These Alcohol-Free Social Tonics Are Just as Satisfying as a Cocktail

Published on 1/5/2022 at 6:35 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Annalise Mantz

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Dry January is usually not my cup of tea. In fact, I've never been big on setting sweeping New Year's resolutions; banning something from my diet altogether only makes me want it more.

Moderation is the name of the game for me, so while I abstain from drinking alcohol now and then, I don't see the appeal of staying sober all January long only to hit up a happy hour on Feb. 1. Still, I'm all about finding healthier options I actually enjoy, so I was intrigued by Hiyo, a line of alcohol-free social tonics.

Hiyo infuses each of its three flavors with adaptogens and nootropics like ashwagandha, cordyceps mushrooms, and lion's mane — promising a natural mood-boosting lift instead of a boozy buzz. And at just 25 calories per can, Hiyo is also much lower in calories than a cocktail or glass of wine.

Fresh off a Christmas vacation filled with rich food and plenty of wine, I decided to test out all three flavors of Hiyo. Though I don't see myself giving up alcohol completely anytime soon, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this booze-free beverage. My husband and I both enjoyed the bold, fruity flavors, and sipping Hiyo felt just as satisfying as a cocktail or a glass of wine. Plus, if you order two or more 12-packs of Hiyo by Jan. 31, you'll receive a $22 gift card! Keep scrolling for my review of all three flavors.

Blackberry Lemon Hiyo

As soon as I started pouring the deep-purple drink, I had a hunch I was going to like this blackberry lemon flavor ($45 for 12). Because it's made with organic blackberry-juice concentrate rather than artificial flavoring, this drink tastes like summer in a can. I only detected a slight hint of lemon, but it was a nice complement to the vibrant berry flavor.

Blackberry Lemon Hiyo 12-Pack

From

$45

Watermelon Lime Hiyo

Like the blackberry lemon, the watermelon lime flavor ($45 for 12) tasted incredibly fresh — my husband said it reminded him of a watermelon slushie. Because the flavor was a bit milder, I did notice a faint herbal, earthy aftertaste, but I still enjoyed the beverage.

Watermelon Lime Hiyo 12-Pack

From

$45

Peach Mango Hiyo

The peach mango flavor ($45 for 12) is serving major tropical vibes, but it was my least favorite of the bunch. The two fruit flavors work very well together, but once again, there was an aftertaste that turned me off a bit. It was also a bit sweet for my taste but would be a good option for someone who prefers tropical fruit flavors.

Overall, discovering how much I enjoyed all three flavors of Hiyo was a pleasant surprise. Because the fresh fruit flavors were so bold, I never missed the alcohol. I didn't feel any noticeable effects from the adaptogens or nootropics, but then again, I wasn't really expecting to.

The biggest downside of Hiyo might be the cost. At $45 for 12 cans, it's more than double the price of a 12-pack of spiked seltzer or even craft beer. Is it a tasty alternative to alcohol? Absolutely. Is it worth the money? That depends on how much you want a booze-free option. Personally, I think Hiyo will have to remain an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence — everything in moderation, right?