Chasing "The Float": Are Non-Alcoholic Functional Beverages Like Hiyo Drink Actually Relaxing?
We need to talk about "The Float."
If you have spent any time on the sober-curious side of TikTok, you have heard this term. It is the holy grail of the modern drinker. It promises a sensation that is warm, fuzzy, and loose, but without the slurred speech or the hangover. It claims to be the feeling of a glass of wine but achieved through biology rather than booze.
For a long time, non-alcoholic functional beverages were just glorified sodas with a vitamin sprinkle. They promised the world but delivered nothing but expensive hydration.
But the science is shifting. Brands are finally moving past placebo and using active ingredients that actually cross the blood-brain barrier.
We decided to test the two heavyweights of this new category. We pit the viral fame of the Hiyo drink against the potent punch of Leilo Kava Social Tonic.
Our goal? To find out if "The Float" is real, or if we are just drinking expensive juice.
The Contender #1: Hiyo (The Social Lift)
Hiyo drink has completely dominated the conversation online, mostly because they coined the term "The Float." But what is it actually?
Hiyo relies on a "stack" of adaptogens and nootropics. Instead of using one ingredient, they mix Ashwagandha (for stress), Lion’s Mane (for brain clarity), and L-theanine (for mood).
The Taste:
We grabbed the Hiyo Blackberry Lemon. If you are missing red wine, this is your best entry point. It isn't sweet like a soda; it has a tart, tannic bite to it. The blackberry adds a deep, rich fruitiness while the lemon keeps it sharp. It sips slowly, which is exactly what you want when everyone else is nursing a cocktail.
The Feeling:
So, did we float?
Yes, but it is subtle. About 20 minutes after finishing a can, the "noise" in your head quiets down. You don't feel intoxicated. You don't feel buzzed. You just feel... lighter. The tension in your shoulders drops a few inches. It is a social feeling—you feel chatty and present but completely in control.
- Best For: The Dinner Party. It keeps you sharp enough to hold a conversation but relaxed enough to enjoy it.
The Contender #2: Leilo (The Physical Calm)
If Hiyo is about a mental lift, Leilo Kava is about a physical drop.
Leilo uses Kava, a root from the South Pacific that has been used for centuries to induce relaxation. Unlike adaptogens which can be subtle, Kava is famous for having a very real, very noticeable physical effect.
The Taste: Kava is notorious for tasting like "muddy water." It is earthy and bitter. However, Leilo has done a miraculous engineering job here.
We grabbed the Leilo Sparkling Tango Berry (a blend of tangerine and mango). They use a proprietary extraction method that removes the bitterness while keeping the active kavalactones. It tastes like a clean, citrusy seltzer, which is a massive achievement in this category.
The Feeling: The flavor is not subtle. It is truly exceptional.
Kava creates a mild numbing sensation on the tongue (that is how you know it is working). Within 15 minutes, a wave of physical relaxation hits your body. It feels like sinking into a warm bath. It is closer to the feeling of a CBD gummy or a glass of heavy red wine than an energy drink. It forces you to slow down.
Best For: The Night Cap. This is not a drink for a high-energy rave. This is a drink for melting into your couch after a stressful week.