New to Non-Alcoholic Drinks?

New to non-alcoholic drinks and not sure where to start? You are in the right place. This guide covers everything a beginner needs to know: what to expect, what to try first, and how to find drinks you will actually love.

Why People Are Making the Switch

Most people arrive at non-alcoholic drinks from different directions. Some want to cut alcohol for health reasons. Others are pregnant, in recovery, or training seriously. Many are simply sober-curious, interested in what life with less alcohol looks and feels like without a full commitment to sobriety.

Whatever brought you here, the good news is the same: the quality of non-alcoholic drinks in 2026 is extraordinary. You are not giving something up. You are gaining a new category of genuinely excellent drinks.

The sober-curious movement has reshaped the entire beverage industry. Major breweries, spirit brands, and new dedicated NA companies have all invested heavily in this space. The result is a market full of options that meet you wherever you are.

What to Expect When You Start

Honest expectations make the transition easier. Here is what you need to know going in.

The first sip might surprise you

Non-alcoholic drinks often taste different from what you expect, sometimes better. Many people assume NA beer will be flat and thin. A great craft NA IPA tends to change that assumption immediately.

You will not feel the same

You will not feel alcohol's effects. That is the point. What you will feel depends on what you drink: refreshed, satisfied, and present.

Some categories are better than others

Non-alcoholic beer is the most advanced category. Wine is catching up fast. Spirits are very good in cocktails. Try a few before committing to a category.

Quality varies significantly by brand

Not all non-alcoholic drinks are created equal. The gap between a budget NA beer and a craft NA beer is noticeable. Start with well-reviewed brands.

Social situations work fine

A non-alcoholic beer looks like a beer. A sparkling wine in a glass looks like wine. You will rarely need to explain yourself.

Your tastes will evolve

Most people start with familiar styles and gradually explore more adventurous options. There is a lot to discover.

Where to Start: New to Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Match your current drinking preferences to the best non-alcoholic starting point.

The Beer Starter

A crisp non-alcoholic lager or pilsner. Familiar, refreshing, and instantly satisfying. A great first step for any beer drinker.

The Wine Starter

A non-alcoholic sparkling white or rosé. Beautiful in a glass, great for dinner, and immediately recognizable as a wine experience.

The Cocktail Starter

A non-alcoholic gin or tequila alternative. Mix it exactly like the original spirit. Make a gin and tonic, a margarita, or whatever you love.

The Functional Starter

A botanical or adaptogen drink that offers a real effect. If you drink to unwind, these are built to deliver that same feeling through different chemistry.

Types of Non-Alcoholic Drinks Explained

• Non-Alcoholic Beer — Brewed like regular beer, then dealcoholized. Every style exists: lagers, IPAs, stouts, sours, wheat beers. The most approachable and widely available category.
• Non-Alcoholic Wine — Produced from real grapes, then dealcoholized through vacuum distillation. Reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines.
• Non-Alcoholic Spirits — Botanical distillates designed to replicate gin, whiskey, rum, tequila, and more. Built for cocktails.
• Functional Beverages — Drinks that go beyond hydration. Adaptogens for stress, nootropics for focus, kava for relaxation, CBD for calm. The most innovative and fastest-growing segment.

Start with a Tasting in San Diego

The easiest way to start is to taste. At both of our San Diego locations, we have a full tasting bar where you can sample before you commit to anything. Walk in, tell us where you are in your non-alcoholic journey, and we will guide you.

No pressure. No judgment. No need to justify your reasons. Everyone walks out with something they love.

If you prefer to start online, our catalog is fully available with detailed product descriptions to help you choose. Every product we stock has been personally tasted and approved by our team.

Beginner Questions Answered

Where do I even start with non-alcoholic drinks?

Start with what you already like. If you drink beer, try a non-alcoholic IPA or lager. If you prefer wine, start with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. If you like cocktails, pick up a non-alcoholic spirit and mix it the same way.

Do non-alcoholic drinks actually taste good?

Yes. The quality has improved dramatically. The best non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits are genuinely excellent drinks that compete with alcoholic options on flavor, aroma, and complexity.

Will I feel anything drinking non-alcoholic drinks?

You will not feel the effects of alcohol. However, functional non-alcoholic beverages are designed to provide a real effect through adaptogens, kava, nootropics, or CBD.

How do I explain it at social events?

You do not need to explain anything. A great non-alcoholic beer in your hand looks identical to a regular beer. If someone asks, 'non-alcoholic' is a complete sentence.

What should I buy first?

For first-timers: start with a non-alcoholic lager or pilsner if you like beer, a sparkling non-alcoholic wine if you prefer wine, or a starter non-alcoholic spirit if you enjoy cocktails.

Is non-alcoholic the same as alcohol-free?

In the US, both terms apply to beverages under 0.5% ABV. 'Alcohol-free' sometimes specifically indicates 0.0% ABV products.

Can I drink non-alcoholic drinks every day?

Yes. Unlike alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic drinks carry none of the health risks associated with regular drinking.

How much do non-alcoholic drinks cost compared to regular drinks?

Premium non-alcoholic drinks are priced comparably to their alcoholic equivalents. A great NA craft beer costs about what a craft beer costs. Non-alcoholic spirits range from $25 to $50 for a bottle.

Ready to Take the First Sip?

Shop our best-seller picks for beginners or visit us in San Diego and let our team guide your first tasting.