For many of us, the ritual of an evening drink is more about shifting gears than getting tipsy. It marks the end of the workday and the beginning of something softer. But as more of us start to notice the downsides of alcohol—poor sleep, groggy mornings, anxious nights—the search is on for a better way to unwind.

Real relaxation doesn’t have to come with compromise. Whether you're after a sophisticated drink that soothes or a fresh evening ritual, this guide explores a new way to relax that works with your body’s chemistry, not against it.

Swap Your Evening Tipple for a Functional Spirit

If you’re looking for something that feels like a drink without the booze, it’s time to get familiar with functional drinks. These are beverages crafted not just for flavour, but for physiological effect. Think of them as mood-forward drinks—made to deliver calm, clarity, or connection—without compromising your wellbeing.

At the heart of many of these lies the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), your brain’s natural “brake pedal” for anxiety and overstimulation. Alcohol does boost GABA function, but it comes with a heavy cost. SENTIA’s GABA range is different. Crafted by neuroscientists, these drinks are designed to enhance your body’s own GABA system.

Each blend in the SENTIA lineup brings a different dimension of calm:

• GABA Red: Our go-to for deep wind-down, perfect for the post-dinner slump or winding down before bed. Key ingredients include Ashwagandha, Passionflower, and Magnolia Bark—plants long used for their calming properties.

• GABA Gold: Bright, complex and made for sunshine hours—afternoons or early evenings. With Hops, Chamomile, and Schisandra, for a mellow mood with a gentle lift.

• GABA Black: A more upbeat unwind, great for sociable evenings where you want to stay sharp but relaxed. Ginseng and Ginkgo provide cognitive clarity alongside that signature SENTIA calm.

Explore the full range [here]  and discover how GABA-enhancing drinks are changing the way we relax. [What is a functional drink link]

To learn more about how GABA works, visit [What is GABA?] 

Other Alcohol-Free Drinks That Help You Relax

Not quite ready to commit to a functional spirit? There are plenty of other relaxing drink options out there:

• Herbal teas like chamomile and lemon balm are classic choices.
• Kombucha offers a tangy, slightly effervescent experience with a natural feel-good factor.
• Warm turmeric lattes or golden milk combine soothing spices with a calming ritual.

While these don’t directly support GABA function the way SENTIA does, they can still be part of your unwind toolkit or combined with SENTIA in your own calming concoctions—especially when paired with intentional, calming activities, such as:

Immerse Yourself in a Restorative Bath

Relaxation isn’t just about what’s in your glass. A warm bath can do wonders to ease tension. The heat helps relax muscles and signals the body to shift into a more parasympathetic, or “rest and digest,” mode.

Upgrade your soak with Epsom salts for magnesium support, a few drops of lavender essential oil, and a curated playlist to melt away the mental clutter.

Move Your Body to Soothe Your Mind

Don’t underestimate the power of gentle movement. While hitting the gym late at night might be too much, a restorative yoga flow or a 20-minute evening walk can work wonders.

Physical activity helps regulate mood, ease muscle tension, and improve sleep—especially when done at least 1–2 hours before bed.

Simple tip: try stretching before you sit down for your evening drink (or bath). It’s a powerful signal that the day is done.

Find Calm and Stillness with Meditation

Whether it’s five minutes of mindful breathing or a full guided meditation, taking time to centre your thoughts can reduce stress and support better sleep. It’s also a great alternative to the glass of wine you’d normally reach for out of habit.

If you’re just getting started, apps like Calm, Headspace, or Apple Fitness offer user-friendly introductions. Or try a simple breathing technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6.

Reconnect with Friends—Without the Bar Tab

For many people, alcohol and sociability go hand in hand. But connection doesn’t have to mean clinking wine glasses.

Here are a few ideas for relaxed, alcohol-free nights:

• Host a games night with functional cocktails from the [SENTIA mixology page]
• Go for a late-night walk-and-talk.
• Explore local late openings—museums, galleries, even candlelit yoga.
• Try something tactile: life drawing, pottery, or a new hobby that engages your hands and calms your mind.

Relaxing Without Alcohol Isn’t a Downgrade—It’s an Upgrade

Stepping away from alcohol doesn’t mean giving up pleasure, flavour, or fun. It means choosing rituals that support your long-term wellbeing, helping you unwind without backsliding into poor sleep and groggy mornings after.

With drinks like GABA Red, Gold, and Black, SENTIA offers not just an alternative, but an upgrade—one that works with your neurochemistry to deliver a sense of calm you can feel good about.

[Explore our full range] and find your moment.