Three Spirit bring botanical alchemy to alcohol-free alternatives. They harness plant power to pack their drinks with adaptogens and nootropics designed to help you unwind or get the party started.
I've had Livener a few times so curious to try the whole range, I took advantage of a 15% discount to try The Starter Pack. As with their sparkling drinks, this is a mixed bag.
The Social Elixir - touted as the mood maker - contains damiana, tulsi, lion's mane and cacao, which will purportedly lift your spirits but this heady mix reminds me of cough syrup. Drank neat, the taste is deep raisin with an aroma not dissimilar to sherry. When mixed, it has a very sweet herbal, honeyed taste which can be overpowering. The recommended serve Light and Stormy - Social Elixir, ginger ale and lime - is reminiscent of a health tonic. It's murky appearance isn't that appealing either. It didn't elevate my mood but must have stimulant properties as I had trouble sleeping that night. Rookie error on my part.
Score: 2.5 out of 5
The opposite is true of The Nightcap. A concoction of lemon balm, valerian and hops, it smells deliciously like hot cross buns. It certainly lives up to the claim of dream maker. Mixed with Blood Orange Punchy soda after a night out, the cardamon, bitters and blood orange in the mixer complimented the notes of nutmeg, mace and citrus superbly. The soporific effects were quick: after one glass, both Mr Sober AF and I sleepily agreed it was bedtime. I don't always fall asleep straight away but on this occasion, drifted off into blissful slumber.
Score: 5 out of 5
My favourite by far is The Livener. This is truly top tier and genuinely feels like a pick-me-up. It has many of the same magic ingredients as Three Spirit Spark (which I also rate): guayusa, schisandra, ginseng and green tea. Bursting with sweet summer fruits and a fiery finish, Livener is versatile and can be paired with a plethora of mixers: tonic, kombucha, fruit based-drinks and sparkling AF wine.
Score: 5 out of 5
At £39.99 the taster pack does work out to be expensive - even with a discount code - considering you can only get four or five drinks out of one of 20cl bottle. You need to try these things. I love Livener and as an on-off sleeper, Nightcap is a blessing. I can take or leave Social Elixir. The large bottles are £24.99 each, which seems pricey still, but £2.49 a drink is much better value. This is about the going rate of a CBD drink, which have a similar mood-boosting effect.