True relaxation in a glass comes down to two things: what's in it and what it signals to your brain. Certain botanicals and adaptogens, like ashwagandha, lemon balm, and reishi, have long been used to support a sense of calm and help you unwind after a demanding day. When your drink is built around ingredients like these, the ritual of pouring it becomes the first cue to your nervous system that the evening has officially begun.
Alcohol, by contrast, may feel relaxing at first, but it tends to disrupt the very rest you're chasing. If you're curious about that tradeoff, our piece on How Alcohol Affects Sleep breaks it down honestly. That's the thinking behind every bottle we craft. Our nonalcoholic cocktails are formulated with functional ingredients chosen not just for flavor, but for the full experience of winding down with something genuinely worth savoring.
Our Top Picks For Relaxation
Not all drinks are created equal when it comes to winding down. The best ones bring together functional ingredients, complex flavor, and a sensory experience that genuinely helps you shift gears. Here are three of our top picks for exactly that:
The Light And Floral Option
When you want something softer, Curious No. 3 — our Juniper Cucumber Collins offers a floral, lower-sugar pour that feels as refreshing as it does relaxing. Crisp cucumber and juniper botanicals make it the ideal choice for a gentle, unhurried wind-down.
The Bold And Balanced Pour
Curious Red is the pour for when you want something bold, balanced, and settling. Its rich, layered botanicals make every sip feel intentional. Serve it over a large ice cube and let the evening slow down around you.
The Smooth Wind-Down
Curious No. 6 rounds out the lineup with a smooth, easy-drinking profile that's built for quiet evenings. It's the kind of drink you sip slowly, letting each note unfold as you settle in.
A quick note for the caffeine-sensitive: Curious No. 5 and Curious No. 7 both contain caffeine-bearing botanicals. If you're winding down late in the day or are sensitive to caffeine, you may want to save these two for earlier in the day and reach for a caffeine-free option, like the three above, when true relaxation is the goal.
How To Build Your Wind-Down Ritual
A great drink is only part of the equation. The ritual around it, the glass you choose, the moment you carve out, the intention you bring, is what transforms a simple pour into genuine restoration. Here are three ways to make your wind-down feel as good as it tastes:
Choose Your Glassware With Intention
The right glass changes everything. A rocks glass makes Curious No. 6 feel grounded and ceremonial, while a glass coupe elevates Curious Red into something that feels celebratory. When you treat your nonalcoholic cocktail like the craft drink it is, the relaxation begins before the first sip.
Garnish Like You Mean It
A sprig of fresh rosemary, a twist of citrus peel, a few cucumber slices, and garnishes are not decorative afterthoughts. They engage your senses before the drink even reaches your lips. We always say our bottles are ready-to-garnish for a reason: that finishing touch is part of the experience.
Set The Scene
Dim the lights. Put on something slow. Step away from your screen. The most relaxing drinks for relaxation work best when the environment supports them. Think of your evening pour as a cue, not just a beverage, and let everything around it match the energy you are trying to create.
If you are still finding your footing in the world of functional botanicals, our Adaptogen Drinks Guide is a great place to start. And if you want to go deeper on specific ingredients that support a sense of calm, our piece on Best Adaptogenic Drinks for Stress Relief walks you through the details with the same care we put into every bottle.
Your Most Relaxing Night Starts Here
Some evenings call for a drink that does more than fill a glass. They call for something that marks the moment, signals the shift, and tastes like it was made with care, because ours are. When it comes to drinks for relaxation, the difference is always in the details, the ingredients chosen, the ritual built around them, and the intention behind every bottle. Whether you are drawn to the bold depth of Curious Red or the crisp lift of a floral Collins, there is a Curious Elixirs pour that belongs in your wind-down rotation.
For those who love a post-dinner pour, our Nonalcoholic Digestif guide is worth a slow read with something bittersweet in hand. And if you have ever wondered how certain botanicals compare when it comes to helping you unwind, our breakdown of Rhodiola Vs. Ashwagandha offers a genuinely useful look at two of our favorite functional ingredients. The easiest way to find your perfect relaxing drink? Let us do the curation. The Curious Cocktail Club delivers a rotating monthly selection of our craft nonalcoholic cocktails straight to your door, so every evening has something worth looking forward to.
Wellness Disclaimer: If you have a specific health condition, take medication, or are pregnant or lactating, be sure to consult with your doctors and health professionals before consuming ingredients that are new to your diet.
