Who better to provide non-alc recs than a duo of formulation experts? Charlotte Mizrahi and Matthias Laudico are Co-Founders of Ley Line Labs, a CPG product development collective. They live for libations and everything that gets them from brain to bottle.
As Head of Formulation, Charlotte creates bold, unconventional formulations that blend nostalgia with novelty. And, as a third-generation Herbalist, she crafts beautiful products with unique flavors, as well as thoughtful plant-based functional benefits.
Matthias, Head of Market Analytics, brings a design and research-led approach to the non-alc beverage space. He’s fascinated by flavor and the experience of a craft beverage. Working to better understand consumers and launch better products. Matthias loves diving into consumer feedback, using market research to inform creative decision making.
Here are their current non-alc picks:
We love the individuality and versatility of Lacewing. It stands on its own without comparison to any classic cocktails. Lacewing’s cucumber and lychee-forward profile makes for the perfect at-home spa drink. It packs enough of a punch to enjoy over ice, spritzed, or mixed without losing any flavor—but is phenomenal simply chilled solo, too.
First drawn in by the powerful and mystical branding, this drink absolutely does not disappoint once you pop open the bottle. It’s complex and versatile. Pathfinder is a whole vibe and we’re here for it.
Three Spirit Livener, Social Elixir, and Nightcap
Firstly, they all taste fantastic. As an Herbalist, I [Charlotte], appreciate the thought and research behind the functional ingredients. Three Spirit balances function and flavor.
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Nick Mechak is a vinegar wizard, or mad scientist, or mastermind? The small-batch vinegar-based botanical drinks are a game-changer for anyone who thought they didn’t like vinegar. They’re smooth and complex. A perfect representation of craft in the non-alc space.
All The Bitter Lavender Bitters
We’re both big fans of floral flavors. All The Bitter does a great job of showing the elegant notes of lavender and layering in some fantastic functional botanicals—without creating any “medicinal” notes from ingredients like Skullcap.
Abstinence Lemon Aperitivo Spritz and Cape Floral
The Lemon Aperitivo is the only lemon-forward aperitif in an industry full of bitter citrus products, and with a focus on South African ingredients, it’s probably the most unique of all of them.
The Cape Floral is the perfect spirit base for any floral or fruity drinks. It’s balanced yet bold enough for a minimal-effort cocktail. It’s a consistent crowd-pleaser.
Unified Ferments Snow Chrysanthemum
Five years ago, when there were maybe 15 non-alcoholic products available in New York, Unified Ferments was simply the best you could find anywhere. Now, with many hundreds available in Spirited Away alone, they are still some of the most subtle, exciting, and unique products on the market.
They’re custom produced by a group of genuine artists using a litany of specially-imported global teas. All are a joy to drink, but the Snow Chrysanthemum will give anybody who buys it a wonderful surprise in flavor.
For more from Matthias and Charlotte, connect with them on LinkedIn. For more about Ley Line Labs, check out their website.
