Mindful Soda & The Power of Mushrooms - Sally Founder of Monty's

You can try Monty at montydrinks.com & enjoy an exclusive 10% discount using the code ‘JOMO10’

JOMO Club are honoured to be featuring a new alcohol-free brand created by wonderful Founder, Sally! The perfect relaxing drink to weave into your at home rituals. 

We had the chance to sit down with Sally, sharing her journey and inspiration.

Can we kick things off with a bit more about you personally as I think many of our members will relate to your journey.

Hi! I’m Sally, the founder of Monty. A few years ago I experienced a concussion, which led me to rethink how I looked after my wellbeing. During recovery, I reduced alcohol completely and discovered the incredible benefits of functional mushrooms - especially their ability to support cognitive regeneration, clarity and nervous system regulation. They were more powerful and transformative for my brain than anything else I tried. It was around that time I also realised how few drinks actually made you feel good in the moment. That’s where Monty was born - the idea of a drink that supports your brain, your mood and your social self, all at once.

Q: Will you be implementing any mindful rituals into your lifestyle this year?

Yes, I’m really focusing on the science of ending the day well. Better evenings equal a better day tomorrow, and so much of our energy comes from supporting our circadian rhythm. For me that looks like: choosing non-alcoholic evenings for better sleep quality, creating wind-down time that’s screen-free, and adding small mindful practices before bed. These things genuinely improve mood, energy and clarity the next day, which is why I’m so committed to them.

Q: We’d love to know more about Monty. What can we expect today and what was your inspiration when launching Monty?

Monty was born when I stopped drinking during my recovery. There were plenty of soft drinks and plenty of non-alcoholic swaps - but nothing that actually helped you feel good in the moment. I wanted to create a drink that supported presence, calm confidence and natural connection - a true social elixir. The more I explored the science behind functional mushrooms and wellbeing, the clearer the vision became. Monty is designed for people who want to feel uplifted, grounded and intentional in their social moments.

Q: Can you talk to us about the functional ingredients - what are they, what do they do for us and why were these the ones you wanted to include?

The functional mushrooms are at the core of Monty, and each one supports the body in a different way. When combined, they offer a wide spectrum of benefits that help you feel clear, calm and energised in a balanced way. Lion’s Mane for clarity - often called the “brain mushroom,” Lion’s Mane is known for supporting cognitive function and mental clarity. It’s widely researched for its potential to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), which is why I personally found it incredibly supportive during concussion recovery. Nothing helped my clarity and brain function in the same way - it was genuinely transformative. Reishi for calm - supporting the nervous system, helping the body shift out of stress mode and into a more grounded, balanced state. It’s known for reducing feelings of overwhelm, promoting a calm, centred mood and supporting restorative rest. It’s amazing for anyone wanting to feel more settled socially or wind down without alcohol. Maitake for Health - playing a different role - more rooted in energy and metabolic support. It helps with immune support, blood sugar balance, steady, sustained energy and overall vitality. It gives you that stable, lifted feeling without spikes or crashes. Together, this creates a wide, natural spectrum of support that helps you feel clear, calm and at your best - the ideal state for socialising, unwinding or just being you.

Q: Are there any myths that you still face that you can debunk for us?

Absolutely. A big one is the belief that you need alcohol to have fun or to connect with people. It’s simply not true. When you show up with awareness, health and intention, you actually become more confident, more yourself, and more present in your relationships. Mindful drinking leads to deeper conversation, better connection and a stronger sense of self - yet the myth persists that fun only happens when drinking. We’re here to change that.

Q: What is your favourite way to enjoy Monty and what setting?

My favourite moment is that first drink of the early evening - the transition from the day into whatever comes next. It’s refreshing, premium and marks the moment beautifully. I also love it after movement - whether that’s sport, a workout class, yoga or any mindful practice where you want something that tastes special, helps you unwind, and supports feeling good socially or solo.

Q: Have you ever used Monty in a cocktail - what is your favourite one?

Yes! My favourite pairing is Monty with a really good non-alcoholic gin. It enhances the floral notes, adds depth and gives you this beautifully layered drink that feels uplifting and mood-enhancing without any alcohol. It’s the perfect elevated serve.

Q: What do you feel was your biggest achievement in 2025?

Launching Monty and doing it entirely on my own from scratch, without any external investment. It’s been such an empowering journey, and seeing people resonate with the drink, the mission and the feeling it creates has been the highlight of the year.