Best Alcohol Alternatives: Untappd’s Favorite THC Drinks
With the uplifting effects of alcohol and no hangover, THC drinks make perfect alcohol alternatives. Best Alcohol Alternatives: Untappd’s Favorite THC Drinks Whether you’re cutting back on booze, taking a break from hangovers, or just looking for something new to sip during your next hangout, THC drinks are quickly becoming the go-to alcohol alternative. They bring the same « crack a can and vibe » energy as beer and hard seltzer, but with a smoother finish and a different kind of buzz. From crisp, bubbly seltzers to mixable spirit alternatives, these cannabis-infused beverages are changing the way people unwind – and they’re only getting better. So if you’re ready to swap your usual drink for something a little more modern (and a lot more mellow), here are the five best THC drinks for those looking for an alcohol alternative. What are the best THC drink alcohol alternatives right now? THC drinks are quickly becoming a mainstream substitute for alcohol because they fit into the same rituals people already love – cracking a can, sipping something cold, and enjoying a social vibe – without the next-day hangover. The best alcohol alternatives are beverages that deliver a fast-onset buzz, a consistent dose, and flavors that feel as satisfying as beer, seltzer, or cocktails. Most THC drinks kick in within 15 to 30 minutes and can last two to four hours, making them a popular option for people cutting back on alcohol. These drinks range from bubbly THC seltzers to spirit-style mixers designed for zero-proof cocktails. Instead of the drunk feeling produced by alcohol, THC beverages tend to deliver a calmer, more mood-based effect, one often described as relaxed, upbeat, or mellow depending on dose and formulation. For Untappd users who already appreciate variety, flavor profiles, and trying new beverage trends, THC drinks are an easy transition. They offer the same craft-beverage-culture appeal as hard seltzers and canned cocktails, but with a different type of buzz and a growing range of product styles. Key Facts: THC drinks are one of the fastest-growing alcohol alternatives for social drinking. Most THC beverages kick in within 15 to 30 minutes, faster than many edibles. Effects typically last around two to four hours, depending on dose and tolerance. THC drinks include seltzers, waters, shots, and spirit-style mixers for mocktails. They replicate the ritual enjoyed by drinkers of beer and hard seltzer. Crescent 9 THC Seltzer What is Crescent 9 THC Seltzer, and why is it a top alcohol alternative? One of the biggest reasons THC drinks work as alcohol replacements is because they feel familiar – carbonated, flavorful, and easy to sip during social events. Crescent 9 THC Seltzer leans into that experience with bold, fruit-forward flavors that match what many drinkers already enjoy in hard seltzers and beers. Crescent 9 offers a range of THC levels, which matters because not everyone wants the same effect. Enjoy refreshing flavors and potencies that range from light and easy (5 mg) to strong enough for a night in (50 mg), letting you dial in the kind of chill you’re after. Crescent 9’s award-winning flavors include Sour Watermelon, Strawberry Lemonade, Grape Lemonade, Tropical, Ginger Lemonade, and Raspberry Lime. Expect effects to hit in about 15 minutes and last for about three hours, depending on the strength of the drink. Key Facts: Crescent 9 THC Seltzer comes in potencies ranging from 5 mg THC to 50 mg THC. Effects can begin in about 15 minutes, making it faster than many edibles. Typical effects last about three hours, depending on dose and tolerance. Popular award-winning flavors are made with fruit juices and purees. Crescent 9 THC Seltzer is designed to stand in for beer or hard seltzer. Ellora THC-Infused Spirit Alternative Ellora THC-Infused Spirit Alternative is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses. What is Ellora THC-Infused Spirit Alternative, and how is it used as a liquor replacement? Not everyone wants a canned seltzer experience. For cocktail lovers, the hardest part of quitting alcohol is losing the ritual of mixing a drink, pouring it over ice, and enjoying something that feels elevated. That’s where THC spirit alternatives like Ellora THC-Infused Spirit Alternative fit in. Ellora is crafted with premium ingredients for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in zero-proof cocktails. With its citrus, blue agave, and botanical notes, it brings a refined vibe to the table without a drop of alcohol. Try it in mocktail flights, alcohol-free margarita-style recipes, or moments that call for a traditional bar pour. The advantage of THC spirit alternatives is that they can replace that cocktail moment without forcing people into overly sweet sodas or mocktails. This makes it especially appealing for Untappd readers who enjoy craft beverage culture, tasting notes, and mixology. Key Facts: Ellora is a THC-infused spirit alternative designed to replace liquor without alcohol. It can be consumed neat, on the rocks, or mixed into zero-proof cocktails. Its flavor profile includes citrus, blue agave, and botanical notes. It offers a more sophisticated alcohol-alternative experience than canned seltzers. It supports mocktail culture by replacing the « bar pour » ritual. Zexi THC Water What is Zexi THC Water, and why do people choose THC water instead of alcohol? THC water is one of the fastest-growing subcategories in cannabis beverages because it’s simple and functional. Instead of feeling like a party drink, it feels more like hydration with benefits. For people who don’t love sparkling beverages or want something they can drink at the gym, on a walk, or at a casual hangout, Zexi THC Water fits that niche perfectly. This crisp still water delivers THC in a zero-calorie, zero-sweetener format that’s ideal for active days. The 5 mg dose is also an important selling point. Many alcohol-alternative shoppers want something that won’t knock them out, especially if they’re new to THC. A low-dose THC water provides a noticeable effect while still being manageable and predictable. Zexi’s positioning is also strong because it bridges two major trends: the rise of cannabis beverages and the rise of
New Badge: Celebrate with America’s Stout!
Celebrate with America’s Stout! Badge Skip the mass-produced imports and celebrate St. Patrick’s with America’s craft stout—Milk Stout & Milk Stout Nitro! Brewed by Left Hand Brewing Company, an independent craft brewery for 30+ years, this award-winning stout delivers rich coffee & chocolate notes, a creamy mouthfeel, and a mesmerizing nitro cascade that’s as smooth as it is magical. Whether you’re toasting at the pub or pouring at home, this is the brew that brings all the flavor this season! Badge Criteria: Check in one (1) Left Hand Brewing Company Milk Stout or Milk Stout Nitro between February 21, 2026 and March 21, 2026.
Saying Goodbye to Direct Messages on Untappd
Hello Untappd Community! We’re sharing some bittersweet news today. The Direct Messages (DM) feature, which we created to connect remote friends in our community, will sunset on March 2, 2026. Thank you to everyone who used it to share check-ins, recommendations, and stories over great beers. Why the Change Over time, DM usage has declined as more of our community connects in person at events, taprooms, and gatherings or remotely via social media and other messaging platforms. We’ve also seen an uptick in irrelevant messages and spam that dilute the real conversations. We’re sunsetting the feature to focus on what works best: authentic, drinks-centered interactions. Sharing Continues Community building is more important than ever. Sharing with friends remains a core part of the Untappd experience. You can keep sharing check-ins to Messages, Instagram, and other on-device options directly from the app. Existing conversations will stay readable for now, so you have time to review them or connect outside the app. They will be fully removed in a future update in the coming months. A huge thank you to our incredible community. Cheers to more check-ins and shared moments ahead!
New Badge: Long Live Cold Beer
Long Live Cold Beer Badge 805 is more than a beer, it’s a way of life here on California’s Central Coast. Where legends aren’t born, they’re made. The original 805 Blonde Ale is the refreshing beer that started it all. For something lighter there’s 805 Cerveza, a California lager brewed with lime. There’s 8ZERO5 non-alc for when the moment calls for zero limits. Don’t forget to check out the new 805 Chelada for more sabor. Long Live Cold Beer. Badge Criteria: Check in any one (1) of the Firestone Walker 805 family beers anytime between February 13, 2026 and February 13, 2027.
New Badge: The Squeeze Seeker
The Squeeze Seeker Badge Cali Squeeze is sunshine in a can. Bright citrus, real fruit flavor, and that easygoing California state of mind. From Cali Squeeze Blood Orange to Peach Pomegranate and Raspberry Lime, the lineup is packed with juicy flavor for every kind of day. Plus, we’re always dropping brewery-only one-offs and limited releases, so there’s always a new Squeeze worth chasing. Real Beer. Real Fruit. Real Life. Badge Criteria: Check in any one (1) Firestone Walker Cali Squeeze beverage between February 13, 2026 and February 13, 2027.
New Badge: Fourtitude
So many great things come in fours: seasons, clovers, and even beers. And the highest-rated beer style in 2025 deserves its own badge, right? Well, today the wait is over, and you can now unlock the « Fourtitude » badge when checking in Quadruple IPAs on Untappd. Oh, and we know what you’re thinking, and we got it covered. This badge is retroactive, so all your previous QIPA check-ins count towards leveling up this one. Did you know that Omnisonicism, @thetestbrewery’s collab with @omnipollo and @rootandbranchbrewing, is the current highest-rated QIPA of all time? So, only one question remains. In your humble opinion, who makes the best Quadruple IPAs? Join the conversation on Instagram! Badge Criteria: Check-in five (5) different beers with the style of IPA – Quadruple.
New Badge: Firestone Fanatic
Firestone Fanatic Badge Firestone Walker is celebrating 30 years of brewing on California’s Central Coast. Thirty years of innovation, craftsmanship, and beers built for the long haul. From classics like Union Jack IPA, Pivo Pils, Firestone IPA, and DBA, to everything we’ve brewed along the way, this badge is for the fans who’ve been there for the ride (and the ones just jumping in). Here’s to 30 years. Here’s to the next round. Beer Before Glory. Badge Criteria: Check in two (2) or more Firestone Walker beers between February 13, 2026 and February 13, 2027.
New Badge: The Mind Wanderer
The Mind Wanderer Badge Get Lost in the Haze: Introducing the Mind Wanderer Untappd Badge 🍻🌫️ Wander off the beaten path and straight into the haze. We’re excited to announce the launch of our brand-new Untappd badge: Mind Wanderer, made for the dreamers, drifters, and hop-lovers who know the best adventures start with a little Mind Haze. Whether you’re cracking open a can at home, grabbing a pint with friends, or chasing sunshine one IPA at a time, this badge is your official stamp of hazy greatness. Sip. Check In. Repeat. How to Earn the Badge It’s easy. Just check in one (1) Mind Haze beer on Untappd during the badge window and you’ll unlock the Mind Wanderer badge. From the original Mind Haze to the rest of the juicy lineup, every check-in counts. Pick your favorite, take a sip, and let your mind wander. Want to explore the full Mind Haze family?https://www.firestonewalker.com/pack/mind-haze-variety-pack/ Ready to Wander? Grab your favorite Mind Haze, open Untappd, and earn your badge before the year disappears into the haze. Badge Criteria: Check in any one (1) of the Firestone Walker Mind Haze beers anytime between February 12, 2026 and February 12, 2027.
New Badge: Firestone Walker Invitational Sweepstakes
Firestone Walker Invitational Sweepstakes Badge The Firestone Walker Invitational is where the best beers, best breweries, and best people come together for one unforgettable day in Paso Robles. To celebrate, we’re dropping a special Untappd badge for the fans who show up, crack one open, and join the ride. Check in any Firestone Walker beer during the badge window and you’ll earn the Firestone Walker Invitational badge. Then take it one step further by entering our sweepstakes for the chance to win an All-Access Brewery Adventure and experience the Invitational like never before. Enter here:https://www.firestonewalker.com/all-access-brewery-adventure-2026/ Badge Criteria: Check in any one (1) beverage by Firestone Walker Brewing Company between February 13, 2026 and April 12, 2026.
New Badge: Sip. Stamp. Repeat!
Sip. Stamp. Repeat! Badge Sip. Stamp. Repeat! The Austin Ale Trail is your guide to the coolest breweries, cideries, brewpubs, and bottle shops across Austin and beyond! This passport will lead you to the city’s best and trendiest taprooms. Explore Breweries, Collect Stamps, and Get Perks! Over 60 breweries, each offering a unique Passport Perk. Grab a beer, get stamped, and start unlocking discounts and freebies. Just like a real passport, only better! Hop on the Austin Ale TrailWeb: atxaletrail.comInsta: @AustinAleTrail Badge Criteria: Check-in one (1) beverage in the Greater Austin, Texas area (50 miles radius from Latitude 30.27/Longitude -97.74) between February 6, 2026 and March 7, 2026.