As the demand for alcohol-free alternatives continues to grow, National Spritz Day on 1st August is offering a fresh excuse to experiment with new drinks that deliver flavour and social ritual without the alcohol.
One brand hoping to redefine the traditional Spritz experience is SENTIA, the alcohol-free spirits company founded by renowned psychopharmacologist Professor David Nutt. Rather than replicating the taste of alcohol, SENTIA has been developed around decades of research into the brain’s GABA system — the neural pathway associated with feelings of relaxation, sociability and wellbeing.
The result is a range of botanical spirits designed to be enjoyed in social settings, paired with carefully selected ingredients to create refreshing alcohol-free serves.
For National Spritz Day, SENTIA has unveiled two exclusive recipes featuring its GABA Gold and GABA Red spirits, offering different flavour profiles for different occasions.
What Is SENTIA?
Created by Professor David Nutt, one of the world’s leading experts in psychopharmacology, SENTIA is designed around botanical ingredients traditionally associated with relaxation, balance and wellbeing.
Unlike many alcohol-free spirits that focus purely on replicating classic drinks, SENTIA combines functional botanicals with flavour-forward recipes intended to complement social occasions without the inclusion of alcohol.
You can learn more about the science behind the drinks on the official SENTIA website.
Golden Hugo Spritz Recipe
A floral and citrus-forward Spritz combining elderflower, fresh lime and mint with the botanical profile of SENTIA GABA Gold.
Ingredients
- 50ml SENTIA GABA Gold
- 150ml soda water
- 12.5ml elderflower syrup
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- Fresh mint leaves
- Mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish
Method
- Add a small handful of mint leaves to a large wine glass and gently muddle.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add the SENTIA GABA Gold, elderflower syrup and fresh lime juice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
Botanical Highlights
According to SENTIA, GABA Gold includes ingredients such as ashwagandha, schisandra, damiana, ginseng and lemon balm. These botanicals have traditionally been associated with supporting balance, vitality, relaxation and wellbeing, making the serve ideal for summer gatherings and social occasions.
Sour Cherry Spritz Recipe
For those who prefer richer fruit flavours, the Sour Cherry Spritz combines tart Morello cherry notes with fresh lemon and SENTIA GABA Red.
Ingredients
- 50ml SENTIA GABA Red
- 40–50ml sour cherry syrup
- 15ml fresh lemon juice
- Soda water
- Morello cherries and a lemon wheel for garnish
Method
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Add SENTIA GABA Red, sour cherry syrup and lemon juice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with Morello cherries and a lemon wheel.
Botanical Highlights
SENTIA GABA Red features a blend that includes passionflower, magnolia bark, hawthorn and ashwagandha. The company says these botanicals were selected to create a softer, more relaxed drinking experience suitable for winding down and socialising without alcohol.
The Rise Of Functional Alcohol-Free Drinks
The alcohol-free drinks market has expanded rapidly in recent years as consumers seek alternatives that fit changing lifestyles. Functional beverages featuring botanical ingredients have become increasingly popular, particularly among those looking for options that can be enjoyed during social occasions without traditional alcoholic drinks.
National Spritz Day presents an opportunity to explore these alternatives, whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, enjoying a barbecue with friends, or simply looking for a refreshing seasonal drink.
For additional information about SENTIA and its alcohol-free spirits range, visit the official SENTIA website.
