Botivo Review
DRINK SUMMARY
Name – Botivo
Producer – Botivo Drinks
Type – Alcohol-Free Aperitif
Alcohol content – 0.0%
MyDryBar Rating – tbc
Suitable for – Those seeking a sophisticated alcohol-free alternative to bitter aperitifs
What Is Botivo?
Botivo is a British alcohol-free aperitif handcrafted in small batches at Lannock Farm in Hertfordshire.
Unlike many alcohol-free drinks that attempt to replicate gin, rum or wine, Botivo has been developed as a drink in its own right. Its distinctive recipe combines aged British apple cider vinegar with organic wildflower honey and a blend of botanicals including rosemary, thyme, gentian, wormwood and orange zest.
According to the producers, each batch takes over one year to create, using traditional infusion techniques rather than artificial flavourings or essences.
Why Is Everyone Talking About Botivo?
Botivo has become one of the standout success stories in the alcohol-free category.
Recent reports suggest the brand is now selling more than 20,000 bottles each month and has secured listings in dozens of prestigious restaurants across the UK.
Its popularity appears to stem from two things:
- It doesn’t try to imitate alcohol
- It offers a more complex, adult flavour profile than many sweeter alcohol-free alternatives
Botivo has also picked up multiple industry awards, including recognition from the Great Taste Awards, IWSC and the World Alcohol-Free Awards.
What’s In Botivo?
Botivo contains just a handful of ingredients:
- British apple cider vinegar
- Organic wildflower honey
- Fructose
- Water
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Gentian root
- Wormwood leaf
- Orange zest
The producers also note that the drink is:
✓ 0.0% ABV
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Made without preservatives
✓ Made without artificial flavourings
✓ Shelf stable for up to two years unopened.
How Do You Serve Botivo?
Botivo recommends serving it as a long, refreshing spritz.
Signature Serve
Ingredients
- 25ml Botivo
- 175ml soda water
- Ice
- Orange wedge
Method
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the Botivo.
- Top with soda water.
- Squeeze over an orange wedge.
- Stir gently and enjoy.
The brand also suggests pairing it with:
- Tonic water
- Ginger beer
- Grapefruit soda
or using it in cocktails.
Is Botivo any good?
MyDryBar hasn’t reviewed Botivo yet, we’ve looked at feedback from both critics and consumers.
Common positives
Many reviewers praise Botivo for being:
- More sophisticated than traditional soft drinks
- Less sweet than many alcohol-free alternatives
- Complex and layered
- Particularly appealing to fans of bitter aperitifs.
BBC Good Food described it as “refreshingly, not overly sweet” and highlighted its herbal and citrus qualities.
The Financial Times recently called Botivo “one of the best things (both alcoholic and non) I’ve tasted” and praised its depth and versatility.
Common criticisms
Botivo isn’t universally loved.
The ingredient that divides opinion most is the apple cider vinegar base.
Some consumers enjoy the tang and complexity it provides, while others find the vinegar character too prominent.
Across review platforms, a recurring theme is:
“You’ll either love it or hate it.”
On Reviews.io, Botivo currently holds a 4.1 out of 5 rating, with many reviewers recommending it but acknowledging that the flavour profile can take some getting used to.
Buy Botivo
Botivo is increasingly available through:
- The official Botivo website
- Specialist alcohol-free retailers (such as Master of Malt)
- Premium bottle shops
- Selected supermarkets
Each 500ml bottle provides approximately 20 servings when prepared using the recommended serve.
When it comes to alcohol-free spirits, Masters Of Malt has a great selection on offer. Choose from premade cocktails as well as bottles of non-alcoholic spirits.
Images courtesy of botivodrinks.com
FAQs
Is Botivo alcohol-free?
Yes. Botivo contains 0.0% ABV.
Is Botivo vegan?
No. It contains organic wildflower honey.
Is Botivo gluten-free?
Botivo states that it is gluten-free, although it’s always worth checking the latest packaging information.
Does Botivo need to be refrigerated?
No. According to the producer, Botivo does not require refrigeration after opening and has a one-year shelf life once opened.
How many drinks does one bottle make?
Approximately 20 servings, based on the recommended 25ml measure.
Is Botivo sweet?
Reviews consistently describe Botivo as less sweet than many alcohol-free alternatives, with a more bittersweet profile.
Nutritional Information
per 100ml
Type – alcohol-free aperitif
Producer – Botivo drinks
Alcohol content – 0%
Ingredients – Water, British Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Wildflower Honey, Fructose, Rosemary, Thyme, Gentian Root, Wormwood Leaf and Orange Zest.
Calories – 60
Gluten-free? – yes
Vegan friendly? – no
Availability UK/ EU – high
Availability US/ CAN– unknown
MyDryBar Verdict
Botivo is one of the most talked-about drinks in the alcohol-free space right now.
While we haven’t yet conducted our own tasting review, its growing popularity, award success and positive critical reception suggest that it offers something genuinely different from the majority of alcohol-free alternatives on the market.
Rather than trying to replicate alcohol, Botivo appears to have carved out its own niche: a bittersweet botanical aperitif designed to be savoured slowly.
We’ll update this page with our own MyDryBar score once we’ve had the chance to review it properly.
