Ingredients – What makes an ALCONOT™ flavour
ALCONOT™ Principles
Natural flavours: Vegan Society and Halal Authority Board approved flavours, preservative and colourings
As few complex chemical names on the labels
The finest ingredients
Sourced from UK and EU flavour houses and ingredient providers
Produce an all inclusive drinks brand with excellence at its core
Ingredients of some other alcohol free brands
When we started the journey we reviewed a whole bunch of big brand and some niche alcohol free and non alcoholic alternatives for spirits particularly gin. Some labels read like a chemistry lab cupboard, this acid, that acid, names you could not even pronounce let alone understand what they are or what they contain. How does that translate into taste? Well there is a taste but it does not feel natural. Some of the sensations on the tongue and in the mouth are synthetic and very chemical, like sniffing detergent, too intense and with harsh after effects.
What makes ALCONOT™ flavours different
We use natural flavours from natural sources, plain and simple. Prepared for us by some of the leading flavour houses and distillate providers in the UK and EU. All ALCONOT™ flavours were developed by a class leading recipe house, their products can be found in Harrods, Selfridges&Co, Waitrose, Harvey Nichols, Abel&Cole and OCADO
We decided to ensure that we limited the chemical component to only those that were necessary such as preservatives and stabilisers etc. to ensure the products will have a shelf life so you can enjoy them
Everything else had to have a direct connection to taste and feel and colour. Key to our strategy Vegan,Halal and Kosher ingredients and all ingredients from manufacturer to ALCONOT™ have full audit trails from suppliers.
ALCONOT™ products are certified by The Vegan Society and Halal Authority Board. We dropped the Kosher certification, it was a commercial decision as it involved a lot more time and effort and cost for little extra gain. We believed that Kosher related concerns would mostly be covered by the Vegan Society and Halal Authority Board certifications.
For clarity, ALCONOT™ drinks are NOT Kosher certified. However, all ingredients in all recipes have Kosher certifications from suppliers, all the workflow processes used to make the drinks and handling of materials and production process are Vegan Society Certified and Halal Authority Board Approved, the HAB have undertaken site audits in addition to looking at workflows and cleaning regimes between production runs.
If Kosher is part of your dietary requirement you should satisfy yourself that Kosher requirements are fulfilled before consumption of any ALCONOT™.
CERTIFICATIONS
All INGREDIENTS are from natural sources including the preservatives and stabilisers
All INGREDIENTS have Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal and Kosher approval from suppliers
ALCONOT™ drinks are
Approved by The VEGAN SOCIETY – https://www.vegansociety.com
Approved for HALAL and Vegetarian Compliance by The HALAL AUTHORITY BOARD – http://www.haboard.com/
INGREDIENTS
Signature Blend
We use a series of 17 ingredients in our Signature Blend, some that must be in a Juniper based drink, Like Juniper, cardamom, coriander and Lemon peel, other ingredients are only ever used in the “best tasting” premium brands of Gin. Our aim was to have a complex drink that appeals to the majority. During events we have received adverse comments about one or two ingredients on the label, i.e. “I don’t like that” BUT after tasting the comments are always positive. In all our testing we found that certain people had their preferences, we did not please everyone, however, the final products are appealing to all that tested it and at events and shows we receive 90%+ positive responses, the other 10% are alcohol drinkers that cannot be persuaded. That said, 90%+ is more than impressive for a first attempt. The feedback on what people taste is interesting, many point out they like the grapefruit and orange tone, when there is npo grapefruit or orange ingredients, other spices are noted as well but not in the ingredients. That’s why we feel we have a whole tapestry of flavours bursting to get out.
Main flavours ingredients in all recipes
We make no claims about the health benefits of ALCONOT™ drinks.
However all herbs and spices used in our recipes have been documented in different cultures and societies as having beneficial health effects. There is a world of knowledge available for you to read for yourself.
CAVEAT – Always make sure that the ingredients in our products are suitable for your dietary and health needs and you have no allergies to the ingredients.
Juniper – The distinctive berries of juniper are actually modified cones with fleshy, merged scales, giving them a berry-like appearance. They usually appear blue or bluish-purple and contain seeds and are most famously used as the primary flavoring in gin and in our ALCONOT™ drinks
Coriander – Coriander also known a Cilantro has a long history of use in cooking and traditional medicine, dating back to ancient civilizations. It was mentioned in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman texts. Today, it remains a staple in many cuisines around the world and is valued for its distinctive flavor. The seeds of coriander are spherical and brownish-yellow when dried, with a diameter of 3-5 mm. They have a warm, spicy, citrus flavor and are used as a spice in various cuisines.
Angelica Root – The roots, stems, and seeds of angelica are used in cooking and baking. The stems are often candied and used in desserts, while the seeds and roots are used to flavor liqueurs such as gin, Chartreuse, and Bénédictine. The roots can also be used in soups, stews, and herbal teas.
Cassia bark (not Cinnamon) – Cassia bark is used as a spice in both ground and whole form. It is a key ingredient in many spice blends, including Chinese five-spice powder and garam masala. It is commonly used in baking, especially in recipes for apple pie, cinnamon rolls, and spiced cookies.Cassia is also used to flavor beverages such as chai tea, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. It is advised to use cassia in moderation, especially for individuals with liver conditions. Some people may experience allergic reactions to cassia. It can also interact with certain medications, so it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using it medicinally. Our recipes do not exceed 1% of final product for Cassia.
Lemon Peel – Lemon peel consists of the outer yellow layer known as the flavedo and the white inner layer called the pith or albedo. The flavedo contains the essential oils and pigments, while the pith is bitter and fibrous. he peel has a bright, citrusy flavor that is more intense than the fruit’s juice.
Grains of paradise – The seeds are small, reddish-brown, and shiny, resembling peppercorns but slightly smaller and angular. They are encased in a pod similar to cardamom. Grains of paradise have a complex flavor that is hot, peppery, and slightly citrusy, with hints of ginger, cardamom, and coriander. They add a peppery heat with a unique aromatic quality. Grains of paradise can be used as a substitute for black pepper in recipes. It is important to use grains of paradise in moderation, as with any spice. Some people may experience allergic reactions or digestive discomfort.Our recipes do not exceed 1% of final product for Cassia.
Nutmeg – Nutmeg is a spice derived from the seed of the nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans), which is native to the Banda Islands in Indonesia. It has a warm, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor and is widely used in culinary and medicinal applications. Nutmeg has a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor with nutty undertones. It is often described as having a similar but stronger taste than mace. It is often used to flavor beverages, including eggnog, chai, and mulled wine. A sprinkle of nutmeg is also a traditional topping for hot beverages like coffee and cocoa.Some people may experience allergic reactions to nutmeg, so it is advisable to use it with caution if you have a history of spice allergies.Our recipes do not exceed 1% of final product for Cassia.
Raspberry InfusedOur Raspberry Infused and Pomegranate blends these are topped up with an additional 4 ingredients
For Raspberry we obviously have addition of a beautiful raspberry blend, well actually two raspberry ingredients along with one that brings out a tart tingle to balance the sweetness of the two raspberry flavours.
Pomegranate
For the Pomegranate flavour it’s a similar story, two additional pomegranate flavours, and two secret ingredients that bring this drink to life. Pomegranate juice is a popular beverage, known for its rich, tangy flavor and health benefits. It is also used to make grenadine syrup, which is a common ingredient in cocktails. Pomegranate seeds are often eaten fresh or used as a garnish on dishes such as salads, desserts, and savory dishes. They add a burst of flavor and color. Pomegranate molasses, a thick, syrupy reduction of pomegranate juice, is used in Middle Eastern cuisine to add depth and sweetness to dishes. The seeds and juice can be incorporated into sauces, marinades, and desserts.
Pomegranates hold significant cultural and religious symbolism in many traditions. They are often associated with fertility, abundance, and eternal life. In ancient Greek mythology, they were linked to the story of Persephone and the changing seasons.