Caffeinated beverages are key to most of our day-to-day lives. Sleep deprivation or important work deadlines have us craving a strong espresso or cracking open an energy drink to perk up. But there's a new type of beverage that's designed to mellow you out.

Tranquini is a natural, lightly carbonated drink that's meant to help you unwind and relax in tense situations. It contains a special blend of extracts and herbs (theanine – an amino acid found in green tea leaves – along with chamomile, lavender and lemon balm) that have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety without making you feel sleepy.

While we can't vouch for any significant chill-out effects after trying Tranquini, we did appreciate how it isn't as sweet as sodas or juices and can see ourselves sipping these as alternatives to those. We tried the Ginger Lemongrass which was a nice zingy sipper while the Hops & Malted Barley variety would be a nice option for beer drinkers struggling through their Dry January.

$3.49-$3.99, available at Loblaws and Sobeys.