What to Drink for Social Anxiety Relief Without Alcohol
Posted by Enjoy Hemp Editor Team on Oct 12th 2026
Last Updated: October 2026
By Sarah Mitchell, Wellness Industry Specialist
If you want something to drink at a social event without alcohol, the most popular options are low-dose hemp THC seltzers like the Enjoy Hemp 5mg Bliss THC Seltzer, CBD drinks, adaptogen social tonics, kava drinks and tea-based drinks with L-theanine. No drink is FDA-approved to treat social anxiety. If anxiety is getting in the way of your life, a doctor or therapist is the right first call.
I've spent 15 years in functional supplements and hemp products, and the non-alcoholic shelf has changed more in the last three years than in the decade before. What used to be near-beer and sugary mocktails now includes THC seltzers, CBD sparkling waters, kava cans and botanical aperitifs. Cannabis beverages are growing roughly 17% a year even as alcohol sales decline, according to retail research firm Circana.
This guide walks through each option, what's actually in the can, how they compare with alcohol, and the federal hemp change coming December 11, 2026. If you already know you want a hemp drink, our Social collection has everything in one place.
| Drink | Key Ingredients | Contains THC? | Drug Test Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enjoy Hemp Bliss THC Seltzer | 5mg THC + 5mg CBD | Yes | Yes |
| CBD sparkling water | CBD, botanicals | None or trace | Low |
| Adaptogen social tonic | L-theanine, botanicals | No | None |
| Kava drink | Kava root | No | None |
| Botanical aperitif | Bitters, herbs | No | None |
| Matcha or green tea | L-theanine, caffeine | No | None |
What Can You Drink at Social Events Instead of Alcohol?
The six main non-alcoholic options for social events are hemp THC seltzers from Enjoy Hemp, CBD drinks, adaptogen social tonics, kava drinks, botanical aperitifs and tea-based drinks. They differ in whether they contain THC, whether they could affect a drug test, and how much sugar and caffeine they carry.
Here's what's in each one and what I'd look for on the label.
1. Enjoy Hemp Low-Dose THC Seltzers
Enjoy Hemp makes alcohol-free seltzers that pair hemp-derived delta-9 THC with a second cannabinoid or Lion's Mane mushroom extract. Each can is 20 calories with 5g of sugar, vegan and gluten-free. Every product is third-party lab tested, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available.
- Bliss THC Seltzer, 5mg THC + 5mg CBD: Blood orange. Our lowest-THC social can and the one I'd hand someone new to THC.
- Euphoria THC Seltzer, 5mg THC + 5mg CBG: Peach. Same THC, paired with CBG instead of CBD.
- Social THC Drink, 10mg THC + Lion's Mane: Strawberry guava. For adults who already know how 10mg of THC affects them.
- Social THC Syrup, 420mg (THC + Lion's Mane): Unflavored. Each 1/4 teaspoon serving has 5mg THC and 33mg Lion's Mane, about 84 servings per bottle. Pour it into any mixer.
- 10mg THC Seltzer Functional Variety Pack: Energy, Social and Sleep cans in one box.
- 10mg THC Seltzer Mood Variety Pack: Two cans each of Euphoria, Bliss and Chill, so you can compare flavors and cannabinoid pairings.
What I like about seltzers at a party is simple: it's a cold can in your hand, so nobody asks why you're not drinking. And because every can is one labeled serving, you always know exactly how much THC you've had.
2. CBD Drinks
CBD drinks are sparkling waters, teas and tonics made with CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid from hemp. Many add botanicals like ginseng or lemon balm. CBD-only drinks aren't affected by the 0.4mg total THC container limit coming December 11, 2026, as long as they contain no measurable THC.
Check whether the label says "isolate" or "broad spectrum." Full-spectrum CBD can carry trace THC, which matters if you get drug tested.
3. Adaptogen Social Tonics
Social tonics are canned sparkling drinks built around botanicals such as L-theanine, lemon balm, passionflower, maca or ashwagandha. They contain no THC and no alcohol. Most run 0 to 30 calories per can, though many list ingredients without amounts.
That last point is my biggest frustration with this category. One popular brand advertises "1200mg of botanicals" but doesn't say how much of each one is inside. If a label won't give you numbers, you can't compare it to anything.
4. Kava Drinks
Kava is a drink made from the root of a Pacific Island plant, served at kava bars or sold in cans and shots. It has a strong earthy taste. The FDA has issued a consumer advisory about rare but serious liver injury linked to kava, so avoid it if you have liver problems, drink alcohol, or take medication that affects the liver.
Look for "noble" kava varieties and talk to your doctor before trying it.
5. Botanical Aperitifs
Botanical aperitifs are alcohol-free bottles and cans flavored with bitters, citrus peel, hibiscus and herbs. Some include caffeine or adaptogens. They're the closest thing to a cocktail in look and taste, and they mix well with soda water or tonic.
6. Matcha and Green Tea Drinks
Matcha and green tea contain both caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves. A cup of matcha typically has 60 to 70mg of caffeine. They work well for daytime events, but the caffeine makes them a poor pick late in the evening.
What's in an Enjoy Hemp Social Seltzer?
Enjoy Hemp social seltzers are made with carbonated reverse osmosis water, natural fruit flavor, sugar, citric acid, hemp extract and one added ingredient (CBD isolate, CBG isolate or Lion's Mane). Each 12 oz can has 20 calories and 5g of sugar, and it's alcohol-free, vegan and gluten-free.
| Product | THC | Added Ingredient | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bliss THC Seltzer | 5mg | 5mg CBD | 5g |
| Euphoria THC Seltzer | 5mg | 5mg CBG | 5g |
| Social THC Drink | 10mg | Lion's Mane | 5g |
| Social THC Syrup | 5mg | 33mg Lion's Mane | 1g |
Compare that with a typical canned cocktail, which can carry 20 to 30 grams of sugar and 200 or more calories. And unlike most social tonics on the shelf, every active ingredient here has a milligram amount printed next to it.
How Do THC Drinks Compare to Alcohol?
A 5mg Enjoy Hemp THC seltzer has 20 calories and 5g of sugar, compared with roughly 120 to 150 calories in a glass of wine or a regular beer. Both THC and alcohol can impair you, so neither should be mixed with driving, and they should never be combined with each other.
| Factor | Enjoy Hemp 5mg Seltzer | Glass of Wine |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 20 | About 120 |
| Sugar | 5g | 1 to 2g |
| Alcohol | None | About 14g |
| Labeled serving | 5mg THC | 5 oz |
| OK to drive? | No | No |
| Age to buy | 21+ | 21+ |
People are mixing categories more than ever. A 2026 Datassential survey found nearly 40% of people who drink alcohol also use cannabis, CBD or THC products. For more on swapping drinks, see our guide to THC drinks vs alcohol.
How Should You Handle THC Drinks at a Party?
Have one labeled serving, wait at least 30 minutes before having more, eat something, and alternate with water or plain sparkling water. Never mix THC with alcohol, don't drive, and if you're new to THC, try your first can at home before bringing it to an event.
- Try your first THC drink at home, not at a party
- Read the label and have one can or one syrup serving
- Wait at least 30 minutes before reaching for a second
- Keep plain water or sparkling water in your other hand
- Skip alcohol entirely on THC nights
- Plan your ride home before you leave the house
There's no standard THC serving for drinks, though Harvard Health notes that 5mg is the amount typically used in research, and that people respond to THC very differently. That's why every Enjoy Hemp can prints its exact milligrams.
The ritual matters too. A can in your hand means nobody asks why you aren't drinking, and you have something to do during an awkward pause. Plain sparkling water does that job just as well as anything else.
When I was leading product development, the stories I heard most often from first-timers had the same plot: they had a second drink too soon. Patience is the whole trick. If you're hosting, our Party Pack keeps servings clearly labeled for guests, and our list of non-alcoholic THC drinks for social events has more ideas.
Non-Alcoholic Party Drink Recipes (With or Without THC)
Each recipe below works as a THC-free mocktail. If you're 21+ and want THC, stir one 1/4 teaspoon serving of Enjoy Hemp Social THC Syrup (5mg THC + 33mg Lion's Mane) into a single glass. The syrup is unflavored, so it won't change the taste of the drink.
Grapefruit Paloma Spritz
- 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 oz sparkling water and a squeeze of lime
- Salt rim, optional
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Social THC Syrup
Ginger Lime Mule
- 4 oz non-alcoholic ginger beer
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice and a few mint leaves
- Served in a copper mug over crushed ice
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Social THC Syrup
Hibiscus Orange Cooler
- 4 oz chilled hibiscus tea
- 2 oz sparkling water and an orange slice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave, stirred in while the tea is warm
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Social THC Syrup
Matcha Tonic (Daytime, THC-Free)
- 1 teaspoon matcha whisked into 2 oz water
- 4 oz tonic water over ice
- Pour the matcha slowly on top for the layered look
One rule I won't bend on: never put THC syrup in a punch bowl or shared pitcher. Add it to individual glasses, tell the guest the milligrams, and keep the THC-free version just as easy to grab.
How Do You Host a Party With THC and THC-Free Drinks?
To host a party with THC and THC-free drinks, keep THC drinks in a separate, clearly labeled cooler, check that guests are 21+, never mix THC into shared punch, offer at least as many THC-free options, serve food and water, skip alcohol on the same table, and make sure everyone has a ride home.
I've hosted product tastings for years, and the parties that go well always have the same setup:
- Separate and label: THC cans and syrup in their own cooler with a sign showing mg per serving.
- Check ages: THC drinks are for guests 21 and older only.
- No shared punch: Add THC syrup glass by glass, never to a pitcher.
- Equal THC-free options: Mocktails, sparkling water and aperitifs within easy reach.
- Food and water: Put snacks and water next to every drink station.
- No alcohol pairing: Keep THC and alcohol off the same menu.
- Rides home: Plan rideshares or a designated driver before the party starts.
- Clean up leftovers: Store unopened cans and syrup out of reach of kids and pets.
The Enjoy Hemp Party Pack makes the labeling part easy, since every can lists its milligrams on the front.
What Should You Drink at a Date, Work Event or Networking Event?
At a work event or networking event, choose a THC-free drink like a botanical aperitif, an adaptogen tonic, tea or a THC-free CBD isolate drink, since many employers ban THC and test for it. On a date, a 5mg Enjoy Hemp seltzer works if you're both 21+ and comfortable with THC, but a THC-free drink is always the easy default.
- Date night (21+, no drug testing): Bliss THC Seltzer 5mg, or the Social THC Syrup stirred into a mocktail
- Work happy hour: THC-free only. Aperitif with soda, matcha, or a sparkling tonic
- Networking event: THC-free, with low sugar and no surprise caffeine late in the day
- House party with friends: Labeled THC seltzers for adults who want them, plenty of THC-free cans for everyone else
My rule from years of hosting tastings: if you'd think twice about a glass of wine in that setting, think twice about THC too. And if anything about your job involves testing, skip it completely.
Are Hemp THC Drinks Still Legal in 2026?
Yes, for now. As of October 2026, hemp THC drinks with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill where state law allows them. On December 11, 2026, a new federal definition caps finished hemp products at 0.4mg total THC per container, which nearly every THC seltzer exceeds.
That rule comes from Section 781 of the appropriations law signed November 12, 2025, which ended the 2025 government shutdown. It was set to start November 12, 2026. In early September 2026, a short-term funding law (the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, P.L. 119-103) moved most of it to December 11, 2026. Products with cannabinoids the plant can't naturally produce are still covered from November 12, 2026. The Congressional Research Service explains how the hemp definition is changing.
- Until December 11, 2026, the 0.3% delta-9 THC standard still applies
- Congress could delay or change the rule again, but nothing is certain
- State laws apply on top of federal law, and some states are already stricter
- Kava, adaptogen tonics, aperitifs and THC-free CBD drinks aren't affected by the THC cap
We'll update this section as things change. For the background, read what makes THC products federally legal.
Which Option Fits Your Situation?
Pick a low-dose Enjoy Hemp THC seltzer if you're 21+, don't face drug testing and want a can that lists exact cannabinoid amounts. Pick a CBD drink, adaptogen tonic, aperitif or tea if you need zero THC. Skip kava if you have liver concerns.
- 21+ and comfortable with THC: Bliss THC Seltzer 5mg or Euphoria THC Seltzer 5mg
- You want to mix your own: Social THC Syrup in soda water or a mocktail
- You get drug tested: Adaptogen tonics, aperitifs or THC-free CBD isolate drinks (see will legal THC show up on a drug test)
- You're pregnant, breastfeeding or under 21: Non-hemp, caffeine-free options only
- You take prescription medication: Ask your doctor before THC, CBD or kava
What Should You Look for on the Label?
Look for exact milligram amounts for every active ingredient, a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis for anything with hemp, sugar and calories per can, and caffeine content. Skip any drink that claims to treat anxiety or any other health condition. No beverage is approved for that.
- Exact amounts: Enjoy Hemp prints mg of THC, CBD, CBG or Lion's Mane per can. Many tonics don't.
- Batch COA: From an ISO 17025-accredited lab, matching your can's batch.
- Sugar and calories: Our seltzers are 20 calories and 5g sugar. Some mocktails pass 30g.
- Caffeine: Several aperitifs and tonics contain it. Check before an evening event.
- No medical claims: A drink that promises to treat anxiety is overstepping.
- 2026 compliance: Hemp brands should say how December 11 affects them.
After evaluating hundreds of hemp products, my rule is simple. Trust the label, not the mood board. Our guide to finding lab-tested THC products shows what a real COA looks like.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Glossary
Here are the terms you'll see on non-alcoholic and hemp drink labels, explained in plain English.
- Delta-9 THC: The main intoxicating cannabinoid in hemp. Federal hemp rules are written around it.
- CBD (cannabidiol): A non-intoxicating cannabinoid from hemp.
- CBG (cannabigerol): A non-intoxicating cannabinoid, sold as an isolate and added in set amounts.
- Lion's Mane: An edible mushroom extract. It isn't intoxicating.
- Isolate: One purified cannabinoid with other plant compounds removed.
- Total THC: Delta-9 THC plus 0.877 times THCA. The federal limit starting December 11, 2026 is based on it.
- L-theanine: An amino acid from tea leaves, common in social tonics.
- Kavalactones: The active compounds in kava root.
- Adaptogen: A marketing term for botanicals like ashwagandha, maca and reishi. It isn't a regulatory category.
- Botanical aperitif: An alcohol-free bitter or herbal drink made to taste like a pre-dinner cocktail.
- Non-alcoholic vs alcohol-free: Under federal labeling rules, "non-alcoholic" drinks can contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume. "Alcohol-free" means 0.0%.
- COA: Certificate of Analysis, the third-party lab report for a specific batch.
Key Takeaways
- Enjoy Hemp social seltzers list 5mg or 10mg THC per can, 20 calories and 5g sugar, with a batch COA
- CBD drinks, adaptogen tonics, aperitifs and tea are THC-free options
- Kava carries an FDA liver advisory, so check with your doctor first
- No drink is FDA-approved to treat social anxiety
- Never mix THC with alcohol, and never drive after either
- The federal hemp definition changes December 11, 2026, affecting most THC drinks
Want to see the cans? Start with the Enjoy Hemp Bliss THC Seltzer, or browse the full Social collection and all THC drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I drink at a party instead of alcohol?
Popular choices are low-dose THC seltzers like Enjoy Hemp's Bliss THC Seltzer, CBD drinks, adaptogen social tonics, botanical aperitifs and tea-based drinks. Choose THC-free if you're drug tested.
Is there a drink that treats social anxiety?
No. No drink, hemp or herbal, is FDA-approved to treat social anxiety. If anxiety affects your daily life, talk to a doctor or licensed therapist.
How much THC is in the Enjoy Hemp Bliss THC Seltzer?
Each can contains 5mg THC and 5mg CBD, with 20 calories and 5g sugar. A batch Certificate of Analysis is available.
Can I drink alcohol with a THC seltzer?
No. Don't combine THC and alcohol, and don't drive after having either one.
Will THC seltzers still be sold after 2026?
Most exceed the 0.4mg total THC per container limit that starts December 11, 2026. Congress could still change that. THC-free drinks aren't affected.
Will THC drinks show up on a drug test?
Yes, they can. If you're tested, choose adaptogen tonics, aperitifs, tea or THC-free CBD isolate drinks.
Is kava safe to drink?
The FDA has advised that kava has been linked to rare but serious liver injury. Avoid it with liver problems, alcohol or certain medications, and ask your doctor first.
How should I store THC seltzers?
Keep cans sealed, cool and out of direct sunlight, and refrigerate before serving. Check the date on the can, and store all THC products away from children and pets.
Can I make a THC mocktail at home?
Yes, if you're 21+. Stir one 1/4 teaspoon serving of Enjoy Hemp Social THC Syrup (5mg THC) into a single glass of any mocktail. Never add it to a shared pitcher.
What does non-alcoholic mean on a drink label?
Under federal labeling rules, non-alcoholic drinks can contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume. Alcohol-free means 0.0%. Enjoy Hemp seltzers are alcohol-free.
What is CBG?
CBG (cannabigerol) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid from hemp. The Enjoy Hemp Euphoria THC Seltzer contains 5mg CBG and 5mg THC per can.
Is Lion's Mane intoxicating?
No. Lion's Mane is an edible mushroom extract. In Enjoy Hemp Social drinks, the THC is the only intoxicating ingredient.
Who should avoid THC drinks?
Anyone under 21, pregnant or breastfeeding, with a history of psychosis, taking prescription medication without a doctor's OK, or facing a drug test.
About the Author
Sarah Mitchell is a wellness industry veteran with 15 years of experience in functional supplements and hemp derived products. She previously led product development at two nationally recognized wellness brands and holds certification as a holistic health practitioner. Sarah now advises consumers on quality standards, helping them make informed decisions in the evolving hemp market.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition, and is not a dietary supplement. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition. For use by adults 21 years of age and older. This product contains hemp-derived cannabinoids and may cause a positive result on a drug test. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Hemp product legality varies by state and is subject to change under federal law; verify all applicable federal, state, county, and municipal laws before purchasing. Do not drive or operate machinery after use.
Legal status as of October 2026: Enjoy Hemp products comply with the 2018 Farm Bill (0.3% or less delta-9 THC by dry weight). A federal law taking effect December 11, 2026 will limit finished hemp products to 0.4mg total THC per container unless Congress acts again first; products containing cannabinoids not naturally produced by the cannabis plant are affected from November 12, 2026. This article is for information only and is not medical or legal advice.