Contained in earthy eight-ounce cans (four for $25) and 750ml bottles ($25 each), De Soi’s three formulations – which incorporate unprocessed sweeteners like birch, date and maple syrup maple – are inspired by white wine, red wine and rosé. Amber-tinged Golden Hour is a citrus-flavored white wine-style libation made with pear, yuzu, energizing maca, and soothing l-theanine (from green tea). Amethyst-tinged Purple Moon tastes like cherry and replaces a fuller-bodied red wine with rose petals, cherry, and anti-anxiety ashwagandha. Champignon Dreams carries a pink tone and imparts flavors of strawberry and grapefruit as well as immune-supporting reishi mushroom.
Interestingly, many beverage companies rely on synthetic ingredients for taste (such as “natural flavor”, which, despite the name, is not always so natural), but De Soi uses juices, herbs and mushrooms for both flavors. and function. The drinks offer just the right amount of subtle sweetness with a hint of contrasting bitterness thanks to gentian root (commonly used in aperitif and digestive liqueurs such as Aperol and Campari) and hop extract. Gentian root plays a key role in the typical role of an appetizer – to open the palate and prepare the stomach for a meal – thanks to its purported ability to promote stomach acid and stimulate digestion.