We’ve all been there: The weekend is almost over, and instead of enjoying our final day of freedom, we spend it dreading the upcoming week. A new survey found that 75% of workers now experience this phenomenon known as the “Sunday Scaries.”
Many people rely on booze to ease the blues and combat this feeling. But the effects of alcohol can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, making you feel even worse.
Instead, overcome the Sunday Scaries by sipping a mocktail or some ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverages that can give you a buzz. Yes, some alcohol-free drinks will actually give you a buzz thanks to functional ingredients like l-theanine or CBD.
In this article, we’ll explore delectable mocktail recipes, readymade non-alcoholic drinks that give you a buzz, and other healthy ways to ward off the Sunday Scaries.
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Mocktails to Overcome the Sunday Scaries
At AF Bevys, we know it can be difficult to overcome the stress and anxiety of the weekend’s end. Whether you’re worried about that pesky to-do list or just need something to take the edge off, here are some non-alcoholic drinks that give you a buzz, really!
1. Non-Alcoholic Kombucha Mule
A naturally fermented drink made from sweetened tea and yeast, Kombucha helps improve digestion, boost the immune system, and promote overall wellness. This recipe combines Kombucha with classic Moscow Mule ingredients for a healthier take on a beloved classic.
Although Kombucha typically contains only a small amount of alcohol (usually less than 0.5%), due to the natural fermentation process, it may contain small traces of culture. Be sure to check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Ingredients:
- 1 Lime (plus more for garnish)
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- 3 ½ – 4 oz Babe mango & ginger Kombucha
- 2-3 Mango Slices
- Fresh Mint
Instructions:
In a mixing tin, pour in the juice from one lime, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add mango slices and mint, muddle gently to extract the juices of the mango and oils from the mint. Add ice and shake well before straining into a copper mug filled with crushed ice. Top with Babe mango & ginger Kombucha and garnish with lime wheel and sprig of mint.
2. Iced Chai Tea with Spiced Orange and Cinnamon
If you’re a tea lover, you’ll definitely want to try this take on an Iced Chai. The warming spices and aroma will help bring you comfort and calm your anxieties.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 Tsp Black tea powder
- 1 Tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 Star Anise
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 2-3 Cardamom pods
- 5-6 Whole cloves
- 1 Orange
- Oat milk
- Maine Root Ginger Beer
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Turn off the burner, add in black tea powder and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let steam for 3-5 minutes. Remove the lid and set the burner to low. Add black peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and the juice and zest from one orange. Let simmer for about 5 minutes before straining into a jar to cool.
Once cooled, pour 2 oz chai tea over ice, add your choice of milk (I prefer oat), and shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise.
3. Blackberry Spritz
Blackberries are rich in antioxidants and may support healthier skin and improved cognitive functions. This mocktail spritz will help you wind down before heading back to work.
Ingredients:
Ingredients for the blackberry syrup:
- 4 oz frozen blackberries
- 2-3 Basil Leaves (plus more for garnish)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
Rinse the blackberries well in cold water. In a small saucepan, add sugar, water, and blackberries. Simmer over medium heat until soft. With a wooden spoon, gently break up the blackberries until you are left with a bright purple syrup. Add 2-3 basil leaves and stir in lemon juice, this can really help bring out the flavor of those blackberries, and use a fine-mesh strainer to separate the pulp and seeds from the syrup. Let cool.
For the Spritz
Ingredients:
- 2 oz homemade blackberry syrup
- 4 oz Daytrip CBD-infused sparkling water
- 1-2 blackberries for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a large, stemmed wine glass with ice. Add blackberry syrup and top with Daytrip sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with 1-2 blackberries and a basil leaf.
4. Hibiscus G&T
Just like the Blackberry Spritz, the Hibiscus G&T gets you relaxed and ready for the coming workweek. The addition of hibiscus adds depth and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Seedlip Garden N/A Spirit
- 2 ½ oz Mate Fresh Hibiscus Tonic Water
- ¾ oz Fresh lime juice
Instructions:
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add Seedlip n/a gin, fresh lime juice, and mate hibiscus tonic. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel.
If you can’t get the Mate Fresh Hibiscus Tonic Water (it runs out of stock easily), you can swap it for an Italian soda or your favorite flavor of La Croix.
5. N/A Hot Toddy
There’s nothing more comforting than a hot drink filled with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. This N/A Hot Toddy recipe is perfect for after dinner, helping you wind down and get ready for Monday.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ oz boiling water
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 2 tsp honey
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
- 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
Instructions:
To warm the glass, fill with hot water. Pour out the water and add honey, lemon juice, and boiling water. Stir to dissolve the honey. Add the ground nutmeg and cayenne pepper. Take a lemon wedge and insert one whole clove into each segment. Place into the drink with the cloves facing up, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Ready-to-Sip Non-Alcoholic Drinks That Give You a Buzz
When facing the coming workweek, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 0% ABV options to chase away those Sunday Scaries.
Check out these N/A drinks you can always have on hand.
1. Free AF Apero Spritz
Are you a fan of Aperol spritz? Non-alcoholic drink brand, AF Drinks, now has a fake Aperol spritz that’s more than just bubbles and citrus.
It contains an element they call “Afterglow” which is a 100% natural botanical heat extract that mimics the pleasant warmth of drinking alcohol – without the alcohol.
We tried it – it’s true! It also comes in other flavors like Paloma and VØD%A Spritz – Zero Sugar.
2. Kin Spritz by Kin Euphorics
Kin Spritz is a non-alcoholic and gently caffeinated functional beverage infused with adaptogens, nootropics, and botanics like Rhodiola Rosea, 5-HTP, and Gaba. They claim these ingredients can help elevate your mood, smooth out stress, and offer a boost of energy.
From experience, we can say that Kin Spritz does indeed deliver a buzz, without the booze.
3. Three Spirit
Three Spirit is a non-alcoholic spirit that you can use instead of normal alcoholic options like rum, tequila, and vodka. It comes in three varieties, which speak for themselves: Livener, Social, and Nightcap.
Although they don’t contain ethanol, don’t mistake these non-alcoholic spirits for being less sophisticated. They undergo a process that includes maceration, fermentation, distillation, reverse osmosis, freeze-drying, ultrasonic extraction – whatever is necessary to realize the potential of each ingredient.
For that reason, they’re also not cheap, but if you’re on a mission to defeat the Sunday Scaries, we think it’s worth the investment.
Check out our list of the top 13 adaptogen drinks to try right now.
4. Lagunitas: Hi-Fi Hops with THC and CBD
Lagunitas is known for its alcoholic craft beers, but don’t sleep on their n/a options. The Hi-Fi Hops is a light, well-balanced brew infused with THC and CBD.
Oh, and we forgot to mention: The Hi-Fi Hops boasts zero calories and zero carbs.
5. Daytrip: CBD-Infused Flavored Sparkling Water
There are tons of CBD-infused sparkling waters out there, but there’s something special about Daytrip.
It comes in a variety of flavor options like coconut pineapple, blackberry, and tangerine.
Infused with 25mg of natural CBD, these sparkling waters are just what you need to feel rejuvenated for the coming week.
6. De Soi
We recently wrote a whole De Soi review, but essentially, it’s a line of non-alcoholic beverages by Katy Perry, yes the one who sings, “I Kissed a Girl,” and master distiller, Morgan McLachlan.
De Soi is a non-alcoholic aperitif with four unique flavors that come in either bottles or cans.
Each contains “mind-mellowing” ingredients like ashwagandha, chamomile, and nootropic, l-theanine. Enjoy it as a nightcap or as a healthier option during happy hour.
7. For Bitter For Worse: Low-Alcohol Ready-Made Cocktails
It can be difficult to find a non-alcoholic cocktail that rivals the real thing. If crafting your own zero-proof drink isn’t your thing—For Bitter For Worse specializes in non-alcoholic, ready-made cocktails.
From their Smoky No. 56 to their Rose City Fizz, FBFW has something for everyone.
Other Ways to Stay Sane on Sundays
1. Go for a Walk
Exercise has been shown to decrease overall levels of stress and improve sleep. Even if you don’t have much time to spare, evidence shows that even a small amount of walking is enough to make a difference. Get into the habit of going on a Sunday stroll to boost your mood before facing the work week.
2. Journal
Reading and writing can be a powerful tool in managing your anxiety and coping with depression. Keeping yourself in check with your moods and feelings will help you appreciate the small things that are easy to forget. Don’t overthink it! Just grab a pen and paper and write whatever comes to mind or try this journaling method.
3. Try Your Hand at Gardening
A little fresh air can go a long way. According to the National Library of Medicine, exposure to plants, particularly in gardening, is beneficial to mental and physical health. Gardening also provides a welcome break from scrolling social media and staring at screens.
4. Take a Yoga Class
If you’re stuck with fears of the future, you’ll miss out on the present moment. Yoga is a great way to sharpen your mind and lower stress levels, keeping you in touch with the world around you. Make this meditative awakening part of your routine to help ward off the Sunday Scaries and embrace the day.
5. Volunteer
Volunteering can help you find a sense of purpose outside of yourself. It gives you space from your daily stresses, and an opportunity to connect with your community.
6. Take Supplements
According to Dr. Brooke Scheller, a nutrition-based sobriety expert, chronic alcohol use can lower the body’s stores of:
- Vitamin A
- All B vitamins
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Most minerals
When our body lacks key nutrients, it has to work harder to stay in balance. Of course, this would lead us to feel more tired and even anxious since physical and mental health are one and the same. To learn how to help your body overcome deficiencies in vitamins and minerals as a result of drinking, check out functional sobriety.
The Bottom Line
With the growing number of people feeling the pressures from their work lives, it’s becoming more essential to find healthy ways to cope. These buzzy concoctions are some of the best non-alcoholic drinks to replace a habit of coping with alcohol.
Hopefully, this guide to beating the Sunday Scaries will help you embrace the week ahead. If you decide to embark on Dry January, these drinks can also be useful.
Have other ways to beat the blues? Let us know in the comments!
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