Doing Dry January? I Can't Recommend This Wine Replacement Enough

As much as I enjoy having a glass of vino at dinner, I'm far less enthusiastic about the hangover that often accompanies it. By my late twenties, I'd hoped that my alcohol tolerance would have improved — that the throbbing morning-after headaches would be less common, or that I could indulge in a riesling without slumping into a state of eternal grogginess the next day. Alas, since my alcohol tolerance hasn't changed, I've had to find other alternatives to satiate my daily craving for a glass of wine.

While I don't have a designated mocktail cart (yet), I do have a growing collection of nonalcoholic drinks and mixes that I like to indulge in on occasion. There are the usual suspects: alcohol-free tonics, flavored supplements, and most recently, the Apothékary Wine Down Tincture ($39), which is designed to act as a wine replacement sans any alcoholic properties. The concentrate is infused with berry-rich ingredients that give it a tart taste, while elements like L-theanine can help to calm the body.

I'm generally skeptical about any supplement that promises more relaxation, let alone one that's marketed as being flavorful enough to curb your wine intake — but this piqued my interest. Desperate for a cure to my Dry January woes, I tried Apothékary's bestselling herbal tincture nightly for one month, and the yummy wine replacement has already earned a permanent spot in my cabinet of alcohol-free infusions.

What I Like About the Apothékary Wine Down Tincture

On its own, the herbal tincture has an equally bitter and tart flavoring, with raisin-like hints that remind me of a Cabernet Sauvignon. But when paired with a fruit juice or sparkling mixture, the formula really comes to life; it tastes less medicinal and far more enjoyable. I appreciate that the infusion mirrors the robust flavoring of a red wine, as it helps to make the experience of drinking it feel more authentic and elevated — especially when poured into a classic wine glass.

The formula also works surprisingly fast. After a few sips of my tincture-infused drink, I found myself noticeably calmer, more relaxed, and (despite my night-owl tendencies) ready for bed at an earlier hour. While it doesn't pack quite the same punch as a full glass of Sauvignon Blanc, it does help ease me into a more tempered state without any toxic, alcoholic ingredients — and best of all, without the usual drowsiness that follows. I'd compare it to a magnesium drink or even melatonin gummies, but with a rich flavoring that makes you forget you're taking a stress-reducing supplement at all. I love that it offers a failsafe way for me to take the edge off in the evenings — no vino necessary.

How to Use the Apothékary Wine Down Tincture

Per the brand, this wine replacement is best used in the evenings, particularly before bed. There are two ways to dose the Apothékary tincture: you can squeeze one full dropper on or beneath your tongue, or for a more elevated experience, mix one full dropper of the formula into your drink of choice. (The brand recommends using no more than four full droppers of this tincture per day.) Fruit juices and sparkling water mix best with the tincture — especially if you're attempting to recreate a wine-inspired flavor — and I personally love using it with a tart cherry juice or pomegranate juice.

What's Worth Noting About the Apothékary Wine Down Tincture

As with all supplements, I recommend carefully reviewing the product's ingredients, as well as consulting with your doctor before incorporating anything new into your diet. These tinctures are not FDA-certified, and Apothékary specifically advises those who are pregnant to avoid taking any of their herbal formulas during the first trimester of pregnancy — you can read full details on the brand's pregnancy- and breastfeeding-safe herbs here.

Another thing to note is that this particular tincture is designed to promote relaxation and calm any feelings of stress — i.e. it can put you into a more relaxed state. While the product may act as a replacement for traditional wine, I recommend treating it like any other alcoholic product and avoid driving after use.

Who Is the Apothékary Wine Down Tincture Best For?

Whether you're participating in Dry January, are sober curious and looking to curb your wine consumption for the longterm, or simply want to add a unique mixture into your nightly drink rotation, this flavored concentrate offers a great way to reduce your alcohol consumption and promote more relaxation within your day.

Additional Details

Where Can I Buy the Apothékary Wine Down Tincture?

You can shop this wine replacement exclusively at Apothékary; it's also available in a Free Spirits Mini Set, along with other herbal tinctures.

Rating:

★★★★☆

Kyley Warren (she/her) is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.