Many of us are familiar with the uncomfortable aftermath of a night out: waking up to a state of “hangxiety,” where a hangover meets a spike in anxiety. It’s a real phenomenon, not just a figment of your imagination. Alcohol, often thought to be a mood lifter, can paradoxically lead to increased anxiety levels once its initial effects wear off.
Luckily, there’s something you can do about it. Next time you find yourself grappling with hangxiety, reach for a soothing option: a calming mocktail. These non-alcoholic beverages can offer relaxation without the repercussions. I’ve found them to be a perfect choice for quiet weekend afternoons or as a peaceful end to the evening.
What exactly makes a mocktail calming?
Calming mocktails contain so-called “functional” ingredients. In the realm of functional beverages, two terms often pop up: adaptogens and nootropics. Here’s what they mean:
- Adaptogens: These are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and exert a normalizing effect on bodily processes. They’re like your body’s own stress management consultants, helping to balance, restore, and protect your body.
- Nootropics: These are substances that can enhance cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation. Caffeine is the most well-known and widely consumed nootropic.
Within these categories, calming mocktails often include:
- Ashwagandha (Adaptogen): An ancient medicinal herb that may help your body manage stress.
- CBD (Nootropic/Adaptogen): A compound from the cannabis plant that may help reduce stress and anxiety without psychoactive effects.
- Chamomile (Adaptogen): A gentle sedative that may help ease anxiety and promote sleep.
- Lavender (Adaptogen): Known for its calming aroma, it’s also used in flavoring to help reduce stress.
- L-Theanine (Nootropic): An amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness.
- Valerian Root (Adaptogen): A root that may improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
Note: if you have special considerations, such as medicine use or medical conditions, check with your physician before exploring the world of functional ingredients.
Simple calming mocktail recipes:
At Dry Atlas, we’ve cataloged over 1,000 non-alcoholic spirits, wines, beers, and ready-to-drink mocktails. That means we’ve mixed a lot of mocktails! Here are the best calming ones I’ve tried.
A Mellow Margarita
For an afternoon pick-me-up that won’t get you down, try this twist on a classic margarita. It features Aplós Calme, a botanical blend infused with broad-spectrum hemp to relax, and ISH Mexican Agave Spirit, a non-alcoholic tequila.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Aplós Calme
- 1 oz ISH Mexican Agave Spirit
- 1 tsp agave syrup
- 0.5 oz lime juice
Instructions:
- Run a lime wedge around the outside of the rim of the glass then roll the rim in salt.
- Add all ingredients with ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake and strain over fresh cubes of ice into a tumbler.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Dream Light and Oat Milk
This mocktail is downright cozy, perfect for those who love a little creaminess. Its star is Kin Dream Light, a made-to-mix beverage infused with adaptogens, nootropics, and botanics like reishi mushroom, melatonin, and L-Tryptophan. Dream Light can help you reach deeper, more restful sleep—particularly important the night after drinking given alcohol’s adverse effects on sleep quality.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Kin Dream Light
- 4 oz oat milk
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
- Dash of honey
Instructions:
- Pour Kin Dream Light and oat milk into a sauce pan or frother.
- Heat to a simmer.
- Top with a little honey and cinnamon.
Zen Hot Toddy
If you find comfort in a piping hot bev at night, this toddy is sure to elevate that experience. It’s made with Three Spirit Nightcap, which contains valerian root to support sleep and lemon balm for rejuvenation.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Three Spirit Nightcap
- 0.25 oz maple syrup
- 5 oz boiling water
- Big lemon wheel studded with 8 cloves
- Star anise
Instructions:
- Stud a whole lemon with lots of cloves before cutting into slices. To stud, pierce holes into the lemon zest with a fork then push cloves in.
- Warm your cup with hot water first. Once warm, empty out the water.
- Pour the Three Spirit Nightcap followed by the remaining ingredients. Stir briefly to combine.
- Serve piping hot.
If you’re seeking immediate gratification without the mixology, try these ready-to-drink options:
- Hiyo Blackberry Lemon: A sparkling, ready-to-drink mocktail that combines the tartness of blackberry and lemon with a blend of adaptogens for a refreshing and restorative experience.
- Little Saints Negroni Spritz: A blend of non-alcoholic spirits with a mix of botanicals and adaptogens designed to offer a complex, grown-up flavor with a calming effect.
- Parch Spiced Piñarita: This ready-to-drink option brings a non-alcoholic twist to the tropical piña colada, infused with a blend of adaptogens to help you unwind.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking some calm after a night out, these mocktails could be a surprisingly effective ally. They’re a simple pleasure, really—mixing up a drink that’s both flavorful and functional, with adaptogens and nootropics to help smooth out the edges of any lingering hangxiety. Whether it’s a restorative ready-to-drink or a sleep-inducing hot toddy, these drinks are about more than just taste; they’re a step toward reclaiming balance.
