Ruby No 4

The Italian spritz is the most requested drink in any alcohol free bar, and this is Laori's answer to it. Pink ruby grapefruit, orange and Sicilian lemon give Ruby No 4 its citrus core, while gentian, quassia and thyme supply the bitterness that separates an aperitif from a soft drink. Bitterness is the hard part to fake, and using actual bittering botanicals rather than flavouring is what makes the difference. The herbs come from Provence, are steam distilled individually in a method adapted from French perfumery, and get blended outside Berlin. Tannins go into the mix as well, which gives the liquid some grip. It runs 65 calories per 100 mL with 16 grams of sugar and stays under 0.3 percent alcohol. Pour it over ice, top with alcohol free sparkling or tonic, and finish with an orange slice.