The Botanika Glossary: What Does That Mean?
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Welcome to your go-to guide for all things zero-proof, functional, and freakin’ delicious. Whether you're just dipping your toes into the sober-curious pool or you're a full-blown pantry snob (no shame, we see you), this glossary breaks down the buzzwords, explains the trends, and links you to products we actually carry.
Because knowledge is power. And sometimes that power comes in a can.
Adaptogen
Herbs or plant-based compounds that may help the body manage stress. Popular in non-alcoholic drinks for mood support and balance.
Aperitif
A beverage traditionally consumed before a meal to awaken the appetite. In the NA world, think Ghia, Figlia, Wilderton, and more.
Bitters
Herbal tinctures used in cocktails or mocktails to add depth and balance. Not all bitters are booze-free — we only carry NA options, All the Bitter.
Clean Label
No artificial colors, no unpronounceable ingredients. Just real stuff made by real people.
Dry January
That magical (or miserable?) month where people ditch booze and reset. A great time to explore zero-proof wine, spirits, or adaptogenic sips.
Elevated Essentials
Your pantry, but make it fancy. Think fancy olive oil, truffle popcorn, or hand-harvested sea salt.
Functional Beverage
Drinks that do something — whether it’s focus, chill, digestion, or glow-up energy. Usually contain adaptogens, nootropics, or probiotics.
Indie Brand
Small, founder-led companies not owned by big food or BevCo. Supporting them = supporting culture, values, and creativity.
Mocktail
A mixed drink with no booze, all flavor. Pro tip: great mocktails rely on balance — acid, sweetness, bitterness, and bubbles.
No & Low (NoLo)
Industry term for both non-alcoholic (0.0–0.5%) and low-alcohol drinks. Botanika is 100% non-alc.
Bottled magic that mimics gin, whiskey, or aperitifs — minus the hangover.
That one sauce or spice that transforms a boring meal into something *chef's kiss*.
Not the plant. This one’s a tangy vinegar-based syrup used to balance cocktails and mocktails. Think fruit, acid, and complexity in a bottle.
Sober-Curious
Not necessarily sober, just... curious. Maybe you’re cutting back. Maybe you’re rethinking your relationship with alcohol.
Tinned Fish Girl Era
Yes, it’s a thing. Fancy tinned fish like sardines, mussels, and trout are having a moment. Especially when paired with crackers or hot sauce.
Vibe-First Retail
A shopping experience built around design, music, scent, mood — not just shelves and sales. That’s Botanika in a nutshell.
The fancy way of saying “completely alcohol-free” (0.0% ABV). Used in place of “non-alcoholic” when you want to sound extra legit.
👀 Want to Learn More?
We’re building a whole content series around the glossary. Check out the Botanika Blog for:
- Product deep-dives
- Seasonal pairings
- Behind-the-scenes with our favorite indie brands
- Sober event recaps
- Real talk on navigating social life booze-free
We love making you look smart at brunch.
📍 Visit Botanika in SLC or shop zero-proof online.