sober curious

Is Cannabis The New Alcohol? 11 Sober-Curious Drinks To Try (Recommended By Industry Experts)

Nani Dominguez-Smith

There’s no getting around the fact that a growing number of Americans are reshaping their relationship with alcohol. Whether you grew up watching an adult struggle with addiction, picked up an unhealthy habit during the pandemic, or simply don’t enjoy being inebriated and hungover the next day, drinking has hit a record low. According to a Gallup survey published in August 2025, only 54% of U.S. adults are drinking. This new data indicates a 58% decrease in alcohol consumption since 2024, a trend that has steepened to 62% since 2023. What’s more, Americans reported a drop in their weekly average intake, from 3.8 to just 2.8 alcoholic drinks– the lowest recorded average since 1996.

Why Americans aren’t drinking as much

These statistics reflect a health-conscious mindset that’s influencing social trends and consumer behavior on a broader scale. Gallup reports that 53% of Americans associate even moderate consumption with harmful health risks. To that end, a burgeoning sober curious movement has begun to dominate both social and wellness trends. Concurrently, we’ve noticed another notable trend that could be contributing to the adoption of healthier habits: an increase in cannabis consumption.

Studies such as this January 2025 report by New Frontier Data suggest Americans are replacing alcohol and prescription medications with marijuana. According to the survey, 62% of respondents prefer cannabis over alcohol, and 57% have replaced their drinking habits with cannabis consumption instead. As drinking trends shift in favor of moderation, mocktails, and cannabis alternatives, bars, restaurants, and retailers are reporting an increasing demand for cannabis products. As such, a recent study by Reuters points out that hemp-derived beverages are taking up more and more shelf space and offsetting the continual decline in alcohol sales.

Ready to join the mindful drinking movement? Read on for our expert recommendations, backed by the staff of the best CBD store in Silicon Valley.

Sober-curious starter kit

If there’s anyone who can help guide your cannabis wellness journey, it’s the Cloud City Supply staff. As Mercury News readers have noted for four consecutive years, Cloud City offers both premium cannabis products and in-depth customer education to help you maximize their therapeutic benefits. So, if you’re ready to experiment with some healthier alcohol alternatives, here are our suggestions.

THC mocktails

  1. Amigos Pineapple Soda – 50mg THC
  2. Amigos Key Lime Margarita – 10mg THC
  3. Amigos Watermelon Mojito – 10mg THC
  4. Amigos Strawberry Soda – 50mg THC
  5. Amigos Cherry Limeade – 10mg THC

CBD beverages

  1. Sauve Blood Orange Cinnamon – 20mg CBD
  2. Sauve Cucumber Mint – 20mg CBD
  3. Sauve Ginger Lemon – 20mg CBD

DIY sober-curious drink recipes

  1. CBD Paloma Mocktail: Mix a splash of grapefruit juice, a squeeze of lime, a pinch of sugar, and Ladykind’s Rise Up tincture (~5 mg CBD per ½ cup) into a glass. Top with sparkling water and desired herbs.
  2. Watermelon‑Lime Summertime CBD Mocktail: In a blender, combine watermelon, lime, mint, honey, and two drops of Cloud City Supply’s CBG tincture. For an extra kick, add a dash of Sauve Cucumber Mint soda.
  3. CBD ‘Super Sweet Morning’ Latte: If you haven’t already tried Cloud City’s CBD Coffee, you’re in for a treat! Combine our famous CBD-infused coffee with your preferred milk, vanilla or coconut extract, honey, cinnamon sugar, and any of these recommended tinctures.

Help us help you prioritize your health in new, creative ways. Cannabis-based beverages offer an easy way to join the mindful drinking movement, without sacrificing the fun. Visit us in-store to taste test the best sober-curious drinks on the market!

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