We tried a fiery alcohol-free ginger drink

We tried a fiery alcohol-free ginger drink

Posted on: 15 Feb 2024

This week, we tried a non-alcoholic ginger drink mix – Root2Ginger, an independent, family-run UK-based drinks company making recipes based on Caribbean traditions.

 

We tried Root2Ginger Fiery, the flagship flavour of the brand – and their best selling. With a Great Taste award under their belt, and the promise that the drink is small-batch only, we were looking forward to it.

 

The bottle mentions that the drink can be made with cold water for a more refreshing drink, or with hot for a comforting winter drink – we decided to go with the cold first.

 

 

My first impression was how gentle the kick was – rather than a single burst of spice, it was a longer-lasting, more considered approach to the gingery hit. The drink overall was exceptionally refreshing and mellow – whilst it was quite sweet, it felt like a natural, textured sweetness (not unlike crystallised ginger).

 

Switching to the hot version, the spice comes through a lot more – the literal temperature and spicy heat combine together to spread through your throat and mouth quite pleasingly. Plus, if your palate is less inclined toward sweet things, the increased kick helps balance out the strong sweetness of the drink. This feels like the way to drink R2G if you’re relaxing after a long day – or if you’re ill.

Root2Ginger sell their drink online – but you can support two independent businesses in one if you get it from their local distributor, Afro Street. Based out of The Arcade Bristol in Broadmead, Afro Street are a lifestyle & fashion shop founded to platform and champion black-owned businesses and Afro-Caribbean culture.

 

Founded by Danny Duod (also the founder of designer Afro-inspired fashion label Duodu London), Afro Street stock lifestyle products alongside their vibrant and authentic patterned clothing – like Root2Ginger, as well as rums and other spirits that would pair perfectly with R2G.

 

If you’re interested in buying Root2Ginger via Afro Street, you can visit them in the Arcade Bristol, or go to their website here. For more information on the drink itself, head to their website.

Read more:

Article by:

Patrick Bate

Patrick is a filmmaker with so much Bristol in his blood the white blood cells are graffiti'd. Educated at the Northern Film School in Leeds, he’s returned home to be a Videographer and Reviewer for 365Bristol and BARBI. When he’s not messing about with cameras, he enjoys playing guitar, spending far too much time on tabletop RPGs, and being an awful snob about cider. Have a look at his work here, or get in touch at patrickb@365bristol.com.