Elevate Your Olympic Viewing: Sip on the Future with Adaptogenic and Nootropic Cocktails

Olympian season has come, as we gather around our screens in awe at the feats of human agility, let us consider how we can enhance the thresholds of our capabilities…perhaps with a drink? Anheuser-Busch is the official partner of the Olympics, featuring the Corona Cero as the Olympic games drink. Corona Cero is as the name may give way, a non-alcoholic brew. This is the best choice drink for olympians and athletes alike as there are hundreds of reasons as to avoid alcohol intake while competing professionally.

With that being said, it's time for Ordinary cocktails to step aside, - there's a new mix in town that's shaking up more than just spirits! Enter the world of adaptogenic and nootropic cocktails, where your happy hour meets your wellness goals, in a delightful fusion of flavor and function.  Imagine sipping a drink that not only tastes amazing but also helps you unwind, focus, or even boost your brainpower. That's the magic of these cutting-edge concoctions. Adaptogenic cocktails, infused with stress-busting herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola, promise to help you chill out while you're chilling with friends, or while you’re in awe watching the olympics. 

It's like enlightenment in a glass, without the man-made alterations. On the flip side, nootropic cocktails are the brainiacs of the bar, the mind benders. Packed with cognitive enhancers like lion's mane mushroom or ginkgo biloba, these drinks aim to sharpen your mind, allowing you to catch that mind boggling flip without the replay. Whether you're looking to de-stress after a long day, boost your creativity for a night of networking, or simply explore a new frontier in mixology, adaptogenic and nootropic mococktails offer a unique twist on the drinking experience, now thats something worth raising a glass to!

Adaptogens to consider

1. Ashwagandha:

   This ancient herb, used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, is known for its stress-reducing properties. It works by potentially lowering cortisol levels in the body. Some studies suggest it may improve sleep quality, making it a great addition to evening cocktails. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts might appreciate its potential to boost energy and endurance. In drinks, it often adds a slightly earthy, bitter flavor that pairs well with sweeter ingredients.

2. Rhodiola Rosea:

   This Arctic root has been used in traditional medicine in Russia and Scandinavia. It's believed to help the body adapt to physical, chemical, and environmental stress. Some research indicates it may combat fatigue and improve mental performance, making it an interesting addition to daytime or pre-workout drinks. It might also help elevate mood, potentially alleviating symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Rhodiola has a slightly bitter, rose-like flavor that can add complexity to beverages.

Nootropics:

1. L-Theanine:

   Found naturally in green tea, L-Theanine is known for promoting a state of calm alertness. It's often paired with caffeine as it may enhance focus and attention while mitigating caffeine's jittery side effects. This combination could make for an interesting "productivity cocktail." L-Theanine is tasteless, making it easy to incorporate into various drink recipes without altering the flavor profile.

2. Lion's Mane Mushroom:

   This fascinating fungus has gained popularity in recent years for its potential cognitive benefits. Some studies suggest it may support brain health by stimulating the production of nerve growth factor. It's being researched for its potential to protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Additionally, it may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. In terms of flavor, Lion's Mane has a subtle, slightly sweet taste reminiscent of seafood, which can add an interesting umami note to drinks.

These are just some of the many common mocktail elevators around, gaining popularity for their benefits but also uniqueness. Hopefully you can enjoy an elevated drink experience while watching the rest of the Olympics!

Also in The Nightcap