Summer Sipping with De Soi

Summer, the season of celebrations, is finally here! There will be plenty of graduation parties, BBQs and lazy days by the pool starting this month. As you blast Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” or “Firework” a bit too loud, you should also be enjoying De Soi, her line of non-alcoholic apéritifs. Even though everyone wants to party and celebrate, not everyone wants to drink alcohol. While soda may appeal to the kids, De Soi is a bubbly, sophisticated alternative for the adults.

Although Perry is mostly known for her pop rock hits, she is also a co-founder of De Soi. She and her partner, master-distiller Morgan McLachlan created a line of sparkling non-alcoholic beverages. According to the brand’s website, De Soi, pronounced “de swa”, comes from the French phrase “maîtrise de soi”, which translates to self-control.

The brand currently offers three varieties, each with unique tasting notes. They are available in either 750 mL eye-catching and colorful, opaque glass bottles or 8 oz cans. Depending on the variety, they have 30-40 calories per glass and all three flavors are made with natural adaptogens.

Enjoy De Soi at your next summer celebration!

Golden Hour – This variety is made with natural ingredients like pear, yuzu, earl grey and golden maple syrup. The adaptogenic ingredients in this include lemon balm and L-theanine and has a citrusy flavor. The beverage is a golden ginger ale color and online reviews have noted this has earthy, citrusy flavors.

Champignon Dreams – The adaptogenic ingredients in this flavor include ashwagandha, tart cherry and L-theanine. These join other ingredients like Apricot-Strawberry-Black Currant and Grapefruit Juice blend from concentrate, Birch Syrup, Jasmine Tea Extract and Sherry Vinegar. This has a brown, ale-like color.

Purple Lune – Some of the ingredients in Purple Lune include Peach-Blackberry-Black Currant and Tart Cherry Juice blend from concentrate, Date Syrup, Rose Petal Extract and Balsamic Vinegar (Wine Vinegar, Grape Must). The adaptogenic ingredients in this include Reishi mushroom, passion flower and L-theanine. It has a dark cherry color and, according to online reviews, a fruity, herbal taste, a comment similar to Champignon Dreams.

Not sure which flavor to try? Take the quiz on the brand’s website to “Find Your De Soi.” These beverages are ready to drink as-is, but can also be garnished with fruit for a little extra flavor.

While I have not tasted these beverages myself, online reviews are mixed. One reviewer noted, “They are all quite potent and if you like the “bite” of a strong drink, these will awaken your taste buds.” Another online reviewer noted, “I will say outright: unless you like very bitter flavors you will want to add something to all of these. Sprite is what I would most recommend, or 7Up, as their light and citrusy flavors lend themselves well to the other flavors present in the drinks.” So maybe offer some mixers, as an option, when serving these apéritifs.

De Soi can be purchased at select retailers throughout the country or online via their website or Amazon. Bottles and a 4-pack of cans retail on the brand’s site for $25.