Last Friday was Valentine’s Day
and I thought it would be a good time to sample an herbal martini from ALTAR.
According to the company, ALTAR is “the world’s first premium Herbal &
Botanical Mood Mixer curated to be enjoyed alone as an ‘Herbal Martini’ or
paired with fine spirits as a craft cocktail mixer.” I was curious about that
and found it very appealing to have a nonalcoholic cocktail choice available
that additionally featured all natural and wholesome ingredients.
So my husband and I sampled
Restore, which included a base of heirloom tomatoes, yellow bell peppers,
tomatillos, jalapeno pepper, Spanish lemon thyme, cucumbers, smoked sea salt
and linden flower layered with white Worcestershire sauce. Additionally there
is white peony tea blended with an herbal tonic of wild cherry bark, English
plaintain leaves and goji berries.
The thing that immediately struck
us was how fresh and flavorful it was, and how it had subtle undertones of a traditional
Bloody Mary, one of my favorite beverages with alcohol. Although you can pair
this with premium tequila or vodka, I say, why would you want to? This is so
good on its own with the vibrant flash of flavor notes and little unexpected
hints of surprising ingredients. It’s nice to have this choice for the
nondrinker and I think a lot of people will appreciate that. I’m looking
forward to trying the other flavors with guests when I have company; I know
they will find them interesting and appealing.
The ALTAR collection consists
of five flavors or moods: APHRODISIAC, BLISS, CHI, CHILL, and RESTORE. Each is curated
with 13 to14 totally unique ingredients ranging from single estate teas,
organic fruits and vegetables, spices, herbs and botanicals. Each ALTAR
ingredient is thoughtfully sought, grown, harvested and procured in order to
create the finest and purest beverage.
Paula
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