The earthy, woodsy taste is absolutely delicious, and it really helps me unwind at the end of a long day. I’m always looking for ways to wind down without turning to alcohol, and Three Spirit Night Cap is the perfect solution. I’ve heard some people like this one mixed with gingerale or tart cherry juice, but I personally just enjoy it over ice for a slow sipper or with a dash of water. Three Spirit is founded on multiple grand ambitions to be plant-based, socially conscious, and innovative in bringing alcohol-free products to the social drinking mix. It has made its mark in the UK where it started, and is now looking to gain fans in the U.S. Innovation is at the heart of their modus operandi, creating drinks that stand on their own as opposed to more fundamental non-alcoholic alternatives to standalone spirits. Their team of experts seem to reflect the eccentricity of their formulations, as the drinks were “created by a mix of plant scientists, world-class bartenders, hedonists, herbalists, and artists.” All are designed to be mixed with seltzer or tonic water, and all are 0% abv. Damiana leaf is an aphrodisiac that has been used in Mexico for centuries as part of ‘love potions’, and it contains Apigenin, which some scientific studies suggest has antidepressant and antianxiety properties

I’m generally very happy as a non-drinker, as I discuss here. But as summer got underway, it did all get a little more challenging, especially when planning social events with friends and family – events where other people would be drinking alcohol. As someone who has lived with insomnia for my entire life, I’ll make a beeline for pretty much anything with Valerian in it, so I was just as excited to try the nighttime beverage in Three Spirit’s range as I was about revisiting the social tipple and testing out the energiser. Nightcap comes in my favourite of the three bougie bottle designs, and here’s what you need to know about what it has to offer. Flavour: Of all the drinks, this is probably the most “potion-like” when you pour it out the bottle. It’s pink colour errs a little towards brown, and it also foams up a little when (as instructed) you shake the bottle. But taste wise – well I think it’s just gorgeous. Watermelon – Bet you didn’t know watermelon was so good for you! Watermelon is a good source of hydration and essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It may also have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that can benefit overall health.I met Meeta through Tati, as they had been working together on some exciting start-up projects in the drinks space. It’s important to note that the Social Elixir contains some caffeine. In this case, it comes from Yerba Mate, a natural source of caffeine, that contains roughly the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. However, yerba mate also contains other stimulants, such as theobromine and theophylline, which can have additional benefits and a milder effect on the body compared to coffee. Watermelon isn’t just in here for flavour – the L-citrullinein watermelon helps to regulate energy levels and manage blood pressure so that you don’t start to feel like you’ve over-indulged The final affirmation for me was when I served Three Spirit to some guests. I wanted some validation to make sure I wasn’t just convincing myself these are so good, so as to prevent myself missing alcohol. But no – they really are full of flavour and, most of all, rather interesting and exciting to drink.

Three Spirit delivers plant-based, non-alcoholic drinks made with functional ingredients directly to your door. Created by bartenders and plant scientists to stimulate your palate, mind, and body for a better and more connected night out without the hangover. Let’s be honest: These are herb and plant-based drinks – not narcotics! So if you expect to be bouncing off the walls, you’re going to be disappointed. However, the effect is good and – to me – noticeable. I’m always ready to get stuff done after one of these. Social Elixir is perfect for sipping, its “balancing effect” will keep you “blissful and tuned-in” throughout the evening. Health benefits inside the Social Elixir

Common questions

Finishing off the range, and the evening too, we’ve got the Nightcap. Made from tree saps and aromatic plants, the Nightcap is the perfect spirit to sip on during quiet evenings at home. With other ingredients being lemon balm and hops, the Nightcap’s ingredients create a feeling of calmness and has even been shown to reduce anxiety. This drink is made with natural mood elevators including lion’s mane mushroom, yerba mate, and damiana, as well as L-theanine for its “zen-like” qualities. After a large serving, we felt the same, but maybe different? I tried this drink several times over the course of the week to really try and hone in on its effects and still can’t be sure of how it made me feel. After drinking a lot more of it, I do wonder how much of that effect was down to us feeling that we were having an “adult drink” for the first time in ages. I think there is some caffeine in this one too, so you get a small boost from that. It’s certainly very enjoyable to drink, and perfect for when others around you are drinking – so fun, yes, flirty? I’m still on the fence on that score!

Three Spirits says that their drinks could give you “More energy, deeper sleeps, connections enhanced”. In addition, Three Spirit does not use any artificial sweeteners and instead uses natural sources of sugar from things like watermelons, beets, and agave all from sustainable, fair-trade sources. Social Elixir is rich and full-bodied, but it doesn’t burn or bite like a heavy duty spirit would. It’s on the savoury side of the drinks spectrum, so if you’re like me and you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, don’t be put off by the agave nectar and molasses on the ingredients list. Ashwagandha has been referred to as the ‘king of Ayurvedic herbs’ and is used in many traditional medicines to reduce stress and anxiety I also helped to create a wonderful Argentinian tea company called Champatea. This is where I learned a lot about medicinal plants and how to use them. Champatea is a charity owned business dedicated to protecting and reforesting ancient mountainous forests while educating communities on environmental sustainability. It's a very cool product, brand and ethos. I don't think Three Spirit would necessarily exist if I had not cut my teeth on those two experiences first. They taught me so much about the drinks business and allowed me to find the sweet spot of where to play and when.

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I can't forget to mention some other heavyweight trees like red cedar or giant redwoods that both smell amazing but are also awe-inspiring due to how long they can live and how tall they can grow. Too many plants and not enough time!!! Three Spirit Social Elixir– This drink makes me think of a bloody mary, made with an intense and musty tomato base, akin to sun-dried tomato paste. The color is a deep ruby red. The nose and palate is heady with an intriguing combination of Port and the essence of tomato (although tomato is not a listed ingredient). I am not sure what the creative team had in mind, but this unexpected flavor is the result of combining cacao, lion’s mane, damiana, tulsi (a basil-like herb with a supposed candied rum flavor), coconut vinegar, green tea, caraway seed, molasses, and agave nectar. What a fascinating ensemble. This has the essence of bloody mary without the acidity, and a sweet twist. A savory and refreshing drink when mixed with just seltzer. A- [ BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE] [ BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS] What sets Three Spirit apart from other grown-up ‘soft’ drinks is not only the fact that their spirit trio isn’t designed to impersonate anything else. Though part of their charm and appeal is that they aren’t aping gin, whiskey or another type of alcohol, a big reason they’re proving so popular is that these drinks aren’t just designed to taste great. Social Elixir, Livener and Nightcap each make promises about their ability to boost your mood in one way or another, using the power of plants and herbs from around the world to make you more sociable, energised or relaxed.