Hiyo Social Tonics Review
These Alcohol-Free Social Tonics Are Just as Satisfying as a Cocktail
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Dry January is usually not my cup of tea. In fact, I've never been big on setting sweeping New Year's resolutions; banning something from my diet altogether only makes me want it more.
Moderation is the name of the game for me, so while I abstain from drinking alcohol now and then, I don't see the appeal of staying sober all January long only to hit up a happy hour on Feb. 1. Still, I'm all about finding healthier options I actually enjoy, so I was intrigued by Hiyo, a line of alcohol-free social tonics.
Hiyo infuses each of its three flavours with adaptogens and nootropics like ashwagandha, cordyceps mushrooms, and lion's mane — promising a natural mood-boosting lift instead of a boozy buzz. And at just 25 calories per can, Hiyo is also much lower in calories than a cocktail or glass of wine.
Fresh off a Christmas holiday filled with rich food and plenty of wine, I decided to test out all three flavours of Hiyo. Though I don't see myself giving up alcohol completely anytime soon, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this booze-free beverage. My husband and I both enjoyed the bold, fruity flavours, and sipping Hiyo felt just as satisfying as a cocktail or a glass of wine. Keep scrolling for my review of all three flavours.
Blackberry Lemon Hiyo
As soon as I started pouring the deep-purple drink, I had a hunch I was going to like this blackberry lemon flavour ($45 for 12). Because it's made with organic blackberry-juice concentrate rather than artificial flavouring, this drink tastes like summer in a can. I only detected a slight hint of lemon, but it was a nice complement to the vibrant berry flavour.
Watermelon Lime Hiyo
Like the blackberry lemon, the watermelon lime flavour ($45 for 12) tasted incredibly fresh — my husband said it reminded him of a watermelon slushie. Because the flavour was a bit milder, I did notice a faint herbal, earthy aftertaste, but I still enjoyed the beverage.
Peach Mango Hiyo
The peach mango flavour ($45 for 12) is serving major tropical vibes, but it was my least favourite of the bunch. The two fruit flavours work very well together, but once again, there was an aftertaste that turned me off a bit. It was also a bit sweet for my taste but would be a good option for someone who prefers tropical fruit flavours.
Overall, discovering how much I enjoyed all three flavours of Hiyo was a pleasant surprise. Because the fresh fruit flavours were so bold, I never missed the alcohol. I didn't feel any noticeable effects from the adaptogens or nootropics, but then again, I wasn't really expecting to.
The biggest downside of Hiyo might be the cost. At $45 for 12 cans, it's more than double the price of a 12-pack of spiked seltzer or even craft beer. Is it a tasty alternative to alcohol? Absolutely. Is it worth the money? That depends on how much you want a booze-free option. Personally, I think Hiyo will have to remain an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence — everything in moderation, right?
Hiyo Variety Pack
Want to try out all of Hiyo's flavours? Get a four-pack of each original flavour ($45 for 12).
