As hemp-derived THC beverages continue to enter and cement their place in the mainstream, the number of options drinkers have at their disposal seems to grow on a daily basis. Walk into a store that sells infused drinks, and you’re likely to see a wide variety of formats: seltzers, canned cocktails, and infused spirits.
What’s a THC Seltzer?
In one corner, there are countless THC seltzers. These are the fizzy, light, THC-infused drinks you’ll find just about everywhere THC drinks are sold. Infused seltzers are mostly imitations of popular alcoholic options like Ranch Water, Truly, and Whiteclaw.
Like their boozy counterparts, THC seltzers are most often light in body and flavor, a combination of carbonation and a fruit or citrus essence or syrup, plus a touch of sugar to mask any residual, unwanted herbal flavors. If you’ve ever had a flavored LaCroix, you probably already have a pretty good idea of how most THC seltzers will taste.
What’s a Canned THC Cocktail?
Next, there are a handful of canned THC drinks that walk a fine line between a straight-up seltzer and a cocktail. Take for example, still THC cocktails in cans, or Artet’s line of THC-infused spritzes.
Like seltzers, these canned beverages are refreshing, sessionable, and carbonated. However, they’re made with real fruit juices, botanical tonics and tinctures, and offer up a much fuller-bodied drinking and flavor experience, similar to drinking a cocktail topped with some sparkling water. In-betweeners like Artet’s spritzes offer up a bit of both worlds: part cocktail, part seltzer.
What’s a THC-Infused Spirit?
Putting carbonation behind us, we enter the ever-expanding world of THC-infused spirits. Much like a traditional liquor, cordial, aperitif, or digestif, THC spirits function as the base of infused cocktails. Think: the gin in a Gin & Tonic, but non-alcoholic and infused with THC instead.
Back in 2019, when Artet released the Flagship Aperitif, it was just about the only THC spirit in a 750ml bottle. That, of course, is why we call it the original THC aperitif. Today, almost seven years later, the large-format THC spirit has truly taken off.
Brands that have historically focused on seltzers and shots are now rolling out spirits of their own, and THC beverage drinkers are seeing more 750ml bottles of infused spirits. More options means more questions. Namely, what do all these THC spirits taste like?
Many THC spirits are designed to taste neutral or sweet, so that when mixed, their flavors are easily concealed by the mixer being used. Others have decided to jump into the world of classic spirits, crafting imitations of classics like whiskey, gin, and vodka. In most THC sections you can also find Artet, modeled after amaros, digestifs, and aperitifs.
Our style of spirit is fuller and bolder in flavor. It’s not made to disappear when topped with seltzer, juices, or other mixers. Since the sophisticated flavor profile is what Artet’s aperitif is all about, that of course begs the question: what does Artet’s Infused Aperitif taste like?
What’s Artet Made With?
For starters, Artet’s infused spirit is a blend of botanicals, citrus, and THC. The recipe is simple. Artet is made with:
- Cardamom
- Allspice
- Ginger
- Chamomile
- Gentian
- Juniper
- Grapefruit
- THC
If you like to cook or make cocktails, you’re probably familiar with a few, if not all of these ingredients. If not, you can read more about them here.
Inspired by Classic Italian Spirits
Artet is inspired by timeless liqueurs like Campari, Aperol, Select, Fernet, Cynar, and Montenegro. The infused aperitif does share qualities with these classic beverages: complexity, bold aromatics, a touch of warming spiciness, a full and unforgettable flavor that stands out in a cocktail, and a very gentle bitterness or “dryness” that makes the beverage sippable and not too sweet.
However, Artet doesn’t taste like any one of the beverages above. It has its own unique profile that was carefully crafted to taste like nothing else out there. Simply put, it was made to bring something new to the table.
What does Artet taste like?
When tasting Artet, the first thing you’ll notice is a subtle hint of spices like allspice and cardamom, plus a dry sweetness that’s a combination of ginger and gentian. Those warmer notes join forces with the juniper (think gin and fresh herbs) to create a perfect balance, and a smoothness on the way down.
After the initial wave of flavor subsides you’ll start to taste the subtler notes: bright citrus provided by grapefruit, followed by chamomile and florals that bring depth to the spirit, especially when it’s sipped on the rocks. This is, as we call it, the afterparty.
After taking your first few sips, you’ll notice that the ginger brings warmth to the throat, tongue and palate, much like an alcoholic spirit would. The benefit of this warming is to replicate the experience of drinking a traditional cocktail, and will become even more enjoyable when you begin to mix Artet with fruit juices, sodas, and tonics.
You’ll notice that drinking Artet’s aperitif feels like drinking a cocktail made with liquor. Because the aperitif is flavorful and has the slightest bite when sipped straight, the cocktail won’t get watery or overly sweet when topped with a mixer, and you’ll know that there’s “spirit” inside of your drink.
The aperitif’s unique flavor combinations and subtle kick make it perfect for drinkers who are fans of fine spirits, amaros, aperitifs, and cocktail making. Its complexity doesn’t just make it an intriguing spirit when sipped straight or over ice, it makes even the simplest cocktails more interesting. Because Artet brings botanical, citrus, and floral notes to the table, it’s a one stop shop for flavor, even when topped with a basic seltzer water and nothing else.
What Artet Drinkers Think
We could talk all day about our infused aperitif, but we figure it might help to learn more about Artet’s flavor profile from folks who have tried it and are a little less biased. Many of our verified customers have taken it upon themselves to leave glowing reviews of the aperitif, plus some great tasting notes:
Ian, for example, writes that “Artet has the most distinctive taste: crisp, with notes of ginger and citrus. The flavor is one of a kind, almost a peppery (not spicy) taste. Great complex flavor for creating cocktails.”
Michael said of his first sip that “the botanicals are fresh and forward, which I enjoyed. A very nice product.”
Jason says “My favorite drink is a gin and tonic - an Artet and tonic is a beautiful thing. I really like the flavor profile of this spirit.”
Deb remarked that the aperitif is “So smooth. Love it with tonic and lime. Perfect ending to a long day.”
Alongside praise for the delicate balance of ingredients, almost all of our drinkers have found that Artet is among the best THC-infused spirits for cocktail making.
There’s Eric who told us “I mix it with a little ginger ale or sprite and a little lemon twist. Ooh la la many more drinks I will be trying, straight up classy drink.”
Justin writes that Artet is “My new go-to beverage. Just a nice drink that you can literally mix with anything…” and Lauren claims that Artet is “the best addition to my home bar! I love that you can use it to make an NA spritz.”
At the end of the day, if you’re trying to figure out how something complex and layered tastes, words and glowing reviews can only get you so far.
How can I try Artet?
Want to see what Artet’s Aperitif tastes like? We recommend jumping into the Artet flavor world with a bottle of our Flagship Aperitif or our Starter Pack — a bundle of our 750ml bottles and spritzes made especially for first-time drinkers.
Cheers, and as always, keep your spirits high!
