Review: Figlia Fiore and Fiore Frizzante Non-Alcoholic Aperitifs

Figlia is a New York-based brand of non-alcoholic aperitivi, designed by creator Lily Geiger specifically to curtail alcohol consumption. In her “about us” narrative, she explicitly cites losing her father to alcoholism, and that she herself doesn’t like the way alcohol makes her feel anymore.

It’s a bold introduction to an interesting brand which so far has just two products, both available in 750ml bottles and as single-serve canned cocktails with bubbles added to make a sort of Spritz. We tried the first release, Fiore, in both forms. Thoughts follow.

Open bottles need to be refrigerated and consumed within 4 weeks.

Figlia 001. Fiore Review

The ingredients on the label read rose, bitter orange, and clove, but it’s the cloves that carry the day foremost on this sour-bitter concoction. If you’re tasted Ghia, this has a very similar composition, with those cloves and a strong rhubarb character backing up against notes of cherry and juicy raisins, just shy of being pruny. The beverage evolves to showcase a more vegetal note as the finish builds — carrot-like more than anything else — plus a healthy reprise of clove on the finish. Mixed florals impregnate the experience, particularly the nose, but there’s nothing I could ever pick out as particularly rose-forward. It’s a solid NA alternative to standard amari, but there are other brands out there I like a bit more.

B+ / $43

Figlia 001. Fiore Frizzante Review

Fiore, fizzed up and canned for easier consumption. There’s not a lot to this concoction: It’s apparently just Fiore and some sparkling water, which doesn’t just add fizz, it waters down the beverage a bit and dulls some of the flavor, especially any florals in the mix. Rhubarb notes are prominent, but the finish left me with a strong beet juice aftertaste in my mouth. In this configuration the drink just needs a little doctoring — I’d suggest some added citrus, namely grapefruit — to make it a little more interesting, though there’s a lot to be said for the convenience of having this in a single-serve can vs. a short-lived bottle.

B+ / $72 per 12-pack of 8.4 oz cans

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