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In the past few years, functional beverages—often dubbed ’social tonics‘—have exploded in popularity, particularly in the zero-proof space. As more research highlights the risks of even moderate alcohol consumption, consumers are rethinking their relationship with booze and seeking mood-boosting alternatives that don’t involve hangovers or next-day regrets.
But long before social tonics became a veritable beverage category, Kin Euphorics was already pioneering the movement. Since its launch in 2018, the brand has been bottling spiritless elixirs supercharged with functional ingredients to support mental clarity, emotional balance, and a sense of connection—without the alcohol. And yes, Kin Euphorics creator, Jen Batchelor, might just have been the first to coin the term “social tonic” altogether.
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Drawing on her background in Ayurveda, Batchelor set out to blend ancient wisdom with modern science in a way that still feels indulgent but intentional. “I always feel like the ultimate flex is a calm nervous system, so I always start there,” she tells The Daily Beast.
That calm is at the center of Kin’s formulations, which incorporate adaptogens, nootropics, functional herbs, and hydrating minerals to regulate the nervous system and help the body return to homeostasis. “It’s like, how do we nourish the gut? How do we incorporate ingredients like salts that are actually hydrating to the system and replenishing magnesium just as a baseline?” she says. Once the bases are covered, then comes the buzz (sans the substances, of course).
A New Kind of Buzz
Kin’s inaugural formula, High Rhode, was designed to deliver what Batchelor calls a “euphoric” effect—a sense of calm clarity with a gentle boost of energy. It’s infused with functional ingredients like Rhodiola Rosea, 5-HTP, and GABA, paired with a touch of caffeine for a balanced, social high. Unlike sugary energy drinks or jitter-inducing espresso shots, High Rhode mellows you out just enough, functioning more like a glass of wine or cocktail, but without the crash or fog.
Next came the canned tonics, from immunity-boosting mimosa-inspired concoctions with a dash of caffeine (Actual Sunshine) to calming formulas to help promote a full night’s rest (Lightwave), Kin really does have a drink for every mood.
These drinks aren’t just about replacing alcohol—they’re redefining the entire ritual of unwinding. Whether it’s a happy hour, work event, or just a solo evening at home, Kin’s tonics are designed to elevate the moment and support how you want to feel.
Innovation with Intention
Of course, Kin’s success isn’t just rooted in function—it’s about formulation with purpose. The brand continues to incorporate buzzy new ingredients, but does so in a way that feels thoughtful, not gimmicky. “[Our beverages] are like a symphony, where things are layered. We never rely on any one ingredient as a holy grail,” says Batchelor. “I think it’s my Virgo nature that likes more nuance.”
That nuance comes through in how Kin develops its blends: Batchelor consults with a range of experts, including Chinese medicine practitioners, Western endocrinologists, and neuropharmacologists. “It’s fascinating to get the opinion of an endocrinologist, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, and a neuropharmacologist, and see how all these people work together,” she says.
The Berberine Boost
Kin’s latest release, Luna Morada, is a great example of this holistic approach. Inspired by chicha morada, a classic Peruvian purple corn cocktail, the dreamy, nighttime-friendly tonic is formulated to support both metabolic health and spiritual uplift.
Luna Morada contains a clinical dose of Berberine—a compound often dubbed “nature’s Ozempic” for its links to improved glucose regulation and gut health—without the side effects associated with GLP-1 medications. “Everyone is on this GLP-1 craze right now, so we put a clinical dose of Berberine in there for metabolic health,” says Batchelor.
But in true Kin fashion, Luna Morada offers spiritual benefits as well. “We also put wormwood in there because it’s not only great for metabolic health but also promotes lucid dreaming,” she adds.
The Future of Functional Drinking
Kin Euphorics isn’t just creating substance-free drinks—it’s building a new kind of social ritual rooted in intentionality, wellness, and inner calm. In a culture where stress, overstimulation, and burnout are the standard, Batchelor sees Kin as a way to bring people back to balance. “There’s a lot of [functional, zero-proof beverage] choices for customers now, which I’m super stoked about,” she says. “I wanted to give people [who don’t want to drink alcohol] more agency, so they’re not stuck picking club soda or a mocktail with 22 grams of sugar.”
From the thoughtful ingredients to the emotional experience, each Kin tonic is far more than just a non-alcoholic beverage: it’s a choice for a different kind of night, a different kind of life—one that’s designed to leave you actually feeling better than before. Scroll through below to check out some of my favorite Kin Euphorics beverages.
