INGREDIENTS

"Etota Non-Alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitivo stands out above competitors because it was designed from the ground up by bartenders who understand how to create cocktails and have been doing so for many years in award-winning bars." 

 

A product that doesn't forsake flavour, our base palate takes its construction and ingredients from classic Italian/French style aperitifs. Once we established that base, various ingredients were brought in to create our mid and top palates. 

The maceration/extraction method utilising 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.  

Our product is unique in flavour, has a great mouthfeel and aromatic notes. It is versatile enough to drink on its own, mix with gin, can be used to create low ABV cocktails or as the base ingredient for non-alcoholic mocktails. Etota Non-alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitivo is 100% pure - no synthetics, fillers, starches or artificial preservatives. It is made from natural ingredients, and considering some of the other ingredients going into non-alcoholic drinks these days, this is a big win for us. 

 

BASE INGREDIENTS

Dried Gentian:
A bitter root, it is widely used in classical aperitifs and gives a very distinct taste (it is used in Campari and Aperol). It starts off sweet, but then has a long lingering bitterness, which can be mistaken as alcohol. Gentian root is used in traditional settings as a digestive tonic to stimulate stomach, liver, and gallbladder function, and can help with digestion problems such as loss of appetite, bloating, and heartburn.

Dried Schisandra:
An incredibly tart and bitter berry. The immediate tartness makes your mouth salivate and the bitterness in this berry comes in quicker and sharper than Gentian. This adds a complex savoury bitter note to our Non-Alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitivo. Schisandra is an adaptogen and has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to boost chi (energy, vitality, youthfulness and vigour). It can also help the body adapt to stress. 

Dried Rosemary:
Brings a vegetal/herbal brightness in taste and a lovely bouquet on the nose. Traditionally, rosemary has been used in Western Herbal medicine to improve memory, relieve muscle pain, stimulate hair growth, and support the circulatory and nervous systems. 

Dehydrated Grapefruit:
This is a great ingredient as you get the brightness of the citrus coming through the nose, the bitter “marmalade” taste from the skin and the sweet “marmalade” taste from the dried flesh. Grapefruit is a rich source of immune-boosting Vitamin C, Potassium and Magnesium for blood sugar, blood pressure and sodium regulation, and can also help with weight loss. 

 

MID PALATE

Dried Saffron:
This brings a warm, buttery flavour profile to our Non-Alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitivo while adding a perfumed floral to the drink. It is subtle, but helps bridge other flavours together. Saffron is a powerful spice high in antioxidants. It has been linked to health benefits including improved mood, libido, and sexual function, as well as reduced PMS symptoms and enhanced weight loss. 

Organic Rooibos Tea:
Rooibos has a unique grassy/vanilla taste that balances well with the bitter components of our drink. We get a large amount of tannins from Rooibos, that gives Etota Non-Alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitivo a grippy mouthfeel. It contributes a small amount of oil, which helps give the aperitivo a perceived creaminess and allows the drink to foam when mixed. As Rooibos Tea is rich in antioxidants, it can actively help improve heart health and reduce high blood pressure.

Organic Green Tea:
Adds an earth, grassy, tea flavour to Etota Non-Alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitivo while also contributing to the preservation of the other ingredients' taste and colours, and is high in antioxidants. Drinking green tea can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of several diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. 

 

TOP PALATE

Fresh Strawberry:
Brings layers of bright, soft red fruits through the red fruits of the drink, to create a perceived sweetness when sipped. Strawberries are low in calories compared to other fruits, and can help prevent inflammatory conditions like heart disease, while slowing down digestion of glucose.

Fresh Rhubarb:
Our hero ingredient, Rhubarb adds bright, vegetal notes and brings an aromatic stewed fruit taste to the Aperitivo. It also helps with additional layering of tannins through the drink. Benefits include improved bone health - the vitamin K content of Rhubarb helps you maintain strong, healthy bones. Rhubarb is an excellent source of fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, aid digestion and reduce Inflammation. 

Fresh Beetroot:
Is an incredibly versatile ingredient, and adds fruity sweetness and earthy tones, reminiscent of vanilla and cocoa. The deep richness of Etota's colour owes a lot to beetroot and it's natural starches add to the creamy texture of the drink. It is very much the backbone of Etota Non-Alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitivo. Beetroot is thought to be a powerful antioxidant which helps reduce the risk of heart disease, while supporting gut health, lowering blood pressure and potentially having anti-cancer properties. In addition, this folate-rich vegetable is regularly used to boost athletic endurance and support muscle recovery.

Dried Rosella:
The main contribution of Rosella is to add a vibrant red colour and a subtle floral fruitiness. For generations, Rosella (aka Roselle) has been used as a medicinal plant to cure toothaches, urinary tract infections, colds, and even hangovers. It can provide relief from cramps and menstrual pain, has anti-Inflammatory, antidepressant and antibacterial properties, can aid digestion and weight loss. 

 

POST DISTILLING

Citric Acid:
Added for the sharp acidity you initially get on the tongue, and to help lift lighter flavours and florals. Citric acid is naturally found in citric fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. 

Malic Acid:
Added for sourness and is the sharp bite you can feel in the jaw when drinking Etota Non-Alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitivo. It helps in saliva production getting the mouth ready to swallow. It is found in green apples, lychees and mangos. 

White Grape Juice:
This plays a very small part in the taste, but “marries” all the other flavours together.

Sweet Osmanthus Ear Mushroom:
An edible fungus which gives Etota Non-Alcoholic Bittersweet Aperitivo natural beverage protection and shelf stability, without the need for artificial preservatives, synthetics, fillers, or starches.