ReviewLifestyle
Curious Elixirs Review: Grown-Up Cocktails Without the Hangover — If You Like Bold Flavours
Interesting, well-made drinks with real ingredients, but expensive, divisive on taste, and with no refunds for flavour preference.
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rating 6.8 / 10
6.8/10
- Best for
- Sober-curious drinkers who want complex, low-sugar cocktails rather than sweet mocktails
- Price
- ~$36 to ~$59 per 4-packcuriouselixirs.com
01 Why We Reviewed Curious Elixirs
JW Wiseman founded Curious Elixirs in 2015 in New York’s Hudson Valley, and it’s still self-funded and independent. It was one of the first brands to bottle ready-to-drink, booze-free craft cocktails made with real juices, botanicals and adaptogens such as ashwagandha and rhodiola. The core numbered range (No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, No. 8) has been on The New York Times’ best non-alcoholic drinks list for six years running. In February 2026 it launched Curious Red, a non-alcoholic Syrah with adaptogens.
The honest caveat: the flavours are deliberately complex, and some drinkers find them too bitter, herbal or unusual. Review volume is thin (6 Trustpilot reviews at about 2.5/5, and about 2.7/5 on Thingtesting from 41 reviews). Shipping is US-only, with no free-shipping threshold, and there are no refunds if you just don’t like the taste.
02 At a Glance
At a glance
- Founded
- 2015, Hudson Valley, NY
- Founder
- JW Wiseman
- Ownership
- Self-funded, private
- Core Range
- Curious No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, No. 8 Digestif
- Newer Launches
- Curious Zero Lion’s Mane Lager; Curious Red (Feb 2026)
- Price
- ~$49 per 4-pack (No. 8 ~$59; Lager ~$36)
- Subscription
- Cocktail Club, up to ~37% off; skip/pause/cancel anytime
- Shipping
- US only; flat ground from ~$9.99; 2–4 business days
- Returns
- None for taste; help for damaged/wrong orders
- FailleGlam Rating
- 6.8/10
03 Honest Breakdown
✅ WHAT WORKS
- Real ingredients. Juices, botanicals and adaptogens are used instead of flavourings and syrups.
- Low sugar. The drinks aren’t overly sweet, which is rare for mocktails.
- Cocktail complexity. They taste like a bartender’s creation, not soda.
- Good savings by subscription. The Cocktail Club cuts the price per can by up to about 37%.
- Long track record. Repeated NYT best-of selections and a decade in the category.
❌ WHAT TO KNOW
- Divisive taste. Herbal and bitter notes don’t suit everyone.
- Expensive. About $12 per can at full price is steep.
- No taste refunds. If you don’t like it, you can’t return it.
- US-only shipping. Flat shipping fees apply, and international buyers can’t order.
Overall, it’s a premium drink for adventurous palates. Start small before subscribing.
04 Best Products
Best Overall Pick: Curious No. 1 (~$49 / 4-pack)
A negroni-inspired, bittersweet aperitif and the brand’s original. It’s the most complete expression of the Curious style.
Best Value: Cocktail Club Subscription (up to ~37% off)
The cheapest way to drink Curious regularly, and you can skip, pause or cancel at any time.
Premium / Upgrade Pick: Curious Red (~$115 / 12 bottles)
A non-alcoholic Syrah with adaptogens, made for dinner parties where you want a wine alternative.
Approach With Caution: Variety Packs (if you’re new)
They sound like the safe choice, but several reviewers disliked every flavour in theirs. Try a single 4-pack of No. 1 first.
05 What Buyers Are Actually Saying
They have some wildly delicious flavors and some more approachable ones, but I’m into that.
They aren’t overly sweet and the adaptogenic herbs give me a lift or help me unwind.
Super expensive and didn’t taste good at all.
Flavors are awful. I didn’t like any of the flavors from the variety pack.
The pattern: People who like bitter, herbal cocktails love it. People expecting a sweet mocktail are disappointed.
06 vs The Competition
| vs The Competition | Our pick Curious Elixirs | Ghia | Recess Mood | Kin Euphorics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocktail complexity | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Low sugar | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Adaptogens | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Price per can | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Broad taste appeal | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Subscription flexibility | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
07 Is It Right For You?
Perfect For
Sober-curious drinkers who enjoy negronis, amari and herbal cocktails, and anyone cutting down on alcohol.
Worth Considering If
You’ll subscribe to bring the cost down, and you start with the flagship No. 1.
Skip It If
You like sweet drinks, live outside the US, or want to be able to return a product you don’t like.
08 FailleGlam Recommends
Curious Elixirs
Curious No. 1 (4-pack)
The original and the clearest test of whether the Curious style suits you.
09 FAQs
Q.01Do Curious Elixirs contain alcohol?
No. They’re booze-free craft cocktails made with juices, botanicals and adaptogens.
Q.02How much do Curious Elixirs cost?
About $49 per 4-pack for most flavours, about $59 for No. 8, and less with the Cocktail Club subscription.
Q.03Can I return Curious Elixirs if I don’t like them?
No. There are no refunds for flavour preference, though the brand helps with damaged or wrong orders.
Q.04Does Curious Elixirs ship internationally?
No. It ships within the US only, with flat ground rates.
Q.05Are adaptogens safe?
Most adults tolerate them, but check with a doctor if you’re pregnant, nursing or on medication. This isn’t medical advice.
10 Scorecard
