what is a non-alcoholic aperitif?

what is a non-alcoholic aperitif?

a non-alcoholic aperitif is a complex, adult drink designed to be enjoyed before a meal or during social occasions, without any alcohol. it's not a mocktail. it's not juice. it's a category of its own: bitter, botanical, sparkling, and crafted with the same intention as a cocktail or a glass of wine.

the word "aperitif" comes from the Latin aperire, meaning "to open." traditionally, an aperitif opens the palate and signals the transition from day to evening. a non-alcoholic aperitif does the same thing, without the alcohol.

how is it different from a mocktail?

a mocktail is typically a cocktail recipe with the alcohol removed or substituted. it often relies on sweetness, fruit juice, or syrups.

a non-alcoholic aperitif is built from scratch. it uses botanicals, bittering agents, and aromatic ingredients to create complexity. think: pine, chinotto, pomegranate, chili, citrus. not sugar and grenadine.

mysa, for example, is made with 12 natural ingredients. it's sparkling, bitter, aromatic, and contains just 55 calories per 250ml can. all from real fruit. no artificial sweeteners, no industrial sugar.

why are non-alcoholic aperitifs growing so fast?

the global no/low-alcohol market reached nearly 20 billion dollars in 2023, doubling since 2019. it's growing at roughly 7% per year, with non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs as the fastest-growing sub-segment. (source: IWSR Drinks Market Analysis)

Gen Z is driving much of the shift. they drink 30% less than Millennials did at the same age. 21.5% don't drink at all. and 46% of young non-drinkers say they're simply not interested. (source: industry research / NielsenIQ)

but it's not just young people. 58% of no/low-alcohol consumers also drink alcohol. they're not sober. they're selective. (source: IWSR Consumer Research)

what should you look for in a non-alcoholic aperitif?

complexity. a good non-alcoholic aperitif should have layers. bitterness, brightness, depth, and a finish that lingers.

transparency. check the label. real ingredients, no artificial sweeteners, no hidden sugars. in 2023, the WHO recommended against using non-sugar sweeteners for weight control, citing potential long-term health risks. (source: WHO Guideline, May 2023)

intention. this isn't a replacement for alcohol. it's a choice in its own right. something you reach for because you want it, not because you're avoiding something else.

how to serve a non-alcoholic aperitif

chill it. pour over ice in a coupe glass. add a slice of grapefruit, orange, or chili if you feel bold. drink it before dinner, after work, or whenever the moment calls for something elevated.

frequently asked questions

is a non-alcoholic aperitif safe during pregnancy?
yes. drinks like mysa contain no alcohol and no allergens. they are safe to consume during pregnancy.

how many calories are in a non-alcoholic aperitif?
it varies by brand. mysa contains 55 calories per 250ml can, all from natural fruit juice. many traditional cocktails contain 150 to 250 calories.

where can I buy non-alcoholic aperitifs in Europe?
mysa is available online and at select retailers, bars, and restaurants in Luxembourg, Belgium, and France. the category is growing rapidly across Europe, which represents the largest no/low-alcohol market globally at roughly 4.5 billion euros. (source: IWSR)

what's the difference between non-alcoholic and alcohol-free?
in the EU, "alcohol-free" generally means less than 0.05% ABV. "non-alcoholic" can mean up to 0.5% ABV depending on the country. mysa contains 0.0% alcohol.

interested to try mysa? shop here. tastes like a forest at golden hour