In 2025, functional drinks are having a serious moment—and adaptogen drinks are right at the center of it. You’ve probably seen them on wellness shelves, in boutique cafes, or tucked next to energy drinks at your local store. But what exactly are they?
These beverages blend ancient stress-fighting herbs like ashwagandha, reishi, and tulsi with modern flavors and convenience. Designed to support energy, focus, calm, or immunity, they’re quickly replacing sugary sodas and jittery caffeine fixes for health-conscious consumers.
Why the hype now? People want more than hydration—they want drinks that work for their bodies and brains. Whether it’s a mood-boosting mushroom latte or a sparkling elixir for stress, adaptogen drinks offer a new kind of daily ritual.
In this article, we’ll break down what makes them special, why they’re trending in 2025, and how to know if they’re right for you.
What Are Adaptogen Drinks?
Adaptogen drinks are wellness beverages made with herbs and mushrooms known as adaptogens. These natural ingredients help your body adapt to stress, restore balance, and support long-term resilience.
Common adaptogens include ashwagandha (for calming), rhodiola (for energy), holy basil (for mood), lion’s mane (for focus), and reishi (for relaxation). Each has its own unique benefits, but all work by helping regulate your stress response system—especially the adrenal glands and nervous system.
You’ll find these stress-supporting ingredients in all kinds of drink formats. Think herbal teas, sparkling tonics, coffee alternatives, or even ready-to-sip elixirs in sleek cans and bottles. Many are caffeine-free, low in sugar, and made with clean-label ingredients.
Unlike traditional supplements, adaptogen drinks turn daily wellness into a lifestyle. They fit easily into routines—whether it’s replacing your afternoon coffee, winding down after work, or boosting focus before a meeting.
In short, herbal stress relief beverages have evolved. Adaptogen drinks blend ancient plant wisdom with today’s convenience and taste, making them a go-to choice in 2025 for anyone looking to drink with purpose.
Why They’re Trending in 2025
Adaptogen drinks are having a major moment in 2025, and it’s not by accident. This year’s wellness drink trends reflect a deeper shift toward functional, feel-good alternatives that fit modern lifestyles. Here’s what’s fueling the adaptogen beverage boom:
A. Mental Health Focus & Stress Resilience
In the wake of the pandemic, mental health remains front and center. People are more aware of stress and how it impacts their bodies and minds. Adaptogens like ashwagandha and reishi have gained traction for their calming effects and ability to support the nervous system.
According to a 2024 Global Wellness Institute report, emotional wellness is now a top priority for consumers—and adaptogenic beverages are a simple, daily tool for that support.
B. Alcohol Alternatives & Sober Curiosity
More people are choosing to drink less—or skip alcohol entirely. This “sober curious” movement is pushing growth in non-alcoholic options that still offer a mood-enhancing effect. Adaptogen drinks like Kin Euphorics and De Soi (co-founded by Katy Perry) are marketed as social tonics, blending herbs and botanicals for calm and clarity—no booze required.
C. Cognitive Boost & Focus
Busy professionals, students, and creatives are seeking cleaner ways to enhance focus and mental stamina. Enter nootropic-adaptogen blends, combining brain-boosters like lion’s mane with stress-regulators like rhodiola. These drinks offer a smoother alternative to caffeine—without the crash.
D. Clean Label Wellness
Consumers are reading labels more than ever. There’s growing demand for clean, functional ingredients over artificial additives or sugar-heavy energy drinks. Adaptogen beverages meet this demand with plant-based formulas, often free from sweeteners, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers.
E. Brand Innovation & Celebrity Influence
The adaptogen space is also booming thanks to clever branding and big names. Alongside Kin and De Soi, brands like Moment, Recess, and Hiyo are changing the beverage aisle with sleek packaging and wellness-forward messaging. Social media influencers and health coaches are integrating these drinks into daily routines, boosting visibility and trust.
In 2025, the rise of adaptogen drinks reflects larger shifts in how we manage stress, energy, and mood—and the trend shows no sign of slowing.
Top Adaptogens to Know in 2025
Adaptogens have gone from niche supplements to everyday wellness staples—especially in drinks. In 2025, the most popular adaptogen ingredients focus on stress support, brain health, and immune balance. Here are the ones showing up most in functional beverage formulas:
Ashwagandha
Known as the star of stress relief, ashwagandha helps lower cortisol levels and ease anxious thoughts. It’s commonly found in calming elixirs and night-time blends. Many brands pair it with warming flavors like cinnamon, cacao, or vanilla for a cozy, grounding vibe.
Rhodiola
This root supports energy, endurance, and mental clarity—without overstimulation. Rhodiola is a go-to in drinks meant for focus and productivity. It often appears in citrus or green tea blends that refresh and recharge.
Reishi
Dubbed the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi supports the immune system, promotes relaxation, and aids in sleep. Its earthy taste blends well with ingredients like cacao, dates, and dark berries in mellow, mood-soothing tonics.
Lion’s Mane
A functional mushroom known for its impact on neurogenesis and cognitive health. Lion’s mane is loved for enhancing focus, memory, and even creativity. It pairs perfectly with coffee alternatives or nut-milk based lattes.
Schisandra & Holy Basil (Tulsi)
These herbs offer antioxidant protection, hormonal balance, and liver support. They shine in berry-forward blends, sparkling teas, or adaptogen spritzers aimed at mood and skin health.
Flavor Pairings Matter
To make adaptogen drinks both functional and delicious, brands combine these herbs with natural flavors like ginger, citrus, berries, lavender, or floral botanicals. The goal is to create a drink that calms the body and pleases the palate.
These popular adaptogens of 2025 offer powerful benefits—and when delivered in tasty, grab-and-go formats, they’re easier than ever to incorporate into your daily wellness routine.
Are They Really Effective?
So—do adaptogen drinks work? The answer isn’t black and white, but early research and user feedback suggest they may offer real benefits. Studies on ashwagandha and rhodiola show measurable reductions in cortisol and improvements in stress-related fatigue.
One clinical trial in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that ashwagandha significantly reduced anxiety and improved sleep when taken daily for eight weeks. Similarly, rhodiola has been linked to increased focus and reduced mental fatigue, especially during high-stress periods.
That said, not all adaptogen drinks are created equal. Some products contain only trace amounts of herbs—far below therapeutic levels. Others add too much sugar or artificial flavors, which may cancel out the wellness perks. To get the most benefit, look for formulas that clearly list dosages (usually 300–600 mg of a given adaptogen) and use organic or full-spectrum extracts.
It’s also important to manage expectations. Adaptogens aren’t quick fixes. They work best when used consistently, as part of a broader routine that includes sleep, hydration, and healthy habits.
In short, while adaptogen drinks aren’t magic, they can support stress relief, focus, and resilience—especially if you’re using high-quality formulas and drinking them regularly.
>>Related: Top Wellness Trends for 2025
FAQs About Adaptogen Drinks
Can you drink adaptogens every day?
Yes—most adaptogens are safe for daily use when consumed in moderate, evidence-backed doses. In fact, they often work best when taken consistently. Still, it’s smart to rotate or cycle adaptogens every few weeks to avoid building tolerance.
Are adaptogen drinks safe for kids or during pregnancy?
Generally, adaptogens are not recommended for young children or during pregnancy without medical guidance. Herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola can affect hormone levels, so always consult a healthcare provider before introducing them during sensitive life stages.
What’s the difference between nootropics and adaptogens?
Great question. Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress and support balance across systems. Nootropics, on the other hand, are substances that aim to boost cognitive performance, memory, and focus. Some drinks combine both—for example, lion’s mane (a nootropic mushroom) is often paired with ashwagandha for brain and stress support.
Do adaptogen drinks help with sleep or energy?
Yes, depending on the ingredients. Reishi and ashwagandha promote relaxation and sleep, while rhodiola and schisandra are often used for daytime energy and stamina. Check the label to match your goal—some drinks are formulated for calm, others for focus or mood.
Conclusion
Adaptogen drinks are more than a trend in 2025—they’re a reflection of how wellness is evolving. By blending ancient herbal wisdom with modern convenience, these functional drinks offer a new way to manage stress, energy, and mood.
Whether you’re replacing your second coffee or skipping alcohol at social events, adaptogen beverages give you a flavorful, functional option that supports your goals.
As always, choose high-quality products, pay attention to ingredients and dosages, and listen to your body. When used wisely, these drinks can become a powerful part of your daily wellness toolkit.
The future of functional drinks in 2025 looks promising—and adaptogens are leading the way.