Aged spirits are incredibly hard to replicate in non-alcoholic form, even getting close might prove impossible. However, more creative brands are taking a path towards alternatives that try to be different rather than a replacement tipple. Three Spirit’s Nightcap is one of those new approaches.

With a name like Nightcap this drink is here not just for cocktails, but to be enjoyed on its own instead of a measure of whisky, rum or brandy in the evening. The ingredients fit this name too as there are herbal remedy ingredients like Valerian, White Willow Bark, and Ashwagandha alongside the flavourings you’d expect to find in aged spirit alternatives. This is a big selling point if you’re someone who believes in the relaxing power of these ingredients, however, we’ll be focusing on how it works to replace our favourite aged spirits.

The bottle is a sleek black design that reminds me of Woven or Bruichladdich whiskies. It’s certainly a grown up and serious looking thing that differs from an older and more embellished Three Spirits design I have seen floating around from a few years ago. I prefer the older style myself, however this approach sets thins apart from most whisky marketing which is rooted in history and older design fashions. My only real complaint about the bottle is that the triangle logo scratches easily, as you’ll see in all our pictures. 

The recommended serving suggestion for Nightcap is 50ml, neat over ice, and with a twist of orange. This is a bolder approach that most other alternatives that recommend mixing and wouldn’t dare to stand up to alcohol solo. The bright yellow colour is very reminiscent of whisky but the nose certainly isn’t. Hops and ginger dominate and when you close your eyes its unmistakably a ginger beer shady. The palate is entirely different though. The hops fade out but the ginger remains dominant and sweetness from the maple syrup comes forward. There’s a huge herbal undertone that lingers and the finish is pepper and chilli. The various woods in the mix don’t come through at all which is a shame but overall the drink is enjoyable, albeit nothing like the spirits it is trying to replace. Whilst the drink isn’t spicy, that meaty, chipotle note on the finish might put some people off, however, it’s less cloying than competitors such as Crossip Dandy Smoke.

Nightcap is an impressive alternative if you want a strong sundowner drink over ice, but without the alcohol content. However, at 50ml a pop that’s an expensive way to drink it. I paid just under £20 for my bottle which is a decent deal but the RRP is £25 and it’s only 500ml which won’t last given how moreish the double serving is.

A better way to drink Nightcap is to use it as either a non-alcoholic cocktail base or to use it in lower ABV cocktails. You can slap some bitters, a splash of syrup and a twist of orange into the serving suggestion above if you want to create an alcohol free Old Fashioned. Highballs work well and don’t need any additional sweetener or fruit as Nightcap has plenty to carry it. Mixing it with coke or lemonade is fine but too sweet for my taste.

In terms of lower ABV cocktails I tried replacing the rye in a Boulevardier with Nightcap and it made a solid, if sweeter, alternative to one of my favourites. The addition of pepper and chilli from Nightcap alongside the traditional Campari bitterness made it feel like a more Asian inspired take on the Parisian classic. You could also swap a portion of whisky out for it such as with a Penicillin or Whisky Sour.

Whilst Nightcap beats a lot of competition by being tasty on its own. This hoppy, gingery and herbal mix won’t be replacing your favourite barrel aged tipple any time soon – but it is rather tasty. If you’re looking to cut down on your booze consumption during the summer, or want to enjoy more cocktails without keeling over then this is one of the best alternatives we’ve tried.