Dry January has come to a close, but that doesn’t mean you have to surrender your dry spell just yet. Katy Perry’s latest venture, De Soi, offers a range of non-alcoholic, sparkling, vegan apéritifs that might just keep you on the wagon. The line was co-founded by the talented gin witch and girl boss Morgan McLachlan, and officially launched on January 6. The drinks are available in cans and bottles that are ready to drink, and come in three flavors: Golden Hour, Champignon Dreams, and Purple Lune. The apéritifs are completely free of alcohol and are made with natural botanicals and adaptogens that will give you a buzz without the dreaded hangover.
De Soi, which means “self-control” in French, was inspired by the French philosophy of pleasure and restraint. Perry and McLachlan, both aficionados of spritzes, created the line to provide a fun, functional, and non-alcoholic alternative to their beloved drinks, which would allow them to “feel present and engaged while taking the lead,” according to the founders’ story.
As someone who has had to give up wine because of its tendency to give me headaches, I was intrigued when I heard about De Soi. With more non-alcoholic options hitting the market, I was keen to explore the possibilities. The fact that the brand was co-founded by Katy Perry only made me more eager to try it out.
De Soi’s three formulations are presented in earthy matte-toned eight-ounce cans (four for $25) and 750mL-sized bottles ($25 each). They incorporate unprocessed sweeteners like birch, date, and maple syrup and are inspired by white wine, red wine, and rosé. Golden Hour, with its amber tint, emulates the taste of citrus-flavored white wine, and is made with pear, yuzu, energy-boosting maca, and calming l-theanine (from green tea). Purple Lune has an amethyst-stained hue and a cherry flavor that stands in for a fuller-bodied red wine, with rose petals, cherry, and anxiety-busting ashwagandha. Champignon Dreams is pink and conveys strawberry and grapefruit flavors along with immune-supporting reishi mushroom.
These drinks are meant for sipping, and one to three glasses per sitting is more than enough. You can enjoy them at dinner parties, get-togethers with friends, or even alone on the couch or during a relaxing bath to unwind after a long day.
One thing to note is that these drinks are a bit difficult to open. I had to use a foil cutter from my wine-bottle opener to unseal the cap and unscrew it.
To create their spirit-free libations, Perry and McLachlan followed a method similar to that of wine aperitif-making: maceration, blending, and adding sugar. However, they did not use alcohol as their solvent to extract the plants’ wellness properties. Instead, they created a variety of custom water-based botanical extracts, which they blended with adaptogens, juices, vinegars, and sweeteners, then lightly carbonated and pasteurized.
Anyone can enjoy De Soi’s Non-Alcoholic Apéritifs, especially those who want a sober alternative to wine or cocktails. If you enjoy hosting parties, I recommend having a stock of these on hand so that you can cater to every guest’s preferences. De Soi’s Non-Alcoholic Apéritifs are packed with flavor and can be enjoyed on their own, not just as a substitute for alcohol. If you’re like me, looking for a way to join in on the fun without the headache, De Soi has got you covered.