In this short read, we explain what is an ELIXIR drink, and share our definition for an elixir drink in the modern day.
The word ‘elixir’ often brings to mind all manner of magical and mystical connotations. It’s easy to imagine a wizard brewing up a batch of potent elixir for manifestation and healing, but in the modern day we know that’s not really going on. So, what is an elixir drink then?
While elixir drink does indeed have a history as a medicinal preparation, today the term is used quite freely, often in reference to a beverage or supplement with some healthful properties.
What is an Elixir drink?
There is no single agreed upon definition for what is an elixir drink in the modern day, so an elixir produced by one manufacturer could be very different from an elixir produced by another. A quick look on Wikipedia will reveal that ‘elixir’ has many definitions, and none of them are particularly relevant to drink making or modern medicine.
My guess is that this is because ‘elixir’ is an archaic word which isn’t used in medicine anymore, but the word has stuck around because it sounds damn cool, so product developers and marketers use it however they want to evoke a sense of mystery and tradition. That’s my honest opinion and I work in marketing for my day job. Anyway, I digress.
So, what is an elixir drink according to Alcofree Brew…?
At AlcoFree Brew, we define elixir as a cordial or fruit syrup that has been enhanced with traditional herbal medicine plants to produce specific physical and psychological effects such as energising, relaxing and stress-relief. This is a call back to the time when alcoholic cordials were created and used explicitly for medicinal purposes.
What is an Elixir Drink – AlcoFreeBrew Definition
An ELIXIR is a non-alcoholic syrup prepared from sugar, water, traditional medicinal herbs and plants, and natural flavors such as fruits and spices. The elixir syrup is used the same way as a non-alcoholic cordial or fruit syrup, primarily as a drink base when mixed with water.
How is an Elixir consumed?
Since the Elixir is basically a cordial or fruit syrup, enhanced with herbs, it is also consumed in the same way as a cordial or fruit syrup. Most commonly, the elixir is enjoyed as a long drink, diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:10 syrup to water.
How and what are elixir drinks served with:
- Enjoy as a refreshing long drink with ice, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10
- Use as a mixer in cocktails and mocktails
- Mix with soda water in a ratio of 1:10 for a unique homemade soda pop
- Mix with hot water to create a warming beverage on a cold day.
Do not consume the elixir straight. It won’t cause you any harm, but it’s not intended to be consumed that way and may not taste very nice. Always dilute with water.
Does an elixir contain alcohol?
If you are wondering does an elixir contain alcohol, the answer is… some do, some don’t. Because the term ‘elixir’ is used very loosely by manufacturers, there are no definite rules around whether elixirs contain alcohol or not. Part of our reason for calling them ‘non alcoholic elixirs’ on the AlcoFree Brew website is to make that clear distinction between the alcoholic and alcohol-free variety.
Traditionally, elixirs contained alcohol and many elixir recipes are essentially tinctures, which do contain alcohol. Tinctures are herbal medicinal preparations that involve steeping herbs or plants in alcohol for a period of a few weeks, to extract the active compounds.
However, today elixirs that do not contain any alcohol are also gaining popularity. There are no clear guidelines for preparing non-alcoholic elixirs, so there are many variations. Some elixirs are simply herbal infusions (ie herbal tea), while others are more complicated to prepare. The approach we use on this website is to use a non-alcoholic cordial base (ie simple syrup base) for our elixir recipes.
What is an Elixir drink? Final answer
What is an Elixir drink? Perhaps the answer you didn’t hope to hear, is that there is no clear definition for ELIXIR in the modern day, nor a clear standard for what constitutes an elixir.
Therefore drink makers can, and do, use the term freely for whatever beverage or concoction they want to put the name to. At AlcoFree Brew, we have our own definition of a non-alcoholic elixir.
As we’ve mentioned above, out definition of an elixir is a non-alcoholic cordial (aka fruit syrup) that has been enhanced with traditional herbal medicine plants. The purpose of an elixir is to offer some health benefit, whether to offer us energy, improve our mood or alleviate a cough.
When choosing to make or purchase an elixir, I suggest that you don’t analyze the word ‘elixir’ too closely, but rather read the description, label and learn how it is prepared. Keep in mind, some elixirs are alcoholic and some aren’t. Many are designed to be primarily enjoyable beverages, while others are intended as a more serious herbal medicinal preparation such as those used in homeopathy. Some elixirs not meant to be ingested at all, such as certain cosmetic products. Traditionally, elixirs were medicinal preparations, but today the term is very loose, so always read the label to be sure you know what you are really picking up.
