Functional Beverages Explained: What They Are and Why They Matter for Wellness

In a world where wellness matters more than ever, people are rethinking what’s in their glass.

They want more than hydration. They want drinks that help them unwind, support their focus, reduce stress, and actually do something good for their body.

That’s where functional beverages come in, non-alcoholic drinks formulated with active ingredients like botanicals, adaptogens, hemp-derived CBD, nootropics, and more. These drinks are reshaping everything from social rituals to wind-down routines.

At To Be Honest Beverage Co., we believe what you sip should support how you want to feel. That’s why we created Focus; a hemp-infused, botanical-forward spirit designed for mindful moments.

This guide breaks down the most popular types of functional beverages, how they may support wellness, and how to make them part of your daily life.

What Are Functional Beverages?

Functional beverages are drinks that include ingredients intended to support specific wellness outcomes; beyond just hydration or taste.

These drinks may include:

• Broad-spectrum hemp (CBD)

• Adaptogens like ashwagandha and reishi

• Nootropics for cognitive support

• Botanicals and herbal infusions

• Electrolytes, probiotics, or vitamins

  
  

Their purpose? To help you feel better; whether that means feeling calmer, more energized, more focused, or more in balance.

Common characteristics:

• Made with intentional, wellness-focused ingredients

• Usually alcohol-free, low-sugar, and plant-based

• Designed to complement modern, health-conscious lifestyles

• Appeal to those who are sober curious or looking for better daily rituals

Wake up feeling more energized.

Main Types of Functional Beverages

1. Adaptogenic Drinks

Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that may help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. Think: ashwagandha, rhodiola, reishi, and tulsi.

May support:

• Resilience to stress

• Emotional regulation

• Sleep quality and recovery

2. Hemp-Infused & CBD Beverages

Hemp-derived CBD beverages like Focus are becoming a go-to choice for people seeking relaxation, without intoxication.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and stress responses. While results vary, many users may experience a sense of calm or mental clarity.

**Always consult a healthcare provider about potential contraindications or interactions with medications.

May support:

• Relaxation without sedation

• Calm focus

• Restorative sleep patterns

3. Nootropic Drinks

Nootropics are substances that may enhance cognitive function. Some are synthetic, but many functional drinks use plant-based options like lion’s mane mushroom, L-theanine, or bacopa.

May support:

• Mental clarity

• Focus and creativity

• Mood regulation

4. Botanical and Herbal Elixirs

These drinks are made with combinations of herbs, fruits, roots, and spices. You’ve probably had a version of this; like chamomile tea or ginger-turmeric tonics.

May support:

• Digestion

• Immune support

• Gut-brain balance

Embrace mindfulness as you savor each sip.

Why Functional Beverages Are Replacing Alcohol

For a growing number of people, drinking isn’t about “checking out.” It’s about tuning in; to their bodies, their energy, their lives.

Alcohol, for all its social cachet, can:

• Disrupt sleep

• Spike inflammation

• Heighten anxiety

• Impair focus

  
  

Functional beverages offer a new kind of ritual:

• Calm, not chaos

• Connection, not hangovers

• Focus, not fog

  
  

They help you stay present; and feel good about what you're putting into your body.

Focus by To Be Honest Beverage Co.

A Modern Functional Spirit Alternative

Focus is more than a drink. It’s a ritual you can feel good about.

Crafted with broad-spectrum hemp and botanical extracts, it’s designed for those who want to unwind, connect, and enjoy the moment; without alcohol.

Why Focus Stands Out:

• Hemp-Derived CBD: Broad-spectrum, nano-emulsified for efficient absorption

• Botanical Blend: Juniper, lavender, citrus, and grounding herbs

• Zero alcohol: Functional calm, no impairment

• Low-calorie, low-sugar: Real ingredients only

  
  

Whether mixed into a mocktail or enjoyed over ice, Focus is how modern drinkers are replacing the nightcap with something that actually supports them.

How to Use Functional Beverages in Real Life

Functional drinks aren’t a trend, they’re a toolkit for your body and brain. From morning to night, they help you navigate stress, boost focus, and feel more like your best self.

The best part? They blend seamlessly into your existing routine, no overhaul required.

Here’s how to make them a natural (and enjoyable) part of your day:

Morning Reset

Start your day with clarity and intention. Instead of going straight for high-octane caffeine, reach for an adaptogenic tea or a light nootropic blend that may support mental focus and energy without the jitters.

Think: lion’s mane mushroom or L-theanine paired with a green tea base. These options can help create a sense of centered alertness, without the crash.

Midday Recharge

This is when stress starts to build and mental fatigue creeps in. Rather than reaching for a second coffee or sugary drink, swap it out for a hemp-infused beverage like Focus.

With broad-spectrum hemp and calming botanicals, it may help reduce tension and improve mental clarity, making it a perfect desk-side companion or meeting-prep drink.

Serve over ice with sparkling water and a citrus slice for a refreshing, alcohol-free reset that feels as good as it looks.

Evening Wind-Down

Winding down doesn't have to mean winding up your nervous system with wine or a cocktail. A botanical-forward, alcohol-free mocktail helps signal to your body that it’s time to relax, without disturbing your sleep cycle.

Try blending Focus with tonic, herbal bitters, or even a touch of warm chamomile tea for a cozy nightcap.

This can become a powerful ritual for relaxation, reflection, and stress recovery, something that supports sleep and skin health alike.

Social Settings

Let’s face it, social situations can be tricky when you’re skipping alcohol. But functional beverages like Focus give you something to hold, something to savor, and something to talk about.

Whether you’re at a dinner party, baby shower, or just out with friends, bring your own zero-proof cocktail or serve it up with a garnish, it blends in and stands out.

You’ll still feel part of the moment, just without the next-day brain fog, sugar crash, or dehydration.

Try This: Functional Mocktail with Focus

Botanical Focus Tonic

• 2 oz Focus

• 4 oz tonic water

• Dash of lavender bitters (non-alcoholic)

• Garnish: Rosemary sprig or lemon twist

  
  

→ Build in a rocks glass over ice and stir gently. A beautiful, functional alternative to a G&T.

Try using Focus in your next mocktail recipe.

Where to Find the Best Functional Beverages

• Local NA Bottle Shops & Bars: Find a small business near you to sample.

• Online Stores: Wellness-forward sites like Boisson, Better Rhodes, and direct-to-consumer brands

• Natural Retailers: Whole Foods and select grocers with zero-proof sections

• Direct from Brand: Order Focus directly for the freshest product and exclusive updates

Final Thoughts: Why Functional Beverages Are the Future

Functional drinks aren’t hype. They’re how a new generation of wellness-minded people are redefining what it means to feel good, unwind, and show up fully.

Whether you’re supporting sleep, managing stress, or choosing rituals that work with your goals instead of against them; functional beverages offer a smarter way forward.

And if you're looking for a non-alcoholic spirit that’s sophisticated, calming, and designed for connection? Focus by To Be Honest Bev Co. may be your next favorite sip.

FAQs

Q: Do functional beverages actually work?

A: Many functional ingredients like CBD, adaptogens, and nootropics have early research and clinical data backing their benefits. However, results vary by person. Always consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you're on medication.

Q: Will CBD functional beverages like Focus make me high?

A: No. Focus uses broad-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD, which is non-psychoactive and non-intoxicating.

Q: Can functional beverages replace alcohol in social settings?

A: Absolutely. Functional spirits like Focus offer complex flavor, ritual, and relaxation; without the side effects.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Our products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before using any products, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.