As we discussed earlier in our blog, botanical spirits are most likely the next big spirits category. They offer a variety of flavours and versatility. Driven by the trend toward health and wellbeing, botanicals appear in different spirit categories including rum, hard seltzer, vodka and non-alcoholic beverages.
We rounded up delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic botanical drinks every drinks connoisseur (yep, we are talking about you) should try. These beverages were crafted by independent drink producers who champion sustainability and innovations.
Non-Alcoholic Botanical “Spirits” to Try
The appeal of zero-proof botanical alcohol alternatives is driven by the trends focused on wellness and moderate drinking. We want to drink less but drink better. We want to know the ingredients of the beverages we buy and we want these ingredients to be as healthy and functional as possible.
That's why we tend to choose beverages that claim to be made with clean, pure ingredients rather than over sugary drinks packed with artificial flavorings. Here are 3 non-alcoholic drinks that are made with sustainably sourced botanicals and don’t compromise on taste.
Nine Elms No18
NINE ELMS No.18 is a complex blend of 4 types of berries combined with the botanical infusions of 20 different flowers, herbs and spices. The unique mix of botanical ingredients adds intriguing complexity and a lingering finish.
How to drink: This is not a non-alcoholic wine, it is a new sophisticated drink called ruby velven. And it was created to perfectly pair with foods. No18 tastes great with steak, antipasti, and even with your favorite dessert.
The beverage is void of artificial flavours, colours, sweeteners or added sugar and is only 20 calories per 125ml glass.
I want to buy NINE ELMS No.18!
Warner's Pink Berry 0% Botanic Garden Spirit
Perfect for those who want to drink without getting drunk! Warner's 0% Pink Berry was created as a non-alcoholic alternative to a fruity and pink gin.
Botanicals: Warner's Falls Farm spring water, natural botanical distillates and extracts of raspberry, blackcurrant sage, ginger and chilli.
How to Drink: Enjoy Pink Berry 0% with a splash of your favourite tonic over ice. Garnish your drink with fresh mint and raspberries for refreshing summer joy!
Everleaf Marine
Everleaf Marine is a refreshing alcohol-free aperitif, crafted for gin runners.
Its tasting profile was inspired by marine and coastal flavours. The makers’ botanical choice includes bergamot, labdanum, sea buckthorn, olive leaf, dulse, and juniper.
Expect a refreshing and crispy taste, with traces of pineapple and subtle sweetness from dulse.
How to drink: You will love its taste in your zero booze Marine and Tonic, just add some ice and garnish your drink with lime.
High Proof Botanical Spirits to Try
There's a huge interest in all things botanical, inspired by a deep desire to reconnect with nature after a year of lockdown and daily stresses. No surprise that spirit brands are innovating with botanicals, blending them together and creating absolutely new enjoyable alcoholic beverages. Here are some of them.
Warner's Trash & Treasure Spiced Botanical Rum
Warner's Trash & Treasure Spiced Botanical Rum is a unique concoction distilled with botanicals, weeds & discarded peels.
Expect seductive fresh orange and grapefruit aromas on the nose developing into soft and creamy sweetness dancing on your tongue, and followed by a delicious combination of dandelion & sichuan spice, vanilla and cinnamon. The finish of this composition is full of vanilla, banana and orange flavors.
Ingredients: Jamaican Rum, Over-Ripe Brown Banana, Fresh Orange Peel Waste, Cinnamon, Rose, Roasted Dandelion Root, Sichuan Peppercorn, Black Cardamom, Allspice, Chamomile, Fresh Grapefruit Peel, Home Grown Lemon Verbena, Sarsaparilla, Nutmeg, Cassia, Our Farms Pure Spring Water, Sugar.
How to drink: Trash & Treasure is stunning sipped neat, served with cola or ginger ale and it also gives a seductive spicy kick in rum-based cocktails.
Nc'nean Botanical Spirit
Nc'nean Botanical Spirit is made by re-distilling base spirit with a mix of botanicals including juniper, coriander, angelica, liquorice, chamomile, grapefruit, bog myrtle, thyme, sorrel, heather. But juniper is not a rock star of the tasting profile. Expect distinctive barley notes and slightly peppery flavours on the nose, followed by subtle herbaceous hints and a touch of blackcurrant and dark fruits.
How to drink: Over plenty of ice with tonic water and a slice of grapefruit.
Cooper King Black Cardamom Botanical Vodka
Bottled under the Cooper King Pilot Series label Black Cardamom Botanical Vodka is a small batch experimental release. Only the heart of each pod is cold-distilled to create a beautifully fresh spirit, with distinctive smoky notes.
This is an incredibly satisfying botanical vodka. Expect fresh eucalyptus notes, hints of cardamom, and a nice smoky finish.
How to drink: Black Cardamom Vodka tastes fabulous served chilled over ice and perfect in a cocktail.