What Is Seedlip?

Seedlip: The Revolutionary Spirit for Non-Alcoholic Connoisseurs

In a world where health and wellness have become paramount, people are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. Whether it's due to personal preferences, medical reasons, or a desire to lead a healthier lifestyle, the demand for non-alcoholic drinks has surged in recent years. Amidst this growing trend, one name stands out – Seedlip. Launched in 2015, Seedlip is the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, offering a sophisticated and revolutionary experience to those seeking an alcohol-free alternative. In this blog post, we'll explore what Seedlip is, its history, the process of creation, and even share some delightful Seedlip-based recipes.

What is Seedlip?

Seedlip is a game-changing creation by Ben Branson, a visionary entrepreneur who realized the need for sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks. It is important to note that Seedlip is not a mocktail or a simple alcohol-free version of a cocktail; it is a distilled spirit with the complexity and depth of traditional alcoholic beverages, minus the alcohol. It caters to individuals who crave the ritual, craftsmanship, and allure of a finely crafted cocktail without the after-effects of alcohol.

The History of Seedlip

Ben Branson's inspiration for Seedlip came from an old herbal book he stumbled upon while cleaning his family's farm in Lincolnshire, England. The book, written in 1651, contained recipes for distilled non-alcoholic herbal remedies. This historical gem inspired Branson to revive the ancient art of distillation and create a range of non-alcoholic spirits that would revolutionize the beverage industry.

After two years of intensive research and experimenting with different botanicals, Branson finally launched Seedlip in 2015. His vision was to offer a sophisticated alternative to sugary, soda-based mocktails that dominated the non-alcoholic beverage market. Seedlip became an instant hit and earned recognition as a premium, alcohol-free option for those seeking a more refined and flavorful experience.

The Distillation Process

At the heart of Seedlip lies a meticulous distillation process, which is key to extracting the intricate flavors from the botanicals. The process begins with carefully sourcing the finest ingredients, including herbs, spices, and other natural botanicals. These are then separated into specific flavor groups to maximize the extraction of essential oils and aromas.

Next, the botanicals are placed in copper stills with water, and a delicate distillation process takes place. The art of distillation lies in capturing the desired essence of each botanical while leaving behind unwanted compounds. The resulting distillate is then blended to create the various Seedlip spirit variants, each with its unique profile of flavors.

Seedlip Variants and Tasting Notes

 Seedlip is offered as three core variants: 

1. Seedlip Grove 42: With a zesty and citrus-forward profile, Grove 42 features botanicals like orange, lemon, lemongrass, and ginger. It's a vibrant spirit perfect for refreshing and invigorating cocktails.
2. Seedlip Spice 94: Spice 94 boasts a warm and aromatic character, derived from allspice berries, cardamom, oak, and lemon. It's an excellent base for a wide range of alcohol-free cocktails with a rich and complex flavor profile.
3. Seedlip Garden 108: This herbal variant features handpicked peas, hay, rosemary, and spearmint, resulting in a crisp and verdant spirit reminiscent of a stroll through a fresh garden.

It's worth noting that Seedlip might have expanded its range or introduced limited-edition variants since then, so I recommend checking their website for the most up-to-date offerings.

Seedlip-Based Cocktail Recipes

The beauty of Seedlip lies in its versatility, as it can serve as an exquisite base for crafting a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails. Here are three delightful recipes to get you started:

1. Seedlip Martini:

Ingredients:

 2 oz Seedlip Grove 42

• 0.5 oz dry vermouth
• Orange twist or lemon peel, for garnish

 Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
2. Add Seedlip Grove 42 and dry vermouth.
3. Stir gently until chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or lemon peel.

 2. Seedlip Spice & Tonic:

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz Seedlip Spice 94
• 4 oz premium tonic water
• Fresh lime wedges
• Ice cubes

 Instructions: 

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Squeeze two lime wedges into the glass.
3. Add Seedlip Spice 94 and stir gently.
4. Top up with tonic water.
5. Garnish with an additional lime wedge.

 3. Seedlip Garden Sour:

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz Seedlip Garden 108
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• Egg white (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as mint or rosemary) for garnish

 Instructions: 

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add Seedlip Garden 108, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
3. Shake vigorously to combine and froth the egg white.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs.

 Conclusion

Seedlip has undeniably transformed the landscape of non-alcoholic beverages, offering a sophisticated alternative for those seeking flavorful, alcohol-free options. Its rich history, meticulous distillation process, and diverse range of variants make it a truly unique and remarkable spirit. Whether you're embracing a teetotal lifestyle or just looking for a healthier way to enjoy cocktails, Seedlip has something to offer for every palate. So, next time you find yourself at a bar or hosting a gathering, consider trying out these Seedlip-based cocktails for a memorable and refreshing experience. Cheers to embracing a new era of non-alcoholic sophistication!