As someone who loves a good social hour but isn’t always thrilled about the next morning’s foggy head, I’ve spent months searching for a sophisticated alternative to traditional spirits.
If you’re looking to elevate your evening ritual without the alcohol, you should buy Aplós right now. It is a functional, non-alcoholic spirit that actually delivers a nuanced experience rather than just tasting like expensive juice.
After testing it in various settings, I can confidently say it’s the best investment for your home bar this year.
My Personal Experience With The Spirit
I remember the first time I cracked open a bottle of Aplós Calme.
I had just finished a particularly grueling week of meetings, and usually, my hand would drift toward a stiff gin and tonic.
Instead, I poured two ounces of this clouded, citrus-forward liquid over a large rock of ice and topped it with a splash of premium tonic.
The first thing that hit me wasn’t a chemical burn, but a complex, herbal aroma that felt immediately premium.
It didn’t feel like I was “settling” for a mocktail; it felt like I was treating myself to a high-end craft beverage.
Within about fifteen to twenty minutes of sipping, I noticed a subtle shift. It wasn’t the “sloppy” relaxation you get from a martini. Instead, it was a quiet grounding—a softening of the sharp edges of my day.
I felt present, capable of holding a conversation, and entirely clear-headed, yet remarkably relaxed. It’s that “take a deep breath” feeling bottled up.
Since that first night, I’ve integrated it into my routine for Sunday dinners and mid-week wind-downs. I’ve served it to friends who are lifelong cocktail enthusiasts, and they were genuinely floored by the mouthfeel.
Most non-alcoholic drinks feel thin or watery, but this has an oil-based complexity that coats the palate. You don’t gulp it; you savor it. Whether I’m drinking the Calme for its soothing hemp properties or the Arise for its uplifting botanical blend, the experience is consistently high-end.
It has completely changed how I view my “dry” days, turning them from a period of restriction into a period of discovery.
Also Read: My Experience With Early Bird Drink.
The Advantages of Aplós Cocktail
- Complex And Sophisticated Flavor Profile The depth of flavor here is genuinely impressive. Unlike many competitors that rely on a single dominant note, this spirit offers a tiered tasting experience. You get the immediate brightness of yuzu, followed by the mid-palate earthiness of hemp, and a lingering herbal finish of rosemary and cardamom. It mimics the “legs” of a traditional spirit, ensuring that the drink doesn’t disappear the moment it hits your tongue. This complexity is what makes it feel like a true cocktail base rather than a substitute.
- Functional Benefits Without The Hangover The real draw is the “clean glow” it provides. By utilizing broad-spectrum hemp and adaptogens, it offers a physiological reward for drinking it. I’ve found it remarkably effective at lowering my heart rate after a stressful workday. The best part? You wake up with zero brain fog. You’re trading the toxic byproduct of ethanol for plant-based compounds that actually support your nervous system, making it a functional tool for wellness.
- High Quality Ingredients And Transparency The brand prioritizes organic, non-GMO ingredients, which is a massive plus for anyone watching their intake. The use of cold-pressed oils ensures the delicate flavors and functional compounds remain intact. You aren’t consuming artificial dyes or high-fructose corn syrup; you’re consuming a meticulously crafted botanical extract. This level of transparency builds a trust that is often missing in the burgeoning non-alcoholic market.
- Versatility In Mixology Whether you want a simple highball with club soda or a complex “No-Groni,” this spirit holds its own. It doesn’t get lost when you add citrus or bitters. Its oil-based consistency provides a silky mouthfeel that is notoriously difficult to achieve in water-based non-alcoholic drinks. It gives you the freedom to be a bartender in your own home without the risk of over-consumption.
Potential Drawbacks of Aplós Cocktail
- Premium Price Point For A Non-Alcoholic Option There is no dodging the fact that this is a luxury item. At nearly fifty dollars a bottle, it is priced higher than many mid-shelf gins and whiskeys. While you are paying for high-quality hemp and expert formulation, it can be a barrier for those who are used to paying ten dollars for a pack of sparkling water. You have to treat it as a replacement for your premium liquor budget to see the value.
- The Acquired Taste Of Botanical Notes This isn’t a “crowd-pleaser” in the sense that everyone will love it on the first sip. It is unapologetically herbal and bitter. If your palate is tuned to sugary sodas or fruity juices, the earthy, almost “piney” notes of the hemp might feel too intense. It requires a palate that enjoys complexity and doesn’t mind a bit of a savory edge to their beverage.
- Shorter Shelf Life Compared To Liquor Because it is a natural, plant-based product, it lacks the infinite shelf life of a high-proof spirit. Once you open that bottle, the clock starts ticking. If you don’t plan on drinking it within a couple of months, you might find the flavors starting to oxidize and lose their vibrancy. It demands a level of commitment to the product that a standard bottle of vodka does not.
Care Tips For Your Aplós Cocktail Bottle
- Proper Refrigeration After Opening To keep those delicate botanicals and hemp extracts from degrading, you really should pop the bottle in the fridge once you’ve broken the seal. I’ve noticed that if I leave it on the counter, the bright citrus notes start to dull after a week. In the fridge, it stays crisp and potent for much longer.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight And Heat Even before you open it, keep your stash in a cool, dark place. Light is the enemy of hemp oil and botanical extracts. I keep mine in a closed cabinet away from the stove. This ensures that when you finally do pour a glass, it tastes exactly as the makers intended.
- Gentle Shaking Before Serving Since this is a natural product with essential oils, some separation is totally normal. I’ve made it a habit to give the bottle a gentle swirl—not a violent shake—before pouring. This redistributes the functional ingredients and ensures every glass has a consistent flavor and effect.
- Observe The Use By Date Unlike a bottle of Scotch that gets better with age, Aplós is best enjoyed fresh. I usually try to finish a bottle within sixty days of opening to ensure the best flavor profile. If you see it sitting in the back of the fridge for six months, it’s probably time to refresh your stock.
Comparing Aplós Cocktail With Other Brands
- Aplós Vs. Sentia Spirit
When I compare these two, I’m looking at two different approaches to “relaxation.”
Sentia is designed by scientists to target the GABA receptors in the brain—the same ones alcohol hits—using a very specific blend of botanicals.
In my experience, Sentia has a much thicker, almost syrupy consistency and a very medicinal, bittersweet flavor profile that reminds me of an intense amaro.
On the other hand, Aplós feels much “lighter” and more culinary.
While Sentia focuses heavily on the “functional hit,” it can be harder to mix because its flavor is so dominant.
I prefer the hemp-based approach of Aplós for a long evening of sipping, whereas I might reach for Sentia if I specifically want that heavy, GABA-induced “off switch” right before bed. Aplós is the better cocktail companion, while Sentia is more of a functional tonic.
- Aplós Vs. Three Spirit Drinks
Three Spirit offers a trilogy of drinks—Livener, Social Elixir, and Nightcap.
Comparing their “Social Elixir” to Aplós is a great way to see the difference between “active” and “passive” relaxation.
Three Spirit uses lion’s mane mushrooms and cacao to create a bit of a “buzzy” social energy.
It feels more like a stimulant-lite experience.
Aplós stays firmly in the lane of “calm.” If you want to feel energized and talkative at a party, Three Spirit might be your go-to.
However, if you want to decompress and feel a sense of internal quiet, Aplós is far superior.
From a flavor standpoint, Three Spirit is very dark, spicy, and ginger-forward, while Aplós stays in the bright, citrusy, and floral realm.
I find Aplós much easier to drink over multiple rounds without getting “flavor fatigue.”
- Aplós Vs. Curious Elixirs
Curious Elixirs takes the “ready-to-drink” (RTD) approach, coming in pre-mixed bottles or cans. They are essentially bottled mocktails infused with adaptogens. While they are incredibly convenient, they lack the “ritual” that I get with Aplós. With a bottle of Aplós, I can control the strength, the mixer, and the presentation.
Curious Elixirs often taste more like a sophisticated juice or a high-end soda. They are great for a picnic, but they don’t feel like a “spirit.” Aplós provides that oily, complex mouthfeel that stays on the tongue, which Curious Elixirs usually lacks.
If you are looking for a bar-quality experience where you can play with recipes, Aplós is the clear winner over the convenience of Curious.
- Aplós Vs. Kin Euphorics
Kin Euphorics is perhaps the most famous competitor, especially with their “High Rhode” and “Dream Light” offerings.
Kin uses a heavy dose of nootropics and phenics to alter your mood. In my personal testing, Kin can be a bit hit-or-miss.
Sometimes it makes me feel great, other times it makes me feel a bit “floaty” in a way that is slightly unsettling.
The taste of Kin is also quite metallic and “earthy” in a way that feels more like a supplement than a beverage.
Aplós feels much more grounded and “real.”
The flavor profile of Aplós is something I genuinely enjoy for the taste alone, whereas with Kin, I’m usually drinking it just for the effect.
If you want a more natural, plant-forward experience that tastes like it belongs in a Michelin-star restaurant, go with Aplós.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, it does not produce a traditional alcohol buzz, but it provides a gentle, calming sensation.
Yes, the functional botanicals and hemp extracts offer a noticeable sense of relaxation and stress relief.
The Calme blend contains broad-spectrum hemp extract, which includes CBD and other cannabinoids.
Since it is non-alcoholic and made from plant-based ingredients, it does not carry the same liver toxicity risks as alcohol.
Final Thoughts On Making The Switch
Investing in your evening relaxation shouldn’t have to come with a physical or mental cost the next day. If you appreciate the art of the cocktail and the ritual of unwinding, you should buy Aplós to see how much more vibrant your nights can be.
It offers a sophisticated, earthy flavor and a genuine functional “glow” that bridges the gap between sobriety and indulgence. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a better way to toast to your health and happiness.