Spirit Of The Week: ALTD Spirit's Golden Emporer Australian Aperitif

July 2, 2024 by
Sunny Madhwani

July has rolled around, and it's that time of year again when we collectively give our livers a bit of a break. Yep, it's Dry July, the month where many of us take a step back from our favourite spirits. This whole shebang kicked off to raise funds and awareness for cancer patients, but it has grown into a global health trend. People everywhere are realising the benefits of giving their bodies a detox from alcohol, whether it's for better sleep, clearer skin, or just feeling more energised. So, in the spirit of Dry July, let’s dive into a fantastic alcohol-free alternative that’ll keep your taste buds entertained: ALTD Spirits Golden Emperor.


No & Low Drinks Co.

ALTD Spirits is shaking up the non-alcoholic scene from their base in Marrickville, crafting beverages that are 100% natural, vegan, sugar, gluten, and calorie-free. They've been at it since 2017, driven by a commitment to using native ingredients and forging partnerships with Indigenous-owned suppliers. Their mission? To push the boundaries of what alcohol-free can offer, making drinks that are not only ethical but also packed with flavour and innovation.


Meet the Golden Emperor

Enter the Golden Emperor, ALTD Spirits' answer to the classic bitter-orange Italian apéritif, but with a unique Aussie twist. Inspired by the beloved Aussie Jaffa, this 0% ABV spirit marries zesty orange and bitters with wattleseed and dark roasted cocoa sourced from the Daintree in Far North Queensland. This combination offers a bittersweet profile that's as complex as it is delightful. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a sophisticated drink without the booze, the Golden Emperor shines in cocktails like Negronis or Spritzes. Simply add 50mls over ice and top with a crisp Prosecco to elevate your Dry July experience.


Tasting Notes

The Golden Emperor is a sensory delight. The zesty orange hits first, delivering a refreshing and invigorating start. This is followed by the earthy and slightly nutty taste of wattleseed, grounding the spirit with a uniquely Australian touch. The dark roasted cocoa adds depth and a subtle bitterness that rounds out the flavour profile beautifully. It’s a harmonious blend that manages to be both bold and balanced, making it an ideal aperitif.




Botanical Brilliance

The magic of the Golden Emperor lies in its botanicals. ALTD Spirits sources bush orange, blood orange, wattleseed, cocoa husk, and red gum bark from across Australia, ensuring each ingredient is locally grown and sustainably harvested. These botanicals reflect the diversity and richness of Australian and Indigenous flora, meticulously distilled and blended to create a non-alcoholic spirit that embodies the essence of the land without compromising on quality or sophistication.


The Ingredients

ALTD Spirits prides itself on using real ingredients with nothing artificial. The Golden Emperor is a testament to this philosophy. It contains water, copper distilled botanicals, hand-made native extracts, citric acid, coconut glycerin, stevia, and natural colours from beetroot, carrot, and turmeric. It’s all-natural, free from alcohol and sugar, and aligns perfectly with the health-conscious ethos of Dry July.


Serving Suggestions

While the Golden Emperor is fantastic on its own or over some ice, as labeled as an Aperitif it's also incredibly versatile in cocktails. For a refreshing drink, mix it with Prosecco over ice. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, try it in Negroni or a spritz. The spirit's complex flavours stand up well to mixing, making it a great addition to any non-alcoholic bar setup.


A Dry July Delight

As we embrace Dry July, this Australian Aperitif offers a way to enjoy the ritual of drinking without the buzz. Whether you're cutting back for health reasons, making more mindful choices or just taking a break, this spirit proves that non-alcoholic doesn't have to mean non-flavourful.

ALTD Spirits Golden Emperor is more than just a non-alcoholic alternative; it's a celebration of innovative spirit-making. With its rich flavours and ethical production, it’s a standout choice for those looking to enjoy the best of Dry July. If you are looking to purchase a bottle of the Golden Emperor, its is available in a 700ml size through ALTD Spirits online shop. So, here's to a month of mindful drinking and discovering new, exciting beverages that keep the fun in Dry July.