logo
What we're sipping: Mocktails that hit the spot this Dry July

What we're sipping: Mocktails that hit the spot this Dry July

Axios09-07-2025
If you're participating in Dry July, or just taking a booze break, there's a store-bought alternative that could cool your cocktail cravings.
What to know: We don't often take up offers for samples but occasionally one sorta makes sense. Better Than Booze shipped me a couple of non-alcoholic trial sixers, but I'm not obligated to give the product a good review — my Hidden Valley Ranch ice cream taste test comes to mind.
The company is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and cans a line of alcohol-free mocktails as well THC and CBD-infused drinks.
The drinks: Three flavors were in the variety pack: elderberry G&T, inspired by a gin and tonic; rosemary grapefruit paloma, inspired by a tequila paloma; and mint mojito with lime, inspired by a rum mojito.
All are sparkling and contain a little sugar and sweeteners. Calorie counts are between 60 and 70 each.
The verdict: All three flavors were delightful. They're a tad sweet, but much less than a regular cola and it added a little extra flavor over my usual afternoon go-to San Pelligrino.
I expected the grapefruit to be bitter. It was not. The elderberry, though, hinted at bitterness, but it wasn't altogether bad.
Mint in the mojito was just enough to know it was there.
Did they take the place of an alcoholic cocktail? Hard to say, but I felt satisfied.
What she said: My wife tried a sip of the elderberry. "You know what would make that better? Gin and tonic."
The bottom line: They were refreshing in this summer heat, but at roughly $14 for six, these will likely be options for teetotalers at parties and not as a casual sipper.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How to Bring the Broderie Anglaise Decor Trend Home
How to Bring the Broderie Anglaise Decor Trend Home

Vogue

time2 days ago

  • Vogue

How to Bring the Broderie Anglaise Decor Trend Home

Call it nostalgia or a rebellion against the clean functionality of minimalism, but romantic, decorative textiles are having a moment. We're indulging in all the trimmings: think, bed linens edged with ruffles; eyelet or broderie anglaise trims; and napkins, placemats, and tablecloths adorned with intricate lace and embroidery. If you think you've been seeing more and more of these dainty styles sneaking onto your social feeds and saturating shops, it's not in your head. Sales of these ultra-feminine accents have doubled at the homeware site Abask in the last year, according to a rep for the brand, with the biggest growth seen in white-on-white pieces, heritage-inspired detailing, and—yes—ruffles. Earlier this summer, Danish textile brand Tekla launched an entire bedding collection spotlighting broderie anglaise. Could our renewed love of delicate home textiles reflect a wider sartorial fascination with lace-trimmed skirts, doily-like crochet headwear, and dresses that wouldn't look out of place in the Victorian era–or is something else at play? 'I think people are craving a gentler aesthetic,' says Laila Gohar, artist and co-founder of Gohar World, whose playful embroidered and lace-appliquéd table linens were inspired by her childhood in Egypt. 'Every design movement, whether in fashion or interiors, is a reaction to what came before it. A few years ago, it was all about the clean, sleek lines of Scandinavian minimalism. Now, there's a yearning for things that feel like precious, handmade heirlooms. Lace fits into that nicely.'

People are expanding their 'families' to afford streaming subscriptions
People are expanding their 'families' to afford streaming subscriptions

Business Insider

time6 days ago

  • Business Insider

People are expanding their 'families' to afford streaming subscriptions

Welcome back! Are you looking to infuse your diet with protein and fiber? One sports dietician shared the six meals she swears by for more energy and stronger muscles. On the agenda: Your phone can now tell you how fast you're aging. Men are ditching suits for loose pants and pricey tees in the RTO era. Would you spend over $5,000 to remove your under-eye bags? Sharon Stone reveals how Robert De Niro upset her on the "Casino" set. But first: Sharing is caring. If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here. This week's dispatch Welcome to friend socialism Would you care if your best friend saw what's in your Amazon cart — or what your neighbor is streaming on Netflix? Sharing subscription passwords with your family is one thing. But as subscription costs rise, Business Insider's senior correspondent Emily Stewart writes that more Americans are expanding the definition of "family" — to friends, neighbors, and even strangers. "The average US consumer pays for about five video subscriptions a month," Stewart writes. "So, people figure out all sorts of ways to game the system." One person told Business Insider she isn't afraid to share her Nintendo Switch Online subscription with absolute strangers she found on Reddit. Another said she's opting to share a phone plan with her roommate. "I was just like, we will literally save so much money if we just do this together," Nicole Nikolich told Business Insider. "It's been smooth sailing for years." While sharing passwords may have been a way for companies such as Netflix and Disney to hook people onto their services, they're now cracking down. Even HBO Max has warned customers: Users will "actually start to see some messaging" advising them to pay up, WBD streaming head JB Perrette said. Meanwhile, other companies such as AT&T seemingly couldn't care less how their customers use their family plans, as long as they're using them. A spokesperson for the company told Business Insider that families can "mean a lot of different things." AT&T even launched a new tool to help different people split payments more easily. Turns out it takes a village — or at least a good group chat — to afford subscription services these days. Your face as a medical device Have you ever wondered how fast you're aging? There's an app for that now. Harvard's "FaceAge" algorithm uses photos of your face to determine your biological age. FaceAge is an AI-assisted version of a practice doctors have been using for years: getting a quick visual, and then making inferences about how patients are doing. Scientists hope it could one day help physicians diagnose diseases earlier and treat patients better. We tried — and tricked — it. Welcome to the smart casual era As more companies call workers back into the office, men's workplace dress codes are changing. The stiff suit is no longer the norm; now, it's all about refined comfort. Looser silhouettes and even shorts have entered some offices. Some men are taking inspiration from TV shows like "The Bear." For suits, tailoring is key. Ditching your baggage Lower blepharoplasty (aka "bleph" on TikTok) is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin, fat, or muscle in the lower eyelid. Though the average patient is in their 50s or 60s, the procedure is gaining steam among those in their 20s and 30s. The surgery has become popular as interest in longer-lasting procedures rises. At $5,100 for what is generally a one-time operation, some patients find it a better deal than regular rounds of filler. Would you pay up for it? Sharon Stone's biggest moves Stone's breakout role in "Basic Instinct" catapulted her to stardom in 1992. The 67-year-old actor has led a fruitful career in film in the decades since. In an interview with BI's Jason Guerrasio, Stone discussed her journey in Hollywood, from rollerskating to auditions to working with Robert De Niro. She still models, too — and said she makes more money in that industry than in film. Plus, how she almost lost her most famous role. What we're watching this weekend "The Pickup": This Amazon Prime Video comedy brings out the big guns with Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson, playing armored truck drivers who have a bad day when they are ambushed by thieves. Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer also star. "Platonic": In season 2 of this Apple TV+ series, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne return as former best friends whose reconnection at midlife leads to horrible decisions and lots of laughs. "Wednesday": Over on Netflix, the second season of this hit series finds Jenna Ortega returning as our favorite Addams family member. What to shop How to stay crispy-cool overnight: We cannot overstate how impactful a cooling mattress topper can be for hot sleepers. We know from experience, because we tested a bunch of them. Welcome to a better night's sleep. Women's workwear for summer: Dressing for the office in the middle of a heatwave isn't always easy, but our style team is here to help. Here are all the best places to shop for workwear, according to people who receive a lot of compliments on their outfits. Yes, we're still wearing crossbodies: Shoulder bags may be the trend of the moment, but there's a time and place for a crossbody bag, too. Our style editors share their favorites, and why we're still wearing them — especially for travel. More of this week's top reads: For once, good news: More colon cancers are getting caught early as 40-somethings line up for colonoscopies. Saunas, pickleball courts, and private golf courses: See inside five of the most expensive homes sold this year. A 30-year-old CrossFit star shares her supplement stack for strength, energy, and recovery. A couple went to Africa on their fifth date. Now they're engaged, and the bride-to-be has a custom ring that nods to that trip. From Coldplaygate to Jet2holidays, Summer 2025's biggest vibe is the lack of actual vibes. I spent a year traveling around Europe to find where I wanted to live. After several misses, I've settled into my dream city. See inside a 56-room, Venetian-inspired mansion in Florida that the Ringling circus family built a century ago.

30(ish) Wirecutter Clothing and Accessory Picks for Going Back to School
30(ish) Wirecutter Clothing and Accessory Picks for Going Back to School

New York Times

time05-08-2025

  • New York Times

30(ish) Wirecutter Clothing and Accessory Picks for Going Back to School

Made from smooth, medium-weight Supima cotton, this surprisingly well-priced T-shirt is polished and nicely constructed. It comes in a good range of sizes, from XXS to 3XL, though some testers found it a bit too long. This light- to medium-weight cotton tee — available in sizes XS to 5XL from some retailers — is soft, cozy, and priced for stocking up. But some testers found it too long to wear untucked, and it shrinks quite a bit in the wash. A plain white tee is a year-round essential — and these are two of our favorite men's white T-shirts, both of which are under $25. The Uniqlo tee is medium-weight and comes in sizes from XXS to 3XL, while the Bella + Canvas option is lighter weight but super soft. This classic, budget-friendly crew-neck shirt is surprisingly solid: It's soft enough, substantial, and available in a wide range of sizes. It's cut longer and more relaxed than our other picks — but it also shrinks more in the wash. This T-shirt from Uniqlo has a slim fit and is made from a soft cotton with just the right amount of stretch, so it works as a first layer or on its own. In our guide to the best women's white T-shirts, we recommend some looser-fit tees, including the budget-friendly Hanes Perfect-T. But if you prefer something a bit more fitted, editor Maxine Builder recommends the baby-cut Uniqlo Mini T-Shirt, which costs just $5 more than our Hanes pick. Perhaps you're prone to spills or white just isn't your favorite color. We understand. Writer Alexander Aciman loves these unisex, super-soft plain cotton T-shirts. The Comfort Colors tees come in more than 30 hues. This well-priced oxford shirt comes in five cuts and a wide array of colors and prints. It's made from soft cotton that feels comfy and lived-in, yet it still looks sharp. A basic buttoned shirt is a nice option for days when you have to present something to the class. The Broken-In Organic Cotton Oxford Shirt comes in five silhouettes and a variety of colors and prints, so you're sure to find one that works with your wardrobe. The fabric is soft from day one, too, so it feels about as comfortable as a tee. This slim-cut shirt is sturdy, attractive, and affordably priced. The material is on the heavier side and feels a bit stiff and rough until it gets broken in. If you're looking for a slim-cut shirt on a budget, you can't go wrong with the Uniqlo Oxford Slim Shirt. The fabric is sturdy (but a little tough), and the value is unbeatable. Drapey, flattering, and super soft, this sweater is half the price of our (already well-priced) value cashmere sweater pick. It pills fairly easily, and we have questions about its longevity, but it's still a terrific bargain. Simple yet stylish sweaters can be hard to find, but we've done the research for you. Affordable cashmere sweaters do exist. The $50 price tag of the Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater makes it a sweater worth considering. It's ultra-soft, flattering, and surprisingly high-quality, though it's not heirloom material. This 100% cotton sweater is slightly oversize and heavy, yet it's especially breathable, so it's virtually seasonless. Style writer Hannah Frye spent years hunting for the perfect rollneck sweater before she found a winner in the 1988 Rollneck Cotton Sweater. It works for nearly any season or occasion, and its slightly oversize fit allows for layering, creating more styling opportunities. These well-made, versatile straight-leg jeans are comfy, booty-flattering, and nicely priced. They come in a wide range of sizes and three inseams, but in plus sizes the wash and length options are more limited. An American classic, these jeans have a long, slim-straight shape that never gets old. Plus, they're sturdy and comfy, and they come in lots of sizes — though finding the right fit can take some trial and error. Levi's straight-leg jeans got a lot of love from the panelists in our testing for our guide to women's jeans. The Levi's Premium Wedgie Straight Fit Women's Jeans earned the highest score in testing because we found them comfy and flattering across a wide range of body types. The 501 Original Fit jeans also tested exceptionally well with our panelists. Plus, for just under $100 a pair, these durable jeans are more than fairly priced. These jeans have a long, lean '90s cut, and they come in three inseams. They're not as high-quality as our other picks, but they're priced right, and they go on sale often. The slim, curve-hugging Gap High Rise '90s Straight Jeans look and feel great, even though their construction isn't as high-quality as what we've seen on some of our other recommendations. But they cost less than $100 and are often on sale, so they're one of our most budget-friendly picks. Thanks to their ultra-high rise and floor-grazing length (they come in three inseams), these wide-leg jeans are dramatic and visually elongating. They're an exceptional value, too. Just note that they run a bit large in the waist and are likely to stretch. If you like a wider-leg jean, we also have a Levi's recommendation for that. Enter the Levi's Premium Ribcage Wide Leg Women's Jeans. It comes in three inseams, so it should work for a variety of heights, and it's made of the same, durable material as our other Levi's Premium picks. Made from soft, midweight 100% cotton denim that feels broken in from day one, these high-rise jeans have a subtle, flattering horseshoe shape that's on trend without being over the top. Unlike most barrel-leg styles, this pair comes in three inseams, so you can nail the just-right length. $90 from Gap (price varies by color) If you're interested in the barrel jeans trend, editor Ingela Ratledge Amundson recommends the deliciously soft Gap High Rise Barrel Jeans. For Ingela, they have a forgiving fit and a not-too-exaggerated barrel shape, so they're her perfect pair. These barely tapered straight-leg jeans have a fit that's easy but not baggy, and they come in five inseams. Made from 100% cotton selvedge denim that's soft and easy to care for, this pair is a comfortable choice whether you're mowing the lawn or hitting the town. Not too slim and not too wide, these gently tapered jeans have a just-right straight leg that's flattering and versatile. They contain a bit of stretch, so they're super comfy, but they are also prone to stretching out. $138 from Madewell (price varies by color) For a roomy straight-leg look in a classic, beloved men's denim cut, we recommend opting for the relaxed Levi's Premium 505 Regular Fit Selvedge Jeans or the straight Madewell Slim Jeans. These two picks did well across the board with our testers, and they're two of our more affordable recommendations from our guide to the best men's jeans. For $50, these slim-fit straight leg jeans are absurdly great. They're lightweight and made with a bit of stretch, so they're not as tough to break in as traditional raw selvedge denims. But the material does feel a bit slick. These jeans have remained largely unchanged over the past 50 years, and they have several thoughtful, unique design details. $30 from Walmart May be out of stock If you really want a bargain pair of jeans, we have those, too. In our guide we recommend the Uniqlo Stretch Selvedge Slim Jeans, which are unusually comfy for selvedge jeans and have an appealing straight-leg cut. We also recommend the Wrangler Cowboy Cut Jeans, which have a unique straight-leg cut that fits over boots but are not bootcut jeans. These roomy pants cut a different figure than most men's pants and can be easily dressed up or down across seasons. Jeans are tried-and-true. But maybe they seem a little tired to you, especially if you're going for a more preppy look. In that case, we recommend writer Evan Dent's favorite pants: the Giant-fit Chino Pant. These wider-cut pants look refreshingly clean and relaxed, rather than comically large. They're breathable, they break in over time, and they have big pockets. The least expensive of our picks, these iconic canvas low-tops go with everything, and they look cool whether they're worn in or squeaky-clean. But they may not offer enough support for everyone, and they tend to make feet look longer. $60 from Amazon (price varies by size) The least expensive of our picks, these iconic canvas high-tops go with everything, and they look cool whether they're worn in or squeaky-clean. But they may not offer enough support for everyone, and they tend to make feet look longer. $60 from Amazon (price varies by size) For a timelessly cool back-to-school look, it's hard to beat a classic pair of Chuck Taylors — especially when they're crisp and clean on your first day. Whether you get them in white or another color, low-top or high-top, these shoes work with just about any look. They may not offer ample support, and they tend to visually elongate feet, but we love these shoes anyway. These tried-and-true leather shoes have a storied history, both on the court and on the street. They're heavier than most sneakers, but they're also comfortable, and they make a statement. $115 from Urban Outfitters These tried-and-true leather shoes have a storied history, both on the court and on the street. They're heavier than most sneakers, but they're also comfortable, and they make a statement. The iconic Nike Air Force 1 sneakers are well-known for their chunky, confident profile and their ultra-bright white leather. The AF1s are big and bold, with extra-cushy padding inside, and they can last years with some extra care. These well-priced leather tennis shoes serve up loads of old-school style. Their lightweight foam padding and delightful terry lining make them comfy for casual wear, but they don't offer much arch support, and they might be too narrow for some feet. The Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes may not be as iconic or as bright-white as AF1s, but they're another favorite from our guide to the best white sneakers. They're sturdy, light, comfy, and low-profile enough to wear every day. With its padded mesh straps and back panels, this sporty-looking pack makes carrying heavy loads lighter and comfier. It also has the easiest-to-use water-bottle pockets of any bag we've tested, as well as a removable laptop sleeve, but it could use more interior organization. A sleek design and utilitarian features (such as a luggage pass-through and a magnetic top closure) make this sophisticated laptop carrier feel pricier than it is. But unlike our other picks, it isn't backed by a warranty. If you're looking for a backpack that will last well after graduation, we have a few recommendations. You can go sporty with the Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L, or you can opt for something a bit more chic, like Everlane's The ReNew Transit Backpack. Simplicity is what makes this bag cool, and it comes in a plethora of colors and patterns, whether you're looking to stand out or blend in. It has a roomy laptop sleeve, but you won't find any fancy protection or organizational features inside this pack. This compact, durable laptop backpack is big on nostalgia and aesthetic appeal. But while its straps are lightly padded — a significant upgrade from the original Kånken — it still isn't ideal for carrying extra-heavy loads. All of our picks are great for carrying a laptop alongside your other belongings. Some of our options lack internal organization, which you may see as a positive or a negative, depending on your preferences. The Herschel Classic Backpack XL and the Fjällräven Kånken Laptop have laptop sleeves but otherwise have one big roomy pocket for storing your stuff, while our other picks have more pockets and features. This tough yet polished laptop tote bag is thoughtfully designed, with features such as internal pop-out bottle pockets and leakproof zippers. But its durable fabric shell is abrasive and may cause pilling on some sweaters and blouses. The good-looking, well-made Bellroy Tokyo Tote represents a happy medium for those who want a professional look, without going overboard. This laptop tote is durable and water-resistant, ideal if you need something that can survive scuffs, drops, stains, overpacking, and rainy commutes. This pack of eight matte plastic hair clips includes two styles — a standard curved claw clip and a straight clip with a rectangular cutout — and they are surprisingly durable for the price. The clips hold many hair types well, but some people might find them too large. $8 $7 from Amazon (deal on beige/color multipack) If you have long hair that you need to sweep up and out of your face, we suggest the Tocess 8 Pack Big Hair Claw Clips. Editor Catherine Kast loves them, as do many of our staff members (myself included). They are truly big, and they can hold lots of hair. They're also surprisingly durable and especially cheap, so you likely won't be too upset if you lose one along the way. This article has been edited by Maxine Builder and Hannah Rimm. What I Cover I cover lifestyle topics such as getting the stink out of workout clothes and packing for travel. I also assist with our deals coverage during special deals events.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store