FAQS
Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions. For further help, please contact our distillery on info@etotadrinks.com or call +61 2 6680 8849. You can also send us a DM via Instagram or Facebook. We are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST.
PRODUCT
What is an aperitivo?
An aperitivo, also known as an apéritif, is typically a low alcohol beverage served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, and is bitter and dry rather than sweet. It was popularised in Italy and France. Etota Bittersweet Aperitivo is a non-alcoholic version of the aperitivo (the Italian counterpart to the French apéritif), where during the distilling process, the alcohol is gently removed.
So let me get this straight - there is no alcohol?
That's right. We take 15 fruits, spices and herbs and distill these in alcohol for 96 hours. We then remove the alcohol to leave a 0.0% ABV drink that can be enjoyed as a pure non-alcoholic (no artificial preservatives) or mixed with booze, giving you the choice to drink less, while still enjoying maximum flavour.
And you can mix it with alcohol?
Yes, we created our first product Bittersweet Aperitivo to give drinkers choice. You can use it as an alcohol alternative or mix it with booze - it pairs really well with gin. Research shows that people are drinking non-alcoholic drinks alongside alcohol beverages - this is now referred to as the 'Mindful drinking movement'. Etota is one thing to everyone - drinkers, non-drinkers and people who want to drink less. Enjoy it your way.
How do I drink it?
Bittersweet Aperitivo can be enjoyed on its own as an alcohol alternative by serving 50ml on ice. Or you can mix with it with 100ml of soda or 100ml of tonic, and garnish with lemon, a slice of red ruby grapefruit or garnish with an orange peel. It pairs really well with gin if you want to mix it with booze. You can also use it to make seriously superior mocktails or cocktails with the recipes on our website HERE. The Bittersweet Spritz is pre-mixed and ready to serve once chilled. Drink straight from the can or serve on ice.
What's the sugar content?
We use Grape Juice Concentrate instead of sugar, which is 10.2G per 50ml serve in the Bittersweet Aperitivo and 13.34G in the 330ml can / 1 serve of the Bittersweet Spritz. Our ingredients are 100% natural - 15 fruits, herbs, teas and spices. We do not use refined sugars, stevia, natural flavouring, artificial preservatives or colours . We are a complex bittersweet aperitivo formulated by award-winning bartenders and made for the mature palate. Etota was created to be enjoyed.
Nutritional Information
Bittersweet Aperitivo Per 50ML Serve: Energy 215KJ, Protein 0.2G, Fat 0G, Saturated Fat 0G, Carbohydrate 12.4G, Total Sugars 10.2G, Sodium 9MG.
Bittersweet Spritz Per 330ML Serve: Energy 310KJ, Fat < 0.2G, Saturated Fat < 0.1G, Sodium 128.7MG, Carbohydrate 16.17G, Total Sugars 15.84G, Protein 1.75G.
What does it taste like?
When first sipped Etota's non-alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitivo tastes sweet and then quickly transitions to bitterness on the tongue, with a bite in the jaw. Base notes of gentian and schisandra give a sharp, radiating tang, while mid notes of saffron and rooibos add a floral perfume. Bright, soft fruits including strawberry, grapefruit and rhubarb, lift and sweeten. Bittersweet Aperitivo has dreamy depth and a creamy mouthfeel, similar to the alcohol classics you love, with an intoxicating bittersweet tang. The Bittersweet Spritz is a refreshing pre-mixed version of the Aperitivo, ready to serve once chilled.
What does it smell like?
Saffron brings a warm, buttery flavour profile while adding a perfumed floral to the drink. Dried Rosemary offers a lovely bouquet on the nose. Dried Rosella adds a subtle floral fruitiness. Our hero ingredient, fresh rhubarb adds bright yet vegetal notes and brings an aromatic stewed fruit flavour to the drink, enhancing your non-alcoholic drinking experience. Read more on our process and ingredients.
How long does a bottle last?
Our Aperitivo is shelf stable prior to opening for 6 - 12 months. Once opened we suggest refrigerating and consuming within 30 days. Bittersweet Spritz is pre-mixed with carbonated water and is shelf stable for 12-months. We suggest consuming immediately once opened. Etota is 100% natural with no preservatives, artificial colours or flavours. This means sediment may occur, however does not mean Etota is still not perfectly safe and delicious to drink.
I noticed some sedimentation. Is it safe to drink?
Sedimentation is completely safe to drink. Like many natural beverages including wine and kombucha, some sedimentation in Etota's Bittersweet Aperitivo may occur. This is due to the fact that we have chosen not to use artificial and synthetic preservatives, additives, colours or flavours to maintain maximum purity of our drink. If desired, shake the bottle to reduce the sediment.
Does it contain stevia?
No, Etota Non-Alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitivo and Spritz do not contain Stevia, artificial preservatives, natural colours or natural flavours. Our product is made from 100% natural ingredients making it a top choice for beverage enthusiasts. Considering some of the ingredients going into other non-alcs these days, this is a big win for us.
Does the product contain caffeine?
Bittersweet Aperitivo does contain green tea, however the amount is minimal and the beverage generally has calming properties from its other ingredients.
Can I drink it when pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes, our product is 100% natural with no natural flavouring, colours, Stevia or artificial preservatives. It is healthier for you to drink compared to a lot of other non-alcoholic products currently in market. That said, check with your Doctor if you have any questions or concerns about drinking Etota Bittersweet Aperitivo when pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.
Why should I pay so much for a non-alcoholic drink?
We are a premium product. Etota costs $25 to make per 500ml, we retail this at $50 and our wholesale price is $30. After our business expenses, we don't make much of a profit from this product, which is why we plan to create sub products from the Bittersweet Aperitivo to grow.
SHIPPING
Where can I find Etota?
You can find Etota locally near you here!
If there isn't a stockist close by, purchase from our online store with free shipping for orders over $69.
How do I qualify for free shipping?
All orders in Australia over $69 qualify for free standard shipping. We also offer flat-rate express shipping Australia-wide for $15. Standard shipping Australia-wide for orders under $69 is $10.
You can find more information on our Shipping + Returns page.
When can I expect my order to arrive?
We have a 3PL partner in Melbourne, Australia who processes orders daily, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST.
Express shipping orders to Melbourne will arrive the same or next day. Standard shipping orders for Melbourne metro will arrive in 1 - 3 days.
All other metro locations in Australia will receive their express shipping orders in 1 - 3 days and standard shipping orders in 2 - 5 days.
Regional shipping locations in Australia can expect their express shipping orders within 2 - 5 days and standard shipping orders from 7 - 14 days.
International shipping times vary from 10 - 25 days.
Our distillery and 3PL are closed on weekends, public holidays and over the Christmas break for two weeks.
What is your returns policy?
We offer FREE RETURNS within 30 days of purchase, if the bottle is unused or unopened. Please email info@etotadrinks.com to organise your return.
Do you ship world-wide?
Unfortunately we do not ship outside of Australia right now, however we are in the process of setting up a warehouse in the United States to offer international shipping in 2024.
SUSTAINABILITY
How is Etota Bittersweet Aperitivo made?
Etota is made in small batches from a boutique distillery in Australia. Our maceration/extraction method using 95% NCS (Neutral Cane Spirit) was chosen to get maximum flavour, colour and mouthfeel from our ingredients. The NCS acts like a natural “solvent” to extract ingredient flavour, colour and tannins. They are allowed to steep/macerate no less than 96 hours before we strain them and are left with the “essences” of each. Once distilled, our product is hot filled, bottled by hand and sent to customers in recyclable packaging. The leftover ingredients are used to create more products or used on our gardens at home.
Can I recycle my packaging?
Yes. Our bottles can be recycled by removing the clear label on the front and placing the rest of the glass and back label into the recycling bin. The caps contain an artificial fibre to help them seal, so unfortunately need to be thrown into general waste. Alternatively you can post or drop your empty bottles and lids back to us to be reused at 7/70 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay NSW Australia 2481. The cardboard boxes we send your products in can be recycled. Like our product, our packaging is made in Australia.
How are you a circular economy?
We are currently formulating our next product from the waste extracts leftover from Etota distilling, to transform into a circular economy. Our remaining ingredients are used on our gardens at home. Etota is proudly distilled in Byron Bay, Australia. Our product is 100% natural, with no artificial preservatives. Handcrafted and bottled by hand, Etota is made from ingredients supplied by local Australian partners.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
How do I get in touch with customer service?
You can email us on info@etotadrinks.com or call us on +61 2 6680 8849. Our Customer Service hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday AEST.