5 Alternative Alcoholic Drinks to Try With Your Friends

A man wearing a striped blue shirt and a backward baseball cap smiles while holding a drink in an outdoor setting. Behind him is a teal wall with artistic swirling designs, adding a lively, creative atmosphere. The scene conveys a casual and joyful moment.

rethink your drink.

THC Drinks

February 18, 2025

 If you’re craving something fresh, fun, and just a tad unconventional for your next hangout, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re hosting a game night, throwing a dinner party, or just vibing with your crew, these alternative drinks to alcohol bring creativity to the table (or your Instagram story).

So grab your glass and get ready to elevate your drink game—because who says alternative can’t also be epic?

1. Hard Kombucha: The Boozy Probiotic Glow-Up

This image shows a hand holding a kombucha SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) over a glass jar filled with kombucha liquid. The background is a vibrant yellow, emphasizing the natural and homemade fermentation process. The scene highlights kombucha brewing in a simple, clean aesthetic.

Say goodbye to the days when kombucha was just a health-food store staple. Hard kombucha is the bubbly, tangy cousin that brings the buzz. Packed with natural flavors like blood orange, ginger, and tropical fruits, it’s refreshingly light and oh-so-sippable.

Hard kombucha is perfect if you’re feeling fancy but don’t want the heaviness of beer or sugary cocktails. Plus, the probiotic vibes support your healthy lifestyle.

Serving tip: Pour it into a wine glass with a slice of orange or lemon for a sophisticated touch!

2. Canned Cocktails: Convenience Meets Creativity

A person pours a sparkling beverage from a can into a wine glass filled with ice. They are seated on a yellow-and-white checkered picnic blanket, with a relaxed outdoor atmosphere suggested by their casual clothing and surroundings. The image evokes a summery, refreshing vibe.

Alternative drinks to alcohol are all about ditching the norm, and canned cocktails are leading the charge. These ready-to-drink beverages come in so many chic flavors, from cucumber mint vodka spritzes to elderflower gin concoctions.

Not only do they cut down on bartending stress (because measuring ounces while chatting is hard), but they’re also low-maintenance and portable for any occasion. 

Best for: Pool days, dance parties, picnics, or that one friend who always says, “I’ll just have something light.”

3. Spiked Seltzers: The Cool Kid of the Beverage World

A vibrant setup featuring a wine glass filled with a bright orange-red drink, garnished with a fresh orange slice and a straw. Surrounding the glass are several orange wedges, along with a sleek, unbranded silver can. The background combines pastel pink, blue, and beige, creating a playful, modern aesthetic.

You’ve definitely seen these everywhere, but trust us, they deserve the hype. Spiked seltzers are crisp, low-calorie, and come in endless flavor combos—think black cherry, pineapple, or peach-mango.

The low alcohol content makes them a great choice for a long night of socializing, so you can pace yourself and actually remember all those hilarious conversations. Bonus: they pair perfectly with charcuterie boards and good vibes.

Pro move: Add frozen fruit or a splash of fruit juice to a tall glass for an instant upgrade.

4. Alcoholic Aperitifs: Sophisticated Sipping

An elegant display of three cocktails: a champagne flute garnished with rosemary and citrus peel, a martini glass with a pale pink drink and a lemon twist, and a tumbler with an amber drink, ice, and an orange peel. Behind them, green bottles, a jar of cranberries, and a glass bottle with herbs add a rustic touch. The scene is set against a white, paneled background, exuding a refined, artisanal vibe.

Ready to impress your friends with something they haven’t tried? Aperitifs are where it’s at. These low-alcohol, herbaceous drinks hail from Europe and scream “elevated palate.” Popular choices like Aperol or Lillet can be sipped straight or mixed into spritzes for a vibrant cocktail moment.

Aperitifs are ideal for pre-dinner gatherings where you want to serve something that’s flavorful but won’t overpower the main event (aka the snacks).

Serving inspo: Aperol spritz with a slice of orange and a sprig of rosemary—simple, chic, perfection.

5. Cannabis-Infused Spirits: The Future of Alternative Drinks to Alcohol 

A bottle of "Reframe Cannabis Spirit - Tropical" is balanced on a coconut with a netting accent. The bottle features vibrant, tropical-themed artwork with a palm tree, sun, and colorful landscape on the label. A hand reaches down, lightly holding the top of the bottle, set against a light blue background for a fresh and playful tropical vibe.

For those looking to really shake up their drinking habits, cannabis-infused spirits are the ultimate alternative. With bold flavors, carefully crafted blends, and non-traditional ingredients, these drinks are changing the social sipping scene.

They offer a unique way to enjoy a drink with friends while exploring something new and innovative. Pair them with light bites or desserts for a totally fresh experience that’ll have everyone talking.

If you’re new to cannabis-infused options, Reframe is a perfect place to start. Reframe offers an elevated, modern take on alternative drinks to alcohol, crafted for those who value flavor, experience, and innovation. Whether you’re unwinding with friends or toasting a special moment, Reframe’s stylish spirits make every sip memorable.

Pair Reframe with light bites or desserts for a totally fresh experience that’ll have everyone talking about your impeccable taste.

Style note: Bright, stylish glassware makes these drinks even more fun—think colorful tumblers or modern cocktail glasses.

The Art of Alternative Drinking

Exploring alternative drinks to alcohol doesn’t mean compromising on taste or experience—it’s all about leveling up your hangouts with something new. Whether you’re drawn to kombucha’s tart sparkle, a canned cocktail’s convenience, or a cannabis-infused spirit’s modern edge, there’s something for every vibe and every friend group.

So next time someone says, “What are we drinking tonight?” you’ll have five fabulous answers that go way beyond the usual. Cheers to being the trendsetter of your crew—your next round’s going to be unforgettable.

Ready to discover something new? Check out our collection of alternative drinks to alcohol and elevate your next gathering! Explore here.✨🌿