Kelly Beswick discovers a bittersweet botanical drink that redefines what a non-alcoholic aperitif can be, and what’s more, it’s completely natural and ethical

I’ve never been a big fan of non-alcoholic beverages masquerading as alcoholic ones. Too often they seem desperate to imitate the experience of drinking wine, beer or cocktails, while somehow missing the point entirely. That was before I was introduced to Botivo, a drink so distinctive and satisfying it deserves a category entirely of its own.

More than an alcohol-free alternative

Described as a botanical non-alcoholic apéritif, Botivo is unlike anything else I’ve tried. It’s intensely refreshing, bittersweet, herbal and citrusy all at once, with a complexity that slowly unfolds as you sip it. Rather than attempting to mimic alcohol, it creates its own ritual and experience. Served over ice with chilled soda water and a generous wedge of orange, it feels grown-up, celebratory and deeply restorative, particularly on a warm summer’s evening when you want something crisp and invigorating without the heaviness of alcohol.

A flavour that lingers

The flavour is what truly sets it apart. There’s an almost medicinal depth to it, but in the best possible way. You get bright citrus notes first, followed by aromatic herbs and a lingering bitterness that keeps you going back for another sip. It’s refreshing without being sweet and sophisticated without trying too hard. I can completely understand why it has developed such a loyal following.

What makes Botivo so interesting is not just the taste, but the care and patience behind it. The drink is hand-blended in small batches at Lannock Farm in Hertfordshire and takes over a year to make from start to finish. Its ingredients include aged British apple cider vinegar from Devon, organic wildflower honey, rosemary, thyme, gentian root from France, wormwood and orange zest. The process is inspired by ancient oxymels, herbal tonics once prized for their restorative properties, which perhaps explains why drinking it feels as much about wellbeing as pleasure.

Slow production, thoughtful values

The company’s ethical credentials are equally impressive. Botivo is proudly B Corp certified, meaning it meets rigorous standards around social and environmental responsibility. Wherever possible, ingredients are sourced from British growers to reduce carbon footprint, while the brand also champions traditional orchards and slow, minimally processed production methods.

At £27.50 a bottle, available from Waitrose & Partners, Whole Foods Market and Majestic Wine, Botivo certainly isn’t cheap. But this is not something you glug mindlessly. A little goes a very long way and, with around 20 servings per bottle, it suddenly feels far more justifiable.

Why it tastes so good

Ultimately, I think Botivo tastes so good because it is good — from the sourcing of its ingredients to its thoughtful manufacture and the ethical stance of the company behind it. In a world crowded with forgettable alcohol-free alternatives, this is something genuinely special.

Our reviews are written by etheco staff and the wider etheco community, based on their personal experience. They do not represent the views or constitute a recommendation from etheco