To quote Elton John, “it’s a little bit funny, this feeling inside.” As I type this, I’m sipping a cold, dark brew over ice and tonic water, and something subtle is beginning to happen. It’s not exactly tipsiness, but there’s a soft buzz — a gentle spark firing somewhere in my brain.

This isn’t your typical happy hour story, though. The liquid in my glass isn’t wine, beer, or any other alcohol. It’s Sentia, a drink developed by pharmacologist and addiction expert Prof. David Nutt, designed to mimic the sociable, relaxed sensation of alcohol without the downsides.

Touted as the “future of drinking,” Sentia promises to deliver that easygoing, uninhibited feeling that usually follows a drink or two — only without hangovers, addictive properties, or calories. The effects last about 30–40 minutes and are said to make you feel more relaxed, sociable, and even sharper at pool.

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How Sentia Works Without Alcohol or Caffeine

The science behind Sentia centers around a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) — often described as the brain’s “off switch.” GABA helps calm overactive nerve impulses, easing anxiety, improving mood, and promoting better sleep.

Our bodies naturally produce GABA, and it’s found in some foods, too. But because scientists debate whether consumed GABA actually crosses the blood-brain barrier, Sentia takes a different approach. Its blend of herbs and botanicals aims to enhance the effectiveness of the GABA your body already makes and improve the absorption of GABA boosters through the gut.

While peer-reviewed evidence is still limited, early studies offer intriguing results. Researchers at the University of Exeter recorded EEG brain scans of Sentia drinkers that showed patterns linked to relaxation and sociability. Prof. Nutt is also conducting ongoing research through GABALabs, the company behind Sentia.

And there’s no doubt GABA plays a major role in mood and behavior. Prof. Andrew Scholey, a human psychopharmacology expert at Northumbria University, points to a 2023 study showing that people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) had lower GABA levels — and higher anxiety. Another review he co-authored in 2020 found that orally ingested GABA tended to improve sleep quality and might reduce stress.

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My Week on Sentia

I tried Sentia for a week and tracked my sleep with an Apple Watch. Unsurprisingly, my sleep quality was noticeably better on Sentia compared to nights with alcohol.

The immediate effects, though, were more subtle. There were moments when I wondered if it was just a placebo. Yet, compared to water or soda, Sentia left me feeling calm and content.

Scholey explains that measuring these kinds of effects is tricky:

“With many recreational drugs, the effects are obvious. With alcohol, even, it’s hard to untangle the chemical effects from psychological expectation.”

Anecdotally, people in his field report mixed experiences with Sentia — some feel a pronounced buzz, while others feel nothing. Personally, I fall somewhere in between. Still, the drinking experience itself is enjoyable. Sentia comes in three flavors, two of which I tried, and they have complex botanical profiles more reminiscent of cocktails than soft drinks.

With more people rethinking their relationship with alcohol, the no- and low-alcohol market in the UK more than doubled in sales in 2024, making drinks like Sentia part of a growing movement. Other brands are joining in too — Impossibrew in the UK claims its drinks influence brain waves for relaxation, while New Zealand’s Ārepa focuses on cognitive-enhancing “functional” beverages.

For Nutt, Sentia offers a healthier alternative to alcohol’s long-term risks — and for me, even a half-effective buzz feels like a welcome option.

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A Taste Test: Mixed Reviews

Chandra Sarkar, Doctor – Sentia Red
“It smells like a Christmas candle. I wasn’t a fan of the smoothie-like texture, and I didn’t enjoy it with tonic. But over ice, it was much better. After two servings, I felt relaxed and slightly lightheaded. The effect didn’t last long, though, and I’d suggest people check for potential interactions with medications.”

Gentian Dema, Legal Executive – Sentia Black
“I haven’t had alcohol in over two years, but I still want drinks that refresh and relax me. This wasn’t it. It lacked sweetness, tasted astringent, and left my mouth dry — I had to eat grapes to get rid of the flavor. Sadly, I felt no buzz at all.”

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The Verdict: Sentia might not fully replicate the buzz of alcohol, and experiences vary widely. But as a mindful, hangover-free alternative with potential benefits for mood and sleep, it’s a glimpse into what the future of social drinking could look like.