The Botanical Buzz around Adaptogen Cocktails

As part of our sober curious September here at the Spirit Level, we’ve been getting our kicks exploring adaptogen based drinks as an alternative to alcohol, to take our alcohol free cocktail game to a whole new level.  

In recent years, there's been a noticeable shift in the way people approach social drinking. Whether it's for health reasons, a desire for more clarity, or simply a lifestyle choice, more and more of our customers are opting for non-alcoholic options. But alcohol free shouldn’t mean boring. Enter: adaptogen drinks—the latest trend in wellness and a fantastic alternative with a botanical buzz. While there are lots of amazing premixed adaptogen drinks that we’ve been enjoying over the last couple of weeks, making our own adaptogen cocktails to serve in the bar had been our latest obsession. 

Adaptogens are natural substances, usually derived from plants and herbs, that are said to help manage stress and offer range health benefits.  They’ve been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are now being reimagined as an alternative to alcohol. Adaptogen fans claim that they nourish and support the body, helping you feel calm, clear, and energised.  

Of course at The Spirit Level we will always celebrate the benefits of a beautifully prepared, delicious alcoholic drink (or three) for all the obvious reasons,: but it can’t be denied that one too many can lead to fatigue, dehydration, and a lowered immune system. Adaptogen drinks, on the other hand, potentially offer some unique benefits. 

Some popular adaptogens are: 

- Ashwagandha: Helps reduce anxiety and promotes relaxation. 

- Rhodiola: Known for fighting fatigue and boosting mental clarity. 

- Maca: Enhances mood and energy without the crash. 

- Reishi Mushrooms: A calming adaptogen, great for unwinding after a long day. 

Regardless of health claims, we have found them to add layers of flavour that some other non-alcoholic alternatives don’t have. They avoid the sweetness trap and have a medicinal bitterness that makes then feel more like a “real drink”.  So far, we have enjoyed experimenting with the Three Spirits range of wines and elixirs and we will be introducing some elixir based cocktails on at our next pop-up on the 5th of October. Maybe mix up your cocktails this season and give something new a try.