A drink that makes you feel happier? Great, bring me 14 of those now! You may have heard of “dopamine dressing” or “dopamine decor,” but the newest trend taking over TikTok is “dopamine drinks” – functional, alcohol-free cocktails that promise to improve your mood.
Given the state of the world today, it’s no wonder people are looking for simple ways to feel more joyful. Sure, an occasional cocktail might seem like the answer, but according to content creators like Olivia Noceda, “dopamine drinks” are more effective and have no after-effects. “Did you know that there’s data showing that non-alcoholic drinks increase dopamine levels?” Noceda said in a video in January 2024. “The difference is, you wake up the next day feeling great.”
But what makes these drinks so special? And are they really as simple as they seem? I tried it myself to find out if this trend is really worth it and how you can prepare a "dopamine drink" at home.
How do “dopamine drinks” work?
“Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation, but many people today suffer from low levels due to chronic stress, lack of sleep, processed foods, and constant exposure to screens,” explains dietitian Melanie Murphy Richter. According to integrative nutritionist Pam Cho, a diet rich in certain nutrients can help boost dopamine, improving mood, focus, and memory.
However, “dopamine drinks” aren’t just about the ingredients, but also how you consume them. “The very act of making and enjoying a drink you’re looking forward to can boost dopamine,” Cho adds. So if you savor the moment and see it as a ritual of pleasure, you’re on the right track.
What to add to a "dopamine drink"?
If you want to get the most out of this drink, it's important to choose the right ingredients. "Dopamine is produced from the amino acid L-tyrosine, which is found in almonds, pumpkin seeds, and bananas," says Richter. But to convert L-tyrosine into dopamine, the body also needs B vitamins, magnesium, and iron.
Here are some ingredients that help naturally increase dopamine:
• Cocoa or matcha – Cocoa contains flavonoids and phenylethylamine (PEA) that stimulate the release of dopamine, while matcha contains L-theanine, which helps stabilize it.
• Banana puree – In addition to L-tyrosine, bananas are also rich in vitamin B6, essential for dopamine production.
• Himalayan Salt – Provides minerals like magnesium and zinc, which support dopamine metabolism and nerve signaling.
• Wild blueberries – Contain antioxidants that protect brain cells from oxidative stress.
• Tahini or almond butter – Rich in healthy fats and L-tyrosine, ideal for a functional drink.
• Vitamin C – A key ingredient for dopamine production, found in citrus fruits, berries, mangoes, and kiwi.
• Magnesium – Helps protect dopamine from stress and can be found in dark chocolate, blueberries, and papaya.
What to avoid?
• Artificial sugars – Can interfere with dopamine signaling and negatively affect mood in the long term.
• Alcohol and caffeine – Although they may provide a temporary feeling of euphoria, they are addictive and can actually lower dopamine levels over time.
• Flavors you don't like – The experience should be pleasant, so avoid ingredients that don't appeal to you, as they may reduce the expected effect.
My “dopamine drink”
Intrigued by this trend, I decided to make a “dopamine drink” with ingredients I had in my kitchen. I’m no real mixologist, but three years without alcohol have turned me into an expert in non-alcoholic cocktails. I picked blueberries and blackberries, crushed them in an elegant glass (the presentation is part of the experience!), and added a little lime juice for flavor.
The result? A refreshing, delicious, and feel-good drink, although I can't say for sure if it gave me an immediate dopamine boost. But the fact that I enjoyed the process and drank it with pleasure is probably the best indicator that this trend is worth trying!
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