I’m grinning today as I guide you through the Laughing without Liquor landscape here in San Francisco; I’m about to whisk you away on a little trip to a place that’s as magical as a unicorn’s daydream. Boisson, an alcohol-free spirits store in San Francisco’s very own Hayes Valley.
As I meandered through the quaint streets of this neighborhood, the aura of Boisson beckoned me like a lighthouse for the liquor-leery. Inside, the store manager, Carly, greeted me with the kind of warmth that could turn even the gloomiest San Franciscan fog into a sunbeam. She even answered my all-involved question, “Are you Sober, as in sober with a program, or are you on a sober journey?” She quickly responded I’m in a program. I smiled coyly. She’s my people, and she doesn’t even know it, yet!
Now, let’s talk about one of the treasures I unearthed amidst the shelves of Boisson – Aplós. This gem, my friends, is not just any bottle on the wall; it’s an adaptogen-infused spirit that’s like a symphony for your senses and a superhero for your health. The Aplós Calme and its sibling, Aplós Arise, stand tall, packed with ingredients such as L-theanine, Moringa, and a jolt of vitamin B12 – my personal sentinel against genetic predispositions. I need all the things to keep my genes switched adequately.
Aplós Calme had me at hello with its yuzu and cucumber-tasting notes. As the herbal citrusy essence mingled with the sparkling water I splashed it into; I found myself contemplating whether it was possible to find true love in a beverage. And let’s talk about the hemp extract – for those who prefer their drinks as sober as a judge, this may be a ‘thank you, next,’ but for the rest, it’s a bit extra serenity in your sipping.
Speaking of sipping, Boisson isn’t just a one-hit wonder with its Aplós affair. Their shelves are a veritable cornucopia of non-alcoholic delights – from aperitifs to premixed cocktails that whisk you away to a world where hangovers are myths and your liver writes you thank-you letters. For the mocktail mavens, they have kits that could rival the most cosmopolitan of cocktail lounges. And while the Irish coffee bundle might be too risqué for this soberista, it’s there for the taking for those who dare.
The wine selection beckons with promises of bubbly bliss sans the buzz – and with price tags that won’t leave your wallet weeping. Imagine, a $40 taster bundle that’s an open invitation to call over friends, cue up the Netflix, and live your best life, one alcohol-free toast at a time.
As for Kin Euphorics and Jia – my latest quarry, soon to be sampled and scrutinized for your entertainment and enlightenment. And yes, while Parch beverages may not make my heart flutter, they are but another color in the rainbow of non-alcoholic choices Boisson offers.
My conclusion is that Boisson was an embrace, a nod of understanding, a place where the sober and the curious can find common ground, here in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and online. And if you’re thirsty for more than my anecdotes, their website is a mocktail mixer’s paradise, replete with recipes to elevate your alcohol-free game.
Before I leave you, let me tickle your funny bone with a little joke: Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts to. But you, my courageous companions, have the guts to embrace a life filled with laughter, health, and a splash of non-alcoholic splendor.
Go forth, mix, mingle, and remember – the best high in life is the natural one.
‘Til next time, keep your spirits high and your drinks sober! Cheers to that! 🥂
Oh but wait… Before I leave you – make sure to bookmark this page for later, I have a refreshing mocktail I made at home featuring my new bottle, Aplós Calme, which brings a nuanced flavor to your glass and a sense of serenity. I’m thrilled to share this recipe for an invigorating drink I like to call the “Aplós Zest Harmony.”
Aplós Zest Harmony Mocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Aplós Calme
- 4 oz Sparkling mineral water
- 1 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz Cucumber juice (simply blend fresh cucumber and strain the juice)
- A small pinch of sea salt
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice
Garnish:
- A slice of grapefruit
- A sprig of mint
Instructions:
1. Combine the Aplós Calme in a shaker, fresh grapefruit juice, cucumber juice, and a pinch of sea salt. Gently muddle a few mint leaves to release the oils and add them to the mix.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake it well, blending the flavors and cooling the mixture.
3. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice, maintaining the elegance of the drink.
4. Top it off with sparkling mineral water for that effervescent sparkle that tickles the nose and delights the palate.
5. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a sprig of mint, adding a pop of color and a whiff of freshness.
6. Give the drink a gentle stir to combine the sparkling water’s effervescence with the Aplos’s calm.
Voilà! Your “Aplós Zest Harmony” is ready to tantalize your taste buds and soothe your soul. You can thank me later, enjoy it.
Cheers to health, happiness, and the harmonious flavors of life without liquor! 🍹🌿
Did you listen to this week’s episode? We talk about Mocktails and more. Listen here.
HAPPY EVERY HOUR: We know we mix a mean mocktail. HAPPY EVERY HOUR will keep you updated on the latest and most significant trends in NA craft beers, mocktails and zero-proof beverages.
TRIGGER WARNING: People in early sobriety may want to proceed with caution. Always read labels. Please hydrate responsibly … because drunk never looks good.
THE BEVERAGE CATEGORIES:
Do you love Non-Alcoholic Craft Beers and the 90s? Then you’re in for a treat! Sober Curator Justin Lamb is dedicated to tasting great (sometimes not so great) NA beers and showcasing his fantastic collection of memorabilia from the ’90s.
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