Bethan Higson is the founder of Mother Root, a non-alcoholic aperitif company that seeks to redefine the drinking experience.
Having spent 10 years working in the drinks industry, when she was pregnant, Bethan found herself searching for something that replaced the depth of flavour she missed from wine. “I really missed vibrant, flavour-packed drinks in their own right – I wasn't seeking an imitation.” And so she got to work, experimenting at her kitchen table.
Bethan Higson, founder of Mother Root
Necessity is the mother of invention, or so the saying goes, and it was here that Bethan came across the switchel: a refreshing, vinegar-based drink from the 17th century.
“I discovered the power of vinegar to amplify flavour, and I also started to learn about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.”
Mother Root ginger switchels have a base of apple cider vinegar, a fermented ingredient renowned for its potential health properties with a history that dates all the way back to ancient Greece. "Apple cider vinegar is the secret ingredient that gives our drinks their depth and complexity," explains Bethan. But its appeal extends beyond flavour. "It’s also said to stabilise your blood glucose and support digestion, so in many ways it's the perfect aperitif because it helps set you up for the meal that you'll have.”
Our increasing consciousness of health and well-being mirrors the rising popularity of non-alcoholic options, reflecting a shift in attitudes towards drinking. “We're busier than ever and we are juggling a lot… I think more people are understanding that, to do it all, or to just really enjoy life, alcohol slows you down,” Bethan muses. She believes that people are seeking the taste, experience and ritual of a good drink without the negative consequences of alcohol. “We're not about taking something out, so much as what we're putting in.”
When asked about the qualities of a great drink, Bethan emphasises flavour.
"Often you want something that's complex, that's got a lot of layers. Something that you won't drink too quickly – something you can sit and slowly unwind with.”
And it’s this driving belief in a flavour-first approach that has resonated with customers. Over two years of development went into crafting each ginger switchel, during which Bethan brought age-old wine aperitif-making methods - such as maceration and blending - into the alcohol free space for the first time.
Creating an inclusive and flavorful experience is at the heart of Mother Root, a sentiment that extends to Bethan’s own approach to hosting at home – although balancing life as a business owner and mother of two doesn’t leave her as much time to host as she’d like. She notes that welcoming people in with a drink helps to set the mood, extending a sense of generosity and abundance: “We often have a couple of pre-batched drinks ready to go, so that nobody is waiting around empty handed for very long.”
Cocktail Recipes
Clouds & Honey
Served in a tumblerIngredients
50ml Mother Root Ginger Switchel
20ml fresh lemon juice
15ml 2:1 honey syrup
Half an egg white
Method
Add all the ingredients to a large jar or cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Add some ice and shake again.
Fill a glass with plenty of ice. Strain the cocktail through a sieve into the glass. Garnish with a sprig of thyme.
Mother Root & Soda
Served in a highballIngredients
25ml Mother Root Ginger Switchel
125ml Soda water (or sparkling water)
Method
In a tumbler filled with ice, mix gently to combine with a bar spoon. Garnish with a lemon slice and rosemary sprig.
Cosmic Fire
Served in a Martini glassIngredients
25ml Mother Root Ginger Switchel
10ml fresh lime juice
1 Tablespoon Aquafaba
100ml Cranberry juice
Method
Mix everything together in a shaker and dry shake for 15 seconds to make the foam.
Add ice to the shaker and shake again.
Pour into martini glass.
Finish by grating a touch of orange zest on top.
Photography: Euan Baker
https://www.motherroot.london/