If you’ve found your way to an NA bottle shop, you’ve likely discovered the world of functional beverages. There are various subcategories of functional beverages, including adaptogens and nootropics. Adaptogenics use plant-based ingredients to help the body resist stress, improve sleep, regulate moods, or modify the inflammation response. Nootropics are chemical substances that purportedly help with mental acuity, memory, and mental stamina.
SENTIA Spirits were designed to give you that feeling of relaxation and increased sociability, similar to how many feel after having two alcoholic drinks. SENTIA Gold contains a fusion of botanicals, hops, and schisandra and was designed to uplift and create mental balance. SENTIA Red also includes a fusion of botanicals, agave syrup, and blackberry and carrot concentrates. It is designed to help you relax and create connections. Due to the potential calming effects of SENTIA, it is recommended not to drive for 45 minutes after consuming SENTIA, which is when the effects are estimated to wear off.
With all functional beverages, it is recommended to read the label to be aware of what’s in the beverage, the recommended amounts or dosage, and how to drink it. While functional beverages market their abilities to provide health benefits, don’t expect a magic solution. The impact on each individual body is different, and functionals should be drunk in moderation. If you’re on medication, be sure to consult with a doctor.
SENTIA functional beverages
- Created in the United Kingdom
- ABV: 0%
- Added sugars: 5 grams
- Storage: Once open, keep it in the fridge; consuming it within three months is best.
I tried SENTIA with an open mind, paying close attention to the suggested dose and how to drink the beverages. I created a recipe from their website for each the Red and the Gold and tried each with tonic. The Gold was reminiscent of Tang drink mix from my childhood. While my childhood was happy, Tang was not a pleasant flavor, and I couldn’t get that out of my head. The Red experience was better as I enjoyed it with tonic after dinner. I cannot attribute my sense of calm to SENTIA, as that is typically my mood without functionals. And I did note that I had a bit of a headache the next day. Again, I can’t with certainty attribute the headache to the SENTIA, but it was the only thing out of the ordinary that I experienced the night before.
As with all things, each body responds differently to what we consume. If you’re interested in exploring functionals, SENTIA is probably a great place to start, as it is deeply rooted in science. SENTIA was founded by Professor David Nutt, who has spent years researching how alcohol interacts with the body and mind. He is collaborating with a botanical alchemist and plant craft specialist, Vanessa Jacoby, to create SENTIA, which leverages naturally occurring GABAergic compounds. And as I understand it, they’ve got many more ideas in development to mimic the euphoric aspects of drinking alcohol without the adverse side effects. Cheers to science and experimentation!
THE HAPPY TRAVELER – VINTAGE TRAVEL BARS: The Artist & Curator, Kim Parsley, lives near Seattle, Washington.
With an education in Interior Design, her career path has led her to fulfill many roles in interior architecture. Now retired, she leverages her design skills to curate vintage travel bars and collect and sell vintage barware.
Kim is also a contributor to multiple magazines, including The Sober Curator. She writes reviews and articles for the Happy Every Hour section, including reviews of non-alcoholic spirits and recipe contributions.
When not in the studio or traveling, she and her husband spend many weekends off-the-grid, hiking and experimenting with new cocktails at their cabin in the woods of the North Cascades.
HAPPY EVERY HOUR: Throwback Thirsty Thursday – Nine Booze-free Beverages From Our Youth That We Think Are Due For A Comeback!
HAPPY EVERY HOUR – NA BEERS & 90s: Explore the many options of beers and ciders without the side effects of alcohol. With so many de-alcoholized beers on the market, we’ll organize our reviews by style. You’ll also find non-alcoholic or alcohol-free ciders and beverages classified as hop water.
Sometimes life gets really shitty. Resources are available. Please use them if you need them.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
If your life or someone else’s is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call: 988.
