Top 5 Non-Alcohol-Free Cocktail Ingredients

CBD has become an increasingly popular ingredient for cocktails, and the alcohol-free beverage market is growing rapidly. However, great-tasting non-alcoholic drinks still remain elusive for many consumers, according to industry experts.

OTO’s cbd bitters are designed to enhance the flavor of drinks, mocktails and tonics by combining carefully selected botanical extracts with their 50 milligrams of CBD per measure. The ingredients — including stress-relieving licorice, antioxidant-packed cardamom and cacao — complement the effects of CBD.

1. Lavender

Lavender is a flowering plant that’s prized for its aroma and medicinal properties. It’s often used to treat headaches, depression and anxiety, and as a sleep aid. It also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

It can be found as an essential oil or dried herb. The plant is native to the mountainous regions of northern Africa and parts of the Mediterranean coast. Its flowers are gathered in summer and autumn, and then dried for use. The dried herb is usually more fragrant than the fresh one. Lavender can be used as a garnish for cocktails or as part of a tea. It can also be added to baked goods, salads and other savory dishes.

Inhaling the fragrance of lavender can help with insomnia, depression and anxiety, and it may also help to ease migraine headaches. It can also improve memory, and a study of nursing students showed that when they sniffed lavender before taking an exam, they were better able to concentrate and recall the information.

Infused with oranges and fennel, this CBD cocktail bitter will add a bright, floral note to your drinks. The licorice flavor of the fennel is balanced by citrus notes to create a versatile bitter that can complement most any drink.

2. Saffron

Saffron is the yellowish, spice-like stigmas (pollen-receiving structures) of the crocus plant (Crocus sativus). It has an exotic taste and a color that has made it the world’s most expensive spice. Saffron is used to add flavor and color to foods and beverages. It also has antioxidant properties.

Studies suggest that saffron might help reduce anxiety, insomnia and depression. It might also improve sperm function in men and help treat psoriasis. However, more research is needed before saffron can be recommended for these uses.

When saffron is used in cooking, it is usually added to hot water and allowed to steep for a short time before using. This is done to release its full flavour and colour. Saffron is also sometimes used in herbal medicine. It has been used for its sedative, emmenagogue, stimulant and aphrodisiac effects, and for treating cramps, asthma, menstrual problems and a number of other conditions.

The saffron’s main active constituent, crocins, and its chemical derivative safranal have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are able to scavenge free radicals, in particular superoxide anions and peroxyl radicals, through hydrogen-donating activity. In addition, they can chelate metal ions, such as copper and iron.

Crocins and safranal have also been shown to inhibit the growth of some cancers, such as colorectal and lung cancer. It is thought that this effect is due to saffron’s ability to modify certain genes and to protect against cell damage. Further, saffron is being studied for its potential to treat a number of other conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and bipolar disorder. Its antioxidant properties may also help prevent macular degeneration and other age-related eye diseases.

3. Ginger

A versatile herb, ginger (zingiber officinale) is used as a spice and in traditional herbal medicine. It is known to help treat gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and upset stomach, and is available in fresh or dried form. The zesty root’s bioactive phenolic compounds, including gingerols and shogaols, may provide anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and glucose-regulating benefits.

Adding CBD to cocktails will only broaden the drink’s appeal for health-conscious consumers. The alcohol-free bitters that OTO created with orange and fennel are a great choice for those wanting to enhance their cocktails while also providing a healthy alternative to booze.

The fennel-orange CBD bitters have a bright, citrusy, and herbaceous flavor, and can be used in any classic cocktail recipe. They are a natural match for drinks with a light tonic or spritzer base. They pair well with a Sazerac or even a Negroni, and are easy to use. The non-alcoholic bitters are available in a range of sizes and can be dropped directly into the glass or shaken with ice to create a cocktail.

In addition to the health benefits, incorporating CBD into beverages is a great way for restaurants to promote their wellness offerings. This is especially important as more and more people are cutting back on drinking alcoholic drinks.

4. Lemon

Lemon is a citrus fruit that can be used as a juice, a zest, or in dried form. It is a very popular ingredient in many recipes, including cocktails.

Lemon can also be added to water, juice, tea, and even food to help with digestion and purification. In addition, it has antibacterial properties and can be used to help treat infections. It is rich in vitamin C, which helps to stimulate tissue regeneration and speed up wound healing. It also inhibits arterial vasoconstriction, helping to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure.

Some reports suggest that a chemical in lemon called eriodictyol glycoside might improve hearing and decrease dizziness, nausea, and vomiting in some people with Meniere’s disease. Lemon is often used to prevent kidney stones by raising citrate levels in the urine, and it can be used to treat scurvy by providing some missing vitamin C. However, more evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of lemon for these uses.

OTO’s Herbal Cocktail Bitters combine the powerful antioxidant and cannabidiol benefits of lemon with the sweet, licorice taste of fennel to create an herbal bitters that will add depth to any cocktail or sparkling water. They are perfect for enhancing drinks that are too sweet or cutting down on the heaviness of a drink. Like all OTO CBD products, these bitters are made from premium ingredients and are designed with specific functionality in mind – they can be used as a hangover cure, aiding detox, relieving stress and anxiety, easing fatigue and boosting energy levels. Each bottle of OTO CBD Herbal Cocktail Bitters contains 40mg of organic, non-GMO Colorado grown CBD.

5. Orange

Oranges are an integral part of many restaurant cocktail recipes, especially those made with spirits. The sweet fruit is an excellent source of vitamins, anti-oxidants, nutrients, minerals and water. Its high vitamin C content makes it an important part of a healthy diet. It is known to reduce oxidative stress, strengthen immune systems, promote heart health and boost cognitive function.

The juice and zest of citrus fruits like oranges are a natural flavor enhancer. Adding them to cocktails can instantly improve the profile of a drink. They can also be used in salad dressings, sauces and baked goods. They can even be added to smoothies for a refreshing, zesty taste.

When it comes to choosing a variety of citrus fruit, select those that are heavy for their size and have vibrant rinds. Avoid those that are soft, mushy or have any signs of rotting. Also, choose the ones that have a sweet aroma.

For bartenders, incorporating CBD into drinks can be a game changer. The oil is known for its ability to help relieve anxiety, ease pain and relax the body and mind. CBD beverages have been growing in popularity. It’s a great option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to alcohol-based drinks.

OTO’s non-alcoholic bitters were designed to enhance tonics, juices and cocktails, with each product having a specific functionality in mind, whether that’s rest and relaxation or elevated mood. With the use of premium ingredients and intention, each OTO product is designed to deliver an experience that is unique. You can find their non-alcoholic CBD drinks at bars and restaurants around the country, including El Five, Linger, Root Down, Steuben’s and Ace Eat Serve.