Report

Adaptogenic drinks instead of alcohol (2026)

By Alex Stewart

Published 3 November 2026. Updated 4 November 2026, prices checked 4 November 2026. Every figure links to its source below. How these pages are made.

SummaryAdaptogenic drinks add plant extracts such as ashwagandha, often with L-theanine, to a soft drink or alcohol-free beer, as a way to unwind without alcohol. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says some ashwagandha preparations may help with stress and insomnia, that evidence on anxiety is unclear, and that it should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

The main ingredients

Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub used in Ayurvedic medicine. NCCIH: "Research shows that some ashwagandha preparations may be effective for insomnia and stress. However, evidence is unclear about its effects on anxiety." It may be safe short term (up to 3 months).
L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves.

Ratings compared

Checked 5 Nov 2026

1	IMPOSSIBREW	4.4	1,036 reviews
2	Lucky Saint	4.3	3,734 reviews
3	BrewDog	4.0	2,600 reviews
Not ranked: fewer than 1,000 reviews
	Collider	4.2	132 reviews

Brands with 1,000+ Trustpilot reviews are ranked. TrustScores and review counts from each brand's Trustpilot page, checked 5 Nov 2026.

Who should avoid them

NCCIH says ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, is not recommended before surgery or for people with autoimmune or thyroid disorders, and may interact with medicines for diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid and seizures, and with sedatives and immunosuppressants. Rare cases of liver injury have been linked to ashwagandha supplements. If you take medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Adaptogenic beers in the UK

Beer	Blend per can	Can	Per 100ml
IMPOSSIBREW	1,650mg Social Blend (ashwagandha, L-theanine, magnesium, B1 and more)	440ml	48.3p
Collider	400mg Unwind Blend (ashwagandha, L-theanine, Lion's Mane)	330ml	56.8p

Lowest subscription price per 100ml, read 3 November 2026. Blend weight is a total of different ingredients, not a measure of effect.

A beer format keeps the evening ritual of a cold can at the end of the day, without alcohol. IMPOSSIBREW, which publishes this site, makes a range of beers from 12 kcal per 100ml (11.8 on the label).

See IMPOSSIBREW →

FAQs

Do adaptogenic drinks work like alcohol?

No. They contain no alcohol and do not intoxicate. NCCIH says some ashwagandha preparations may help with stress and insomnia; the effect of a drink depends on its ingredients and amounts.

Who should not drink adaptogenic drinks?

NCCIH advises avoiding ashwagandha in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and caution with thyroid or autoimmune conditions and some medicines.

Sources

All checked 4 November 2026 unless stated.