The functional beverage space is booming right now, and it’s no secret that the sober and sober-curious communities are paying attention. Brands are popping up left and right claiming to deliver mood boosts, social energy, and that elusive “buzz without the booze” through adaptogens, nootropics, and mushroom extracts. Some of these beverages contain THC. Some don’t. And for those of us in recovery, that distinction matters. A lot.
Enter Psilly Goose, a California-based brand making waves with their canned functional beverages. They currently offer two products: Euphoria, which contains hemp-derived Delta-9 THC, and Silly, which does not. For the purposes of this review, I went with the Silly. Because, well, I’m sober. And I plan to stay that way.
What Is Psilly Goose?
Psilly Goose markets itself as a social beverage alternative designed to help people feel “playful, social and free” without alcohol. Their tagline leans into the fun, and the branding is bright, bold, and unapologetically playful. The name alone makes you do a double take, and that’s clearly intentional.
What caught my attention is that they offer a non-THC option. A lot of brands in this space are leaning heavily into the cannabis-adjacent territory, which is fine for people who are comfortable with that. But for those of us who are firmly planted in recovery and don’t want anything that alters our state of mind, having a THC-free choice is worth highlighting.
What’s in the Silly?
The Silly is described as a “Social, Fun & Flow” beverage in a passionfruit mango flavor. It’s rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on their site. The two key functional ingredients are:
Lion’s Mane Mushroom: A shaggy white mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries. Modern research suggests it stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that supports brain health, focus, and memory. Unlike caffeine, it’s not a stimulant. It works more subtly to support clarity and cognitive function over time. Lion’s Mane is also associated with gut health, immunity, and mood regulation. If you’ve been in the wellness space for any amount of time, you’ve probably seen this ingredient showing up in coffees, teas, and supplements everywhere.
Kanna: This one might be less familiar. Kanna is a South African succulent that has been used ceremonially for thousands of years to ease stress, lift mood, and spark connection. Psilly Goose describes it as a “natural empathogen,” comparing its effects to something similar to MDMA but gentle, non-addictive, and legal. It works by interacting with serotonin and dopamine pathways in the brain.
And here’s where I need to pump the brakes for a second.
A Word of Caution from Your Sober Bestie
Before you add this to your cart or crack one open at your next gathering, please take a beat and do the following:
Read the ingredients. All of them. Don’t just skim the front of the can. Look at what’s actually in it and make sure you understand what each ingredient does.
Talk to your doctor. I cannot stress this enough. Kanna interacts with serotonin, and if you are taking SSRIs, antidepressants, or any other serotonin-boosting medications, combining them could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. That is a serious and potentially dangerous condition. Psilly Goose themselves include this warning on their website and on the can. Please don’t skip over it.
Know your own recovery. Everyone’s sobriety looks different. What works for one person might not be the right fit for another. If you’re in early recovery, if you’re working a program, if you have a sponsor, talk to your people. There is no shame in being cautious. In fact, being cautious is one of the smartest things you can do for your sobriety. Intention matters at all stages of recovery, so check your motives, read the labels, and make smart decisions.
Remember the FDA disclaimer. These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. That’s straight from the brand’s own website. Keep that in mind.
My Experience
Now that we’ve covered the important stuff, let’s talk about how it actually went.
I cracked open the Silly one evening while I was doing some computer work. Nothing fancy, just a quiet night at home. I sipped it slowly over the course of about an hour.
The taste: Delicious. The passionfruit mango flavor is refreshing, not too sweet, and genuinely enjoyable to drink. It goes down smooth, and honestly, it felt like a treat. If you’re looking for something flavorful to sip on that feels more special than sparkling water but doesn’t come with a hangover, the flavor alone delivers.
The experience: Here’s the part that matters most to me. I didn’t feel anything. And I mean that as the highest compliment. As a person in recovery, I am not looking for something that makes me feel a certain way. I don’t want a buzz. I don’t want to feel altered. I don’t want to chase a feeling. That’s the whole point of being sober.
Did I notice that I was feeling happy and creative while I was sipping? Sure. But here’s the thing. I’m a happy and creative person. That’s my natural state. So was it the Silly? Or was it just me being me on a Tuesday night? I honestly couldn’t tell you, and I’m perfectly fine with that.
Who Is This For?
This beverage occupies an interesting space. It’s not an NA beer, wine, or spirit, so it doesn’t fall into the traditional alcohol-free category that most of our Happy Every Hour reviews cover. It’s a functional beverage, which is its own growing category.
If you’re someone who is sober-curious or exploring alcohol alternatives and you’re comfortable with functional ingredients like mushroom extracts and adaptogens, the Silly could be a fun option to explore. If you’re looking for a social beverage that gives you something interesting to hold at a party, this fits the bill.
If you’re in recovery and you’re more conservative about what you put in your body (no judgment, same team), just do your homework first. Read the label. Talk to your physician. Make the decision that feels right for you and your journey.
The Bottom Line
The Psilly Goose Silly is a tasty, well-branded functional beverage that stands out in a crowded market by offering a non-THC option alongside their THC-infused Euphoria. The passionfruit mango flavor is genuinely good, and I appreciated that I could sip on something that felt intentional and fun without compromising my sobriety.
That said, this review comes with a big, bold, underlined caveat: do your research before trying any functional beverage, especially if you’re on medication or in recovery. Read the ingredients. Check in with your physician. And always, always trust yourself enough to say “this isn’t for me” if something doesn’t sit right.
Because the best part of sobriety? You get to make every decision with a clear head. And that includes what you drink.
The Sober Curator does not provide medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying new supplements or functional beverages. Learn more about Psilly Goose at drinkpsillygoose.com.
For more NA beverage reviews, visit our Happy Every Hour section.
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