Interest in better physical and mental health is one of the main motivators for many of us to reduce or eliminate our alcohol consumption. In addition to being alcohol-free, Sobrii is made with no sugar, no sweeteners, and no artificial flavours. Enjoying an evening cocktail no longer has to be an indulgence and can instead help you reach your wellness goals.
Like traditional alcoholic gin, Sobrii is made from natural botanical distillates and extracts, including juniper berries, coriander, allspice, and star anise. Sobrii also includes ginseng, a distinctive ingredient that you won’t always find in classic gins, that’s partly responsible for its unique flavour. Ginseng is associated with a range of positive health effects, helping to enhance Sobrii’s better-for-you benefits. Let’s take a closer look at ginseng and why it’s an essential ingredient in Sobrii.
What is ginseng?
Ginseng is a plant found in North America and eastern Asia, which consists of a light-coloured root, a stalk, long oval leaves, and red berries. The root part of the plant has been used as a natural medicine for centuries and continues to be one of the world’s most popular herbal remedies.
There are many types of ginseng, but American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) are most often used for their health benefits. The two have different effects on the body, with American ginseng associated with relaxation and Asian ginseng believed to be more invigorating. In Canada, American ginseng grows in Ontario and Quebec. Sobrii, which is distilled in Stratford, Ontario, incorporates Ontario-grown ginseng to pay homage to its own Canadian origins.
Better-for-you benefits of ginseng
Ginseng is sometimes called an “adaptogen,” a category of non-toxic plants that are said to help counteract the effects of stress on the body. Adaptogens like ginseng are a common ingredient in supplements and in functional food and drinks with added wellness benefits. Ginseng is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also linked to a range of potential health benefits, including:
- Improved blood sugar regulation
- Stronger immune system response
- Increased energy and reduced fatigue
- Improved mood
- Improved cognitive function, including better memory and concentration
- Reduced risk of certain cancers, including mouth, esophagus, lung, stomach, colon, and liver
What does ginseng taste like?
Ginseng has a pleasantly bitter, earthy taste that’s slightly reminiscent of licorice. Before taking a sip of Sobrii, you’ll notice the aroma of ginseng blended with notes of juniper and pine. Canadian Ginseng contributes to the herbal bitterness of Sobrii’s flavour, which is rounded out by warm notes of star anise and allspice. Together with other carefully-selected botanicals, ginseng gives Sobrii the authentic, gin-like flavour profile that makes it a wonderful alcohol-free substitute in your favourite gin cocktails.
To further bring out the earthy bitterness imparted by ginseng, try blending Sobrii with a mixer that also has a bit of a bite, such as Fever-Tree’s Aromatic Tonic Water which is made with angostura bark and botanicals. Take it up a notch further by adding a drop or two of Nickel 9 Aromatic Bitters, or try Sobrii in a Lo-Groni with Campari and Lustau’s Red Vermut.