It’s that time of year. Nil by mouth after all that endless Christmas grazing; a harsh regime of Couch to 5K and burpees in the park; a thorough household cleanse in place of an evening of box sets; and no more negronis at the end of a busy day. Step forward Botivo, a British made, non-alcoholic oxymel to make those long Winter evenings a little lighter.
An oxymel is a herbal tonic, made from an acid (usually vinegar and from the Greek word Oxys meaning sharp or pungent) and honey (from the Latin word Mel meaning, yes you’re quick, top of the class, honey). A herbal tonic is a preparation of aromatic roots, fresh herbs and botanicals made to promote good health. In ancient medicines, from cultures all over the world, these tonics were believed to have healing properties and the ‘father of medicine’, Hippocrates himself, recommended them for their medicinal properties.
The brainchild of Rupert Gatehouse, a cocktail and events consultant (who even knew that was a job?), Botivo is the result of years researching non-alcoholic drinks for his exacting clients. Created using a macerating method (steeping the constituent elements in liquid, in this case cider vinegar) that is centuries old, precise quantities of botanicals are combined (according to a top secret recipe) and the flavours allowed to develop over time. All the ingredients are raw, natural and untreated. And, like a wine, each batch will have its own very slightly distinct flavour profile, depending on weather, soil, quirks of pollination and other unique variables. It is produced and bottled (with corks and bright yellow wax) in rural Hertfordshire. Due to the self-preserving qualities of the ingredients, Botivo can be stored safely for up to six months unrefrigerated.
Rosemary - a woody shrub that is gloriously aromatic; viewed by herbalists as stimulating and mind clearing. Often found in aperitifs, as it is believed to tone the stomach and stimulate the appetite.
Rosemary - a woody shrub that is gloriously aromatic; viewed by herbalists as stimulating and mind clearing. Often found in aperitifs, as it is believed to tone the stomach and stimulate the appetite.
Gentian - an alpine flower, whose roots bring a lovely woody and bitter complexity to Botivo. A key ingredient that you will find in many cocktail bitters, aperitifs and vermouths.
Wormwood - has a uniquely aromatic profile that is an essential ingredient to the production of most absinthes and vermouth. It is an intensely bitter botanical and a powerful digestive.
Thyme - a beautifully fragrant herb that is known for helping clear the sinuses. It is less commonly found in aperitifs, but we use it to add another herbal layer to develop complexity.
Orange Zest - adds a subtle citrus note to help bind all of the ingredients. together
Pour Botivo over ice, top with sparkling water and a twist of orange zest. There’s enough complexity without the need for tonic! This rivals any French aperitif or Italian amaro and doesn’t break any of those pesky January resolutions. All that's left is to upgrade your drinkware, as this beverage deserves to be consumed in style.
