As 2025 is a time for healthier lifestyle changes, including opting for non-alcoholic beverages as part of their wellness routine. One notable trend in the beverage industry is the rise of adaptogen drinks—also known as “euphorics.” These beverages offer a unique way to experience relaxation and heightened mental clarity without the drawbacks of alcohol. Whether you’re going dry or simply looking to reduce alcohol consumption, adaptogen drinks are emerging as a popular choice for those seeking more holistic and mindful ways to enhance their well-being.

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are natural substances—herbs and plant-based materials—that help the body adapt to stress, promoting balance and homeostasis (Naidoo, 2022). These botanical ingredients, which have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, are believed to have a range of benefits, including reducing fatigue, enhancing energy, and improving sleep. In fact, Dr. Uma Naidoo, a renowned psychiatrist and author, describes adaptogens as “nutritional shock absorbers” that help the body manage the physiological effects of stress (Naidoo, 2022).

These ingredients have gained traction in recent years, especially among younger generations looking for natural alternatives to alcohol. As the nonalcoholic beverage market grows and sober living continues to rise in popularity, adaptogens have become a key part of many consumers’ wellness routines (Levinson, 2024; Pritzker, 2025).

Adaptogen Drink Recipes to Try in 2025

If you’re curious about incorporating adaptogens into your diet, these drink recipes offer a delicious and refreshing way to get started:

1. Adaptogenic Cold Brew Coffee Banana Smoothie
   • Adaptogens: Reishi and Maca
   • Ingredients: Cold brew concentrate, banana, cashew butter, maca powder, reishi mushroom powder, cinnamon.
   • Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Top with a dash of cinnamon for added flavor.
2. Magical Adaptogenic Matcha Latte
   • Adaptogens: Maca, Ashwagandha
   • Ingredients: Matcha powder, astragalus tea, coconut manna, collagen peptides, maca powder, ashwagandha powder.
   • Instructions: Whisk together matcha and tea, then blend with the remaining ingredients for a creamy texture.
3. Blue Moon Milk
   • Adaptogen: Ashwagandha
   • Ingredients: Milk, maple syrup, butterfly pea flower powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, optional ashwagandha powder.
   • Instructions: Heat the ingredients and froth them to create a comforting, creamy drink. Garnish with freeze-dried blueberries for extra flair.

Source: https://homeandtexture.com/best-adaptogen-drinks/

Growing Popularity of Adaptogenic Beverages

The popularity of adaptogen drinks has soared as part of the larger trend of wellness-focused beverages. Younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, are leading the charge in seeking alternatives to alcohol, which has prompted the rapid growth of the adaptogen beverage market. It is projected that the market, valued at $1.2282 billion in 2024, will double by 2034 (Levinson, 2024).

TikTok videos showcasing adaptogen drinks have garnered millions of views, making these beverages not only a health trend but a cultural one as well. Social media influencers and wellness bloggers are championing these products, sharing their own experiences with how adaptogen beverages help manage stress, boost energy, and enhance mental clarity (Levinson, 2024).

Traditional Use of Adaptogens

Adaptogens are not a recent innovation—many of the ingredients found in these drinks have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. For instance, rhodiola, ashwagandha, and licorice root have long been used to improve stamina and manage stress (Hunnes, 2024). Their efficacy is well-documented in ancient healing practices, and modern studies have begun to explore their potential therapeutic effects in more depth (Hunnes, 2024).

Safety and Effectiveness: What You Should Know

While adaptogens are widely regarded as safe and natural alternatives to prescription medications, there is still ongoing debate regarding their effectiveness. Studies on the benefits of adaptogens are mixed, with many conducted on animals or in-vitro models rather than humans. This raises questions about the dosages used in consumer products and whether they are sufficient to produce therapeutic results (Tiller, 2024).

Additionally, adaptogens can interact with certain medications and may cause side effects like nausea or digestive discomfort, especially for individuals who are pregnant or on prescription drugs (Hunnes, 2024). The FDA does not regulate adaptogenic products as strictly as pharmaceuticals, which means there is a greater degree of uncertainty about their safety and efficacy (Wahowiak, 2022).

While adaptogens can be a great supplement to a healthy diet, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian if you are considering adding these drinks to your routine, particularly if you are on medications or have underlying health conditions (Petitpain, 2022).

The Rise of Nonalcoholic Beverages

As the market for nonalcoholic beverages expands, many consumers are choosing functional drinks like adaptogen-infused waters as part of a sober lifestyle. In 2023, the nonalcoholic beverage market reached over $161 billion and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years (Pritzker, 2025). Trends like Dry January and sober curiosity have spurred innovation in this sector, with adaptogenic drinks positioning themselves as a healthier, alcohol-free alternative for those seeking relaxation without the hangover (Pritzker, 2025).

Health benefits associated with sober living, including reduced risk of liver damage and heart disease, clearer skin, and better digestion, have made alcohol-free products more appealing. These benefits, along with the social advantages of avoiding hangovers and maintaining mental clarity, contribute to the increasing popularity of nonalcoholic beverages (Stacy, 2025).

Final Thoughts

Adaptogen drinks represent a natural, trendy option for those looking to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance well-being without the negative effects of alcohol. With ingredients like ginseng, ashwagandha, and CBD, these beverages promise a more balanced lifestyle, helping consumers manage their stress while keeping their energy levels up. As part of a broader wellness movement, they offer a creative and refreshing way to support your health goals in 2025.

Before diving into the world of adaptogen drinks, it’s important to stay informed about potential risks and consult with healthcare professionals if needed. Incorporating these beverages into a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can be a great way to kickstart the new year with renewed energy and focus.

Sources:

• https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/what-are-adaptogenic-beverages-and-are-they-good-for-you/
• Levinson, A. H. (2024). The nonalcoholic drink of the summer claims to help anxiety. But is the hype real? Los Angeles Times.
• Hunnes, D. E. (2024). Interview on adaptogens. UCLA Medical Center.
• Tiller, N. B. (2024). Interview on adaptogen research. Institute of Respiratory Medicine & Exercise Physiology.
• Walia, N. (2024). Interview on consumer trends in adaptogenic drinks. BLANK.
• Pritzker, S. (2025). Best nonalcoholic drinks of 2025, tested and reviewed by registered dietitians. Yahoo Life.
• Stacy, S. (2025). The benefits of sober living on health. Rehab.com.
• https://homeandtexture.com/best-adaptogen-drinks/
• https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2024-06-25/adaptogens-drinks-trendy-los-angeles
• https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/best-non-alcoholic-drinks-151703165.html
• https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/what-are-adaptogenic-beverages-and-are-they-good-for-you/
• https://www.fda.gov/media/128270/download