Kava & NOLO Drinks in India: 2026 Sober Socializing Trend

So… Kava & NOLO Drinks in India in 2026. Yeah, it’s a whole thing now.#

I didn’t have “kava bars” and “NOLO menus” on my India 2026 bingo card, not gonna lie. Like, if you told 2019-me (me and him used to go out every Friday, full chaos) that I’d be excited about a party where the biggest decision is hibiscus spritz vs yuzu tonic, I would’ve laughed. Loud.

But here we are. And it’s kinda… great? Also a little weird. Also confusing. Also, honestly, sort of relieving.

This post is basically my brain dump after the last few months of noticing how fast sober-curious culture has gone from “oh that’s a niche wellness influencer thing” to “bro this is on the menu at that new place in Bandra.” And yeah, we’re talking Kava (yes, that earthy Pacific drink) and NOLO (no/low alcohol) drinks in India, and why 2026 feels like the year it really clicked into place.¶

First, what even is NOLO… and why’s everyone saying it like it’s normal?#

NOLO = No Alcohol + Low Alcohol. It’s a category, not one drink. So it includes 0.0% beers, alcohol-free spirits, kombucha-style “grown-up” sodas, botanical mixers, low-ABV cocktails (like 1–3% stuff), all that.

And it’s not just “mocktails” anymore. Mocktails in India used to mean… sugary neon liquids with a cherry and crushed ice, you know? Like 300 calories and tastes like melted candy. NOLO in 2026 is more like: carefully built drinks, bitter elements, complex aromatics, adaptogens sometimes, nice glassware, and a price that makes you go “uh… okay then.”

Also: the vibe. People are ordering these without acting like they’re being punished. That’s the shift.¶

My “oh wow this is real” moment (aka I accidentally went to a sober-ish night)#

I remember this one evening in late 2025, a friend drags me to this new-ish spot (not naming it because I’m not trying to be a PR person), and I’m expecting the usual. Loud music, people yelling over it, someone knocking over a drink, that one guy who’s already too far gone at 9:30.

Instead… the menu had a whole NOLO section. Not like one sad line at the bottom. A whole section. The bartender actually talked about flavor like he meant it. I ordered something with grapefruit, rosemary, and a “zero-proof spirit” (I hate that phrase but fine). It tasted good. Not “good for a mocktail.” Just… good.

And the weirdest part? I didn’t feel left out. Nobody did that annoying ‘arre why aren’t you drinking’ thing. People were mixing it up. Some had regular cocktails, some had low-ABV spritzes, some had 0.0 beers. It felt… normal.

That’s when I was like, okay, India’s entering a new phase.¶

What’s pushing this trend in India (2026 edition)? It’s not just “health”.#

Everyone loves to say “Gen Z is health conscious” and sure, that’s part of it, but it’s not the whole story. It’s also… exhaustion. Burnout. Work stress. Sleep tracking. Therapy talk becoming less taboo. People realising hangovers are basically a tax on your next day.

Also, sober socializing isn’t always about quitting forever. A lot of people I know are just doing fewer drinking nights, or switching to low-alcohol on weekdays, or alternating every other drink. That ‘moderation’ word that felt fake earlier? It’s more real now.

And culturally, India has always had plenty of non-alcoholic social rituals: chai meets, juice joints, late-night biryani (not recommending it for digestion but still). So NOLO slides in kinda naturally when done right.¶

• One thing I keep hearing: “I just wanna wake up fresh tomorrow, yaar.”
• Also hearing: “I still want the vibe of a cocktail without the spiral.”
• And honestly: “My skin can’t handle it anymore.” (People say this with deadly seriousness lol)

Okay but… kava? In India?? How is that happening?#

Kava is the interesting curveball. Traditionally it’s from the South Pacific (Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga etc). It’s made from the root of Piper methysticum. The taste is… let’s be kind… earthy, peppery, like wet soil had a meeting with peppercorns. Some people love it. Some people look betrayed after the first sip.

The point though is the effect: kava is known for relaxation and a calming, social ease, without alcohol’s drunkiness. It’s not the same as being high, it’s not the same as being tipsy. It’s… mellow. A bit floaty sometimes.

In India, it’s still niche in 2026, but it’s popping up in wellness circles, boutique “calm bars,” certain cafés that do breathwork nights (yeah that’s a thing), and among folks who are bored of the same old beverages.

Also, people are experimenting at home. I’ve seen kava powder being discussed in Indian communities online with the same energy people used to reserve for coffee grinders and pour-over gear.¶

But is kava legal in India? And is it safe? (the part where I get serious for a sec)#

So, legality and safety are the two things people gloss over because they’re excited about the “relaxing drink” idea.

Kava’s legal status varies by country. In India, it’s not like alcohol where there’s a clear, standard consumer framework everywhere. It often comes in via imports, wellness suppliers, or specialty channels. That means quality control matters a LOT.

And safety-wise: kava has a long traditional use history, but there have been concerns in some countries about liver risks, especially linked to poor-quality extracts or using the wrong plant parts. If you’re on meds, if you have liver conditions, if you’re pregnant, if you drink a lot already—don’t just wing it.

I’m not a doctor (obviously). If you’re curious, please talk to a medical professional, and if you do try it, go for reputable sourcing and low amounts. Also don’t mix it with alcohol, which… people do, and then act surprised when it’s messy.¶

CopyKava feels like the “slow lane” drink. NOLO feels like the “same party, different fuel” drink. They’re related, but not identical vibes at all.

Some 2026 market reality: NOLO is not a tiny trend anymore (it’s money, baby)#

Alright, let’s talk numbers, because otherwise it sounds like I’m just romanticising my rosemary spritz.

Globally, the no/low-alcohol category has been growing hard over the last few years. Industry reports in 2024–2025 were already calling out double-digit growth in many markets, and by 2026 it’s basically become a standard category in bars, retail shelves, and even at weddings (yes, weddings).

In India specifically, what I’m seeing on the ground is: more zero-proof spirits available in premium stores, more 0.0 beers being stocked, and more restaurants treating “non-alcoholic pairing” as a real thing.

Also, it’s not just metros now. Mumbai/Delhi/Bengaluru started it, but I’ve heard friends mention NOLO menus showing up in Pune, Hyderabad, Goa (yes, Goa), even some tier-2 cities where cafés are getting fancy.

One caveat: pricing. Some NOLO drinks are priced almost like cocktails, which annoys me. Like, I get it—ingredients, R&D, packaging, taxes, import costs, blah blah. But still, my wallet cries a little.¶

Why people are choosing sober-ish nights (and it’s not always sobriety)#

This is where it gets personal. I’m not “sober forever.” I’m more like… I’m tired. And I don’t want my fun to come with a punishment fee the next day.

I’ve had phases where I drank more than I should’ve, and phases where I didn’t drink at all for months. What changed in 2026 is that I don’t feel like I have to declare a whole identity about it.

I’ve noticed a lot of friends doing the same:

- alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- doing NOLO on weekdays
- choosing low-ABV spritzes instead of hard drinks
- showing up to social things and leaving earlier (and not feeling 80 years old for doing that)

And weirdly, socialising feels… clearer. You actually remember the conversation. You don’t wake up and scan your messages with dread. That’s underrated.¶

The best NOLO drinks I’ve had (and the ones that were… yikes)#

Best ones are the ones that don’t try to be “fake alcohol.” They build their own identity. You want acidity, bitterness, aroma, texture. You want it to feel like an adult drink, not a kids’ cooler.

One I loved recently was basically a salty-lime-citrus thing with a smoky note. No idea what the bartender did, but it worked.

Worst ones? The syrup bombs. Or the ones that are just soda + mint + attitude.

Also there’s this occassion where someone served me a “non-alcoholic gin and tonic” that tasted like tonic water with regret. And I paid for it too. Pain.¶

• If the drink is neon blue… I’m suspicious. (Sorry, not sorry.)
• If it has layered flavors and a real garnish, I’m usually in.
• If the menu says “healthy detox mocktail” I instantly lose trust. Why are we detoxing at 10pm??

Where kava fits in socially (it’s not a party-starter, more like a party-softener)#

Kava isn’t gonna replace beer at a cricket match, okay. It’s not that. It’s more like something you do when you want to chat, relax, maybe listen to music, maybe play cards, maybe sit on the balcony and pretend you’re the main character.

I tried kava once at a small get-together and it was… nice? But also the taste took effort. People talk about “reverse acquired taste” where your body starts craving the calm even if your tongue hates it at first. Not sure I’m there yet.

But the social vibe was gentle. People weren’t getting louder and louder. No one was slurring. No one got aggressive. It felt safe. Soft.

I can see why it’s being pulled into the sober socializing conversation, even though it’s not exactly a mainstream Indian beverage (yet).¶

The India-specific twist: culture, rules, and the ‘dry state’ reality#

India’s alcohol landscape is… complicated. Different state rules, licensing drama, sudden policy shifts, “dry days,” price jumps, all that.

NOLO has this sneaky advantage: venues can sometimes build a strong beverage program without leaning so hard on alcohol sales. That matters in places where alcohol is restricted, frowned upon, or just a logistical headache.

Plus, Indian families. Like, if you’ve ever tried explaining to an auntie why you don’t want to drink at a cousin’s engagement, you know. A fancy NOLO drink gives people something to hold, sip, and stop the endless questioning.

And for weddings: I’ve been to events where the bar is either not there or… chaotic. A well-made NOLO counter is honestly a life upgrade. Kids get something fun. Adults who don’t drink (or can’t) don’t feel excluded. Everyone wins.¶

What I think is coming next (2026 → 2027-ish)#

My prediction? We’re going to see a few things become normal, fast:

Some bars will have dedicated NOLO bartenders, not just “ask the guy making cocktails.”

Retail will expand beyond one sad shelf of 0.0 beer. We’ll get more variety: alcohol-free aperitifs, botanical spirits, pre-mixed cans that don’t taste like perfume.

Also, I think Indian brands are going to start owning the category in a big way. Because importing everything makes it expensive, and Indian palates are different. Imagine a proper jamun-based bitter spritz, or kokum-forward aperitif style drink, or a jeera-lime “adult soda” that isn’t trying too hard. That stuff could be massive.

Kava specifically? I think it’ll stay niche unless someone figures out a format that fits Indian taste expectations (or at least makes it easier). Maybe blends. Maybe kava-inspired calm drinks. Or maybe it stays a little underground, which is also fine.¶

• More “third spaces” that aren’t bars but still feel social (cafés open late, listening rooms, sober lounges).
• Menus that list functional effects carefully (calm, focus) but without making medical promises (because… legal trouble).
• A split between cheap sugary mocktails and premium NOLO craft drinks—both will exist, and people will fight about it online.

Small warning: not everything labeled ‘non-alcoholic’ is simple (read labels, pls)#

Just a heads up because I learnt this the slightly annoying way.

“Non-alcoholic” sometimes still means trace amounts (like under 0.5% ABV) depending on product and labeling norms. That’s fine for many people, but not for everyone. If you’re avoiding alcohol for religious reasons, health reasons, recovery reasons—check what you’re actually buying.

Same with “functional” drinks: some have caffeine, some have herbs that may interact with meds. People act like because it’s not alcohol it’s automatically harmless, and that’s… not always true.

Also if you’re driving, even low alcohol is still alcohol. Don’t be cute about it.¶

Final thoughts (messy, honest): sober socializing is getting cooler, and I’m into it#

I used to think going out without drinking meant you’d be bored or you’d leave early or you’d feel awkward holding a glass of water like a weirdo.

But in 2026, it’s different. The drinks are better, the vibe is shifting, and people are less judgey about it (not everyone, but more than before). Kava is this odd little side-quest in the larger story, and NOLO is the main road. Either way, it’s all pointing to the same thing: you can still have a night. A real night. Without waking up feeling like your brain got hit by a truck.

And yeah, sometimes I still want a proper cocktail. Sometimes I don’t. Contradicting myself? Sure. That’s life.

If you’re curious, try one good NOLO drink at a place that actually cares. Or host a small get-together with a DIY NOLO bar. And if you’re exploring kava, be cautious and picky about sourcing, okay?

Anyway, I could ramble about this forever but I’ll stop. If you wanna read more India trend-y stuff like this (from actual humans, not corporate blah), I’ve been browsing AllBlogs.in lately and it’s been a fun rabbit hole.¶