Sips To Swap: The 2026 Drink Audit

For a long time, my day was measured in cups. A latte to wake up, a fizzy energy drink to survive the 3 PM wall, and a glass of wine to close the chapter. It was a rhythm that felt necessary, but if I’m being honest, it often left me feeling more depleted than when I started.

Lately, I’ve been craving a different kind of energy—one that’s steady, clean, and actually helps me glow from the inside out. As we move through 2026, I’ve been auditing my "daily sips" and replacing the heavy hitters with alternatives that feel intentional and light.

These are the five swaps that have genuinely shifted my energy levels and my skin. Here is how I’m sipping differently this year.

1. The Morning Ritual

The Habit: The $9, over-sweetened, multi-step Starbucks order. The Swap: A high-quality home brew & a splash of my favorite flavored creamer.

I’ve learned that the best way to start the day isn't by adding more, but by stripping things back. I traded the chaotic morning dash and the sugary "dessert-in-a-cup" for a quiet moment in my own kitchen. Now, it’s just a really good cup of coffee—something organic and smooth—finished with a splash of whatever flavored creamer I’m currently loving (I'm leaning toward Chobani Plant-Based Creamers lately.) It’s simple, it’s consistent, and it’s exactly how I want my morning to feel: uncomplicated.

Turns out, when you make coffee at home you very rarely have to wait in line and the barista always knows how to pronounce and spell your name…

2. The Afternoon Slump

The Habit: A neon-colored, chemical-heavy energy drink. The Swap: GORGIE : Sparkling Energy

We’ve all hit that 3:00 PM wall where the emails start to blur. Instead of reaching for something artificial, (pre-pregnancy) I switched to GORGIE. It’s sparkling, chic, and the flavors (like Watermelon Crush) are actually refreshing rather than syrupy. It uses green tea caffeine and biotin, so I’m supporting my hair and nails while I power through my to-do list. It’s energy that feels clean and its a woman-owned brand.

3. The Sunset Hour

The Habit: The "I need a drink" heavy cocktail. The Swap: Fauxmosa : Alcohol-Free Bubbles

I love the elegance of a champagne flute, but I don’t love the foggy head or dryness. Fauxmosa has been my absolute revelation this year. It’s a sophisticated, non-alcoholic blend of California grapes, real fruit juice, and botanicals like hibiscus and turmeric. It has all the complexity of a craft cocktail with none of the hangover. It’s proof that you don't need spirits to have a spirited conversation or festive night in.

Forever indebted to Michelle Cordiero Grant for creating this equal parts beauty-routine-and-pick-me-up in-a-can.

4. The Flavor Fix

The Habit: Diet sodas or "zero-calorie" flavored waters. The Swap: Aura Bora : Herbal Sparkling Water

I used to reach for diet or caffeinated sodas when I wanted bubbles, but the artificial aftertaste always felt a bit dated and since becoming pregnant, I’ve been a lot more intentional about my caffeine intake. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Aura Bora. They use real herbs and fruits—think Lavender Cucumber or Strawberry Basil. It’s like drinking a spa day in a can. It’s whimsical, refreshing, and looks beautiful on a set dinner table.

5. The Evening Wind-Down

The Habit: A glass of red wine to "relax." The Swap: Moon Juice : Magnesi-Om

When you realize your "relaxing" glass of wine iss actually disrupting your sleep cycle and leaving you dehydrated, you start think more about how to cherish those precious zZzZzs. Now, my evening ritual involves a glass of "Blue Lemon" Magnesi-Om. It’s a magnesium powder that helps with relaxation and cognitive support. It tastes like a light, tart treat and helps me drift into a deep, restorative sleep. I wake up feeling vibrant rather than sluggish.

If you like short walks through the zero-proof section at Total Wine, we should probably be friends.

At the end of the day, these shifts aren’t about restriction or following a strict set of rules. They’re about the quiet intentionality of choosing things that actually nourish us, rather than just filling a gap in our schedule. When we slow down enough to notice how a simple morning coffee or a thoughtful evening tonic makes us feel, we reclaim a little bit of our own energy. I hope these swaps bring a sense of ease and a bit more glow to your daily rhythm. Here’s to sipping with a little more grace and a lot more joy!