Alavie - Royal Cassis - 0,0%

Photo: Oliver Schwarzwald

Cassis from Paris!

French company Alavie was founded by Clementine and Sabrina (the last names are nowhere to be found). All products are also manufactured in France. The product range includes Royal Cassis as well as Fruity Notes, Gentle Bitter Notes and Woody Notes. All are completely alcohol-free at 0.0%, vegan and sugar-free.

The design and layout of the label are obviously influenced by Art Deco, and the two founders also explain on their website that they feel inspired by the women's emancipation movement of the 1920s. In terms of design, Alavie definitely manages to capture the vibe of the Roaring Twenties. Good design makes a lot of difference in non-alcoholic products. Nothing is worse than a bottle that reminds you of kiddie soda. Adult design in non-alcoholic conveys: People here "drink" at the same level, and lowers the social pressure that "non-drinkers" still face. Better yet, it often makes it unnoticeable, and you don't have to face the usual questions.

The first product I chose was Royal Cassis, because I'm a big fan of cassis in drinks. In the past, it was drinks like Kir Royal or Vermouth Cassis for me. Today, both drinks can be remixed very well as non-alcoholic alternatives. I like to drink them on special occasions, and don't feel triggered, nor do I miss the alcoholic component. Even though it is often said that drinks without alcohol are not as complex. I hear that argument all the time, the only question is, what exactly do I want? With Alavie's Royal Cassis, I actually miss some depth and differentiated flavors, but I'm very happy to accept this small drop in flavor because I no longer want to drink alcohol. Ethanol may be a flavor carrier, because some substances split better in it, but it is also a neurotoxin to proven carcinogenic and can be addictive. The pros and cons are clearly divided for me here.

Royal Cassis from Alavie is a good alternative, and a nice addition to the range of non-alcoholic Sparklings. With grapey-tart undertones and the fruit flavors of blackcurrant, Royal Cassis stands out from other drinks, and is excellent for pure enjoyment, but also for a spritz. For example, with non-alcoholic vermouth, red or white, or with a non-alcoholic Amaro (Mondino, BTTR No1.). Because a little more bitter note is quite good here, and so there should be enough complexity in the jar again. In any case, try it!

À votre santé !