Whether you’re looking for an alcohol alternative because you’re doing Dry January or just because you want to cut back this year, Better Than Booze is my new go-to! I talked with CEO Drea Groeschel about the benefits of switching from booze.
Coti Howell: For those that don’t know, what is Better Than Booze?
Drea Groeschel: Better Than Booze is a cocktail-inspired beverage line, infused with hemp-derived CBD (15mg) and THC (3mg) to help people feel highly social, without the hangover. Our unique cocktails are one-of-a-kind, using emulsion techniques which enable us to offer a buzzy beverage that is very rich in flavor, plant-based, low calorie, gluten-free, vegan and hangover-free.
CH: Where did the idea for these drinks come from?
I wanted to create a plant-based cocktail that tastes amazing! That was the #1 goal. For those of us moderating our alcohol intake, there are limited beverages on the market with great cocktail flavors, that also gives a nice relaxing vibe (like my glass of wine used to do). So, our goal was to craft something unique that didn’t taste like hemp, but tasted great and made people feel great.
CH: Once you had the idea, how did you start creating the cocktails?
The team at NuSachi, our parent company, spent several years in research and product development to create a one-of-a-kind CBD emulsion which lends itself to superior product efficacy. One of the team members said, “you know you could put this in a beverage”, and I was like “yes!!!!” From there, we worked for many months to develop the incredible recipes we use in our beverage for fantastic flavor!
CH: So many people participate in Dry January. What is the advantage of switching from booze to CBD/THC?
Better Than Booze is all-natural, low-calorie, vegan and hangover-free — for us, it’s a no-brainer!
CH: Unfortunately, I still find somewhat of a stigma with CBD/THC. What’s the biggest misconception people have about this industry and these types of products?
It can be a challenge to break the stigma of “stoner” culture, but we aim to flip the script on CBD beverages and revolutionize social drinking as we know it. As a mom myself, Better Than Booze is the perfect mocktail for me to unwind at the end of the day without reaching for a glass of wine, or to kick back with friends and family in a healthy way, without the negative side-effects of drinking alcohol. Parents and working professionals alike can enjoy a beverage like this, and feel like they are sipping on a speciality cocktail, enjoying an elevated experience. No more stigma!
CH: For someone that has never tried CBD, how do you recommend starting to enjoy something like Better Than Booze?
As they say, you can’t knock it till you try it! What better time to start than Dry January? You can try out one of our three flavors wherever you buy alcohol in Nashville, Rosemary-infused Grapefruit Paloma, Elderberry-infused Gin & Tonic, and Mint Mojito with Lime. We know you will love it.
CH: What should we be on the lookout for from Better Than Booze in 2023?
We’re going to be in more restaurants, bars, venues, liquor stores and anywhere else you grab a cocktail – always working to expand our reach in Nashville and the surrounding TN areas. And for those outside of Nashville, stay tuned for even more expansions coming in early 2023!
Check out their website for more information on Better Than Booze or purchase it online. We highly recommend the Mint Mojito, you won’t even miss the rum!
