Science-backed.
Social Blend™: Alcohol Replacement
Science-backed.
Social Blend™: Alcohol Replacement
71%*
Felt more relaxed after having Social Blend™
Alcohol works by targeting GABA receptors in the brain, releasing Dopamine - the 'feel-good' chemical in the brain.
Our Social Blend™ is designed to boost your alpha brain waves and work with, not against, your dopaminergic receptors to bring you relaxation.
Read Our Latest Research PaperL-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves. Traditionally used in Asian rituals designed for relaxation.
Ashwagandha Root
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for relaxation. Read more studies below.
Plant Extract & Vitamin B1
Various nootropic plants designed for unwinding moments, including Vitamin B1. Formulated for an entourage effect for a holistic drinking experience.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves. Traditionally used in Asian rituals designed for relaxation.
Ashwagandha Root
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for relaxation. Read more studies below.
Plant Extract & Vitamin B1
Various nootropic plants designed for unwinding moments, including Vitamin B1. Formulated for an entourage effect for a holistic drinking experience.
52
Peer-Reviewed, randomised controlled trials on ingredients listed in Social Blend™
3/4
of our customers say this is the most complete alcohol-alternative*
*Currently available on the market. Customer Survey May 2024.
Scientific Studies
Dive deep into the science of it all. Peer-reviewed, double-blind, placebo controlled studies from all over the world. Read our latest research paper.
1. Mason R. L-Theanine Boosts Alpha Waves, Promotes Alert Relaxation. Alternative and Complementary Therapies.2001;7(2):91-95. doi:10.1089/10762800151125092
- This study evaluates the effects of L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, on alpha waves in the brain. The study had healthy adult participants who were given either a placebo or 200 mg of L-theanine. The results showed that L-theanine significantly increased alpha wave activity in the brain, indicating a state of alert relaxation. The study concluded that L-theanine may be beneficial for promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness.
2. Higashiyama A, Htay HH, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Kapoor MP. Effects of l-theanine on attention and reaction time response. Journal of Functional Foods. 2011;3(3):171-178. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2011.03.009
- This study investigated the effects of l-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, on attention and reaction time response. Adult healthy participants were randomly assigned to receive either l-theanine or placebo. The results showed that l-theanine significantly improved both accuracy and reaction time in a task measuring attention and reaction time response. Furthermore, l-theanine was found to reduce heart rate and salivary immunoglobulin A levels, indicating a decrease in stress levels. These results suggest that l-theanine may be beneficial for improving attention and reaction time response in healthy individuals.
3. Gomez-Ramirez M, Kelly SP, Montesi JL, Foxe JJ. The effects of L-theanine on alpha-band oscillatory brain activity during a visuo-spatial attention task. Brain Topography. 2009;22(1):44-51. doi:10.1007/s10548-008-0068-z
- This study investigated the effects of L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, on alpha-band oscillatory brain activity during a visuo-spatial attention task. The study found that L-theanine increased alpha-band activity in the occipital, parietal regions of the brain, and decreased alpha-band activity in the frontal regions of the brain, suggesting that it may reduce anxiety and stress. The results of this study suggest that L-theanine may be beneficial for improving attention and focus while reducing anxiety and stress.
4. Kobayashi K, Nagato Y, Aoi N, et al. Effects of L-Theanine on the Release of ALPHA-Brain Waves in Human Volunteers. Journal of the agricultural chemical society of Japan. 1998;72(2):153-157. doi:10.1271/nogeikagaku1924.72.153
- This study examined the effects of L-theanine on the release of α-brain waves in human volunteers. The study found that L-theanine increased the release of α-brain waves in the volunteers, indicating that it may have a calming effect. The study also found that the effect of L-theanine was dose-dependent, meaning that higher doses of L-theanine resulted in greater increases in α-brain wave release. The results suggest that L-theanine may be a useful supplement for reducing stress and anxiety.
5. Rogers PJ, Smith JE, Heatherley SV, Pleydell-Pearce CW. Time for tea: mood, blood pressure and cognitive performance effects of caffeine and theanine administered alone and together. Psychopharmacology. 2007;195(4):569-577. doi:10.1007/s00213-007-0938-1
- This study examined the effects of caffeine and theanine, two compounds found in tea, on mood, blood pressure, and cognitive performance. The study found that the combination of caffeine and theanine had the greatest effect on mood, with participants reporting increased alertness and reduced fatigue. The combination also had the greatest effect on cognitive performance, with participants showing improved accuracy and speed on cognitive tasks. The combination also had the greatest effect on blood pressure, with participants showing a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The study concluded that the combination of caffeine and theanine had the greatest effect on mood, and blood pressure.
6. Vuong QV, Bowyer MC, Roach PD. L-Theanine: properties, synthesis and isolation from tea. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2011;91(11):1931-1939. doi:10.1002/jsfa.4373
- This study provides an overview of the properties, synthesis, and isolation of L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea. It is known to have a calming effect on the body and mind, and is used in many relaxation and stress-reduction products. The article discusses the chemical structure of L-theanine, its synthesis from other amino acids, and the various methods used to isolate it from tea. It also provides an overview of the potential health benefits associated with L-theanine, including its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and enhance cognitive performance.
7. Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. l-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biological Psychology. 2007;74(1):39-45. doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2006.06.006
- This study examined the effects of l-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, on psychological and physiological stress responses. The results showed that l-theanine reduced stress responses in both psychological and physiological measures. Specifically, l-theanine reduced heart rate, salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) levels, and self-reported feelings of stress. These findings suggest that l-theanine may be a useful tool for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
8. Unno K, Tanida N, Ishii N, et al. Anti-stress effect of theanine on students during pharmacy practice: positive correlation among salivary α-amylase activity, trait anxiety and subjective stress. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior. 2013;111:128-135. doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2013.09.004
- This study investigated the anti-stress effects of theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, on pharmacy students during their practice. The results showed that theanine had a positive correlation with decreased salivary α-amylase activity, trait anxiety, and subjective stress. This suggests that theanine can be used as a natural remedy for stress relief in pharmacy students.
9. Juneja L. L-theanine—a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 1999;10(6-7):199-204. doi:10.1016/s0924-2244(99)00044-8
- L-theanine is a unique amino acid found in green tea that has been found to have a relaxation effect in humans. In a study conducted by Juneja et al., the effects of L-theanine on relaxation were investigated. The study found that L-theanine was able to reduce both physiological and psychological stress responses in humans. Additionally, the study found that L-theanine was able to increase alpha wave activity in the brain, which is associated with relaxation. The study concluded that L-theanine has a unique ability to induce relaxation in humans.
10. Kyrou I, Christou A, Panagiotakos D, et al. Effects of a hops (Humulus lupulus L.) dry extract supplement on self-reported depression, anxiety and stress levels in apparently healthy young adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot study. HORMONES (Athens). 2017;():171-180. doi:10.14310/horm.2002.1738
- This study examined the effects of a hops dry extract supplement on self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in healthy young adults. The study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot study. The results showed that the hops dry extract supplement was associated with a significant reduction in self-reported levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to the placebo. These findings suggest that hops dry extract may be a useful supplement for reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in healthy young adults.
11. Zanoli P, Rivasi M, Zavatti M, Brusiani F, Baraldi M. New insight in the neuropharmacological activity of Humulus lupulus L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2005;102(1):102-106. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.05.040
- This study provides new insight into the neuropharmacological activity of Humulus lupulus L., commonly known as hops. The study found that hops have a calming effect on the central nervous system, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, hops have been found to have sedative and hypnotic effects, which can help induce sleep. The study concluded that hops can be used as a natural remedy for relaxation.
12. Shishehgar R, Rezaie A, Nazeri M. Study of Sedation, Pre-Anesthetic and Anti-Anxiety Effects of Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Extract Compared with Diazepam. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances. Published online 2012.
- This study compared the sedative, pre-anesthetic, and anti-anxiety effects of a hop extract to those of diazepam. The results showed that the hop extract was as effective as diazepam in reducing anxiety and providing sedation and pre-anesthetic effects. The hop extract was also found to have fewer side effects than diazepam, making it a potentially safer option for relaxation.
13. Franco L, Bravo R, Galán C, Rodríguez AB, Barriga C, Cubero J. Effect of non-alcoholic beer on Subjective Sleep Quality in a university stressed population. Acta Physiologica Hungarica. 2014;101(3):353-361. doi:10.1556/APhysiol.101.2014.3.10
- This study examined the effects of non-alcoholic beer on subjective sleep quality in a university student population. The results showed that non-alcoholic beer consumption improved subjective sleep quality in the participants. The study concluded that non-alcoholic beer may be a useful tool for improving sleep quality in university students who are under stress.
14. Cooper R. Green tea and theanine: health benefits. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 2011;63(sup1):90-97. doi:10.3109/09637486.2011.629180
- This study examines the potential health benefits of green tea and theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea. The study found that green tea and theanine have a range of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, improved cognitive function, and improved relaxation. The study also found that green tea and theanine can help reduce stress and anxiety, and can help improve sleep quality. The study concluded that green tea and theanine can be beneficial for overall health and wellbeing.
15. KIMURA R, MURATA T. Influence of Alkylamides of Glutamic Acid and Related Compounds on the Central Nervous System. I. Central Depressant Effect of Theanine. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 1971;19(6):1257-1261. doi:10.1248/cpb.19.1257
- This study investigated the central depressant effects of l-theanine, an alkylamide of glutamic acid, on the central nervous system. The results showed that theanine had a significant central depressant effect, suggesting that it could be used as a relaxant to reduce anxiety and stress.
16. Twaij HAA, Elisha EE, Khalid RM. Analgesic studies on some Iraqi medicinal plants.International Journal of Crude Research.1989;27:109–112.
- Ashwagandha is an analgesic that soothes nervous system from pain response (Twajj et al., 1989). The powerful anti-arthritic properties (Singh et al. 1984, 1986) of Ashwagandha are now widely accepted and documented; it is furthermore found to be effective as antipyretic as well as analgesic also.
- Ashwagandha produced significant analgesic activity for a rat experiencing heat analgesia induced by hot plate method. The peak analgesic effect of Ashwagandha was recorded as 78.03 percent at 2nd hour of administration. The involvement of pain mediators; prostaglandin and 5-hydroxytryptamine in analgesic activity of Ashwagandha was studied by pretreatment with paracetamol (100 mg/kg, ip) and cyproheptadine (10 mg/kg, ip). The analgesic activity of Ashwagandha was potentiated significantly by cyproheptadine, however, paracetamol failed to exhibit any significant change in its activity, suggesting the involvement of serotonin, but not prostaglandins in the analgesic activity of Ashwagandha (Mazen et al., 1990).
17. Bhattacharya SK, Goel RK, Kaur R, Ghosal S. Anti - stress activity of Sitoindosides VII and VIII. New Acylsterylglucosides fromWithania somnifera.Phytother Res.1987;1:32–37.
- Bhattacharya et al. (1987) extracted Sitoindosides and acylsterylglucosides in Ashwagandha and tested its anti-stress properties. Active principles of Ashwagandha, for instance the sitoindosides VII-X and Withaferin-A, have been shown to have significant anti-stress activity against acute models of experimental stress.
18. Archana R, Namasivayam A. Antistressor effect ofWithania somnifera.J Ethnopharmacol.1999;64:91–93.
- Archana & Namasivayam, (1999) found Ashawagandha to have similar anti-stress activity in rats. An aqueous suspension of Ashwagandha root was used at 100 mg/kg/oral dosage. The results indicate a significant increase in the plasma corticosterone level, phagocytic index and avidity index in rats subjected to cold swimming stress. In the rats pretreated with the drug, these parameters were near control values and an increase in the swimming time was observed. These results indicate that Withania somniferaused in the crude form is a potent anti-stress agent.
- The cortisol content of adrenals was reduced significantly in animals subjected to 5 h constant swimming as compared to non-swimmer group. Pretreatment with WS prevented reduction of the cortisol content of adrenals. The ascorbic acid content was also reduced significantly after 5 h of swimming as compared to the animal of non-swimmer group. Pretreatment with WS prevent reduction in ascorbic acid content which occurs after swimming stress. Thus,Withania somniferatreatment prevents, decrease of adrenal cortisol and ascorbic acid which occurs due to swimming stress.
19. Singh RH, Udupa KN.Clinical and experimental studies on rasayana drugs and rasayana therapy.New Delhi: Special Research Monograph, Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; 1993.
- This study investigated the effects of Ashwagandha on the Central Nervous System, specifically its cognitive promotion proporties. Ashwagandha is a well known Ayurvedic Rasayana, and belongs to a sub-group of Rasayanas known as Medhyarasayanas. Medhya typically refers to the mind and mental/intellectual capacity. Thus, Medhya Rasayana like Ashwagandha, is used to promote intellect and memory. The cognition-promoting effect of Medhya Rasayanas is best seen in children with memory deficits, or when memory is compromised following head injury, or a prolonged illness and in old age (Singh and Udupa., 1993).
20. Abdel-Magied EM, Abdel-Rahman HA, Harraz FM. The effect of aqueous extracts ofCynomorium coccineumandWithania somniferaon testicular development in immature Wistar rats.J Ethnopharmacol.2001;75:1–4.
- Ashwagandha induced a calming anxiolytic effect that was comparable to the drug Lorazepam in all three standard Anxiety tests: the elevated plus-maze, social interaction and the feeding latency in an unfamiliar environment. Further, both Ashwagandha and Lorazepam, reduced rat brain levels of tribulin, an endocoid marker of clinical anxiety, when the levels were increased following administration of the anxiogenic agent, pentylenetetrazole.
- Ashwagandha also exhibited an antidepressant effect, comparable with that induced by imipramine, in two standard tests, the forced swim-induced ‘behavioral despair’ and ‘learned helplessness’ tests. The investigations support the use of Ashwagandha as a mood stabilizer in clinical conditions of anxiety and depression. (Abdel-Magied et al., 2001)
Disclaimer and claims
*None of these are medicinal or health claims. We do not claim to treat, diagnose or cure any diseases. All statements are reflective of the objective findings in various clinical studies.
(Who actually read these studies, am I right? But if you're reading this, I thank you. This took me a long time and here's a 10% off discount code for you - WOWYouActuallyFoundMe10)
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IMPOSSIBREW® Bestseller Bundle
71% of participants felt more relaxed after Social Blend™ (Read paper).
Rated "UK's Best Tasting Alcohol-Free Beer" by World Beer Awards.
Alcohol-Free. From 6 Calories per 100ml. Vegan.
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Description
A perfect opportunity to try both our Bestselling Enhanced Hazy Pale and Lager (440ml) , brewed with our impossibly relaxing Social Blend™ for a smooth buzz.
- Rated UK's Best Tasting Alcohol-Free Beer (World Beer Awards)
- From 6 Calories and Less than 0.1g Sugar Per 100ml.
- Gluten-Free (Lager-only).
- Vegan.
IMPOSSIBREW® ENHANCED HAZY PALE: Tropical, bitter and fruity notes of peach, pineapple and mango coupled with a lasting citrusy finish. Brewed at very low temperatures, the result is a hazy, fluffy and exceptionally bodied pale ale.
IMPOSSIBREW® ENHANCED LAGER: Based on a premium Japanese recipe. Dry-hopped and extensively conditioned for maximum flavour. The result is a refreshing and crisp lager beer with a clean and lingering citrus finish.
(LAGER) Gluten-Free? Yes! Even though our lager contains barley and wheat, due to our process that uses a particular enzyme, this allows our beer to contain less than 20ppm of gluten!
Brewed with Social Blend™ Our proprietary alcohol alternative made from a blend of science-backed ingredients, designed to replicate the sensory and social experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions).
Over 18s. Consume responsibly. This product is not recommended if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or may become pregnant; have a medical condition, including but not limited to GI disorders, heart disease, or hypertension; taking any medication including but not limited to antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, blood thinners, or SSRIs.
Got questions? Ask our AI Brewer
Any questions we haven't answered?
Find our most commonly asked questions below or ask our AI Brewer for instant answers.
Do you ship overseas?
We ship to the UK Mainland for free when you spend over £35 and to Northern Ireland (additional courier charges may apply).
We aim to expand internationally soon - stay tuned!
If you have any queries, feel free to email: hello(@)impossibrew.co.uk
How long will it take to get my orders?
For UK mainland deliveries, normal orders processed here will take 1-3 business days to arrive, with an optional upgrade to Next Day Delivery available (12pm cut-off).
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
How does 'Social Blend™' work?
The Social Blend™ by IMPOSSIBREW® is designed to provide a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the negative effects of alcohol. It achieves this through a combination of nootropic herbs and active plant-based ingredients that work synergistically to promote relaxation and stress relief.
Key Components and Mechanisms
- L-Theanine:
- Ashwagandha Root:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
- Various nootropic herbs:
Benefits
- Relaxation: The blend promotes a state of relaxation without the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol.
- Mental Calm: By boosting alpha brain waves and serotonin levels, it helps maintain a calm and focused mental state.
- Stress Relief: The combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 helps mitigate stress and anxiety.
- Mood Enhancement: The inclusion these ingredients and other botanicals supports mood regulation and overall positive outlook.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ is a carefully crafted combination of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients designed to offer a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the drawbacks of alcohol. It leverages the natural properties of its components to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, making it a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
How is 0.5% ABV alcohol-free?
Yes, we know it's confusing. Isn't 0.5% ABV still alcoholic? Officially, 0.5% ABV is classified as Dealcoholised.
- In fact, most things we consume daily have more than 0.5% ABV
- Burger Rolls - 1.2% ABV
- Orange Juice - 0.5% ABV
- Ripe Banana - 0.5% ABV
After more than 2 years of research, we've found that the 0.5% ABV from our natural brewing process significantly increases both flavour and mouthfeel - without spiking your blood alcohol level (BAC).
Is it really gluten-free?
Yes, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is gluten-free. Even though it contains wheat and barley, our beers have been third-party tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which meets the criteria to be listed as, and labeled gluten-free.
Does it have alcohol tax?
No. While it is true that our beers don't contain alcohol, and thus don't incur UK alcohol duty, we'd like to highlight some factors here that might be helpful in reflecting the value we provide.
- One-to-One Brewing Process: At IMPOSSIBREW, we take pride in our unique brewing techniques. Unlike other non-alcoholic beers, our products are never diluted, watered-down, or have their alcohol content removed - and some even dilute their alcoholic beers up to 5x. This means that our brewing process involves the same level of craftsmanship, time, and resources as a traditional craft beer, resulting in comparable production costs.
- Effective Nootropics: In our commitment to creating the most relaxing non-alcoholic beers, we utilise only the highest quality nootropics as our active ingredients, in safe and effectives dosages. At current alcohol tax rates for a 5% ABV beer, the cost of our nootropics more than double that. Instead of contributing the amounts as tax, why not have it contribute to the product quality itself?
- Small Scale Brewing: Currently, we operate on a smaller scale, which makes us less competitive than large, commercial brewers (often +10,000x our brewing size). As a growing business, we are passionate about our mission to create unique, high-quality non-alcoholic experiences, and we truly appreciate your support. As we continue to grow and expand our production capabilities, we look forward to passing on even more savings to our valued community!
At IMPOSSIBREW, we prioritise offering our customers an enhanced, premium, non-alcoholic beer experience by combining innovative brewing techniques, quality active nootropic ingredients, and award-winning taste. While our pricing may differ from other non-alcoholic competitors, we believe that the value proposition and unique experience our beers provide are well worth it.
At the end of the day, tasting is believing. So give it a try and let us know what you think - risk-free with our IMPOSSIBREW® Guarantee.