Finding zero-proof drink options is a challenge. Too often, you’re left choosing between an imitation alcohol product or a sugary alternative that leaves you feeling like a small child slurping up a Shirley Temple. That’s why I was thrilled to discover Casamara Club.
Why choose a zero-proof drink? Moderation is the simplest reason, but whatever your reason, it’s not something that needs to be justified to anyone else. (I’ve discussed this extensively in a previous article, Spirit of Inclusion – A case for Zero-Proof Cocktails.)
Casamara Club has set the new benchmark for what a bottled zero-proof drink should be. To put it simply, they’re not trying to be something they are not. Their Amaro Club Soda lineup is more complex than any competitor’s product, while simultaneously not being as sweet (4g of sugar per bottle) as a standard soda. And, I think this is a key differentiator.
Casamara sweetens their amaro sodas with honey and demerara cane sugar, not sugar alternatives like monk fruit or stevia. I’ve always avoided anything with stevia because of the unpleasant bitter aftertaste it imparts. The seemingly hypocritical nature of commenting on stevia’s bitter aftertaste in a review of bitter (amaro) soda is not lost. There is such a thing as an unpleasant bitter flavor that is “single-note” and just seems “off”, and then there are bitter flavors that add depth and complexity.
The delightfully bitter ingredients in Casamara Club are what give each bottle its unique complex flavor profile. The bittering ingredients used are similar to what you’d find it a bottle of amaro or cocktail bitters. Ingredients like citrus oil extracts, juniper berries, clove, sage, cardamom, etc.. The depth of flavor is surprising considering that the recipes exclusively use real whole ingredients, no artificial colors, artificial flavors, or that unregulated nebulous term we often seen on ingredients lists, “natural flavor”.
Casamara Club’s sparkling amaro soft drinks are available in four flavors: Sera, Capo, Alta, and Onda, which doesn’t exactly describe what they taste like, so here is a breakdown of their profiles and ingredients.
Sera
Flavor Profile: subtle cinnamon; Casamara’s take on a classic Italian spritz, and my favorite flavor
Ingredients: Sparkling Water, Lemon Juice, Orange Blossom Honey, and Extracts of Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Rhubarb Root, Italian Chinotto, Allspice Berry, and Anise, with Mediterranean Sea Salt
Capo
Flavor Profile: citrus with subtle floral notes
Ingredients: Sparkling Water, Lemon Juice, Orange Blossom Honey, Extracts of Mandarin Orange, Chamomile, Peppermint, Licorice Root, Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Clove Bud, Cardamom, Mediterranean Sea Salt
Alta
Flavor Profile: bitter and citrusy; Casamara’s take on an aperitivo/apéritif (pre-dinner drink)
Ingredients: Sparkling Water, Lemon Juice, Demerara Cane Sugar, Extracts of Italian Chinotto, Juniper Berry, Orris Root, Mandarin Orange, Allspice Berry, Clove Bud, Anise, Mediterranean Sea Salt
Onda
Flavor Profile: citrus and woodsy with lemon, sage, rhubarb; Casamara suggests pairing with salty and savory foods like seafood, prosciutto, or fried chicken.
Ingredients: Sparkling Water, Lemon Juice, Demerara Cane Sugar, Extracts of Lemon, Sage Leaf, Rhubarb Root, Italian Chinotto, Juniper Berry, Anise, Mediterranean Sea Salt
Conclusion
Casamara Club Amaro sodas are a must-have for craft cocktail enthusiasts and establishments alike. Creating zero-proof cocktails on the fly for a guest or yourself can be a challenge. Casamara’s lineup allows you to have a zero-proof option that you can serve without hesitation, knowing that it’s thoughtfully made and as satisfying as a cocktail. However, if you do want to add a little something extra, they have some suggested recipes for that as well!
Additional Resources:
- Casamara Club – Official Site
- Casamara Club’s Labels Are As Casual Chic As Their Non-Alcoholic Amaro Sodas – A great read for any fellow design geeks!
- Spirit of Inclusion – A case for Zero-Proof Cocktails
- An Amari Crash Course
There is no substitution for moderation, but there are two supplements that I take when I’m doing a reset. Traditional Medicinals Organic Detox Tea and this Liver Cleanse Detox and Repair supplement. Just keep in mind that I’m not a doctor, and this isn’t medical advice.
I created The Humble Garnish because I’m passionate about cocktails. Occasionally, I am provided with products for review or other perks. Many product links on this site are affiliate links that give me a very small kickback, and costs the buyer nothing extra. For example, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases after a link leading to Amazon is clicked. Other links may earn me affiliate commissions as well. This helps offset the cost of creating content for the site – things like camera gear, software, alcohol, glassware. I have at times accepted and at other times declined free products. I promote what I love and use, and rarely will write about a product that I don’t appreciate or own. If I don’t like a product or service, I often simply choose not to write about it.
– Andrew
Yum, the Capo and the Onda both sound amazing! I agree with you, fake sugars or weird “natural” sugar substitutes are terrible. I like that this is still slightly sweetened but not overly so. Definitely going to look for this near me. Cheers and Happy New Year!