Drink of the Week: Mother Root Ginger Nonalcoholic Aperitif

Whether I’m taking a night off from a packed schedule of visiting new bars, or spending time with some of my (now many) friends who opt not to drink, I thoroughly appreciate just how good alcohol-free culture has become. From spirit dupes to beers to aperitifs, the options truly abound. Falling into the latter category, Mother Root is a UK-born NA aperitif now rolling out stateside.

Because I taste so many beverages for work, I rarely drink a full glass of anything. But when I mixed up a two-ingredient spritz with Mother Root and club soda, before I knew it, my cup was drained. The success here lies in the simplicity. Founded by wine industry vet Bethan Higson, Mother Root contains just apple cider vinegar, honey, and ginger juice, with ginger and capsicum extract for a fiery kick. I wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what adaptogens or nootropics are, but vinegar, honey, and ginger? Those ingredients I understand—not to mention they’ve been used for ages to aid in happy digestion.

The bonus? It’s a genuinely delicious combo. Mother Root pours slightly viscous, and they recommend and dilution of 1:6 when mixing with soda water, but you can find other suggested recipes on their website. The simple NA aperitif is vibrantly tangy, with enough sweetness to round out and balance the vinegar, while the ginger provides some rich, earthy spice. The hint of capsicum extract (the heat found in peppers) provides just enough kick to be the “stopping factor” that you find in alcohol, so you can sip—rather than gulp—and enjoy. $39.95, motherroot.com