Botivo Aperitif is made in small batches at Lannock Farm in Hertforshire, England. So we’re talking boutique here. It’s the one drink they make. And one hopes that with that concentration of skill on a single product, the results are inspiring.
Apparently it takes over a year to make each batch. Let’s take a sip and see if it’s time well spent.
Appearance
Botivo Aperitif has a deep amber hue that exudes warmth and depth. It looks classic and, dare I say it, sophisticated. It has a decent viscosity and is perfectly clear, which suggests good craftsmanship. Frankly, it looks good in the glass, and makes you want to drink it. Which is a pretty good endorsement for an aperitif, I reckon.
Aroma
The aroma of Botivo is a heady experience. It greets the nose with a vibrant blend of citrus, herbal and earthy notes. Marvellously, they all work in harmony with one another, with none dominating. There’s also a subtle sweetness in the bouquet, likely derived from honey or a similar natural component, which balances the sharper botanical notes, but crucially does not make the aperitif seem overly sweet (a common problem with non-alcoholic drinks). A whisper of spice rounds out the aroma, making for a very satisfying complexity.
Taste
Just as on the nose, on the palate Botivo Aperitif offers a lot. There’s complexity and balance. Those The herbal, citrus and earthy elements all curl around one another on the tongue, offset by a touch of natural sweetness. So you get bitter orange and lemon notes, as well as rosemary, sage and thyme. For some, it may lean a bit too bitter, but I like the fact that Botivo have managed to keep that bitter tang even in an NA version.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of Botivo is smooth and rounded, with a medium body that feels substantial without being heavy. It coats the palate delicately, allowing the layers of flavour to unfold gradually. A slight viscosity adds to its richness, making it feel luxurious and indulgent. The balance between bitterness and sweetness cleaves a pleasant dryness on the tongue . For some, the lingering bitterness on the finish might feel a touch too pronounced. In which case, go for adding a mixer rather than neat, as you don’t want to miss everything else this non-alcoholic aperitif offers.
Finish
Botivo leaves a long and complex finish, but one that still manages to be refreshing. The citrus notes linger at the forefront, while the herbal elements fade more slowly, leaving a subtle, savoury aftertaste. The touch of sweetness carries through to the end, ensuring the finish remains balanced. A faint bitterness persists on the palate, acting as a nod to traditional aperitifs and enhancing its authenticity.
Pairing Suggestions
I mean, the clue is in the name. This is an aperitif. Plus, it has a lot going on, so works really well as a standalone sipper. Add a dish of toasted nuts or lighted salted chips and bob’s your mother’s brother. You could also serve it with a mixer if you prefer. Serve with ice, soda water and orange peel. Simple. If you really wanted to serve something more substantial with it, go for something bold and savoury. A charcuterie board perhaps, or hummus with herbed flatbreads.
Overall Impressions of Botivo Aperitif
There’s a lot going on in – and for – Botivo Aperitif. For a non-alcoholic aperitif, it feels sophisticated and offers a layered, characterful drinking experience. Its bold combination of citrus, herbs and earthiness makes it a standout choice for those seeking an alcohol-free option with depth and complexity. It avoids leaning sweet, as other NA aperitifs can tend to do, and is flavourful and complex enough to serve as a standalone drink or mixed into cocktails. This is an impressive drink all round.