I’m what you might call a “social drinker”. I like to have cocktails with friends after work and a glass of wine with dinner. But recently, I’d noticed it’s been taking a toll on both my energy levels. I was drinking socially to mingle and unwind, but it came at a cost. Happy hours turned into hapless hangovers, and I was left feeling tired all the time.
I decided to stop drinking alcohol altogether for one whole month, and it wasn’t long before I found myself missing the ritual of a cocktail in the evening. I was craving that feeling of relaxation I’d previously gotten from alcohol, just without the unwanted negative effects that comes with it. So I sought out an alternative and landed on Aplós Calme. Long story short, what I realized in my little experiment is that alcohol is way overrated.
Kicking Off My Mocktail Month
If I’m being honest, I thought 30 days without alcohol would be a lot harder than it actually was. I am someone who loves a creative mixologist-curated cocktail (even if it sets me back $17). Frankly, I expected this to be the dullest month of my life. So imagine my surprise when I tried Aplós Calme for the first time, and realized I wasn’t missing anything. Its herbal notes and citrus aroma is delicious, and more flavorful than I was expecting.
I did a double take when I realized it was actually low calorie, sugar-free, and crafted without artificial flavors - just all-natural, premium ingredients. Upon closer look, I learned Aplós was created in collaboration with James Beard Honoree and Masterclass Mixologist, Lynette Marrero. In essence, it’s like the Michelin star equivalent of a non-alcoholic drink; tasteful, cultivated, and quite alluring. Although Calme comes in at $48 for a ten-serving bottle, it still beats the $17 cocktail.
All the Buzz With None of the Downsides
Even despite its delightful spirit, I figured this was where the benefit begins and ends. I read that Calme infuses 20mg of hemp and herbal botanicals for a calming and relaxing effect, but TBH, I don’t read much into that stuff. The whole point of this was to become excruciatingly sober. But that was far from the reality. Although technically sober, I found myself more relaxed and at ease. And by that, I don’t mean groggy or stoned. I was by no means drunk or high, just… recalibrated. Like a more chill and refreshed version of myself.
What really topped off the experience for me is what it was without. In all the times I sat to unwind with Calme, not once did I have a hangover. I didn’t feel too tired to do dishes after having company over. No longer was I relying on sugary, high-calorie additives to mask lesser quality spirits. I wasn’t sloppy after one too many, nor was I ever on the rebound from a sleepless night. In fact, I think I’ve actually been sleeping better than I have in a long time.
30 Days and a Whole New Me Later
It’s amazing what a difference a month can make. I assumed my 30 days of abstinence story would read like a tale of ‘woe is me’, but really the tragedy is that I didn’t do this sooner. I’m feeling good, sleeping better, and heck - now that I’m taking in less sugar and calories, I’m even feeling more fit. What started out as a reset, has now become my way of life. I’m not sure how this would’ve gone down had I not discovered Aplós Calme, but since I have, life is good. Sans alcohol.
