The Problem
It's obvious at this point that consumers are looking for alcohol alternatives. With a more health conscious generation emerging, consumers are not willing to accept the detrimental short term and long term effects from alcohol. They are now demanding more of their beverages, and actively looking for heather alternatives to alcohol.
But this hasn't been an easy task: social drinking is ingrained in every society. Humans are relentlessly social beings, and need a way to unwind and let loose. It's been a tough task to provides consumers' taste buds with a similar flavor of an alcoholic drink, while still providing that feeling of calm relaxation and social lubricant effect.
Stats behind the problem
- 66% of millennials are making conscious efforts to reduce their alcohol consumption. - Nielson
- Adults ages 18 to 34 who say they ever drink dropped from 72% in 2001-03 to 62% in 2021-23 - Pew Research
- 40% of US respondents reported they closely or occasionally “follow a sober-curious lifestyle.” - Mintel
- 2023 marked the lowest year of beer sales since 1999. - NBC
- US per capita alcohol volumes fell 4.5% in 2023. - BevNet
Over the past decade there have been many attempts at a non-alcoholic alternative, but many have missed the mark. There's been non alcoholic beer, non alcoholic spirits, other non-alcoholic beverages and functional drinks, and while some of them meet flavor expectations, most of them don't really provide that social experience that consumers are looking for.
So this begs the question, are there really non-alcoholic drinks that give you a buzz?
The Solution: A better beverage with no booze and a real buzz
With this problem in mind, Aaron Nosbisch founded BRĒZ, a functional beverage company aimed to create the perfect alcohol alternative. After being constantly let down by alcoholic drinks, he set out to make a drink that would make you feel relaxed and social, without the negative effects and hangover from booze.
While running an agency in the conscious compounds space that focused on cannabis and psychedelics, he realized that there was a big opportunity to make non alcoholic drinks using a unique blend THC -- derived from hemp extract -- and other unique adaptogenic compounds.
BRĒZ Bliss
BRĒZ Bliss was our debut social tonic, with a unique combination of THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids and terpenes derive from hemp extract, and lion's mane mushrooms. This blend was carefully crafted with natural ingredients for euphoria, clarity, and relaxation, while avoiding the hangover and negative affects of alcoholic drinks.
It's sparkling with notes of Italian lemon and elderflower, and has a unique, citrusy, herbaceous bite that mimics that of your favorite alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks. It comes in a 7.5oz can, with 2.5mg THC, 5mg CBD, and 1600mg of fruiting bodies lion's mane. This is the ideal entry level cannabis drink, perfect for someone new to the category. We like to say: it's subtle enough for mom to try, but stackable for your ideal high.
BRĒZ Bliss isn't your traditional THC edible. We extract THC, CBD, and minor cannabinoids from high-quality full spectrum hemp, then micronize and nano-emulsify them using proprietary technology. This process makes the compounds instantly bioavailable and more potent, allowing you to feel the effects within minutes, unlike old school edibles that take over an hour to kick in.
After much success, we decided to double the fun, and created a 12oz BRĒZ Bliss. This packs twice the punch of our smaller can with 5mg THC, 10mg CBD, and 2200mg of fruiting bodies lion's mane.
BRĒZ bliss is the world's first true alcohol alternative. Get all the good feelings from your typical alcoholic counterparts without the next-day regrets. Brighter colors, louder laughs, and tastier snacks have often been reported. Many of our customers share that they get better sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
BRĒZ Flow
Following the success of Bliss, we released BRĒZ Flow, which has 2200mg of fruiting bodies lion's mane for a subtle but apparent effect. This was created for calm, clear relief, and is the perfect 3pm pick me up or a great alcohol alternative and a way to wind down at the end of the day.
Due to the infusion of lion's mane, this drink can provide a subtle mood boost, relieve stress, and support cognitive function. Lion's mane is a powerful functional mushroom and beloved throughout the mushrooms community, and is known as a brain booster, and can support gut health and immunity. While it's not a true coffee alternative, it does provide mental clarity, especially after a long day.
What makes BRĒZ Flow different from other functional drinks or supplements, is that we craft extract it and make it instantly bioavailable through micronization technology. This means that you are more likely to feel the effects of the mushroom, and you'll feel it fast.
It's sparkling with notes of Italian lemon and elderflower, and lightly sweetened with agave nectar for a delightful taste. It is caffeine free, gluten free, vegan, non-GMO, and uses organic ingredients. No other ingredients needed, just the relief you want, when you need it!
How BRĒZ Compares to Alcoholic Beverages
There are many benefits to replacing your typical alcoholic beverage with BRĒZ that can help balance your lifestyle and support overall wellbeing.
Calories
A typical alcoholic beverage, whether it be a beer, seltzer, cocktail, or shot is around 100 calories or more. BRĒZ's blends are between only 20 and 30 calories, so you can get the same great social buzz without stacking up the calories.
Sugars
You're favorite beach cocktail can contain between 10 - 30 grams of sugar, and isn't always coming from natural ingredients. BRĒZ's blends only have between 8 - 14 grams of sugar, which are derived from natural ingredients like agave nectar and allulose.
Hangovers
As you get older, if you are having more than one alcoholic beverage, chances are you might not feel too good the next day. This is because alcohol dehydrates you, upsets your gut microbiome, and disrupts your sleep cycles, often leading to that groggy, tired, and gross feeling we call a hangover.
With BRĒZ, there's no alcohol involved, so there's no dehydration or upset stomach, so you'll wake up feeling refreshed and energized ready to take on the day.
Ingredients that can Create a Buzz or Stress Relieving Effect
Adaptogens: Compounds that help manage stress, and aid mental or physical health.
- Ashwagandha: A shrub native to Africa and Asia, known for its stress reducing properties and improving mental clarity, energy levels , and overall well being.
- Rhodiola rosea: A perennial flower often used to combat fatigue, enhance physical endurance, and support mental performance under stress.
- Holy Basil: Known for it anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and believed to reduce stress and support overall health.
- Maca Root: Native to Peru, this adaptogen is often used to support stamina, endurance, and hormonal balance.
- Chaga mushroom: Known for its immune boosting properties, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Nootropics: Compounds that boost brain health and performance.
- Lion's Mane mushroom: Used in both of BREZ's current blends, this functional mushroom is known for its potential to support neurogenesis and improve cognitive function and memory.
- L-theanine: Often paired with caffeine, this amino acid promotes relaxation without drowsiness and can enhance cognitive performance and focus.
- Ginkgo Biloba: An herb that may improve blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory and cognitive speed.
- Theobromine: Found in cacao, it has stimulant effects similar to caffeine but with a milder impact on the central nervous system.
- Creatine: Often associated with muscle performance, it also has cognitive benefits, including improved memory and mental performance.
Stimulants: Compounds that speed up the body's systems.
- Caffeine: the primary stimulant in energy drinks, known for increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. It can be found in coffee, tea, and a number of other plants.
- B-Vitamins: Essential for energy production and metabolism. The most commonly used are (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin).
- Ginger: Often added for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also serve as an appetite stimulant.
- Guarana: A plant extract, native to the Amazon rainforest, that contains caffeine and is known for its stimulant effects.
- Yerba Mate: A plant extract native to South America which contains caffeine and other compounds that provide a smooth increase in energy without jitters.
Microdosed Cannabis
- THC - The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and is what creates the "high" effect.
- CBD - A non psychoactive compound in cannabis, known to reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
Wrapping Up
It's more than evident that the time has come for a better beverage. Alcohol has been the social lubricant of choice around the world for thousands of years, but many have been seeking a better alternative after constant disappointment and continued understanding about its negative consequences for both short and long term health.
While there's lots of functional beverages and non alcoholic drinks emerging, there's few that will give you a buzz, while avoiding the negative effects. Many brands have attempted to blend different herbal compounds, botanical extracts, but none have really provided that release of inhibitions and true relaxation that social drinkers are looking for.
You can keep on sipping your non alcoholic beer, non alcoholic spirit, ginger beer, or whatever other mocktail you like to make, or you can join us and change your social drinking experience forever. BRĒZ is building an ever expanding portfolio of compelling alcohol alternatives, providing an unparalleled drinking experience for all, and ushering in a new era of better for you drinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drink can give you a buzz without alcohol?
BRĒZ Bliss is a cannabis infused social tonic that gives you that happy, euphoric, social buzz, without the the booze. With a micro-dose of THC, CBD, and lion's mane mushrooms, you can achieve a similar social lubricant effect to alcohol, while avoiding all of its downsides.
Can non-alcoholic drinks give you a buzz?
Non-alcoholic drinks with a low dose of THC are the best option to give you a buzz without the booze. THC is a depressant (similar to alcohol), and relaxes your body and and mind to make you feel happier, calmer, and even more social.
Do adaptogen drinks give you a buzz?
Adaptogen drinks can give you a buzz, but it is not necessarily the same to that of cannabis, alcohol, or coffee. This can vary a lot from person to person. Adaptogens usually provide more subtle effects, and are generally meant to relax the body, as adaptogen literally means a compound considered to help the body adapt to stress.
What can I drink to get a buzz fast?
If you drink cannabis beverages with fast acting emulsion technology, you can start to feel a buzz within minutes, just as you would with an alcoholic drink. BRĒZ cannabis infused social tonics use a special micronization and emulsion technology, making the compounds more bioavailable and more quickly felt, so you can get that same quick social buzz without alcohol.
Are these drinks safe for everyone?
All of BRĒZ's products are third party tested, with careful attention to ingredient sourcing and production processes.
If you have any concerns, you should always consult a healthcare specialist before trying cannabis infused or adaptogenic drinks. Our products are not for use by or sale to persons under the age of 21. All products contain less than 0.3% THC per the Controlled Substances Act. Consult your physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, have allergies, or are taking any medication. BRĒZ is a non-alcoholic beverage. However, we use craft-extracted flavors from Italian lemons and Elderflower, which means there is a trace amount of ethanol in BRĒZ—less than a bottle of commercial kombucha. (<0.5% ABV). These products have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or efficacy. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
How often can you consume BRĒZ?
BRĒZ is meant to be an alcohol replacement, but when speaking to new consumers, we suggest trying our lowest dosed product before trying more. In terms of frequency, we suggest following the golden rule of "everything in moderation", but everyone must find what works best for them. Drink responsibly, and have fun!
