Botanical spirits and liqueurs from around the globe have an ancient history and were once used for various medicinal purposes, but have since evolved into a niche category of their own.
As consumer knowledge about spirits grows and palates expand with increased offerings available, so does the demand for more historic and esoteric liquors. The market has seen an uptick in botanical-based spirits and herbal liqueurs, and it looks to be just the beginning.
Many of these imbibers are seeking to uncover a rich history along with the added benefits of a lower ABV, organic ingredients, and, possibly, some of the therapeutic qualities of the past.
“People are steering toward ways to get flavor without adding sugar or artificial ingredients,” says Effie Panagopoulos, founder and CEO of Kleos Mastiha Spirit, a low-sugar liqueur made from mastiha, an ancient Greek superfood.
Mastiha transcends medicinal and cultural significance for Greeks, just as lakka, the Finnish cloudberry spirit, and Croatian Pelinkovac, do for their native countries.