FOOD & DRINK
Botivo.
By Jonathan Campbell
Botivo is a non-alcoholic in the style of Italian aperitivo classics such as Campari and Aperol. Its makers have rather cleverly identified the hour when you’re most likely to reach for a restorative glass of wine or gin and tonic: branding this moment “The Yellow Hour” – no doubt to reflect the distinctive yellow wax that seals their bottle […]
Botivo was recommended by the wonderful Kathy Woods, who has a keen eye for interesting brands and whose good taste we trust implicitly.
Botivo is a non-alcoholic in the style of Italian aperitivo classics such as Campari and Aperol. But this is no ordinary non-alcoholic drink. Unlike practically everything else we’ve tried, its secret-ish recipe based on cider vinegar, wild flower honey and familiar botanicals such as rosemary has resulted in something that, when served with sparkling water and plenty of ice, really makes you feel like you’re having a drink.
Its makers have rather cleverly identified the hour when you’re most likely to reach for a restorative glass of wine or gin and tonic: that moment you get home or arrive somewhere to meet your friends after work, and drinking alcohol feels the natural thing to do. They have branded this moment “The Yellow Hour” – no doubt to reflect the distinctive yellow wax that seals their bottle.
Despite the name, Botivo is actually not Italian. Hand-blended in small batches on Lannock Farm in Hertfordshire, it takes a whole year to create this botanical wonder drink. The ingredients include orange for a bit of citrus bite, wormwood and gentian for bitterness, rosemary and thyme for their aromatic qualities and the honey for sweetness. The team behind it describe their creation as "an intensely refreshing aperitivo (non-alcoholic) with a bittersweet backbone, herbal notes and a tang of citrus.”
The Obsessive has been enjoying Botivo with sparkling water and ice as recommended, but also mixed into a Botivo Negroni, consisting of 25ml equal measures of Dry Gin, Botivo, Dry Vermouth and water, with a twist of lemon and ice. Not only is it delicious, but also works out around 8% less alcoholic* than a traditional Negroni. Which must count for something.
*drunken estimate
Visit www.botivodrinks.com
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Images. The Obsessive/Botivo
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