When I think about creating anything — whether it’s food or drinks like these — I always start with the flavors I love, how I consume them, and with whom. These drinks weren’t created just from taste memories, but with intention — using ingredients and techniques that honor hormonal balance while keeping sugar spikes at bay.

Over the last few years, many people have joined the “Dry January” movement as a way to start the year feeling refreshed, reset, or simply more in tune with their bodies. What I’m noticing now, though, is that more people are choosing to extend that break — or remove alcohol altogether — for much longer periods of time.

Restaurants and bars have responded by adding mocktails or spirit-free cocktails to their menus, which is a great step. But often, what replaces the alcohol is a lot of sugar — extra simple syrup, fruit concentrates, or high-fructose ingredients. While these drinks can taste great, I couldn’t help but wonder… are they contradicting the very reason many of us step away from alcohol in the first place?

That question led me back to the drinks I make for myself at home — recreating things like a French 75 or a Manhattan to capture the mouthfeel and ritual without the alcohol or the hangover.

And then I thought:
What if these drinks could actually contribute to hormonal health?

If you know me, you know this is right up my alley — full mad-scientist mode activated. I started with a mocktail book for pairing inspiration, then went deep into research: how herbs, fruits, and spices behave under different temperatures, how sugar reacts when heated, and how technique can preserve both flavor and function. For sweetness, I rely on a low-glycemic apple-based sweetener that allows me to control flavor without spiking blood sugar the way traditional syrups do. I’ll link the exact one I use below.

---

Drink One: Sage & Stone

I knew I wanted the first drink to replace something gin-like — herbaceous, piney, and fresh. Gin’s botanical nature gave me a lot to play with.

I’ve heard from so many women around my age who struggle with night sweats and hot flashes, and based on my previous research, sage immediately came to mind. Sage has traditionally been used to support thermoregulation, especially during perimenopause. I’d used it plenty in food, but never in a drink.

Because sage can be earthy and intense, I paired it with basil — fresh, pungent, and bright enough to balance the sage beautifully. Holy basil was my first choice (and still is), but when I couldn’t find it locally, sweet basil stepped in seamlessly. Holy basil is particularly powerful — known for helping regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support cortisol balance.

For the fruit element, I landed on pear. Pears are naturally high in fiber, which helps slow sugar absorption, and their gentle sweetness doesn’t overpower delicate herbs the way berries or tropical fruits can. After a few tweaks and adjustments, Sage & Stone was born — a grounding, herb-forward drink designed to cool, balance, and refresh.

You’ll find the full list of ingredients, benefits, and step-by-step recipe here.

Drink Two: Afterglow

Next came my Manhattan-inspired drink — this is truly my lane. Clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise — these are some of my favorite spices, not just for their warmth and depth, but for how they support nervous system regulation, mood, and adrenal health. Together, they create complexity without sweetness overload.

I knew boiling them in water wouldn’t cut it. I wanted weight. Structure. That slow-sip experience you get from an Old Fashioned or Rye Manhattan. That’s when dandelion root came to mind. I drink it several times a week, and it’s unapologetically bitter — in the best way. Dandelion root supports liver function, helps the body clear excess estrogen, reduces bloating, and supports PMS symptoms. The longer it steeps, the deeper and more robust it becomes.

This became the backbone of Afterglow — a spirit-free nightcap that can be enjoyed hot or cold while still delivering that sophisticated mouthfeel.

Find the full recipe, spice breakdown, and preparation method here.

Drink 3: Soft Power

I knew the final drink needed to be floral — calming, nurturing, and restorative.

Lavender was always going to be part of it, but never on its own and never in large amounts. I experimented with blue lotus flower and butterfly pea flower — both beautiful, both beneficial — but the vibe I wanted ultimately led me to blue lotus.

Blue lotus has traditionally been used to support relaxation and emotional ease, making it a beautiful ally for nervous system regulation. Paired with lavender, lemon peel, and a delicate tea base, this drink became Soft Power — a reminder that softness and strength can coexist.

You can explore the full ingredient list and recipe here.

That was it! I really enjoyed creating the recipes and I hope they inspire you to explore new ways of enjoying ritual, flavor, and balance — whether you follow the recipes exactly or make them your own.

---

---