I Dumped My Nightly Glass of Wine After Trying This Trendy Alcohol-Free Cocktail
:upscale()/2020/08/26/849/n/1922729/02a662525f46b67a526492.51642152_.png)
After a busy day of work, I like winding down with a glass of wine in the evening. The problem with my ritual is that it can lead to headaches and extra calories my body doesn't need. Frankly, I have never found an alternative that both tastes good and destresses me until I finally tried Kin Euphorics. I've seen the trendy, aesthetically pleasing brand all over Instagram, but does it actually work? Its nonalcoholic drinks promise to put you in a "euphoric" state, which is quite enticing, especially during shelter-in-place boredom.
Ahead, I break down all the info you need about three offerings from Kin Euphorics. Spoiler alert: I have a favorite among the bunch that has replaced my glass of wine entirely. In fact, I look forward to drinking it and plan to buy more ASAP. Keep reading to get the details.
:upscale()/2020/08/26/844/n/1922729/0b310733f88f1afa_Screen_Shot_2020-08-26_at_12.15.46_PM.png)
If You Want a Mood Boost
The Drink: Kin Euphorics High Rhode ($39)
What It Tastes Like: You can drink it straight, but I recommend mixing High Rhode with something else to soften its strong, herby flavor — just like you would for hard liquor. I enjoy the floral and tart elements that make it truly taste as though I'm drinking a cocktail. I personally love mixing mine with ginger ale, but it goes great with pineapple juice too.
How it Makes You Feel: OK, this drink actually does put me in a better mood, and I totally get why it's great for happy hours (socially-distanced or over Zoom, of course). It takes the edge off of a stressful day the same way a glass of wine would, minus the headache.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2020/08/26/857/n/44344577/shopYjM85Y.png)
:upscale()/2020/08/26/843/n/1922729/32681485e554c50b_deep.jpg)
If You Need a Good Night of Sleep
The Drink: Dream Light Nightcap ($39)
What It Tastes Like: Dream Light tastes like the holidays to me; it includes spices like cinnamon, chili, and ginger. It's a comforting taste that is perfect for late nights. The brand recommends drinking it with the milk of your choice, but I prefer it mixed into sparkling water or hot tea.
How it Makes You Feel: Of the three drinks Kin Euphorics makes, the Dream Light Nightcap is hands down my favorite. I have been drinking it every single night about an hour before bedtime, and I sleep well with no middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Although it helps me sleep, I don't feel groggy in the morning.
The ingredients include magnesium glycinate, which can have a calming affect on the brain and reduce anxiety. There's also reishi mushroom extract, an adaptogen known for being a stress-reliever, and melatonin a natural sleep aid. All of these elements come together to make something that puts me at ease effortlessly.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2020/08/26/861/n/44344577/shopnB4cOH.png)
:upscale()/2020/08/26/834/n/1922729/064ffbb40cb7d55d_spritz-recipe-img-1.png)
If You're Socializing
The Drink: Kin Spritz ($79 for 16-pack)
What It Tastes Like: This canned drink straight-up tasted like an Aperol Spritz and I love it. The notes of hibiscus, citrus, and ginger work well as a bubbly concoction.
How it Makes You Feel: This ready-to-drink nonalcoholic drink is perfect for parties — although we're all socially distancing right now, it would be a great treat to have among the people you live with or during a video happy hour. They would also be ideal to take to a park or beach right now. Plus, you can't even deny that the can is quite Instagrammable.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2020/08/26/869/n/44344577/shoplAp8rO.png)