I’m a teetotaler so tried non-alcoholic viral options to get a ‘buzz’ for my 40th birthday – the £17 rose was bitter and a £2.25 pint won

I’ve never worried so much about drinking.

Drinking snakebites at university – a strange mix of cider and beer – I tried my best to fit in, but a night of alcohol never ended well.

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While my friends had no qualms about downing a bottle of wine for ‘pre-drinks’, my only attempt to do the same left me in bed, soaking wet.

And don’t mention the hangover – they were brutal and I was afraid of it. Then, after I had kids, dealing with them and the heartache just didn’t seem worth it.

As I got older, I went from heavy nights out to enjoying a glass or two of civilized wine with dinner.

But the strong stuff was never something I craved and I knew it was an addiction I wouldn’t miss.

So much so – and call me boring – but I recently made the decision to become a teetotaler.

And I’m not the only one who’s made this choice – Davina McCall, Susanna Reid and Tom Holland are also famously teetotal, with the Spider-Man actor saying giving up drinking is the “best thing I’ve ever done”.

In truth, 8.4 million people in the UK classify themselves as teetotalers, with one in five under 25s in this category – the highest number ever recorded in this age group.

But there’s one thing I miss about drinking: the buzz I used to feel after a few glasses of the strong stuff.

It made me more confident and more comfortable in social situations, something that non-alcoholic drinks simply can’t, and have never tried, to achieve.

That is, until now.

There has been a huge increase in the amount of non-alcoholic options on the market that claim to be able to recreate my sought-after alcoholic buzz.

They contain adaptogens – various plants and herbs – that help relax the body, reduce stress and even “perk you up” before a big night out.

I tried six different drinks that claim they can do it all — all without a hangover.

And recently turning 40, could there be a better time to relax a little?

G-SPOT

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First, G-spot — the line of soft drinks created by TV actress Gillian Anderson — that is “filled to the brim with life-enhancing adaptogens,” according to the website.

They’re low-calorie (the Red Berries option has just 32 calories per can), contain no caffeine, and also have no added sugar.

I tried the one called Lift, which costs £3 a tin – made from berries and Sarawak pepper.

It is said to “lift your spirit, sip by sip” and claims to be able to ensure “you feel unapologetic.” It sounds too good to be true.

Also contains juniper, coriander, angelica, cordyceps, maca root extract, bacopa and vitamins B3, B6, B2, B5, B1.

I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.

After just a quarter of a can, I felt a buzz building, and by the end of my first drink, I could definitely notice a marked difference.

I felt calmer, more relaxed and more confident in myself. Taste-wise, it was a little cloying, but it had a nice, lingering aftertaste.

But for me, the effects of the drink didn’t last long enough – just half an hour or so – unlike real alcohol, which gives that fuzzy feeling for much longer.

BUZZ RATING – 4/5

• G Spot, Lift, Berries and Sarawak, £3 – buy here Buy here

G SPOT CALM

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Next came the G Spot Soothe option – scarlet apple and sage flavors, packed with “adaptogens and nootropics”, all for £3 each.

This one was designed to promote a more zen state – but unfortunately I couldn’t get over the taste.

The sage overpowers every other flavor and I felt like I was drinking an unpleasant herbal concoction.

I tried straining to get the full effects and started to feel a slight tingle after just a few sips, but I just couldn’t drink the whole can, so I poured it down the sink.

BUZZ RATING – 1/5

• G Spot, Soothe, Scarlet Apple and Sage, £3 – buy here Buy here

THREE SPIRITIST SPARK

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This non-alcoholic sparkling rosé alternative is made from “exquisitely rare cold teas, British fruits and innovative yeasts.”

It’s packed with schisandra berry, guayusa, and cayenne pepper—all of which provide a natural caffeine high for “feelings of euphoria and focus.”

I was expecting it to taste like a nice, subtle pink, but I was wrong.

I opened up more, spoke more confidently, and my inhibitions almost disappeared.

Sara Touro

It was almost astringently herbaceous and bitter – so much so that it actually left me breathless… for all the wrong reasons.

I think it could be a good option if you’re a fan of herbal teas – it definitely tastes along those lines – and if you don’t think of it as an alternative to non-alcoholic wine.

BUZZ RATING – 1/5

Three Blurred Vines of Spirit, Spark, £16.99 – buy here Buy here

THREE SPIRITS LIVENER

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I’ve had much more success with Three Spirit’s Livener – which you can use with a mixer.

I combined it with tonic water and lots of ice and I really liked the combination.

This one contains “guayusa, guava leaf, and schisandra” as well as “big, vibrant berry flavors, bright aromas, and warmth.”

It was the tastiest drink in my opinion and it didn’t have that herbal flavor that I didn’t like in so many other options.

Although they suggest adding grapefruit, I didn’t have any so I added some kiwi instead, which gave the drink a citrusy kick.

I had two drinks before heading out to dinner and definitely started to feel the effects when I sat down to eat.

The heat from the drink reached my stomach and gave me a pleasant feeling of warmth, as well as boosting my confidence.

I can definitely see a lot of potential with Livener – some delicious mocktails could be made with this – and no hangover the next day either.

BUZZ RATING – 4/5

• Three Spirits, Livener, £24.99 – buy here Buy here

RED SENITA

Similar to the Livener was the Sentia Red.

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Sentia is made from a “revolutionary formula designed to elevate your mind by harnessing the power of your brain’s GABA levels – the secret behind alcohol’s widespread appeal.”

I mixed mine with a smooth, fizzy apple soda, which added a fruity touch, and once again added ice.

Not only did it have that herbal taste, but the aftertaste was also strange.

However, it did feel warm, which would probably be appreciated more in winter than in summer.

And although it took a little longer to feel the effects of this one, it came eventually.

I became more conversational, more confident and my inhibitions almost disappeared.

BUZZ RATING – 3/5

UNROLLING THE COLIDER

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Lastly, I tried Collider’s beer alternative – the alcohol-free nootropic beer Unwind.

This was the only beer alcohol alternative I tried, but it was one of the best drinks I tested.

According to the website, Unwind “pours a radiant golden hue with frothy white head, offering a blend of floral hops and citrus zest, supported by biscuit malt.”

I couldn’t wait to pop the bottle.

And what I liked most was how much this tasted like a conventional beer.

Halfway through the bottle I started to feel a buzz that lasted for some time afterwards.

If you’re looking for something to enjoy with alcohol-drinking friends, this is a great option.

BUZZ RATING – 5/5

• Collider, Unwind, £27 for 12 bottles – buy here Buy here