The Sèchey Glossary
New to non-alcoholic drinks? Here's what all the words actually mean.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) – A compound made from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. It's a building block of serotonin, often found in mood-focused functional drinks.
ABV (Alcohol by Volume) – The percentage of a drink that is alcohol.
Adaptogen – Herbs and mushrooms traditionally used to help the body adapt to stress. Common examples are ashwagandha, reishi, and rhodiola.
Alcohol-Free – A drink with 0.0% ABV, meaning no detectable alcohol.
Alcohol-Removed – Wine or beer that was fully made, then had its alcohol removed, usually to less than 0.5% ABV. Sèchey's house wines are alcohol-removed, so they keep the character of real wine.
Antioxidant – Compounds that help neutralize free radicals, the unstable molecules that can damage cells.
Apéritif – A drink served before a meal to awaken the appetite. Today there are plenty of non-alcoholic versions.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Fermented apple juice, popular in shrubs and wellness drinks for its tangy flavor.
Ashwagandha – An evergreen shrub native to India, the Middle East, and Africa. It's traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice for stress and balance.
Bar Spoon – A long-handled spoon, often with a twisted stem, used to stir and layer drinks.
Bitters – Concentrated extracts of herbs, spices, roots, and fruit, used in dashes to add depth and aroma. Many contain alcohol, so look for ones labeled non-alcoholic.
Botanicals – Plant-based ingredients like herbs, flowers, roots, and peels, used for flavor and aroma.
CBD (Cannabidiol) – A non-intoxicating compound found in hemp. It won't get you "high." People often choose CBD drinks to unwind.
Champagne Flute – A tall, narrow glass whose shape preserves bubbles and directs aromas. It's perfect for non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Copper Mug – A mug that conducts cold quickly and keeps drinks chilled. It's the classic vessel for a mule.
De-alcoholized – Having had the alcohol removed. See Alcohol-Removed.
Dirty – A drink with olive brine added, giving it a savory, salty edge.
Distillation – Separating liquids by heating and condensing them. It's one method used to remove alcohol from wine.
Dryish™ – A lifestyle of drinking less, mindfully and without rules. Sometimes you drink, sometimes you don't, and you always enjoy it. Drink Less. Live More.™
Euphorics – Drinks made with botanicals and functional ingredients, designed to create an elevated, social, joyful mood without alcohol.
Fermentation – The process by which yeast or bacteria convert sugars into alcohol, acids, or gases.
Frosted Glass – A glass chilled in the freezer before serving to keep drinks colder.
Functional Beverage – A drink made with ingredients chosen for a specific purpose, like calm, focus, or energy.
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) – A naturally occurring compound associated with relaxation, often found in calming drinks.
Hemp-Derived THC (Delta-8 / Delta-9) – Cannabinoids derived from hemp that, unlike CBD, can be intoxicating. Laws on hemp-derived THC vary by state and are changing at the federal level. Must be 21+.
Infusion – Steeping botanicals like citrus, herbs, or roots in a liquid to extract flavor.
Jigger – An hourglass-shaped tool for measuring drink ingredients, typically 1.5 oz on one side and 1 oz on the other.
L-Theanine – An amino acid found in green and black tea, associated with a calm, focused state.
Lion's Mane – A shaggy white mushroom traditionally used in Asian cuisine and wellness practices, popular in focus-oriented drinks.
Maca – A Peruvian root traditionally used for energy and vitality.
Margarita Glass – A wide-rimmed, stepped glass for margaritas and frozen drinks.
Martini Glass – A V-shaped stemmed glass with a long stem that keeps your hand from warming the drink.
Mindful Drinking – Being intentional about when, why, and how much you drink.
Mixer – Any non-alcoholic ingredient added to a drink, like tonic, soda, or juice.
Mocktail – A cocktail made without alcohol. Also called a zero-proof cocktail.
Muddle – Gently crushing ingredients like mint or citrus with a muddler to release their flavors and oils.
Neat – A spirit served on its own, with no ice or mixer.
Non-Alcoholic (NA) – In the U.S., a drink with less than 0.5% ABV.
Nootropics – Natural or synthetic ingredients associated with focus and mental clarity.
Old-Fashioned Glass – A short, heavy-bottomed tumbler (also called a rocks or lowball glass) that holds 6–8 oz. A double holds 10–12 oz.
On the Rocks – Served over ice.
Reishi Mushroom – A mushroom traditionally used in Eastern wellness practices for relaxation and rest.
Rhodiola Rosea – A flowering plant also called "golden root," traditionally used to support stamina and resilience.
Shaker – A metal tin, or tin and glass, used to mix and chill drinks. Common styles are the Boston, cobbler, and Parisian shakers.
Shrub – A tangy drinking vinegar made from fruit, sugar, and vinegar, delicious with sparkling water.
Simple Syrup – Equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved. It's used to sweeten drinks.
Sober Curious – Someone questioning their relationship with alcohol and exploring alternatives.
Teetotaler – Someone who doesn't drink alcohol at all.
Wine Glass – Stemmed glassware designed to bring out a wine's aroma and flavor.
Zero-Proof – Containing no alcohol. Another word for non-alcoholic.
Zester – A tool that removes the thin outer peel of citrus without the bitter white pith.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult your healthcare provider before using functional or hemp-derived products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.