What makes a drink an adaptogen drink?
Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms, like ashwagandha, rhodiola and reishi, that are traditionally used to help the body handle stress. An adaptogen drink adds one or more of them to a sparkling base, often alongside nootropics like L-theanine. The amounts vary a lot, so we list what each brand says is in the can.
Our picks
Hiyo Social Tonic Classic Pack
Hiyo packs the most into a can: 1.7 grams of adaptogens, nootropics and botanicals, including ashwagandha, lion's mane, L-theanine, lemon balm, passion flower and ginger. It's 30 calories with 4 to 5 grams of sugar and no caffeine. Flavors are bright and fruity (blackberry lemon, peach mango, strawberry guava, watermelon lime), and it drinks like a good flavored seltzer.
Check price on AmazonKin Euphorics Lightwave
Kin Lightwave is designed for the end of the night: lavender-vanilla, smoked sea salt and passionflower, with reishi mushroom, L-theanine, L-tryptophan and magnesium glycinate. 45 calories, 2 grams of sugar, no caffeine, in an 8 oz can. It's more complex than most adaptogen drinks; you'll either love the smoky-floral profile or find it too much.
Check price on AmazonKin Spritz
Kin Spritz is bitter orange, ginger and hibiscus, built like a spritz. It includes rhodiola, L-theanine, GABA and 5-HTP, plus 50 mg of caffeine, so it's a daytime and early-evening drink, not a nightcap. 30 calories, 4 grams of sugar, 8 oz can.
Check price on AmazonRecess Mood Blood Orange
Recess Mood is the simplest drink on this list: lightly flavored sparkling water with magnesium L-threonate (Magtein) and adaptogens. If you already drink seltzer all day, it's an easy swap.
Check price on AmazonDe Soi Très Rosé
De Soi makes sparkling aperitifs with L-theanine, lion's mane and reishi, plus botanicals like rooibos, chamomile, ginger, cardamom and saffron. Très Rosé is the one to bring to a party. 8 oz cans, about $21 a 4-pack.
Check price on AmazonLittle Saints Mocktails
Little Saints makes zero-proof versions of classic cocktails (spritz, paloma, margarita, mule) with reishi, lion's mane and damiana. Zero sugar and 5 calories per serving. Our pick if you miss the taste of a specific cocktail.
Check price on AmazonThe botanical upgrade: try kava
Here's what we tell friends who like adaptogen drinks but want something they'll feel more clearly at the end of the day: try kava. It's not technically an adaptogen; it's a root from the South Pacific that's been the region's evening drink for centuries, and it's a different experience from a sparkling water with a sprinkle of herbs.
Botanical Brewing's Kava Orange Dream is the easiest place to start: zesty sparkling orange, 50 calories and zero alcohol. For a dinner party, their Kanna Pomegranate Fusion is sparkling pomegranate and raspberry (never with antidepressants).
How to choose
- Check the caffeine. Some adaptogen drinks have it (Kin Spritz has 50 mg). Skip those in the evening.
- Check the can size. Kin and De Soi use 8 oz cans; Hiyo and Recess are 12 oz.
- Check your medications. Adaptogens like ashwagandha can interact with some medications. Ask your doctor if you're unsure.
Who should skip kava
- Kava drinks are for adults 21+. Skip them if you're under 21.
- Skip kava if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Skip kava if you have a liver condition or drink heavily. Kava has been linked to rare cases of serious liver injury.
- Skip it if you take antidepressants (including SSRIs), sedatives, sleep aids or medications that affect the liver, unless your doctor says it's OK.
- Rules on kava vary by place. Check your local rules before you buy.
- One can or shell is one serving. Don't mix kava with alcohol, and don't drive after drinking it.
These are general cautions, not medical advice. If you're unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions people ask
What is the best adaptogen drink?
Hiyo, for most people: 30 calories, no caffeine, and 1.7 g of adaptogens and botanicals per can. Kin Lightwave is the best nightcap.
Do adaptogen drinks have caffeine?
Most don't, but some do. Kin Spritz has 50 mg per can. Check the label if you're drinking in the evening.
Is kava an adaptogen?
Not technically. Kava is a root traditionally used in the South Pacific as a relaxing evening drink. It's a popular next step for people who like adaptogen drinks.
Are adaptogen drinks alcohol-free?
Yes, every drink on this list is non-alcoholic.
