Haus Aperitifs Review: Elevate Your Happy Hour with These Chic, Low-ABV Drinks
Hey there, fellow cocktail lovers! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for delicious new drinks to serve at your next soirée or wind down with after a long day. Recently, I discovered Haus aperitifs and I‘m honestly obsessed. These sophisticated, low-alcohol spirits are packed with unique flavors and all-natural ingredients. Plus, the packaging is super chic – definitely Insta-worthy. 😍
I‘ve been taste-testing my way through Haus‘ collection and I‘m excited to share my honest review with you. We‘ll dive into each of the different flavors, learn a bit about the brand‘s story and mission, and I‘ll share some tips for enjoying these aperitifs at home. Trust me, once you try Haus, you‘ll never go back to boring G&Ts again! 🙌
What is Haus, Anyway?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let‘s start with the basics. Haus is a California-based startup that specializes in all-natural aperitifs made with real fruits, herbs, and botanicals. If you‘re not familiar with aperitifs, they‘re a type of light, refreshing drink traditionally enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. They originated in Europe (think Campari, Lillet, or vermouth) but Haus has given them a modern, American spin.
What sets Haus apart is its focus on quality ingredients, transparency, and lower alcohol content. All of the aperitifs clock in between 15-20% ABV, which is about half the strength of a typical spirit. This means you can enjoy a couple drinks without getting too buzzed or worrying about a nasty hangover. Haus‘ flavor profiles are also super unique and complex – these definitely aren‘t your average fruity vodka sodas.
The company was founded in 2019 by husband and wife team Helena and Woody Hambrecht, who were inspired by the aperitif culture they experienced while living in Europe. They started out making small batches in their kitchen and hosting tasting parties for friends. Word spread quickly, and Haus is now a nationally distributed brand with a cult following. Pretty impressive for a company that‘s barely a year old!
My Haus Aperitif Tasting Notes
Alright, let‘s get into the good stuff – the actual drinks! Haus has six core flavors that are available year-round, plus seasonal limited releases. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the complete set, so I‘ll share my thoughts on each one.
Citrus Flower 🍋🌸
ABV: 20% | Tasting Notes: Bright lemon, elderflower, fresh herbs, honey | Serving Suggestions: On the rocks, with soda water, or in a spritz
The Citrus Flower is Haus‘ most popular aperitif, and it‘s easy to see why. It‘s like summer in a glass! The lemon is zingy and fresh, balanced by a subtle floral sweetness from the elderflower. I picked up hints of lemongrass and thyme on the finish. This one is super refreshing on its own but also plays well with others – I loved it topped with a bit of soda water and a sprig of mint.
Lemon Lavender 🍋💜
ABV: 20% | Tasting Notes: Juicy lemon, warm vanilla, herbaceous lavender, white grape | Serving Suggestions: Over ice, in a bee‘s knees cocktail, or with iced tea
If you love the flavor of lavender, you‘ll adore the Lemon Lavender aperitif. It smells like a freshly picked bouquet and has a lovely floral taste that‘s not too perfumey. The lemon comes through cleanly and adds a welcome tartness. I was surprised by how well the lavender played with the base of crisp Chardonnay grapes – it‘s an unusual combination but it really works. This would be a perfect drink for sipping on a sunny patio!
Bitter Clove 🍊🌿
ABV: 20% | Tasting Notes: Bitter orange, clove, star anise, rooibos tea | Serving Suggestions: Neat or on the rocks as a digestif, or in a boulevardier
The Bitter Clove is definitively a "grown up" drink – it‘s complex, astringent, and not for the faint of heart! The first sip is bracing with bitter orange peel and warming spices like clove and anise. There‘s a subtle earthy note from the rooibos that rounds things out. I enjoy spirits with a bit of a bite, so this was right up my alley. It would make an excellent digestif (after dinner drink) or a sophisticated swap for sweet vermouth in cocktails.
Rose Rosé ✨🍷
ABV: 15% | Tasting Notes: Crisp rosé wine, tart strawberry, pink peppercorn, lemon peel | Serving Suggestions: Chilled on its own, or in a spritz with Prosecco and soda
Okay, how adorable is this blush pink bottle?! The Rose Rosé tastes just like the first days of spring. It‘s got a lovely dry rosé base, with juicy strawberry notes and a hint of peppery spice. Think grown-up pink lemonade vibes. At 15% ABV, this one is light and easy-drinking. It‘s perfect for porch sipping or as a brunch cocktail. Pro tip: pour it over ice with a splash of Prosecco and soda water for a next-level spritz. 🥂
Ginger Yuzu 🍋🌱
ABV: 20% | Tasting Notes: Sharp ginger, citrusy yuzu, lemongrass, elderflower | Serving Suggestions: On the rocks, with soda and a squeeze of lime, or in a highball
If you‘re a fan of ginger beer or Dark ‘n‘ Stormys, you‘ve got to try the Ginger Yuzu. It‘s spicy, tart, and super refreshing. The ginger is prominent but not overwhelming, and the yuzu offers a unique citrusy kick. I also picked up some floral notes from the elderflower. This aperitif would be killer in a highball with lime juice and ginger ale. Bring on the poolside cocktails! 🌴
Spiced Cherry 🍒🌶️
ABV: 20% | Tasting Notes: Jammy cherry, cinnamon, allspice, cacao nibs | Serving Suggestions: Neat or over ice, or in a Manhattan variation
Last but certainly not least, we have the Spiced Cherry – aka the perfect festive sipper. This one threw me for a loop because it‘s not cloyingly sweet like a lot of flavored spirits. Instead, you get a rich, almost savory cherry note laced with winter spices and a hint of dark chocolate. It reminds me of a fancy cocktail cherry, but more nuanced. I could see this being amazing in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned riff. Definitely a bottle I‘ll be breaking out for holiday parties!
The Haus Membership Perks 💸
In addition to selling individual bottles, Haus offers a monthly membership program with some enticing benefits. For $35 per month, you get:
- One full-sized bottle (750ml) of your choice delivered to your door
- Access to members-only flavors and limited releases
- 10% off all additional orders
- Free shipping on all orders over $50
If you‘re like me and enjoy having a well-stocked home bar, the membership is a great way to save money in the long run. It‘s also a fun way to explore new flavors and get first dibs on seasonal releases. You can cancel or pause your membership at any time, so there‘s no real commitment.
As a special offer for my readers, you can use the code HAPPYHOUR10 for 10% off your first order or membership sign-up! Cheers to that. 🥂
Sustainability & Transparency 🌿
One thing I really appreciate about Haus (besides the delicious drinks, obviously) is the company‘s commitment to sustainability and transparency. All of the ingredients are sourced from small farms in California and the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on organic and regenerative agriculture practices. The spirits are made using traditional natural fermentation methods – no weird artificial flavors or colors.
Haus also uses 100% recycled packaging materials and offsets its carbon footprint by supporting renewable energy projects. Love that eco-friendly ethos! 👏
In terms of transparency, Haus is an open book. You can find a full list of ingredients, nutritional info, and sourcing partners right on the website. The aperitifs are also low-carb, gluten-free, and contain no added sugar. As someone who‘s trying to be more mindful about what I put in my body, I really value that openness and clean craftsmanship.
The Final Verdict 🤔
Alright, so after tasting my way through Haus‘ entire range (it‘s a tough job, I know 😉), what‘s my final verdict? I‘m a fan! These aperitifs are delightfully complex, deceptively strong, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether I‘m hosting an al fresco dinner party or just kicking back with a good book, there‘s a Haus flavor to fit my mood.
I love that the lower ABV means I can enjoy a couple drinks without feeling sluggish or waking up groggy. The all-natural ingredients and sustainable production practices are a huge bonus. And can we talk about the packaging?! These bottles are definitely shelfie goals. 📸
Of course, taste is subjective and Haus‘ unique flavor profiles might not be for everyone. These aperitifs are more complex and less sweet than your average bottle of wine or pre-made cocktail. But if you‘re someone who enjoys trying new things and savoring your sips, I think you‘ll really enjoy Haus.
My personal favorite is the Citrus Flower, but I also loved the cozy vibes of the Spiced Cherry. I definitely recommend snagging the sampler kit if you‘re new to Haus – that way you can try a variety of flavors before committing to a full bottle.
The only real downside is the price point. At $35-40 per bottle, these aperitifs are definitely a splurge. But in my opinion, the quality of the ingredients and the versatility of the spirits make them worth the investment. Plus, a little goes a long way – one bottle will last you quite a while.
All in all, I‘ve really enjoyed getting to know Haus and I‘m excited to keep exploring their range. If you‘re looking to level-up your home bar cart or impress guests at your next gathering, I highly recommend giving these aperitifs a try. And don‘t forget that discount code – HAPPYHOUR10 for 10% off!
What about you – have you tried Haus before? If so, I‘d love to hear your thoughts! And if not, which flavor sounds most appealing to you? Let me know in the comments below. 👇
Until next time, happy sipping!
Xx,
[Your Name]
