Born out of the desire to rethink what it means to “have a drink”, Optimist Botanicals is the first collection of distilled botanical spirits made without alcohol, sugar, additives or artificial preservatives – the first and only completely clean NoLo beverage collection that satisfies the demand of the growing ‘ Mindful Drinking’ movement. Originally created in LA with a master distiller, using a complex blend of meticulously sourced and carefully distilled ingredients, Optimist Botanicals are entirely free of alcohol, sugar, sodium, carbs, calories, additives, and artificial preservatives, allowing ‘sober curious’ gourmands and health-conscious consumers to enjoy a delicious craft spirit without compromising their mental or physical wellbeing.

Optimist Drinks’ first offering is Optimist Botanicals, signature distilled non-alcoholic botanical spirits that come in three elegant blends, BRIGHT, FRESH, and SMOKEY. A liquid love letter to Los Angeles, each unique flavor takes consumers on a sensory journey to salt-sprayed coastlines ( BRIGHT ), verdant canyons ( FRESH ) and arid desert ( SMOKEY ), inspired by the diverse cultures, landscapes and mindsets of LA.

Optimist Drinks’ Co-Founders, husband and wife Tommy and Lisa Farr Johnstone, realized that despite the popularity of the increasingly crowded NoLo (No and Low) alc drinks space, a crafted, complex importantly clean offering was missing. The original recipes were developed with a master distiller in Downtown Los Angeles.

The three (3) distinct blends each combine 10-15 unique botanical distillates, employing a range of extraction methods – steam, vacuum, and CO2 extraction, some you’d expect from a high-end craft spirit, but others more commonly used in perfume making or the cannabis industry. This ensures they use the truest ‘essence’ or ‘spirit’ of every botanical. The ingredients are meticulously sourced from all over the world, keeping sustainable farming and supply practices in mind.

BRIGHT is inspired by Venice Beach with notes of citrus, sherbert and salty sunshine featuring Lemon, Jasmine, Green Mandarin, Lavender, Turmeric, Cornmint, Orange, Tangerine, Fennel, Myrrh and Cinnamon Leaf.

FRESH takes its cue from the verdant Topanga canyons after a late spring rain with notes of wild herbs, wet leaves and earthy pine from Juniper Berries, Cilantro, Lime Peel, Fennel, Lovage, Basil, Angelica Root, Red Thyme, Tarragon, Jasmine, Habanero, Oregano and Tangerine

SMOKEY takes its inspiration from the High Desert at sunset with warming and intense notes of the bonfire, bittersweetness and spice from Lapsang Souchong, Bitter Red Orange, Clove, Ginger, Sage, Turmeric, Bergamot, Cinnamon leaf, Habanero, Geranium, Valencia Orange, and Jasmine.

In addition to creating an alternative beverage that gives people a choice, the freedom to experiment with their drinking rituals and enhance their social connections, Optimist has a broader mission to promote mental and social wellbeing and will create ‘tools for Optimists’ beyond the drinks, launching ‘In Progress’, a bi-weekly podcast that helps build a practice of optimism.

The founders of Optimist Drinks are building a company with integrity, purpose and one that is genuinely sustainable. There has never been a more crucial time for optimism, and Optimist believes that people deserve the freedom to experiment with their drinking rituals and strengthen their social connections without compromising their physical and mental wellbeing.

The company will direct 2% of all sales to provide access to mental wellbeing services for underserved youth in every market they sell in. Their non-profit launch partner in LA is a Safe Place for Youth, a Venice Beach-based organization that empowers young people experiencing homelessness to thrive by providing lasting, holistic, community-driven solutions. Optimist Drinks is also working towards B Corp status in its ongoing mission to safeguard both people and the planet through sustainable practices and promoting physical and mental wellness. Welcome to the year of the Optimist.

Source: The Optimist

Gnista’s follow-up project, “Barreled Oak,” was recently launched via a successful Kickstarter Campaign, bringing the world its first non-alcoholic spirit truly resembling a fine smokey spirit.

Gnista used birch and coffee wood for smoking, creating a full-bodied, dry spirit with tones of warm spices, barrel, and chocolate rye.

This rich beverage brings a unique and robust aroma with hints of cinnamon and ginger. The scent is almost reminiscent of star anise, although Barreled Oak contains none. This non-alcoholic spirit packs a flavorful punch, with a strong bitter taste and distinct texture coming through with the first sip. Although the drink comes on strong, it brings a light and fresh aftertaste. The flavors are well-balanced with a playful combination of sweet and bitter notes. The strong pepper and cinnamon notes create a delightfully unique, and memorable drinking experience.

Although the intense flavors won’t fit all tastes, we found it to be an invigoration addition to the bar. We loved adding Gnista Barreled Oak to ginger beer with a slice of lemon for a zesty cocktail. For a refreshing, non-alcoholic option, Barreled Oak with tonic and lemon provides a one-of-a-kind N/A cocktail experience.

Summary: While a spirit-like non-spirit is not everyone’s preference, Gnista Barreled Oak provides the perfect addition of a new cocktail-like non-alcoholic option for those who abstain from alcohol or those who are ready to experiment with a new, flavorful drinking experience.

For more information visit Gnista’s website.

Recently launched Gnista Spirits is set to redefine what a premium spirit really is. Through the making of non-alcoholic beverages that give a similar sensation, the team behind want to keep the good times normally associated with alcohol, just show there is no real need for the alcohol per se.

Through the making of non-alcoholic beverages that give a similar sensation, the team behind Gnista want to keep the good times normally associated with alcohol, while showing that there is no real need for the alcohol per se.

” We’ve planned for Barreled Oak since starting to develop Gnista early 2017. In fact, the drinks made with this one was the most appreciated by our customer bars and their visitors during a live test last year. But given the more complicated methods included, and us wanting to nail the degree and character of the smokiness, it’s taken a bit longer to get the Barreled Oak launch ready,” says Gnista’s founder and CEO Erika Ollen.

Industry experts are united in the view that the next generation’s non-alcoholic spirit is dark, full-bodied and intense. Gnista is the first brand globally that’s offering a premium product to replace whiskey. And so, it fills a gap in the continued increasing demand for interesting non-alcoholic options among sober socials, whilst it’s an exciting new addition to the strong and growing selection of fine whiskeys.

The first commercial batch of Gnista Barreled Oak will be bottled August 2020. Sales will be limited to Europe and the webshop at gnistaspirits.com and few selected European top bars to start with (already stocking the brand). Distribution is either direct or through partners Sprit & Co (Denmark) and Leske (Norway).

Consumers (also US) can get hold of a batch #1 bottle through supporting Gnista’s Kickstarter campaign, where backers donating $55 will get a bottle delivered to their door (limited amount only).

Source: Gnista Spirits

Marble-rita

Marble-rita was one of our favorite Blue Marble flavors. The effervescent blend of ultra-premium tequila, lime juice, and a hint of salt come together to deliver a perfectly balanced margarita experience. This small can packed a punch and mellowed nicely as the ice we poured it over melted slightly. This fun summery cocktail would be a perfect addition to your beach bag for an afternoon in the sun.

Screwdriver

We were impressed by the quality of the orange juice flavor in this cocktail. It was sweet and citrusy with a kick of smooth, premium vodka. Not watery at all, this cocktail blended nicely with ice for an easy-to-sip treat, perfect for pairing with a morning brunch.

Bloody Mary

Another morning classic, the Blue Marble Bloody Mary was zesty and peppery, just the way we like it! We wouldn’t add anything to this blend, except for ice, and maybe a pickle or olive for fun. Smooth, savory, and perfect for sipping, the Blue Marble Bloody Mary rivals any other pre-mixes we’ve tried.

Vodka Soda

This light and refreshing beverage cuts the wonderfully smooth vodka with just a slight hint of lime. Blue Marble Vodka Soda brings a convenient and flavorful take on a traditional summer classic. We love that this carbonated combination doesn’t require you to open and add soda water, which always seems to go flat before you use it again! Blue Marble Vodka Soda would make an excellent companion on any summer afternoon outing.

Cosmo

The Blue Marble Cosmo was definitely on the sweeter side and was a little heavy for our taste. We would recommend adding a splash of water or waiting for your ice to melt a little before taking your first sip. The bitter cranberry and tart lime deliver an intense and flavorful experience that coats your mouth and lips. With its light pink color, this festive cocktail makes for a fun and festive addition to a night on the town.

Overall: We can see why these little cans have won some big awards. Blue Marble Cocktails are convenient, artfully-crafted, beverages that make it easy to bring cocktail hour away from the bar to wherever you want to enjoy a great-tasting drink.  We also love Blue Marble’s commitment to supporting global awareness, conservation, and environmental initiatives.

For more information visit Blue Marble’s website.

Canned wine saw a 44% increase in sales volume from 2018 to 2019, translating to a 71% increase in dollars (IRI). “We’re leaning into key consumer trends with the launch of the unicorn rosé bubbles,” says Amanda Wygal, Director of Marketing for 14 Hands. “Research shows the preferred type of wine in a can is sparkling rosé wine. Our goal is that the 14 Hands Unicorn Rosé Bubbles captures the imagination of consumers and seamlessly integrates into their lifestyle.”

On shelves nationwide in grocery retailers and convenience stores while supplies last, the lightly effervescent rosé bubbly offers notes cranberry, pomegranate and Bing cherry, giving way to a juicy crispness and refreshing finish. Consumers can also have the product delivered straight to their doorstep via Drizly where available.

Source: 14 Hands Winery

1. Let’s start from the very beginning. What is the story behind Stonebush?

Our leadership team has broad experience in the beverage and consumer packaged goods industries – I myself was a key account manager with Coca-Cola for five years. So once responsible adult-use cannabis became legalized in California in 2016 and there was a growing need for innovative yet approachable products, making cannabis wine was a no-brainer for us. We got right to work to make the best dealcoholized, THC-infused wine possible and launched Stonebush in October 2019. The past several months have been very exciting and we’re looking forward to the future as our brand and the market as a whole continue to evolve.

2. THC infused beverage brands are a new category in the market. What are the biggest challenges Stonebush’s team has overcome during the development process?

The first challenges were making sure that our THC-infused wine tasted great and had a precise dosage of cannabis with a quick onset time. To achieve that, we partnered with infusion specialists Vertosa, who developed a custom cannabis emulsion system so our Stonebush Pink looks and tastes like rose and ensures that imbibers will feel the effects of the THC in just 10 to 15 minutes.

We use a blend of Lemon Skunk, Purple Trainwreck, and OG Kush from California’s Emerald Triangle to create the lovely euphoric and cerebral high that our customers enjoy. And each serving of Stonebush is 7.5 mg of THC, which is typically a manageable dose for consumers of all levels of cannabis experience.

The next challenge involved packaging. We wanted to use a classic, clear wine bottle, but California cannabis packaging laws prohibit see-through packaging. To solve that, Stonebush is still served in a clear bottle, but the bottle packaged within a colorful, branded, easy-to-transport box.

3. The beverage itself looks really fun and tasty. Can you tell us more about its qualities?

Absolutely! We really pride ourselves on the taste. Reminiscent of rosé, the flavor is pleasantly tart with notes of citrus. There is no “weed-like” taste to overwhelm the light, crisp wine. It’s also low in calories at just 18 calories per glass — a traditional rosé wine with alcohol has about 130 calories per glass.

For the wine-making process, we use traditional European fermentation techniques along with Californian grapes. The de-alcoholization process is done using equipment often referred to as spinning cones that produce a low-temperature vacuum distillation. This is the very best process to remove alcohol from wine, while maintaining the flavor and keeping aroma intact.

4. A clear marketing strategy is one of the keys of success. Who is Stonebush’s target market?

We have a fairly wide target market. Women gravitate towards the cannabis wine, but in general, new and moderate cannabis users have become fast fans of Stonebush. As a beverage, it’s familiar, yet exciting, and the controlled dosage makes it an ideal sipper for the canna-curious.

5. It looks that the very beginning for Stonebush was pretty great. What are the biggest goals set for 2020?

Making our product more accessible, including by being available in more stores and later this year and offering single-serving bottles. The cannabis beverage industry has a great deal of potential and we are just getting started!

6. Your experience in beverage industry is truly breathtaking. In your opinion, what are the biggest trends every beverage startup shouldn’t miss these days? Where the industry is heading?

As people continue to become more health-conscious there is a trend towards beverages with lower sugar/calorie content and a move away from beverages with artificial coloring and preservatives. You can also see a lot of new and unusual flavors available.

For more information visit Stonebush’s website.

The Mindful Drinking initiative was the brainchild of Dan Whiteside, the group’s Bar Development Manager who wanted to develop a range of delicious drinks that could have potential health benefits for guests as well as identifying the opportunity to create more inventive non-alcoholic options.

Bill’s are working with TRIP and the two flavors in the new Mindful Drinking Section of the menu are Elderflower and Mint TRIP Lightly sparkling elderflower & mint drink with 15mg full spectrum CBD, l-theanine, ginseng, lemon balm, chamomile & rooibos, Peach and Ginger TRIP Lightly sparkling peach & ginger drink with 15mg full spectrum CBD, l-theanine, chamomile, lemon balm, ginseng & turmeric.

Dan has worked with TRIP to develop a new non-alcoholic cocktail for the menu Deep Peach Pink grapefruit, lemon verbena & earl grey cordial, topped with peach & ginger TRIP.

Dan Whiteside says, “The CBD market is a growing market that Bill’s are proud to be involved with because more people are wanting drinks that can have health benefits and the big talking points at the moment are mental health, wellbeing, and health in general. We have created a range of CBD infused drinks which are not only delicious and non-alcoholic but have health benefits too.”

Olivia Ferdi (co-founder of TRIP) says “We are thrilled to be partnering with Bills on this exciting and truly innovative initiative. At TRIP we strongly believe in the power of this plant and the range of social occasions that can be further enhanced, enjoying its incredible functionality. Consumers are increasingly empowered to demand healthier options on the menu and we’re delighted to provide a quality-driven, delicious and convenient option for customers nationwide.”

TRIP helps you find your calm amidst the everyday chaos, so you can relax into your best self.

Source: TRIP

The exciting new beverage will also take to the sky, as the company recently sealed an arrangement with Air Culinaire to be featured on the company’s new lifestyle menu for its private jet service on the New-York, New Jersey route.

Wine Water currently serves its portfolio of single-serve 350ml bottles designed to be enjoyed at home or social gathering They currently serve the upscale US food retail sector under a national marketing contract with UNFI, a world-leading natural food distributor. O. Vine is available also in selected natural food stores as well as on Amazon.

Food Intelligence experts at Innova Market Insights report a growing global trend for moderating alcohol consumption. A recent Innova poll (US, UK, France, Germany, China, and Brazil) revealed that 1 in 4 consumers have cut down on their alcohol consumption in recent years in pursuit of healthier lifestyles.

The Wall Street Journal reports of a slump in wine sales for the first time in 25 years as new substitutes enter the market. The Beverage Strategist points to an up and coming “Sober Curious” movement characterized by a new generation of consumers seeking novel beverage experiences with “healthier-for-you” attributes. Individuals who identify as “sober curious” are seeking to reduce alcohol consumption. The Dry January campaign has been attracting more year-on-year recruits opting to abstain from alcohol consumption throughout January in pursuit of a healthier and more moderate lifestyle.

“Sobriety is trending now in the US, with millennials, in particular, seeking value-added waters and beverages imbued with functional benefits. The younger generation is practicing more mindful drinking,” notes Bill Sipper, Managing Partner at Cascadia Managing Brands, O.Vine’s US Brand Management Company. “These segments still very much want the social experience but not the alcohol and are more than ready for innovative alternatives.”

Wine Water created its chic line of still and sparkling red and white wine grape infused waters, shaping a new category in alternative waters that sent waves across the food and beverage landscape.

Unique to the O.Vine formula is that it is composed of upcycled fruit residue from the traditional winemaking process reusing the intrinsically polyphenol-rich skins and seeds from the remains of a choice blend of wine grape varieties.

The result is a refreshing, wholly sustainable beverage that can be savored at a soirée or business lunch without any intoxicating effects, yet at the same time, it delivers antioxidant benefits naturally present in wine grapes.

 “We have noted a drop in wine sales this year and the US consumer market of alcohol drinkers is evolving. They are more health-conscious, sophisticated and sobering up somewhat and zero-booze bars are popping up across the country,” says Anat Levi, CEO, and Founder of Wine Water “Americans are expressing a desire for specialty crafted beverages that can give the same experience of enjoying an adult beverage but with a wellness and sustainable twist. It is a gap in the market that has long-awaited to be filled and O.vine does that.”

The elegantly bottled and aromatic line of O.Vine infused water beverages are natural, non-alcoholic, clean-label, contain no preservatives, added colors, or sulfites, and their blush and cream tones are naturally drawn from the raw material of the wine grape pomace.

Source: O. Vine

Haymaker’s Punch is made with Apple Cider Vinegar, Dark Cherry Juice Concentrate, Honey, and Ginger Juice. Their HP+ recipe has an added 70mg of caffeine. Both versions are 100% USDA organic, certified gluten-free, and contain NO artificial preservatives! They say the natural electrolytes and antioxidants in their switchel could help give your energy a boost WITHOUT any nasty artificial ingredients! They also donate 10% of their profits to aid American family farmers, which we love!

HP

The classic Haymaker’s Punch recipe was one of the best switchels we’ve tried! Some switchels can be too sharp and acidic, making them difficult to even stomach. This one was overall smooth and balanced, with just the right amount of bite from the organic Apple Cider Vinegar. The honey comes through nicely and gives the drink a warm flavor and aroma, which we found both soothing and refreshing to drink! The original HP flavor had a clean finish with no coating in the mouth, which is another issue we’ve had with other vinegar-drinks in the past! Sweet, tart, warming, and rejuvenating!

HP+

There’s not much for us to say here, but that’s a good thing! Because the HP+ version of Haymaker’s Punch tasted fairly identical to the uncaffeinated version! We couldn’t detect any aftertaste or change in texture at all! The only difference may be that the honey flavor is slightly more pronounced in HP+, but the difference was minimal! We love that they give you the option of going for a classic switchel or giving yourself an extra boost, with no compromise on taste! HP+ is still 100% USDA organic( even the caffeine!), certified gluten-free, and free of synthetic preservatives!

For more information visit Haymaker’s Punch’s website.

Who or what inspired you to create Gnista?

A few years ago, the first premium non-alcoholic spirit brand was launched, and soon others followed. They have in common that they are based on a “distilled” production method and transparent liquid, thus being positioned as “non-alcoholic gin”. In our opinion, the flavour of those didn’t resemble alcoholic spirits at all. And we simply thought there must be an opportunity for non-alcoholic spirits that better imitate the character of alcohol and spirits.

Gnista has a very pleasant taste. Can you tell us more about ingredients and main notes of your brand?

The first version, released September at Scandinavian bars and to consumers in Europe via e-commerce, is called Floral Wormwood. It’s aromatic and fresh on the nose, with bitter tones of wormwood and green herbs, hints of orange peel and has a floral finish.

In order to achieve a “spirit-like” end product, we’ve used a unique combination of modern gastronomy, food tech and classic spirit making techniques; where distillation, brewing and barrel ageing are central. Gnista is handcrafted and made in small batches, and since the ingredients/produce change with the season, you can expect small flavour variations between each batch.

Our second version/flavour is to be launched this spring and will have a very different character, to complement Floral Wormwood and better suit people who’re into Whiskey and Rhum.

Releasing a unique beverage brand is quite challenging. What difficulties did you face so far? What is the hardest part of creating and launching a beverage brand?

We launched another drinks brand in 2015 and all learnings from that period has been put into Gnista! Our approach this time has been to work in close collaboration with great bars from the start, in order to create a product that actually has the ability to replace spirits in drinks.

Still, two things have been new and challenging this time around: 1) The development process – since it contains a variety of methods and products, it’s taken much testing (and conclusion that we need a master blender who can make the final adjustment even when produce and seasons differ).

And 2) Another thing we’ve learnt is how the industry works when it comes to partnerships and collaborations – better bars and chains often have paid partnerships with the established spirit brands. Which has made us realise that an established partner when going global would make life easier!

Gnista is a unique brand with a lot of energy and courage. Who is your target market?

People who like the complex and challenging taste of fine spirits, but who sometimes or always want to avoid the alcohol (including the growing group of “sober curious”).

Gnista is a Swedish word which means ”spark”. Why this name was picked for your beverage brand?

Cocktails and spirits have for decades been an obvious part in most peoples’ lives. We say let the moments and the cocktails live on! But believe alcohol has become obsolete. Our pursuit to create non-alcoholic spirits truly resembling fine spirits – that’s our spark.

What is the biggest milestone you aim to reach in 2020?

Enter new markets both through and continue to drive the trend of better low/no cocktails.

In your opinion, what are the biggest trends in the beverage market every startup should notice in this year?

THC/CBD and other functional aspects. But also craftiness, and more flavour specific woody, botanical, bitter and smoky.

What advice would you had given yourself before you started out in the beverage business?

Stern determination is needed at all times, and nothing ever comes for free.

For more information visit Gnista’s website.