Functional spirits: The buzz without the booze
Hey there, mindful drinkers! Today we’re diving into the world of functional spirits and their amazing benefits - because we believe a drink should do more than just hydrate you. So, let’s kick things off with a question: what is a functional spirit?
A functional spirit is defined as “a drink that has been enhanced beyond its inherent nutritional value to provide additional benefits” - essentially, you get all of the delicious taste you expect, but with some added goodness for your mind and body! There’s a whole world of functional spirits out there, and it’s becoming a fast growing area of the mindful drinks industry. We’ll be highlighting some of our favorite blends and ingredients, to help you to experience drinking in a more mindful, health-conscious way.
Why choose a functional spirit?
Gone are the days of settling for soda or spirit imitations, there is a new breed of drinks in town, and they feel pretty good. Think of it as getting the buzz of an alcoholic drink, but without the booze - and with some extra health benefits thrown in too. Functional spirit drinks are packed full of health-giving ingredients from adaptogens, nootropics, herbs and plants, they’re all designed to replicate the moods and feelings that we usually associate with booze - as well as ones that we’ve never felt before. So if you’re looking for a mindful drinking experience that helps to boost your mood (without the hangover), support your physical wellbeing, and tap into your mental wellbeing too, then non-alcoholic functional spirits could be the perfect option for you.
Benefits of functional spirits:
Different functional spirits are blended with different benefits in mind - for example, Kin Euphorics’ Dream Light is blended with calming spices, Reishi mushroom, and melatonin to help quiet your mind before you drift off to dreamland. The idea is that with the support of these functional ingredients, you can hush the outside world, reflect and release what’s beyond your control, and reach a natural circadian rhythm with this magical nightcap.
If you’re looking for something to boost your dancing rhythm rather than your circadian rhythm, Three Spirits’ Social Elixir could be for you. It’s a dark herbal elixir which makes the ultimate social companion and mood elevator. Natural, blissful feeling with lion’s mane mushroom, yerba mate and damiana. You might start to feel a little floaty and flirty from damiana, tulsi and cacao which combine to lift spirits and reduce inhibitions. After three doses, you’ll be the life and soul of the party!
Featured brand: Three Spirits
Here at the Mindful Drinking Co, we only stock the best of the best - and Three Spirits is definitely that! Three Spirits drinks combine plants used for centuries to stimulate the palate, mind and body. So whether you’re looking for more energy, deeper sleeps or enhanced connections, there are mindful drink options for you. The functional ingredients in each carefully blended spirit are designed to help you feel better, and energize your body and mind. Not only are Three Spirits drinks packed with functional ingredients, they also have award-winning flavors and their range is 100% vegan, with sustainably sourced plants.
Our top pick from Three Spirits is the Livener - this invigorating elixir is the perfect party pick-me-up. Enjoy euphoric feels from guayusa - rich in antioxidants and caffeine for that stimulating boost. Combine this with guava leaf packed with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, and believed to boost heart health, boost immunity and benefit digestive health. As if that wasn’t enough, sprinkle in some schisandra (an adaptogen which can improve liver function, endurance and coordination) and big flavors from vibrant berries and bright aromatics, and you’ve essentially got the perfect mindful drink to boost your mood. Or if you’re looking to stimulate your palate, mind and body before, during and after the party, then try the Starter Pack to help find your favorite.
Featured brand: Kin
Kin’s mission is to transform the world’s oldest social ritual, drinking, into a mindful and thoughtful act of taking better care of ourselves. Kin drinks form a daily brain-care ritual designed to help you connect to your center, find better balance, and set your mind free! And we are all for it. Our favorite of Kin’s functional drinks collection is the Lightwave - with sparkling notes of lavender-vanilla, smoked sea salts, and passionflower, it’s as tasty as it is good for you. The active ingredients include:
● Reishi Mushroom: The Peace Empress. This mellow mushroom strengthens the adrenal system and balances your body's reactions to stress.
● L-Theanine: The Scales of Balance. Increases alpha-wave production and modifies brain waves, which decreases anxiety and brings equilibrium to your mind and body.
● L-Tryptophan: The Knight of Grace. Summon calm. Quiets the mind so you can ride a wave of serotonin for good moods and peace of mind.
Combined with more mind-calming ingredients to mellow you out, help you to transcend stress, and open a portal to peace (think naked forest bathing at midnight), Lightwave is a mindful drink that’s not to be missed.
Want to hear what Kin drinkers say?
“Kin is like my safety blanket as I’m both calm and energized...it makes me euphoric, happy, and excited to be alive.”
“This is not about replacing alcohol, it’s about giving people more time to fill their life with meaningful things.”
Want to try for yourself?
Check out our full range of functional spirits and non-alcoholic spirits by visiting the ‘Shop’ menu. We know you’re going to love the mindful drinking experience.
Cheers to mindful drinking!