Last updated: 24 March 2026
By Stiv · Design, technology and personal finance
This is an opinion piece. Views expressed are the author's own and do not constitute professional advice.
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If you've ever wanted the social buzz of a night out without the grim aftermath, GABA non-alcoholic drinks might be exactly what you're after. These functional beverages target your brain's natural GABA system to deliver relaxation, sociability, and calm, all without a drop of alcohol or the hangover that comes with it.
Two UK brands lead the charge: Sentia, a botanical spirit designed by neuroscientists, and Impossibrew, a craft beer brewed with mood-enhancing nootropics. Both promise the good bits of drinking without the bad. So which one actually delivers? We've put them head-to-head on taste, price, effect, and convenience to help you decide.
What is GABA and why does it matter?
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that tells your brain to slow down. It's responsible for feelings of calm, relaxation, and social ease. Alcohol activates GABA receptors, which is why that first drink often takes the edge off. However, alcohol also floods other brain systems, leading to impaired judgement, poor sleep, and brutal hangovers.
Functional GABA non-alcoholic drinks like Sentia and Impossibrew aim to activate this same calming pathway using botanical compounds and nootropics instead of alcohol. According to GABA Labs, founded by Professor David Nutt (one of the world's leading neuropsychopharmacologists), GABA enhancers can cross the blood-brain barrier and boost your brain's natural GABA effectiveness without the toxic side effects of alcohol.
Sentia vs Impossibrew: the full comparison
Below is the CoolCuration breakdown. Scannable, honest, and designed to help you pick the right GABA non-alcoholic drink for your lifestyle.
The GABA effect: does it actually work?
Sentia is marketed as a "functional spirit" built around a proprietary blend of botanicals including ashwagandha, magnolia bark, and schisandra berry. Most drinkers describe a noticeable light relaxation, a warmer and more sociable mood, and zero hangover. Some say it feels like the sweet spot of your first drink, without the slippery slope into a second and third. The effects typically kick in within 5 to 10 minutes and last around 45 to 60 minutes.
Impossibrew takes a different approach. Their proprietary "Social Blend" uses nootropics developed with Dr Paul Chazot, Bioscience Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University. The effect is subtler than Sentia. Drinkers report feeling chilled but clear-headed, with a gentle unwinding sensation. According to Impossibrew's own research paper, over 70% of participants said they felt relaxed after drinking it, and 88% reduced their alcohol consumption as a result.
In short: Sentia delivers a more engineered, spirit-like calm. Impossibrew offers a gentler functional lift wrapped in a genuinely excellent beer.
Taste and mixability
Sentia spirits come in three variants. GABA Red is sweet, herbal, and bittersweet with spiced berry notes. GABA Black brings spiced pepper warmth, an earthy body, and a smoky finish. GABA Gold is lighter and more citrusy, powered by hops and lemon balm. All three work best mixed with tonic, soda, ginger ale, or citrus. They're designed for short, cocktail-style serves rather than sipping neat.
Sentia Cask is worth a separate mention. It leans into a smoky, oaky, whiskey-style profile and works brilliantly with ginger ale or soda as a highball. Meanwhile, the newer GABYR Pale Ale gives you a hoppy, citrusy beer format with the same GABA-targeting formula. It's a solid gateway for people who want the functional benefit without mixing cocktails.
Impossibrew currently offers an Enhanced Lager and Hazy Pale Ale as their core range, plus limited editions including a Triple-Hopped IPA, Cask Reserve Amber, and Milkshake Lager. The Pale Ale won "UK's Best Tasting Alcohol-Free Pale Ale" at the World Beer Awards. The Lager picked up the same award in its category. Both are genuinely good beers, not just "good for non-alcoholic." Crack open and drink. No prep required.
Price and value
Sentia spirits cost £32 per 50cl bottle, with each bottle providing around 20 servings. That works out to roughly £1.60 per serve. Bundles bring the per-serve cost down further, and subscribers get 20% off. It's not cheap, but each bottle goes a long way because you drink it in 25ml measures.
Impossibrew is more accessible. A 10-pack costs from £25.50 (£2.55 per 440ml can), dropping to around £2.10 per can if you buy 40. On top of that, you can get £10 off your first order through our Impossibrew referral page.
If Sentia is the fancy cocktail bar, Impossibrew is the brilliant local. Both offer excellent value compared to a night out on actual alcohol.
Format and convenience
Sentia is a spirit format. You need a mixer, a glass, and a bit of ritual. That's part of the appeal for some people, especially if you enjoy making cocktails or want a grown-up evening drink. With three spirit variants, a whiskey alternative, and a pale ale now in the range, there's genuine variety.
Impossibrew is grab-and-go. Open a can and you're done. It's pub-friendly, curry-night-friendly, and perfect for sharing at gatherings. No preparation, no fuss.
Which GABA non-alcoholic drink should you buy?
Choose Sentia if you want:
A cocktail-style experience with a deeper, more noticeable GABA effect. Sentia suits anyone who enjoys the ritual of mixing drinks and wants something that feels premium. It's also ideal if you prefer spirits over beer or want a whiskey alternative (try Sentia Cask). If you're after a more engineered sense of calm, this is the route.
See our Sentia pageChoose Impossibrew if you want:
A proper beer that happens to be functional. Impossibrew is best for people who love craft beer, want something session-friendly, and don't need the cocktail ritual. It's easier to share, simpler to serve, and cheaper per unit. Plus, the £10 off referral deal makes it a no-brainer for first-timers.
Get £10 off ImpossibrewFrequently asked questions
Do GABA non-alcoholic drinks actually make you feel anything?
Yes, most people report a noticeable calming or loosening effect, particularly with Sentia. Impossibrew's effect is gentler. Neither will make you feel drunk, but both aim to replicate the sociable warmth of a first drink without alcohol's downsides.
Are GABA drinks safe?
Both brands use food-grade botanical ingredients and are classified as food supplements. However, Sentia advises not exceeding 100ml in 24 hours and recommends against consumption if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication. Impossibrew carries similar cautions. Always check the label and consult a doctor if you have concerns.
Can you drive after drinking Sentia or Impossibrew?
Sentia recommends not driving when consuming their products, even though they contain 0% ABV, because the GABA effect may cause relaxation. Impossibrew is under 0.5% ABV. Use your own judgement, but neither brand encourages driving immediately after drinking.
How does Sentia compare to Impossibrew on taste?
They're completely different formats. Sentia tastes like a complex herbal spirit and needs a mixer. Impossibrew tastes like a proper craft beer. Your preference depends on whether you lean towards cocktails or pints.
Where can I buy Sentia and Impossibrew in the UK?
Sentia is available through their own website and Amazon UK. Impossibrew ships direct from their website. Both deliver across the UK mainland. You can find referral links and discount details on our Sentia and Impossibrew detail pages.
Is Impossibrew gluten-free?
The Impossibrew Lager is certified gluten-free (under 20ppm), despite being brewed with barley and wheat. Their Pale Ale contains gluten. Sentia's spirits are gluten-free, vegan, and GM-free.
Disclaimer: CoolCuration uses referral links which may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by Sentia, Impossibrew, or any other brand mentioned. All opinions are our own and based on independent research. Always check product suitability for your circumstances before purchasing. This content does not constitute financial or health advice.
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