The Social Elixir is definitely the variety that’s won the most praise – in fact we’ve gone on to gift it to one person because they liked it so much. At times I felt a little calm and enjoyed drinking an interesting drink without worrying about a hangover. Take the Quiz for 10% OFF >> Cacao is known as a heart openener – acting as a mild stimulant, it will raise spirits and ease the soul, whilst keeping you balanced and tuned-in. Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries, for improving cognitive function. It has a delicate taste and keeps your mind focused. Damiana is an ancient aphrodisiac from a native Mexican shrub. With its unique and delicious aromatic flavour, it is used to access the subconscious mind and induce lucid dreams. Social Elixir Tasting Notes Everyone has their reasons for avoiding caffeine, and just like with those avoiding alcohol, we're here to provide the alternatives! Nightcap

The Social Elixir is described by Three Spirit as “The Mood Booster”. It contains plant-based ingredients sourced from around the globe, creating a full-bodied drink with powerful flavours. The elixir is made with the likes of lion’s mane mushroom, yerba mate, cacao, damiana, green tea, passionflower and tulsi. Combined, they create a drink which is herbal with a bittersweet edge. Of all of the Three Spirit drinks, The Livener – in my experience – has the most pronounced effects. Some of the herbal ingredients contain natural caffeine, so there’s a definite energy boost. According to Three Spirit it’s only equivalent to a cup of coffee.

Euphoric heart opener

I tend to have more need to be awake than asleep these days. However, I’d been having a bit of an insomnia spell, so thought that was the perfect moment to give it a go. Three Spirit recommend a “Plant Tonic,” which is a simple 50ml of Livener with good, premium tonic – Fever Tree Mediterranean is perfect. The combination is such a hit in this house that we’ve not deviated from it. However, there are other suggested concoctions, including a “Fierce Spirtz,” with pink grapefruit and kombucha, and a “Livener Daquiri” with lime juice and sugar,. It’s not always easy. Many people (usually quite heavy drinkers) are highly sceptical about these drinks – especially as the manufacturer suggests you may catch some sort of buzz. That buzz is subtle, but very much present. I also love that it’s made with natural ingredients like valerian root and ashwagandha, which have calming properties that really help me relax.

I have many favourite plants so not possible to name THE favourite, but I can try and name a few. In terms of everyday joy and usefulness, it is hard to beat rosemary. I love growing it, I love cooking with it, and if I see it in someone's front garden I can't resist giving its leaves a little pinch and then savouring the smell which just puts a smile on my face. It's full of rosmarinic acid too which is a powerful antioxidant and good for preventing inflammation. F or s omething a little more exotic, I am particularly into cacao at the moment and have been experimenting with it in different ways. I long to visit small specialist farms in Guatemala to see the alien-like fruit grow on the tree and watch and learn about each step during harvesting of the cacao beans. I love the Hawthorn tree more than most; memories of climbing them when I was a little kid still resonates, and enjoying their magnificent pink flowers in Spring all over London makes me very happy. Their berries produce a wonderful flavour and they are one ingredient that I hope to work with in the future as studies show that the berry may help reduce anxiety and also reduce hair loss, who knew!? Despite not being one of the main ingredients in the drink, for me the overwhelming taste in the Nightcap is ginger. So, if you’re not the biggest fan of that then I apologise! I, on the other hand, am a massive fan of the plant so a gingery spirit is 100% up my street. On the nose, it was incredibly herbal. At first I wasn’t so sure about the scent but I think it just took a second to adjust to the strength of the flavour, and once you were familiar with it it was delicious.

It isn’t going to cure chronic insomnia, but this tasty beverage does give you a nice snoozy feeling to end the night. All Three Spirit Nightcap ingredients: Other suggested serves include a ‘Nightcap Old Fashioned’ served with ice, Angostura bitters, an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, or a ‘Zen Penicillin’ served with lemon, ginger syrup and smoky ginger honey. Nightcap Verdict It’s very strong and rich, with the definite throat burn that you’d get from a whisky. However, it’s also surprisingly “approachable.” After my first “sip and wince” experience, I took more time with it, letting it wash around my taste buds before slowly swallowing. With many people reaching for alcoholic drinks because they feel that they ‘help to take the edge off’ a long day, or that they ‘warm you up’ for social occasions, there’s an obvious appeal to a range of alcohol alternatives that brings you those benefits without the negative side-effects that come with drinking booze. As someone who enjoys trying new drinks, I was excited to give Three Spirit Social Elixir a try. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the experience.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom – Lion’s mane mushroom has been shown to have neuroprotective properties, which means it can help protect and regenerate nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It also contains compounds that may improve cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health.Three Spirit may be non-alcoholic, but these are no regular soft drinks or cordial! The amount of each active ingredient included in each of our drinks has been designed for adult consumption, not to mention the natural caffeine in our Spark and Livener. Sorry kids - Three Spirit is not for you. Designated drivers The Social Elixir was very unique and unexpected in a good way. I didn’t expect such a complex flavor from this non-alcoholic drink and really enjoyed it. It’s the most smooth/drinkable of the three in my opinion and my favorite. Lion’s Mane mushroom (which tastes a bit like chocolate) is a mood-booster and energiser, which studies also suggest improves overall cognitive health White willow bark, also called ‘nature’s aspirin’, is a much-loved natural painkiller that can aid rest thanks to its anti-inflammatory and and soothing properties

The first thing I noticed was the flavor – it had rich, complex notes of dark apple and cacao that made it a pleasure to sip on its own. But what really impressed me was the subtle lift to my mood that I felt after drinking it. The blend of adaptogens and other natural ingredients seemed to have a positive effect on my energy levels and overall sense of well-being. It’s full-bodied and bittersweet with a curious savory bite. The combination of active ingredients in plants, adaptogens, nootropics, spices, and herbs gives way to creative non-alcoholic elixirs with a complex flavor profile and (potential) mood-altering benefits. The Social Elixir includes lion’s mane mushroom, yerba mate, cacao, and damiana, offering numerous health benefits:Cacao – Cacao is rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage and inflammation. Consuming cacao has been linked to improved heart health by reducing blood pressure and increasing blood flow. Additionally, cacao contains compounds that can enhance your mood and reduce stress by boosting the production of endorphins and serotonin in the brain. Three Spirit drinks are low in calories – especially compared to alcohol. Per serve (without mixer): Guayasa is said to give you a euphoric feeling, fuelled by naturally-occurring caffeine, theobromine and powerful antioxidant compounds All Three Spirit non-alcoholic drinks are plant-based, 100% vegan with sustainably-sourced plants, and gluten-free. After a large serving, we felt nothing noticeable. I wanted this to bring relaxation and calm at the end of a long day and unfortunately, I just didn’t feel it.