There’s something particularly cosmopolitan about drinking a cocktail at lunchtime. Maybe I’ve been watching a little too much Sex and the City lately, but the idea of taking a moment and sipping on a unique, elegant elixir instead of shoveling another salad into my face at my desk just sounds like such a treat.
That said, the idea is a bit better than the execution. I’m pretty sure anyone who drinks cocktails at lunch time has the luxury of also taking an afternoon nap, because if I drink anything even remotely alcoholic during the day, I’m sluggish all afternoon.
Enter: Hella Cocktail Co.
I’ve been familiar with them for a while now, and I’ve always admired their tradition of using fresh ingredients free of artificial flavorings and additives. Essentially they’re only using the good stuff. They initially started out as just a bitters company, but since their launch in 2016, the company has expanded to all sorts of cocktail products including a non-alcoholic mixer called Bitters & Soda.
Bitters & Soda is basically everything you want in a cocktail, minus the booze. Made with Hella’s delicious bitters, it’s a sparkling sugar-free, non-alcoholic apéritif that derives its refreshing, “smart” flavor from a spice-heavy, digestive health-supporting tincture. Their classic bitters recipe is made with a blend of gentian root, chamomile, star anise, rose hips, caraway, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, black peppercorns, wormwood, and angelica root.
Their current offerings are: Ginger Turmeric, Grapefruit, Dry Aromatic, Lemon Lime, and Spritz Aromatic (which does contain some sugar). Personally, I couand do)ld ( drink the Dry Aromatic flavor all day long, and it makes me feel like I’m a character in Mad Men.
However, when five o’clock rolls around, I’ve definitely been known to add a little bit of booze into my Bitters & Soda too. The perfectly balanced drink blends phenomenally well with a wide range of base liquors (I’m partial to gin), but it’s truly so satisfying on its own that I find myself reaching for a can on a Saturday night when I’m looking to have a good time but don’t want to overdo it.
Hella’s Bitters & Soda is the perfect marriage of convenience and quality. They currently offer a Variety Pack on their website, which contains all four of their zero-sugar flavors. I’d suggest starting off there to see what tickles your fancy, and I’ll catch you at lunch!
