Understanding the Core Seedlip Flavors
Seedlip, the original non-alcoholic distilled spirit, offers three distinct expressions, each with a unique botanical profile that pairs differently with mixers. Knowing their individual characteristics is key to creating a balanced and flavorful drink.
Seedlip Garden 108: Fresh & Herbal
Inspired by the English countryside, Garden 108 features herbal notes of hand-picked peas, rosemary, thyme, and spearmint. Its bright, verdant profile is refreshing and clean.
Seedlip Grove 42: Zesty & Citrus
This expression is a vibrant, warm, and citrus-forward blend of three types of orange (bitter orange, blood orange, and mandarin), lemon peel, ginger, and lemongrass. It has a lingering, dry finish from Japanese sansho peppercorn.
Seedlip Spice 94: Warm & Aromatic
Spice 94 is a complex, aromatic blend of allspice and cardamom, with bright citrus notes from lemon and grapefruit peel. Its long, bitter finish comes from high-quality barks.
Pairing Seedlip with Classic Mixers
While each Seedlip variant has specific recommended pairings, a few classic mixers serve as a great starting point for any expression. For the best results, always serve Seedlip over plenty of ice.
The Versatile Trio:
- Premium Tonic Water: A high-quality Indian tonic complements Seedlip's botanical complexity without overpowering it, especially with Garden 108 and Spice 94.
- Sparkling Soda Water or Club Soda: For a crisp, refreshing, and clean drink, soda water lets Seedlip's delicate flavors shine. This works exceptionally well with the zesty Grove 42.
- Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer: The warmth and spice of ginger mixers make them a natural partner for the aromatic Spice 94 and the zesty Grove 42.
Mixer & Garnish Guide for Each Expression
Here’s a breakdown of the best mixers and garnishes to bring out the unique character of each Seedlip spirit.
Garden 108 Pairings
- Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic: The delicate floral notes of the elderflower beautifully complement the pea and herbal character of Garden 108.
- Fresh Cucumber & Mint: Muddle fresh mint and cucumber ribbons in your glass before adding ice, then top with soda water for a classic and revitalizing serve.
- Unfiltered Apple Juice: For a non-alcoholic Apple Highball, mix Garden 108 with unfiltered apple juice, lemon juice, and a touch of maple syrup, topping with soda.
Grove 42 Pairings
- Premium Indian Tonic: For a classic and bright non-alcoholic gin and tonic, pair Grove 42 with a quality Indian tonic and a twist of orange peel.
- Ginger Ale or Ginger Beer: A simple yet effective mix. Top Grove 42 with ginger ale or ginger beer and a lime slice for a non-alcoholic Foghorn.
- Cranberry Juice & Lime: Combine Grove 42 with cranberry juice and fresh lime juice for a sophisticated, non-alcoholic Cosmopolitan.
Spice 94 Pairings
- Ginger Ale: This is a classic serve for Spice 94, as the spicy ginger enhances the spirit's aromatic allspice and cardamom notes.
- Grapefruit Juice & Soda: Mix Spice 94 with fresh grapefruit juice and top with soda water for a zero-proof Paloma.
- Cola: For a spiced, non-alcoholic “rum and coke” style drink, simply mix Spice 94 with a premium cola over ice and garnish with an orange slice.
Comparison Table: Seedlip Flavors & Pairings
| Seedlip Expression | Flavor Profile | Recommended Mixers | Suggested Garnishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden 108 | Herbal, floral, green | Elderflower tonic, soda water, ginger ale | Snapped pea pod, cucumber ribbon, rosemary sprig |
| Grove 42 | Zesty, citrus, warm | Tonic water, soda water, ginger ale/beer | Orange twist, lemon slice, ginger slice |
| Spice 94 | Aromatic, warm, spiced | Indian tonic, ginger ale, cola, soda water | Pink grapefruit peel, orange slice, star anise |
Elevating Your Seedlip Experience with Mocktails
For those ready to move beyond a simple spirit and mixer, Seedlip is an excellent base for crafting elaborate non-alcoholic cocktails.
Hot Toddy Mocktail
This is perfect for cold weather. Combine Seedlip Spice 94 with maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, boiling water, and aromatic bitters. Garnish with a lemon wheel and spices like cloves or star anise.
Garden Highball
For a truly refreshing drink, mix Seedlip Garden 108 with ginger ale, ice, and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or rosemary.
Seedlip Margarita
Blend Seedlip Grove 42 with agave syrup, fresh lime juice, and a little sparkling water for a vibrant, zero-proof margarita.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Perfect Seedlip Experience
From a simple and refreshing tonic to an intricate hot toddy, the options for what do you drink Seedlip with are as diverse as the brand's botanical profiles. The key is to select a mixer and garnish that complements the spirit's unique characteristics—be it the earthy Garden 108, the zesty Grove 42, or the warm Spice 94. Always remember to use plenty of ice to chill your drink properly and allow the flavors to bloom. For more official recipes and inspiration, check out the Seedlip website. Your non-alcoholic cocktail journey starts here.
Visit the official Seedlip website for more cocktail recipes and product information.