Mockingbird Spirit and Fortitude Drinks have collaborated to launch Esmeralda, the UK’s first alcohol-free beer infused with an alcohol-free tequila-style spirit.
Mockingbird Spirit, the UK’s first alcohol-free tequila style spirit, is made from 100% blue weber agave with Ashwagandha, a medicinal herb commonly used for stress and anxiety.
The brand was created by Bristol-based entrepreneur, Fern McCoy, during the first lockdown and launched in August of last year.
Essex-based Fortitude Drinks launched their first alcohol-free beer, Everyday Lager, at the end of 2020.
The beer is kept alcohol-free through a brewing process in which the base malt is cut, leaving only the flavoursome lager, carapils, honey and crystal malts with a touch of wheat and oat.
After the beer has been brewed, Mockingbird Spirit is added at the final stage.
The result is a vegan, alcohol-free and gluten-free beer, with notes of "sweet vanilla, cinnamon, and habanero".