Alfred's Herbal Botanical Brew lifestyle scene with cocktail glasses
Alfred's Herbal Botanical Brew can
Proudly Introducing

Alfred's Herbal
Botanical Brew

A lightly sparkling, alcohol-free aperitif inspired by Beechworth's rich botanical history and Alfred Billson's original vision for adult, non-intoxicating drinks of character.

Alfred's Herbal Botanical Brew
Alfred's

Herbal Botanical Brew

$5.99

Pack Size: Buy More + Save More
$21.99 Sold Out
Alfred's Herbal Botanical Brew being poured over ice with fresh orange
Alfred's Herbal Botanical Brew

Our tribute to Beechworth,
a place where craft has
always mattered.

In the late 1800s, Alfred Billson championed the idea that adults deserved drinks of character - even without alcohol. That philosophy feels more relevant than ever. So we've reimagined it.

The result is a modern botanical brew designed for the
way we gather and celebrate today.

We hope you enjoy, Nath & Flic

Made with
carefully selected
botanicals,
including

Liquorice Root
Liquorice Root Glycyrrhiza glabra
Lemon Myrtle
Lemon Myrtle Backhousia citriodora
Butterfly Pea
Butterfly Pea Clitoria ternatea
Chirata Root
Chirata Root Swertia chirayita
Quassia
Quassia Quassia amara
Black Tea Extract
Black Tea Extract Camellia sinensis
Gentian Root
Gentian Root Gentiana lutea
Citrus Peel
Citrus Peel Quassia amara
Alfred's Herbal Botanical Brew

Tasting Notes

Alfred's Botanical Brew opens with lifted citrus and aromatic herbs, followed by a bold, dry bitterness that gives it real aperitif character.

You'll taste earthy botanical depth through the mid-palate, with a clean, refreshing finish that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another sip.

Expect: bright citrus peel, herbal aromatics, and a satisfying bitter backbone.

Not a soft drink. Not alcohol.
Just beautifully balanced complexity.

Alfred's Herbal Botanical Brew can with botanicals and ingredients

As sophisticated as a gin and tonic, without the alcohol. Perfect for special occasions or an after-work pour over ice.’

Mick Last St Tasting Bar

Alfred's Spritz

To enjoy the full colour and for a more sophisticated serve, add ice to a cocktail glass of your choice, gently pour over and garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Shop Now
Alfred's Spritz served in cocktail glasses with orange peel garnish
Alfred's Herbal Botanical Brew being poured over ice with fresh orange
Bitter. Botanical. Balanced.

A history of flavour

Based on an original handwritten recipe from over a century ago, Alfred’s draws inspiration from Beechworth’s temperance-era brewing philosophy - when complexity and craft were valued just as highly as alcohol content.

Today, we craft Alfred’s in small batches using pristine alpine spring water drawn from our 153-year-old artesian red brick well.

Rooted in history. Designed for now.
Frequently Asked Questions

We're here to
answer your
questions.

Is Alfred's Herbal Botanical Brew completely alcohol-free?

Yes. Alfred's Herbal Botanical Brew is 100% alcohol-free (0.0% ABV).

It's crafted to deliver complexity, bitterness and depth without intoxication. This makes it safe for pregnant women (with healthcare provider approval), designated drivers, anyone avoiding alcohol for health or personal reasons, and those participating in the sober curious movement.

What does a botanical aperitif taste like?

Alfred's opens with lifted citrus and aromatic herbs, followed by a confident, dry bitterness.

It's bright and refreshing with a structured, lingering finish, far less sweet than typical soft drinks. The gentian root provides a clean, earthy backbone, while citrus peel adds vibrant brightness. Quassia bark contributes crisp, dry bitterness that balances the aromatics.

Think grown-up refreshment, not cordial. It's designed for adults who appreciate nuanced, sophisticated flavours.

Are non-alcoholic aperitifs sweet like soft drinks?

No. Alfred's is deliberately balanced, not sugary.

A light natural sweetness supports the botanicals, but the finish is dry and gently bitter, similar to Italian amari or French aperitifs, but without the alcohol. This makes it a sophisticated alternative to sweet soft drinks or sugary mocktails.

How many calories are in a non-alcoholic aperitif?

Each 355ml serve of Alfred's contains approximately 72 calories (724kJ).

That's significantly less than most traditional soft drinks (which typically contain 140-180 calories per 355ml) or alcoholic aperitifs like Aperol Spritz or Negroni (which can contain 150-200+ calories per serve). This makes Alfred's a lower-calorie option for health-conscious consumers.

Where does the natural colour in botanical drinks come from?

The vibrant purple hue in Alfred's comes naturally from butterfly pea flower, a botanical traditionally used in herbal teas throughout Southeast Asia.

Its natural plant pigments (anthocyanins) create deep blue and violet tones. No artificial colours are used. This is the same botanical that gives many natural teas and tonics their distinctive blue-purple colour.

Why does my non-alcoholic drink change colour when I add citrus?

Butterfly pea flower is naturally pH-sensitive.

When you add citrus (like lemon or orange) to Alfred's, the purple can shift toward pink or magenta due to the acidity. It's completely natural and part of the ritual. This colour-changing effect is a sign of real botanical ingredients and makes for a beautiful serve.

Do alcohol-free aperitifs contain artificial ingredients?

Alfred's contains no artificial ingredients.

Its colour comes from botanicals like butterfly pea flower. Its flavour comes from gentian root, quassia bark, citrus peel and aromatic herbs. Alfred's is preservative-free, made with all-natural ingredients and crafted with alpine spring water from our historic artesian well in Beechworth.

Are non-alcoholic aperitifs carbonated?

Yes. Alfred's is lightly sparkling, just enough to lift the botanicals and create a refreshing finish without being overly fizzy.

The light carbonation enhances the aromatic qualities of the botanicals and provides a palate-cleansing effect similar to sparkling wine or prosecco, making it ideal as a pre-dinner drink or celebratory beverage.

How do you serve a non-alcoholic aperitif?

Simple serve: Pour Alfred's over ice in a stemmed glass (wine glass or coupe) and garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Long serve: Serve tall over ice with fresh citrus slices for a more refreshing, lower-strength option.

Elevated serve:Add soda water, tonic or a splash of fresh juice (grapefruit, blood orange) for a more layered ritual.

Temperature:Serve well-chilled (6-8°C) for optimal flavor and refreshment.

It's designed for thoughtful moments and shared tables, perfect for pre-dinner drinks, entertaining, or any occasion where you want something sophisticated without alcohol.

What does gentian root taste like in drinks?

Gentian root is one of the world's classic bitter botanicals, used in traditional European aperitifs for centuries.

It delivers a clean, structured bitterness that is earthy, slightly woody and beautifully drying on the finish. In Alfred's, it provides backbone and sophistication, similar to the bitterness found in Campari, Aperol, or Suze, but in an alcohol-free format.

Gentian has been traditionally used to support digestion and stimulate the appetite, which is why it's a cornerstone ingredient in classic aperitifs.

What is quassia bark used for in botanical drinks?

Quassia bark is a traditional bitter botanical used in European aperitifs and digestive bitters.

It adds a crisp, dry bitterness that balances citrus and aromatics without overwhelming the palate. Quassia has been used for centuries in tonic wines and digestive preparations, valued for its clean bitter profile and aromatic qualities.

In Alfred's, it works alongside gentian root to create the sophisticated bitterness that defines a true aperitif.

Is a non-alcoholic aperitif low in sugar?

Alfred's is lower in sugar than many soft drinks, but it is not sugar-free.

Its sweetness is restrained to balance the bitterness of the botanicals, creating a grown-up flavor profile that's dry and refreshing rather than sweet. While exact sugar content varies by serving size, Alfred's prioritises botanical complexity over sweetness.

For comparison, most soft drinks contain 10-12g of sugar per 100ml, while Alfred's contains significantly less to maintain its sophisticated, aperitif-style character.

Are botanical drinks gluten-free?

Yes. Alfred's is gluten free, making it suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Are non-alcoholic aperitifs vegan?

Yes. Alfred's contains no animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

All ingredients are plant-based botanicals, including gentian root, quassia bark, citrus peel, butterfly pea flower, aromatic herbs, and alpine spring water.

Do alcohol-free botanical drinks contain preservatives?

No. Alfred's is preservative-free.

It's crafted with carefully selected botanicals and alpine spring water drawn from our historic red brick well in Beechworth. The natural preservative qualities come from the botanicals themselves and the bottling process, not from artificial additives.

Can you drink non-alcoholic aperitifs during pregnancy?

Alfred's contains no alcohol (0.0% ABV).

However, because it includes concentrated botanicals such as gentian root and quassia bark, we recommend that anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding consult their healthcare professional before consuming botanical beverages. While these botanicals have been used traditionally for centuries, individual circumstances vary, and your healthcare provider can give personalised guidance.

Are botanical aperitifs suitable for children?

While alcohol-free, Alfred's is crafted as an adult-style botanical drink. Its bitterness and complexity are designed for mature palates.

The sophisticated flavour profile, featuring gentian root, quassia bark, and other bitter botanicals, is typically not appealing to children, who generally prefer sweeter beverages. Alfred's is positioned as a grown-up alternative for adults who want complexity without alcohol.

Can you mix non-alcoholic aperitifs with alcohol?

Yes. Alfred's works beautifully in cocktails.

It can replace traditional bitter aperitifs in a spritz (mixed with prosecco and soda) or add botanical depth to gin or vodka-based drinks. The botanical complexity of Alfred's makes it an excellent modifier in mixed drinks, whether you're creating fully alcoholic cocktails or reducing the alcohol content in traditional recipes.
Popular serves include: Alfred's Spritz (with prosecco), Botanical G&T (with gin and tonic), or as a bittersweet component in creative cocktails.

How long does an opened bottle of non-alcoholic aperitif last?

Alfred's is shelf stable when unopened and can be stored in a cool, dry place.

Once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few days for best freshness. Because Alfred's is preservative-free and relies on natural ingredients, refrigeration after opening helps maintain optimal flavour and carbonation.

For longest shelf life, keep unopened bottles away from direct sunlight and heat.

What makes artesian spring water special in botanical drinks?

Yes. Alfred's is crafted with alpine spring water drawn from our historic artesian red brick well in Beechworth, part of our 150+ year brewing heritage.

Artesian water is naturally filtered through layers of rock, emerging pure and mineral-rich without the need for heavy processing. Our red brick well has been providing pristine water to Beechworth brewers since the 1800s, and this same water source now gives Alfred's its clean, crisp foundation that allows the botanical flavours to shine.

The natural mineral content and purity of artesian water make it ideal for crafting premium beverages, contributing to Alfred's distinctive taste and quality.