Are Non-Alcoholic Cocktails Actually Healthy?

Non-alcoholic cocktails have a health halo — and for the most part, it's deserved. But "non-alcoholic" doesn't automatically mean healthy. Here's how to read between the lines.

What Makes Non-Alcoholic Cocktails Healthier?

No Alcohol = Fewer Calories

Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram — almost as much as fat. Remove it and you're cutting a significant chunk of the calorie count. A standard alcoholic Margarita can be 200–300 calories. Smug AF's version? Around 50–70 calories per serve.

No Hangover

Obvious, but worth saying. No disrupted sleep, no inflammation, no dehydration. The morning after a Smug AF session feels the same as any other morning.

No Impact on Sleep Quality

Alcohol disrupts REM sleep even in moderate amounts. Non-alcoholic drinks don't.

What to Watch For

Sugar Content

Some non-alcoholic cocktails compensate for the missing alcohol with extra sugar. Always check. Smug AF products are low sugar — the Mojito, for example, has minimal added sugar.

Artificial Flavours

Some cheaper products use artificial flavouring. Smug AF uses natural ingredients throughout.

"Low Alcohol" vs "Zero Alcohol"

Low alcohol can be up to 0.5% ABV. Zero alcohol (0.0% ABV) is what it sounds like. Most Smug AF products are less than 0.5% ABV — genuinely negligible. The Peach Bellini is 0.0% ABV.

The Verdict

Yes — when made with natural ingredients, low sugar, and less than 0.5% ABV, non-alcoholic cocktails are genuinely a healthier alternative to their alcoholic counterparts. Smug AF ticks all those boxes.

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