscription club which can save you more than $200 a year on your favorite non-alcoholic drinks.
Customer Review: “Love this. Really feels like a legit IPA.”
Pros:
- Vegan-friendly
- Lots of flavors to choose from
Cons:
- Some customers felt that a few of the flavors were watered down a bit
This blood orange flavor is just fruity enough without feeling overwhelming. You’ll get 12 cans in one pack, and each is vegan, gluten-free and low in calories. If you usually gravitate toward fruitier IPAs and ales, this one will be right up your alley.
New York Post Review: If you’re a beer lover, you may not miss the real thing ever again. You certainly won’t miss the calories — I didn’t. Bravus makes an incredible peanut butter flavor that is creamy and flavorful. It might become my new drink of choice all year long. — Emma Sutton-Williams, former commerce reporter
Pros:
- Concentrated, so you can use less
- No added sugar
- Best non-alcoholic drinks
Cons:
- Contains lemon balm, which may make you on the sleepier side
Don’t be bitter about going alcohol-free when you have Ghia around.
This bitter-tasting aperitif is a great alternative to the hard stuff, made with notes of citrus, ginger and other botanicals. Choose the Le Spritz soda ($51 for 12) for a carbonated drink or the classic Ghia Aperitif ($38) for a beautiful amber bottle to mix or enjoy on the rocks.
New York Post Review: “I tried the classic OG Ghia and found it to be the closest thing to a ginger ale with more herbaceous notes. It is on the more floral and punchy side, so for those who want something a bit closer to a gin and tonic, add tonic water, lime juice and even some water for a great mixed drink.” —Sutton-Williams
Pros:
- Lots of different flavors
- Available in bottles
- Great reviews
Cons:
- Higher calorie count than some other alcohol-alternative beverages
If you like the sweet and tingling fizz of a carbonated cocktail but don’t want the extra calories, Mingle Cocktails may be for you. Each can is 60 calories, vegan, and gluten-free. There’s a huge selection to choose from, including Cranberry Cosmo, Blackberry Hibiscus Bellini, Blood Orange Elder Flower Mimosa, and Moscow Mule. If you can’t decide, we suggest the variety pack. It has everything but swaps out the Moscow Mule for Key Lime Margarita and has Cucumber Melon Mojito — yum!
Customer review: “I bought these with 0 expectations because I wanted to lower my alcohol consumption during the week. I was very impressed with ALL of the flavors and will definitely keep on buying them.”
Pros:
- Great for travel
- Botanical-based ingredients
- Great reviews
Cons:
- Not exactly a dupe for any alcoholic beverage, but still interesting and worth a try
If you’ve heard of the sleepy girl mocktail but aren’t into tart cherry juice, we have something for you. It’s an herbal tincture sampler, each item filled with a plethora of goodies that are naturally relaxing.
Take The Edge Off has lemon peel, passionflower and skullcap, while Rose Tinted Glasses has ginseng and the adaptogen lion’s mane. Wine Down contains L-Theanine, as well as elderberry and Ceylon cinnamon.
Add the tinctures to a glass of water or juice and wait for the magic to happen.
New York Post Review: “I love the tinctures from Apothekary. Whenever I want to jazz up one of my drinks but can’t afford to be tipsy, I put a dropful of Take The Edge Off into my soda or water. I feel a little more relaxed.” — Holly J Coley, commerce deputy editor
If you’re a gin drinker, this gin alternative might appeal to you. It’s sustainably made and designed to be used within cocktails. The brand says drinking it neat is not advised.
Here’s a classic recipe to try, although you can also use it to replace gin in almost any cocktail recipe.
Non-Alcoholic Gin and Tonic
- 2 ounces non-alcoholic gin alternative
- 4 ounces tonic water
- Ice
- Lime wedge or wheel, for garnish
Fill a highball glass with ice, pour in the gin alternative and top with tonic water. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
Customer review: “I was excited to see if it would make a difference. I used 1 1/2 ounces of Ritual with 6 ounces of Fever Tree Light Indian Tonic and a wedge of lime. I am really pleasantly surprised. Ritual adds some depth to tonic – herbal for sure, with a touch of cucumber flavor at the end. Even my husband enjoyed it. It’s not exactly a gin taste, but it’s really close. “
What is a mocktail?
It’s a non-alcoholic cocktail or beverage that mimics the taste, appearance, and complexity of a traditional cocktail. It’s made using a combination of juices, soda, syrups, herbs, spices, and other flavorings, but without any alcohol.
Mocktails are great for people who want to enjoy the experience of a fancy drink without the effects of alcohol. They are often served in the same type of glassware as cocktails and can be garnished in similar ways, making them a popular choice for parties or events where people might want a refreshing, fun drink without the booze.
What is Sober October?
Sober October is a month-long challenge where people give up alcohol for all 31 days of October. For some, it’s a reset after summer; for others, it’s a chance to be more mindful about drinking, sleep better and discover alcohol-free alternatives that still feel fun — from non-alcoholic spritzes to prebiotic sodas and zero-proof cocktails.
How can I make Sober October easier?
According to Harvard Health Publishing, there are lots of benefits from giving up booze, even for just a little while. Those who abstain from alcohol for 30 days experience:
- Better sleep
- Lower blood pressure
- Weight loss
- Increased energy
Sounds good, right? Of course, if you’re used to unwinding with a glass of Merlot on a regular basis, giving up the hard stuff can be difficult. Here are some Sober October tips to make things easier on yourself.
Sober October Tips:
Replace alcohol with something you enjoy: No, seriously. According to the same article from Harvard Health Publishing, it’s recommended to substitute your alcohol consumption with healthier alternatives, such as sparkling water or mocktails. This is also an opportunity to adopt other wellness habits, like working out, eating more fruits and vegetables or getting more sleep.
Remove temptation: This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easier to abstain from alcohol if you don’t have your favorite beer or vodka staring at you. If it’s too much of a temptation to have it around, keep it somewhere out of reach for the rest of the month. If you go to see friends, bring your own alcohol alternative, so you can still partake in the ritual of having a drink without actually taking one.
Make it a team effort: Teamwork makes the dream work, so don’t be shy about sharing your sobriety goals with your family and friends. They can not only offer support but help keep you accountable. Who knows? You may inspire some of them to join you.
This article was written by Nishka Dhawan, Commerce Reporter for the New York Post. Nishka reports on the latest tech launches, innovations and trends to separate the best new products from the “AI slop.” Taking the latest technology for a spin, Nishka tests home appliances and tech products that actually improve your life, from vacuums to headphones to gaming gadgets and more – all while finding the best deals and lowest prices. Before joining The Post in 2026, her work appeared in Rolling Stone, ABC, NBC Select, Reviewed and Digital Trends.
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