Continuing with our previous article, here we will explain a little more about the other categories of non-alcoholic drinks that are entering the market today. We have the category of herbal distillates, liquor alternatives for 1 to 1 replacements and functional drinks.

Herbal Distillates

They are those that are made with traditional distillation processes that go through an alembic and the distilled product is printed in a liquid (traditionally an alcohol), these alternative drinks to alcohol seek to recreate drinks that come from natural ingredients and which have been extracted from artisanal ways to preserve the qualities. However, since they cannot combine these extracts with a liquid as powerful as alcohol, they must use the next best option, which is water. This means that these drinks require a greater amount of raw material to achieve a smell, flavor and experience that can resemble an alcoholic drink.

You may wonder why this is? The truth is that one of the benefits of alcohol as an ingredient is that it is extremely effective in imprinting flavors and smells, imagine an alcoholic gin, it is a drink made from a mixture of grain distillates that go through the fermentation process until which has been infused with traditionally scents such as juniper and other herbs that, when distilled together, imprint their flavor and smell on this alcoholic liquor. Water does not have such powerful properties, therefore it is necessary to use a greater amount of raw material to create a greater concentrate of smell and flavor that will be printed in the water, in addition, this water will require additional ingredients to preserve it since the water It rusts and spoils without them.

This is how herbal liquor alternatives are created, being much more expensive to produce due to the raw materials needed and their short shelf life compared to an alcoholic beverage. They also tend to be drinks that are much more subtle in flavor and designed to be drunk in fine cocktails.

Some internationally recognized brands in this space are Seedlip and Amass, as well as the Mexican brand Runneght.

1 to 1 Liquor Alternatives

1 to 1 liquor alternatives are the result of the perfect combination of science and art. Made with carefully selected ingredients and innovative production techniques, these drinks faithfully recreate the flavors and aromas of traditional liqueurs without the presence of alcohol. What makes these alternatives so exceptional is their ability to precisely replicate the flavor profiles and sensory characteristics of their alcoholic counterparts. Using a combination of natural flavorings, botanical extracts and other synthetic ingredients, manufacturers manage to create drinks that are very similar to the original liqueurs.

Currently we find drinks such as whiskey, tequila or mezcal, gin, bitter aperitifs, citrus aperitifs, rums, among others.

These alternatives are designed for cocktails and are not intended for direct consumption, due to the ingredients used to recreate certain aspects of alcohol, they can be very strong if taken directly.

Some very interesting brands in this space are Cut Above, Ritual, Free Spirits, among others.

Functional Drinks

Functional drinks are much more than just a way to hydrate; They are powerful tools to achieve certain goals and improve your general well-being. Made with carefully selected ingredients and formulated to provide specific benefits, these drinks offer a convenient and delicious way to care for your body and mind.

One of the most notable trends in the world of functional drinks is the use of substances such as GABA, 5-HTP, adaptogens, THC and CBD. These natural compounds have been shown to have a variety of beneficial effects, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and promoting relaxation.

Whether you're looking to awaken your senses with an energy drink, connect with others in a social setting, or relax at the end of the day, there's a functional drink designed to meet your needs. From refreshing energy drinks to relaxing herbal teas, these drinks offer a delicious and effective way to care for yourself and achieve your wellness goals.

Some brands that are doing very interesting things in this space are KIN Euphorics, De Soi, Brez, Wink, and the Mexican brand MOOW.

We hope that this information is useful to you as you develop your flavor profile that will dictate your purchasing and consumption preferences at home and in consumer centers. Let us know what you think!