Best Nowadays Alternatives: 7 THC Drinks Worth Trying in 2026

Nowadays is a pioneer in the THC drink space, with a mixable format that’s become a favorite of consumers over the years. 

Its popularity is also why so many alternatives are hitting shelves now. Meaning THC drink consumers have more options than ever before. 

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect drink that suits your preferences, this is the guide for you. 

Here, we’re covering today’s 7 most popular Nowadays alternatives to help you choose what works for you, whether you want ready-to-drink cans, higher potencies, cleaner ingredients, or familiar flavors.

Keep reading to find the THC drink worth trying for you in 2026. 

Our Criteria

To help us decide which 7 alternatives to include in our guide, we used the following criteria: 

• Effects: We selected alternatives that offer a distinct, predictable experience, from light lifts to balanced relaxation, functional effects, or stronger options. 
• Flavor & Drinkability: Flavor has to be a factor in any list of the best drinks to try, so we chose options with the best overall taste, flavor variety, and minimal hemp aftertaste.
• Potency: From microdosing to higher-dose options, we looked for a range of strengths to suit different preferences and tolerance levels
• Ingredients & Formula: We considered transparent ingredient lists, quality ingredients, natural flavors, and third-party testing.
• Product Variety: From flavors to potencies to drink types, we considered the variety each brand offers.

A Brief Look at the Best Nowadays Alternatives in 2026

Best Nowadays Alternatives

Now let’s cover each Nowadays alternative more in-depth. 

1. Hempzer

Dose: 5mg THC in Blood Orange and Blackberry; 10mg THC in Mango and Peach Ginger. A variety pack includes both strengths.

Best For: Those who want a clean, zero-calorie THC seltzer with straightforward dosing and a light, social experience.

If you want to feel “high-drated” while enjoying a light mood lift, Hempzer is a canned drink Nowadays alternative worth considering. 

This health-forward, zero-sugar, zero-calorie THC drink uses all-natural fruit extracts and carbonated spring water for a light, refreshing fruity taste, with flavors including:  

• Blood Orange
• Blackberry with Lime
• Mango
• Peach Ginger

They come in either 5mg or 10mg strengths, making Hempzer an option for both beginners and more experienced consumers. 

But there’s more than hemp-derived THC inside every can. Hempzer also infuses its formula with botanical terpenes, electrolytes, and an adaptogenic herbal blend, drawing on the founder’s background in kinesiology and wellness.

No matter the potency you choose, Hempzer is designed to deliver a light, refreshing taste and social experience rather than the heavier feel some drinkers may want to avoid.

2. Cycling Frog

Dose: 2mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 50mg THC beverages, with balanced CBD ratios available across much of the lineup.

Best For: Those who want the widest range of THC strengths, from beginner-friendly microdoses to high-potency drinks.

Cycling Frog is another notable alternative to Nowadays, offering everything from light, low-dose seltzers to high-potency, full-flavored drinks.

Its flavors range from fruit-forward sips like Wild Cherry and Ruby Grapefruit to options like Mango Lemonade and Sparkling Iced Tea. 

With a wide range of potencies and flavors to choose from, it’s ideal for those who want flexibility or are still figuring out their preferences.

Overall, Cycling Frog is a recognizable brand worth considering if you’re not quite sure what you like yet, whether that’s a particular potency or drink type.

3. Cann

Dose: 2mg THC + 4mg CBD for the original Cann Social Tonics; 5mg THC in Hi Boy; 10mg THC in HI'ER BOY.

Best For: Beginners, microdosing, and anyone looking for a light, social alternative to alcohol.

If you want a Nowadays alternative that’s lower-dose and from a recognizable brand, Cann is an option you may want to consider. 

Cann is a well-known social tonic whose signature combines THC and CBD in a balanced ratio for a gentler experience that may appeal to first-time consumers. 

That lower dose is also part of the appeal for some Cann drinkers, who say they like being able to sip more than one over a social occasion rather than getting a larger dose from a single drink.

As the brand has grown, it has expanded its strength options with new Hi Boy and Hi’er Boy drinks, offering 5mg and 10mg of THC for those looking for something stronger.

Regardless of the strength you choose, its lightly flavored sparkling water format features sophisticated herbal flavor blends like Lemon Lavender and Ginger Lemongrass, among others. 

For traditional fruit seltzers, definitely look elsewhere. However, Cann is a clear choice for drinkers seeking a craft-cocktail-like experience. 

4. Wynk

Dose: 2.5mg, 3mg, 5mg, and 10mg options. Most seltzers use a 1:1 THC-to-CBD ratio, while the 10mg lemonades contain THC only.

Best For: Beginners, low-dose social drinking, and people replacing beer or hard seltzer.

Wynk specializes in zero-sugar, zero-calorie THC seltzers and lemonades, making it a convenient canned alternative to Nowadays.

The drinks lean light, flavor-wise, so if you’re not a fan of White Claw or other similar alcohol-type seltzers, steer clear. 

Otherwise, its flavors are fruit- and citrus-forward, with options like Black Cherry Fizz, Lime Twist, and Juicy Mango, plus Strawberry and Raspberry Lemonade. 

As for effects, Wynk’s lower-dose options are geared toward a mellower experience, while some experienced users may find them too subtle. 

That range wasn’t always part of the lineup, either. Wynk expanded its dose options as the brand heard from drinkers and distributors looking for more choice in how much THC they wanted in a can.

All in all, it’s a great choice for those who are more health-conscious calorie-wise and need flexible dosing options ranging from 2.5mg to 10mg. 

5. Keef

Dose: Potency varies by state and product. Classic sodas are commonly available in 10mg servings, while Xtreme versions may contain 100mg THC per can. Some Xtreme mocktails reach 500mg per container and are intended for highly experienced users.

Best For: Those who want classic soda flavors, broad product variety, or stronger dispensary-only options than most hemp-derived THC drinks.

Keef suits a certain type of THC drinker, one seeking high-potency and bold flavors.

The Keef lineup offers 10mg drinks, 100mg options, and even formats that can reach up to 500mg per container, making its stronger options better suited to highly experienced consumers.

Its collection offers an eclectic range of drink types and flavors, from classic and Xtreme sodas to mocktail blends, energy drinks, and zero-calorie or H₂O functional-type beverages. 

Potency and ingredients vary from drink to drink, which can make shopping confusing for those who don’t know what they’re looking for. 

Some drinks also have reviews noting a mild herbal or hemp-like bitter aftertaste, so choose wisely. 

Regardless, the company has been on the shelves since 2010, making it one of the pioneers and most established brands on our list. 

6. Cantrip

Dose: 10mg THC sodas, 30mg Cherry Slush, 50mg Extra-Strength sodas, plus Cantrip Elixir with 5mg or 10mg servings (166mg per bottle).

Best For: Those who want nostalgic soda flavors, higher-potency options, or a mixable THC spirit instead of a traditional seltzer.

For those seeking an eclectic menu of drink types and potencies that Nowadays doesn’t offer, Cantrip is another top option.

Its drink collection contains everything from 10mg THC sodas to extra-strength 50mg options and elixirs that allow you to mix your own drink and dose. 

That means Cantrip is best for the experimental THC drinker, whether you wan to play mixologist or reach for a ready-to-go high-potency option. 

Keep in mind, if you like canned varieties, you’ll be limited to soda flavors like Cola or Grape Soda, rather than light or refreshing fruit seltzers, a drawback for some THC drinkers. 

That familiar soda experience seems to be part of the draw, too. Cantrip reviewers regularly call out how closely the drinks resemble traditional sodas, with some specifically praising the lack of a noticeable cannabis aftertaste.

With so much to choose from, Cantrip might be a lot to figure out for a beginner, too. 

However, if you’re looking for a brand with a variety of doses, flavors, and formats, it’s an option to consider. 

7. Señorita

Dose: Available in 5mg and 10mg THC cans. The 1777 THC Agave Spirit contains 10mg THC per 1.5-ounce pour (166mg per bottle).

Best For: Cocktail lovers and users looking for a premium alcohol alternative that feels more like a margarita or mixed drink than a traditional THC seltzer.

Señorita is a great choice for THC drinkers that like Nowaday’s mixable format but want something inspired by their favorite cocktails.

Ideal for happy hours, dinner parties, or relaxing evenings that call for a cocktail. Señorita offers a variety of alternatives to both Nowadays and traditional alcoholic drink. 

Its ready-to-drink THC cocktails include margaritas, palomas, and ranch water, while their 1777 THC Agave Spirit lets you mix your own custom cocktails.

Its flavors lean toward cocktail profiles, so if you don’t like classic drinks like margaritas or palomas, you might want to look elsewhere.  

If you do, its Lime Jalapeño Margarita won High Times' Best THC Beverage and earned a Silver Medal at the 2025 WSWA Spirits Tasting, giving the brand some notable recognition in the beverage space. 

How to Choose the Right Nowadays Alternative

To wrap up, here’s a quick guide to choosing the right Nowadays alternative based on your preferences. 

• If you want something closest to Nowadays: Look for THC spirits or cocktail-style beverages that are pourable and mixable. 
• If convenience matters most: Ready-to-drink seltzers and canned cocktails are ideal. 
• If you're new to THC: Start with lower-dose options (2-5mg THC) and increase gradually as you learn your tolerance.
• If you have more experience with THC: Seek out brands offering 10mg or higher options for a more noticeable experience.
• If flavor is your priority: Decide whether you prefer crisp seltzers, nostalgic sodas, or cocktail-inspired drinks.
• If you're replacing alcohol: Consider whether you want a seltzer, a soda, or a cocktail-style beverage based on how and when you plan to enjoy it.

Conclusion: What Is the Best Nowadays Alternative?

The best Nowadays alternative depends on the experience you’re seeking and your drink preferences. 

In this guide, we’ve covered Nowadays alternatives for cocktail lovers, health-conscious consumers, beginners, and more experienced THC users. 

Overall, Hempzer stands out for its clean ingredients, light social experience, and zero-calorie formula, making it a strong option for those looking for an easygoing THC drink. 

To decide which is best for you, consider your tolerance, beverage preferences, and what matters most to you, whether that’s ingredients, potency, flavor, or third-party testing. 

If Hempzer sounds like the right fit, explore our flavors (choose from 5mg and 10mg options!) to find your new go-to THC seltzer.

Nowadays Alternatives: Frequently Asked Questions

If you're still deciding which Nowadays alternative is right for you, these are some of the questions shoppers ask most before choosing a THC drink.

What’s the Closest Alternative to Nowadays?

The closest alternative to Nowadays mixable THC spirit is Señorita's 1777 THC Agave Spirit, which offers a similar pour-and-mix experience. If you'd rather skip the measuring, ready-to-drink options like Hempzer, Cann, and Wynk offer a convenient canned alternative.

Which Nowadays Alternative Is Best for Beginners?

The best Nowadays alternative for beginners include drinks with lower doses of THC per serving. Brands like Cann, Wynk, and Hempzer offer options ranging from 2-5mg of THC, making it easier to choose a lower-potency place to start.

Which Nowadays Alternative Tastes Best?

The best-tasting Nowadays alternative depends on your preferences. Hempzer and Wynk offer crisp seltzers, Cann leans botanical and cocktail-inspired, Keef specializes in nostalgic soda flavors, and Señorita focuses on margarita- and paloma-style cocktails.

Which Nowadays Alternative Has the Strongest THC?

The Nowadays alternatives with the strongest THC options include Cycling Frog and Keef, with select beverages containing 50mg of THC or more. If potency is your priority, check the amount of THC per serving as well as the total THC per container when comparing options.

Can You Buy Nowadays Alternatives Online?

Yes, many hemp-derived THC drinks can be purchased online and shipped across state lines. However, state laws on hemp-derived THC vary, and some states restrict or prohibit these products. Before ordering, check whether the brand ships to your state and whether hemp-derived THC beverages are legal where you live.