Curious Elixirs are nonalcoholic beverages that make an excellent substitute for a crafted cocktail. Curious No. 8, a riff on an amaro, is a cosmic blend of black and blueberries.
Traditionally made in Italy, Amaro or Amari typically refers to a combination of herbs, botanicals, and spices blended with brandy as a base. Over one hundred Amari varieties and bushels of secret recipes range in proof from 16% to 40% alc./vol. Akin to a luxurious amaro, port, aperitif, or digestif, No. 8 contains ancient botanicals that encourage serotonin and dopamine precursors while increasing circulation, but this version has zero alcohol.
This mix of blackberry, blueberry, fig, herbs, roots, and spices will surely scintillate your senses. Cosmic No. 8 also contains a trio of adaptogenic mushrooms (reishi, chaga, and lion’s mane) that help you unwind and may increase your body’s natural immunity. Amari can either be sipped solo as a digestif or mixed into a cocktail.
To highlight the versatility of Curious No. 8, I took it out for a little show and tell.
First, I mixed equal parts No. 8 and Buffalo’s Bootleg Kombucha Blueberry Lavender for an added zing that only kombucha can bring. The flavors of this bittersweet beverage combo lingered like a slow summer sunset.
The goal of the second experiment was to spotlight the opposite side of the flavor spectrum. When poured over dairy-free vanilla coconut ice cream, the softer notes of Curious No. 8 took center stage.
Finally, I mixed cosmic No. 8 with Gin Lane 1751 Victorian Garden. A gorgeous gin made with fresh, all-natural Violet leaf oils melded with a touch of Vanilla and a hint of sweetness. Topped with a bit of sparkling water for texture, this mix was a success.
Whether you drink alcohol or abstain, the sky is the limit if you have this black and blue NA amaro nearby. With two servings of Curious No. 8 in each bottle, we strongly encourage you to take it for a twirl.
About Curious Elixirs
Curious Elixirs are booze-free craft cocktails, infused with adaptogens to help you unwind. Whether you’re sober or sober curious, toasting your team or sipping solo, Curious Elixirs is on a mission to create the world’s most sophisticated cocktails, without the alcohol. Inspired by classics like the Aperol Spritz, the Spicy Margarita, and the Negroni, every Curious Elixir is handcrafted with organic ingredients and no refined sugar. Our ingredients include adaptogens and plants that benefit your body, helping you relax and destress without the hangover. We offer one-time orders as well as our subscribers-only Curious Cocktail Club to ensure your fridge stays stocked. Order Curious Elixirs online, and have it shipped directly to your door at Curiouselixirs.com.
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Author and host, Michelle Merlo, Photography by Vincent Berbano, Edited by Addison Schoonmaker, Executive Producer, Jessica Marinelli
