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In a sea of sugary nonalcoholic drinks, Curious Elixirs claims to offer a smarter, more satisfying way to sip sober—so we put it to the test.
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The onset of Sober October and Dry January brought attention to a national trend: folks are drinking less alcohol than ever before. And why not? Nowadays, most grocery stores offer a dedicated NA beer aisle, and even alcohol brands like White Claw are trying to reach the sober crowd with nonalcoholic versions of their typical fare. But in a world oversaturated with saccharine canned cocktails and nonalcoholic wines that verge on tasting like grape juice, finding a good replacement for alcoholic drinks feels like an endless search.
That’s where Curious Elixirs come in. This trendy booze-free brand brings a new twist to the sober lifestyle, thanks to its numerous nonalcoholic good-for-you mocktail offerings. Built with botanicals, adaptogens, and other beneficial ingredients, these bottled mocktails make sober living feel more attainable, for those who enjoy relaxing with a spritzer after a hard day. We tried a smattering of their most popular flavors to see what the fuss is all about—and whether they can truly fill the void during Dry January.
A fresh take on sober living, powered by functional mocktails.
What is Curious Elixirs?
Curious Elixirs is a nonalcoholic drinks brand that specializes in brewing up bevvys that incorporate adaptogens and zero refined sugar for a healthier sip. Using botanicals that perk up the mind and body and fruit juices for sweetness rather than artificial flavors, Curious Elixirs feel a lot more “grown up” than a Shirley Temple. Each mocktail—all of which are carefully developed by a team of world-class bartenders, herbalists, and food scientists—is infused with natural ingredients like organic juices, herbs, spices and roots for exceptional flavor.
In addition to familiar favorites like margaritas, spritzes, champagne and amaro cocktails, they also offer a nonalcoholic lion’s man lager that’s chock full of beneficial ingredients. While these premium picks are a bit pricey at around $10 per bottle, frequent sippers can save when they subscribe to the monthly Cocktail Club.
How We Tested
To test Curious Elixirs, I took the quiz on the website and picked five options based on my results. Each of the cocktails from Curious Elixirs comes with instructions for serving, including recommended garnishes and whether to pour over ice. All the options except for Curious No. 6 recommended ice, so that’s how I opted to enjoy them. In this way, they’re all super easy to serve—just invert the bottles twice, then twist the tops, open and pour. You really can’t ask for an easier mixed drink!
Curious No. 1 (Pomegranate Negroni Sbagliato)
I love pomegranate, so Curious No. 1 was, to me, a shoo-in winner. Hidden inside this complex bevvy are rhodiola and gentian that gently lift the mood and aid in digestion. The smell has a depth and dark jammy-ness that is very inviting. I’m not huge on negroni cocktails, but this was fruity and perky and only slightly bitter in a way that complements the juiciness.
It’s not overly sweet, and the bitter orange really helps it maintain that balance—though folks who dislike fennel may want to give this a pass. My husband thought the fennel made it taste like pepperoni, but he’s also a fennel hater.
Curious No. 3 (Juniper Cucumber Collins)
Gin and tonics are my usual go-to, so the fresh juniper and citrusy smell of Curious No. 3 immediately excited my senses. This one is cooling and calming in all the best ways. Lemon and alpine herbs provide the perfect complement to the bitter bite from the cucumber while still making it feel light on the palate. Like No. 1, this option also contains gentian for a slight mood lift. It also offers a hint of ashwagandha for a little boost of energy.
Curious No. 5 (Smoked Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned)
Curious No. 5 was a rollercoaster of emotions for me. I love cherries (and chocolate—who doesn’t?), so I expected an immediate “yes.”. But upon cracking it open, all I could detect in the scent was smoke, chased with a whisper of bright fruitiness. It was an odd smell, to say the least. However, tasting it proved to be a delightful experience.
The prominent smokiness you taste at first soon gives way to a complex cherry and chocolate dance that works really well. Beneficial doses of elderberry and ginger lend to the sweetness without being too saccharine, and the shatavari serves as an aphrodisiac (ooh la la!). While I can’t say I noticed those effects, the coziness and warmth of this one makes it ideal for an after dinner cocktail.
Curious No. 6 (Spiced Coconut Pineapple)
As much as I love coconut and pineapple, Curious No. 6 was a bit of a miss for me. The creaminess of the cream of coconut and oat milk make it feel a bit like a pina colada, but it deviates aggressively from those roots with the addition of nutmeg. I’ve never had a “painkiller” before, but fans of that cocktail would probably enjoy this. Though it isn’t fizzy, it gets a bit frothy upon pouring, which lends a little must-needed texture to the experience.
The addition of lemon balm and pineapple are subtle but do give the drink a pleasant brightness. My main issue is with the blackstrap molasses, which to me overwhelms the other delicate flavors and smells. That said, I can definitely see a place for this as a tropical-inspired vegan holiday nog.
Curious No. 9 (Sparkling Rosé Cocktail)
Yes way, rosé! Curious No. 9 is a fizzy pink pick acting as a really lovely replacement for a brunch cocktail. The hint of rose is present, but not too perfume-y. It easily mingles with the chardonnay grapes in a way that feels elevated. California poppy and South African kanna help relax the body without bringing on any sleepiness. This option is the simplest mocktail I tried, but it offers a bubbly brightness that makes it feel so much more “adult” than your standard sparkling grape juice.
Pros
- Very satisfying to sip
- Each offering developed by world-class bartenders, herbalists, and food scientists
- Many flavors available
- All flavors are vegan with no refined sugar
- Packed with functional ingredients and beneficial botanicals
- Each sizable bottle contains two cocktail servings
Cons
- Pricey, but discounts available via the Cocktail Club
Product Comparison: Curious Elixirs vs. Apothekary
Similarly to Curious Elixars, Apothekary offers an assortment of “drinks” that use botanicals and adaptogens as a replacement for alcohol. The biggest difference is in the delivery. Apothecary’s products come in tincture form and can be taken either directly via a dropper or added to your favorite drinks for a flavorful boost. If you want the benefits of ingredients like ashwagandha or collagen but don’t want to have to down a whole drink, these herbal drops are the way to go.
Final Verdict
As someone whose husband is 100% sober, I’ve tried my fair share of canned mocktails, hop waters, NA beers, you name it. Where a lot of brands fall flat is usually in flavor—especially when they don’t use refined sugar. Sure, I love a good bubbly seltzer as much as the next gal. But if you’re looking for something that will take you away—just for a moment—and make you feel relaxed and pampered, Curious Elixirs is your north star.
There’s something really intentional about the careful blends of botanicals and natural flavors in each bottle. I liken the experience to sipping on a cocktail made by a practiced and trendy bartender, but without the hangover. Those seeking not just a replacement for mindlessly downing beers at a party, who crave a tasting experience that feels curated and special, will find that with Curious Elixirs.
Where to Buy
Curious folks can find Curious Elixirs both in select stores and online on their website, The Zero Proof and Proof No More. The bottles and cans retail for around $50 for a four-pack. While pricey, I liken this to splurging on a nice bottle of whiskey. You can get cheaper options, but they won’t offer the same experience. I highly recommend that those purchasing a few flavors in bulk join the Cocktail Club, which offers a 10% savings for a batch of four bottles or 28% for a batch of 12 bottles.
These functional botanical mocktails simplify sober living.
FAQ
Can you buy Curious Elixirs in stores?
While you can primarily find Curious Elixirs online via their website, they’re also available in-store at some local retailers.
Do Curious Elixirs give you a buzz?
Nope! Aside from a slightly elevated mood thanks to the adaptogens, you won’t feel any kind of “high” or “buzz.”
Why Trust Us
As Taste of Home’s resident food and drink expert, I’m always trying the newest and most popular treats. While I’m not fully dedicated to the sober lifestyle, my husband has been alcohol-free for over a decade. As such, I’ve tried many of the most popular (and even a few under-the-radar) nonalcoholic drink options available. My tasting specialties include nonalcoholic beer and hop water (I come from a family of brewers, after all), but botanical-based drinks also please my practiced NA palate.
