Curious Elixirs Review Adaptogen Booze-Free Cocktails That Fans Love and Some Can’t Stand

Curious Elixirs doesn’t name its drinks the usual way. Each is a numbered recipe inspired by a classic cocktail and built from real juices, botanicals and adaptogens. No. 1 is a bitter pomegranate drink inspired by the Negroni Sbagliato, infused with rhodiola. No. 2 crosses a spicy pineapple margarita with a ginger-lime Dark and Stormy, infused with damiana. No. 3 combines lemon, cucumber, alpine flowers and ashwagandha to echo a French 75 and Tom Collins. No. 4 is a blood orange spritz with American ginseng, holy basil and turmeric. No. 6 is a non-alcoholic Painkiller with cream of coconut, pineapple and nutmeg, and No. 8 was a limited-edition non-alcoholic amaro of 8,888 bottles. The idea is for adults who want an adult drink, with bitterness, spice and complexity, without the alcohol.

Drinkhacker’s grades give a useful map. No. 2 earned an A- for its pineapple, strong ginger bite and hints of red pepper and lime leaf. It’s the most crowd-pleasing of the range and a Thingtesting favorite alongside No. 6. No. 8 also earned an A- for its fresh berry nose giving way to a bitter, gentian-driven amaro finish, a drink that rewards anyone who likes Campari-style bitterness. Nos. 1, 3 and 6 landed at B+, and No. 4 at B, though fans call the No. 4 Blood Orange “fantastic in flavor.” The divisive part is that these drinks aren’t sweet. Drinkers expecting a fruity mocktail can be put off, which explains reviews calling them bitter or unpleasant. Fans suggest serving over ice, with citrus, or with “a touch of honey” if you want it softer.

Adaptogens are herbs and roots, such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng and holy basil, that are traditionally used to help the body handle stress. Curious Elixirs uses them for flavor and as a functional point of difference. The brand positions the drinks as a way to unwind without alcohol. Expectations matter here, though. The effects of adaptogens in food and drink amounts aren’t comparable to alcohol, and research on many adaptogens is still limited. Treat the botanicals as part of the flavor and ritual, not as a replacement for the effects of alcohol. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition should check the ingredient list with a doctor, as some adaptogens such as ashwagandha and ginseng can interact with medications. For most adults, it’s simply a more interesting alternative to soda.

At about $5 per 12 oz bottle or can, and two servings per bottle for most numbers, Curious Elixirs costs much less than bar mocktails. One reviewer compares it with paying about $11 for a drink at a bar. A monthly rotating subscription sends a mix of flavors, which suits curious drinkers but can mean receiving numbers you don’t like. One unhappy Thingtesting reviewer reported spending $350 on something they didn’t enjoy, so read the subscription terms carefully and start with a single variety pack or a small order. Recipes also sell out and rotate, and limited editions like No. 8 had a fixed run, so favorites may not always be in stock. Shipping covers the U.S. and Canada.