Hemp-infused drinks provide an accessible entry point for drinkers who want to try Dry January, at least for now. Despite causing three million preventable deaths annually, alcohol remains the world’s most legal and accessible drug. Meanwhile cannabis, which has caused zero deaths by itself, is often prohibited.
This dichotomy in drug policy is fueling a cultural shift, especially among younger generations adopting “Cali Sober” lifestyles by choosing safer alternatives. The data clearly shows that global drug laws are a failed system based on a dangerous double standard rather than public health evidence. People are starting to take matters into their own hands with Dry January and Cali Sober lifestyles.
Dry January And The Looming Ban On Hemp-Infused Drinks
This Dry January I’m focusing on non-alcoholic beverages (NA) and those that are infused with hemp or cannabis. This is an opportunity to get educated on these products and experiment with them while you still can. You may not be able to access them next Dry January.
The U.S. Congress recently passed a ban on intoxicating hemp products that goes into effect on November 12, 2026. Unless that legislation is changed, all of the hemp-infused drinks mentioned in this column will be banned. I encourage readers to experiment with these products between now and November.
While I do mention specific brands, these are not “recommendations” but “introductions.” I don’t review brands or products, but I do educate folks on certain companies my experience informs me can be trusted.
The world of NA and hemp-infused drinks is vast and readers should do their own research and engage in the fun process of trial and error. Get some friends together, purchase a few different brands, and have a tasting session. That’s the best way to learn about hemp-infused and NA drinks.
Please note that some states have already banned hemp-infused drinks and consumers may not be able to order directly from the websites listed here in those areas.
How Entrepreneurs Are Building The Hemp-Infused Drink Market
The NA and hemp-infused drinks fall into a few different categories. Some are savory, some are sweet. Some try to imitate beer or other alcoholic formats enticing consumers with familiar flavors. Others go the sweet route and make soda formulations. Still others are differentiating themselves with no-calorie seltzers or hop waters.
Then there are those that are making spirit-type drinks consumers mix with their favorite tonic water or other mixer. These are more interactive and allow end users to adjust the flavor profile and dosage to their liking. If mixing things up is your thing, this may be the ticket for you.
Non-Alcoholic Beer And Hemp-Infused Hop Waters Explained
For those readers who prefer no hemp in their NA drinks, the brand FLVR! may be a good place to start. They brew real beer, too, so they have expertise with the taste profile. Their NA brews had a frothy head and went down smooth. They offer multiple hop levels in a variety of flavors for every palette.
High Bridge is another well-made brew and tea brand, they also make a cucumber seltzer water. These are infused with less than 10mg of Delta-9 THC in each can but potency varies by SKU so read the label carefully. Nano emulsion technology ensures rapid onset and all their products are 5-25 calories per can. They do interesting collaborations with folks like actor Jim Belushi and Realm Of Caring, an educational nonprofit the brand supports.
Fabric is a B Corporation drink brand that makes low-dose hemp-infusion hop waters. They range from zero THC to 10mg per can, depending on the flavor. The brand was born in Australia but made in the USA. As a B Corporation, they donate a portion of their revenue to nonprofit organizations.
Why Hemp-Based Spirits Appeal To Dry January Drinkers
Musician Willie Nelson is paving the way in the hemp spirits category. His brand Willie’s Remedy is a spirit product that has a subtle blend of lemon, lime, passionfruit and cannabis flavor. Mix it up with your favorite mixer over ice this Dry January. This is a low dose (5mg) per serving spirit that you sip rather than gulp. The brand also makes shots and seltzers for those that prefer finished formats.
NA spirit brand The Pathfinder uses hemp in their proprietary fermentation process but the final product contains zero intoxicants. A number of other botanicals are used like angelica root, wormwood, and saffron. This gives it a complexity that is perfect for home mixologists to experiment with. The brand also has a negroni flavor and espresso tonic for those who don’t want to mix their own. Their website will show you where you can get The Pathfinder at a traditional bar so you can imbibe with friends who may stay wet this January.
Why Hemp-Infused Seltzers Are Surging During Dry January
Cycling Frog is one of the leading brands in the hemp-infused seltzer space. They sell other infused formats like capsules, gummies, mints, and even a chocolate chip cookie mix. This brand has a large range of potency in their product line so be mindful and read the labels.
One of the early movers in infused seltzers is Calexo. Calexo is an art and design collective of BIPOC, LGBTQ, women and allies coming together to delight customers. If supporting these entrepreneurs aligns with your values, this brand checks those boxes.
Cantrip is another infused soda brand that also has an elixir for those who like to mix up their own. One of the leading brands in this vertical, they have a Dry January special on their website that allows folks to mix and match their products at a discount.
In fact, most brands have some kind of Dry January special happening making this month a perfect time to experiment and save a few bucks.
The Rise Of Adaptogen-Infused NA And Hemp Drinks
Adaptogen-infused NA drinks are increasingly popular. Often infused with healing mushrooms like Lions Mane or Reishi, these drinks emphasize wellness not intoxication. Each brand has unique formulations that include different adoptogens and botanical ingredients like kava, ginseng, or maca. Brez is one leading brand in this space—they also make hemp-infused versions of their offerings. Their products drink easily and activate the immune and nervous system in the body.
Hiyo is another pure NA brand (no hemp) that has various botanicals to try. Their flavors lean towards the tropical and the sweet. Perfect for warm weather or lifting you out of the winter blues. Their informative website does a nice job of educating consumers on their formulations and botanicals.
Opportunities And Risks For Hemp Drink Entrepreneurs
If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to get into the NA, adaptogen, or hemp-infused space, there are a few producers worth looking into. Master mixologist Warren Bobrow has been doing it longer than most. He has his own cannabis-infused drink brand called Klaus that’s available in select dispensaries in New York and New Jersey, but he also formulates as a freelancer. Bobrow has numerous connections with white label manufacturers.
Douglas Fulton and his The Brand Accelerator group offer entrepreneurs a full suite of drink services from formulating to branding to distribution. Fulton has brought dozens of brands to market out of his facility in Long Beach, California. He has a relatively low cost way for owners to get into the game.
Earl Giles out of Minneapolis has an impressive mixology laboratory within their large distillery and restaurant. Just about every flavor and legal botanical extract on the planet is represented in their facility. They have deep experience as formulators and chefs helping entrepreneurs through every step of the process—they also offer concept-to-market services. Their cost barrier to entry is also modest.
What’s Next For Hemp-Infused Drinks After Dry January
Dry January is a perfect time to explore NA and hemp-infused drinks. Readers should poke around, experiment, and have fun discovering what works for them. Entrepreneurs should always do due diligence as there are a large number of mixologists and white label producers to choose from.
This month is about making safer choices, moderating or eliminating alcohol intake, and ensuring no one gets behind the wheel of a vehicle when impaired. NA and hemp drinks can help folks stay dry this month and give everyone the opportunity to learn about these products all year long, or, while they still can.
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