Curious Elixirs are alcohol-free craft cocktails in a bottle, infused with adaptogens designed to help you unwind. I ditched alcohol for a week to enjoy a Curious Elixirs cocktail for happy hour instead, and below are the results of my taste tests.
If you love to mix cocktails, but are interested in cutting back on drinking alcohol or cutting it out completely, Curious Elixirs could be a great solution for you.
Curious Elixirs are designed to boost mood and unwind, depending on the properties of the herbs like ashwagandha or damiana used in each beverage.
If you’re skipping the booze, why not replace your usual beverage with something that will improve your health?
While it’s not proven that Curious Elixirs will improve your health, they’re at least made with some ingredients known to include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and more. Whether you believe in the healing properties of plants and ancient herbal remedies, Curious Elixirs can still be enjoyed simply as cocktails.
Most drinks are made without refined sugar, but contain organic fruit juice concentrate, herbs, spice, and interesting ingredients, creating complex flavors. You can see how they compare to one another in calories, carbs, and sugar in the nutrition comparison chart below.
All this talk about health and ingredients, but were they delicious?
Happy Hour with Curious Elixirs: Tasting Notes
How I tested: I ordered a box of Curious Elixirs and received 4 different flavors – 3 of their standard flavors and limited release. Each day, I opened a new bottle at happy hour, and below are the results and tasting notes.
Jump to nutrition comparison chart
Curious Elixirs No. 1: Inspired by the Negroni
Curious No. 1 is supposed to be Curious Elixirs’ take on a Negroni. In the world of non-alcoholic drinks, this cocktail name gets thrown around pretty loosely. I understand, since it’s a great cocktail and many people love it.
Curious Elixir No. 1 tasting notes:
First, the pomegranate juice is prominent. Elixir No. 1’s taste is sweet and even a little bit savory. There is a bit of orange peel present, but No. 1 is not really bitter. No. 1 is an interesting beverage.
While not the same at all, it reminded me a little of Proteau’s Spritz. This is no Negroni, but I see the attempt in re-creating a non-alcoholic version of Italian aperitivo, and it was nice for sipping at happy hour.
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Curious Elixirs No. 2: Inspired by the Dark and Stormy
Curious Elixir No.2 is designed to help you relax with the Mayan herb damiana, and it’s inspired by a dark and stormy and a margarita. I didn’t have the chance to try No.2 myself. I have included this because it is a standard flavor that you could receive in the subscription.
According to reviews, No. 2 is a flavor blast – spice and pineapple and lime and ginger! If you love a mule, this might be a great one to try.
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Curious Elixir No. 3: Inspired by the Collins
Curious Elixir No. 3 is a little bit floral, herbaceous, and tart. Designed to be enjoyed like a Collins cocktail, served over ice. This was a refreshing beverage.
No.3 is the lowest sugar elixir, if consuming sugar is something you are concerned about.
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Curious Elixirs No. 4: Inspired by the Spritz
Elixir No. 4 is intended to drink like a spritz. It has a nice flavor, but it didn’t seem fizzy enough. After adding sparkling water to adjust, I accidentally watered it down too much. I also tried adding grapefruit soda, but that diluted the flavor as well.
No. 4 is nice, but not my favorite spritz substitute. I wish it was a tad lighter and a lot fizzier.
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Curious Elixirs. No. 7: Inspired by the Champagne Cocktail
Elixir No. 7 is inspired by the French 77 or Champagne cocktail, so I got out my coupe glass, made a lemon twist, and prepared the drink.
The taste is very floral and there is a lingering creamy mouthfeel. No. 7 could be more bubbly, but it was still fun to drink.
Nutrition Comparison Chart for Curious Elixirs
Where to Buy Curious Elixirs
You can purchase Curious Elixirs directly from the website. They make it easy with a subscription service and multiple quantity options. While you can’t order a single bottle to try, you can get a mixed pack of 4 to help you decide which are your favorite.
If you’d like to order a single bottle at a time, Boisson is a great option for this. Plus you can try other NA drinks while you’re at it.
Subscription Details
Each month, you receive a box with 4 flavors of Curious Elixirs, in your choice of four or twelve bottles.
Curious Elixirs FAQ
What are adaptogens and do they have any side effects?
Adaptogens are herbs that are designed to help the body cope with stress and resist illness. Generally, adaptogens are considered safe as long as you’re not taking other medications or have a pre-existing health condition. But always consult your doctor before adding any new supplements or taking herbal remedies.
It should be noted that my friend and I did not experience any side effects from drinking Curious Elixirs, but perhaps the benefits might not be as immediate as you would think.
Are Curious Elixirs gluten free?
Yes, Curious Elixirs are gluten free. If you have a health condition, share the ingredients with your doctor to be sure they are safe for you.
What are the ingredients in Curious Elixirs?
In general, the elixirs are made from natural fruit juices and botanical extracts. Check the nutrition information above.
How many calories are in Curious Elixirs?
It depends on the blend, but the calories in the vary from 15-85 calories per cocktail, and each bottle contains 2 cocktails.*
How many carbs are in Curious Elixirs?
Depending on the beverage, you’ll find 5g-19g carbs per cocktail, with 2 cocktails in a bottle.*
*subject to change
Do Curious Elixirs expire?
Each bottle comes with an expiration date, so drink yours before it expires.
Conclusion: Is the Curious Elixirs Subscription Worth It?
If you are looking for something to help you cut back on alcohol but still enjoy the happy hour ritual, Curious Elixirs makes it easy. Pre-batched non-alcoholic cocktails are delivered in as a subscription, so you don’t have to even think about it.
The flavors are interesting to try. I enjoyed them all as a taste test, but probably wouldn’t want to get every flavor every time. I preferred Curious Elixirs No.1 and No. 3 of that batch I tested. There are a few limited release flavors, so they occasionally change things up.
I would prefer to select the flavors I receive, rather than leaving it to chance. This is an option as long as you order 4 bottles of a flavor at a time, either in subscription or a single order.
Other retailers like Boisson offer single bottle purchase, allowing you even more freedom of choice.
Try something new and taste Curious Elixirs for yourself! If you love it, the subscription would be a great way to automate your healthy habits.
