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: Mellow, calming and sleep-inducing, Nightcap is the Yin to Livener’s Yang. Lemon balm and Valerian are well-known for promoting better sleep, and for helping to calm the body and make it easier to get to sleep faster, but here’s a bit more info on some of the other ingredients. The no/low alcohol market is continuing to grow, with a moderation trend that’s showing an increased demand from consumers for reduced alcohol, or alcohol-free drinks. By 2024, consumption is expected to grow by 31%, according to the IWSR. Green tea is another plant that’s naturally high in caffeine as well as loaded with polyphenols, so between this and the guayasa you’re pretty much guaranteed to get a healthy buzz if energy is what you need

As mentioned earlier, I am not someone who drinks alone, nor am I someone who often partakes in a nightcap. My version of a nightcap these days is sitting down with a monstrous mug of chamomile tea. Notable Botanicals: Lemon balm, turmeric root, valerian root, white willow bark, ashwagandha, vanilla

Euphoric heart opener

Note: reducing alcohol consumption, or going sober overnight, may not be an option for everyone. For some people, total abstinence could be the only way to go – if you're worried about your relationship with alcohol or fear you may be dependent upon it, speak to a doctor or trusted organisation, such as Alcohol Change UK . The botanicals within the Nightcap include lemon balm, turmeric root, valerian root, Hüll Melon hops, white willow bark, liquorice root, vanilla, ginger and ashwagandha (an ancient medicinal herb found in India, Africa and parts of the Middle East). Lion’s Mane mushroom (which tastes a bit like chocolate) is a mood-booster and energiser, which studies also suggest improves overall cognitive health Willoughby also encourages you to reflect on what you want your future to look like, as this could allow you to work out how changing your drinking could help you achieve that goal. Bring the water to a gentle simmer and cover. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until petals have lost colour and are pale. Leave too cool with the lid on.

Changing your alcohol intake can be an adjustment, so Willoughby recommends exploring sober curious podcasts, books and blogs. Macdonald also suggests connecting with sober groups IRL or online, seeing a coach or therapist if you want to dig deeper and telling your family what you’re doing. "People who love you, love you for you, not for what is in your glass and they will support you if you ask them," she says. My experience with each of the drinks was that they tasted enjoyable, they served their purpose, you could dress them up and down to your own desire, and miraculously I found that their claim to alter your mood wasn't unfounded.

Willoughby adds that you’ll most likely reduce your calorie intake from switching to low or no-alcohol options (and avoiding the late night munchies) and reduce your stress levels, as well as supporting your overall health and wellbeing. Made from lions mane mushroom which has been used for centuries for its nootropic properties, yerba mate which gives energy and daminia which is known for helping users access their subconscious, this mood-boosting concoction is by far my favourite of the three. As far as non-alcoholic drinks go, Three Spirit’s original range are some of the best options on the market right now. I’ve been working my way through an array of 0% gins, ciders and lagers lately, as well as trying out some 0% wines – and I can honestly say that the Three Spirit drinks reviewed here sit firmly at the top of my personal chart for grown-up drinks choices that don’t contain booze (or the risk of a hangover). Where the XC excels is in the other situations, the other miles that made up the bulk of our 7900. I didn’t bond with the fiddly touchscreen and its clunky map, the strangely noisy wipers or the 34mpg average consumption. The non-diluted elixir glided like syrup on my lips, it was earthy and sweet at the same time and it left a spicy aftertaste. Unlike anything I have tried before, It took a few sips to adjust to before I started to find it moreish.

Hüll Melon hops – yes, hops! Like beer, but not like beer, actually. Part of the same plant family as cannabis, hops are full of a compound group called terpenes which promote feelings of calm and relaxation Other suggested serves include a ‘Nightcap Old Fashioned’ served with ice, Angostura bitters, an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, or a ‘Zen Penicillin’ served with lemon, ginger syrup and smoky ginger honey. Nightcap VerdictRegardless, I was intrigued to discover whether or not this night cap drink would actually enhance my sleep, or make me feel as though I was winding down more easily, in place of my tea. Did you know that you can grow your own Green Tea in the UK? A few companies even harvest their own brews. Camellia sinsensis is well suited to life in the UK, as it would usually grow above the cloud line in the Himalayas, plants can cope with temperatures down to -10C (14F). As quite a social person, I don't often find myself short of words, or an ear to spill them into, so its been difficult to measure whether or not the drink is effective in enhancing social interactions. What I can say, however, is that I found the drink to have a calming effect, working with my brain to unjumble my thoughts and let me feel more in control of my mind. I can see how this would help customers with confidence in a social setting. It’s hard to describe the taste and mouthfeel of a drink that blends everything from cacao bean and passionflower to lion’s mane mushroom and caraway seed. What I can say is that it’s smooth, the overall taste is aromatic, and when served over ice with ginger ale it’s just the right level of warmth. Three Spirit recommend serving this with a slice of fresh orange or ginger, but a wedge of lime is also a solid shout. Function: I opened the bottle and lifted it to my nose. It smelled incredibly earthy, it half reminded me of a lovely, fresh and healthy summer salad whilst simultaneously bringing the image of pond water to my minds forefront. After experiencing its unusual juxtaposed scent I was a little nervous to taste it, but I mixed 50ml with tonic water as advised, and sat down to enjoy the morning.

Cacao is known as a heart openener – acting as a mild stimulant, it will raise spirits and ease the soul, whilst keeping you balanced and tuned-in. Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries, for improving cognitive function. It has a delicate taste and keeps your mind focused. Damiana is an ancient aphrodisiac from a native Mexican shrub. With its unique and delicious aromatic flavour, it is used to access the subconscious mind and induce lucid dreams. Social Elixir Tasting Notes In a nutshell, drinking less itself has a whole host of benefits – some people might find it reduces their anxiety symptoms or see an improvement in their mental health, others realise that they’ve got a lot more energy and sleep better without overdoing it on the tipple. You also won’t get hangovers – big win. This is my favourite from the collection. The flavour is tantalisingly complex and spicy; I would almost describe it as ‘silky’. It boasts an expansive list of 10 ingredients, including vivid-flavoured berries, uplifting aromatics, and a depth and warmth that’s so special. You have to try it! You’ve got to hand it to Three Spirit, the styling of these drinks is pretty special. When I’m opting for a sober night of drinking I still want to be able to feel ritzy and like I’m having a treat, and there’s something incredibly pleasing about all of these bottles. Anyway, I know it looks like I’ve made the same drink twice but I promise it’s a Livener and tonic in this one. Here’s the inside scoop on the palate and the point. Flavour: The Nightcap is a soothing elixir to be enjoyed at the end of the evening. Designed as a slow-sipper it will provide a dreamy, mellow feeling – helping to calm the mind and soothe the body. Health benefits inside the Nightcap

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However, I cant help but feel as though alcohol-free options for adults are limited, so when I saw advertisements for these Three Spirit herbal elixirs, my interest was certainly peaked and I had to see if it was as effective as it declared itself to be. Give me three Social Elixir & gingers and I will start to become mischievous. Whether that’s a placebo effect at play or the magic of plants, I can’t tell you, but there’s definitely more going on in a glass of this than you’ll get from a standard 0% spirit. All Three Spirit Social Elixir ingredients: Unfiltered for flavour and function. Some sedimentation is normal. Shake to awaken. Store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Reseal after opening and consume within 12 weeks. Please seek professional advice if pregnant or taking regular medication. Garnering its properties from tree saps, aromatic plants and ancient remedies used to relax and unwind, the Night Cap did fit in perfectly with an evening drink, and I did find myself to be relaxed. I was most excited to try the Social Elixir. I'm someone who only drinks alcohol in the company of others, so this bottle seemed to be the most suited to me out of the three.