After observing unhealthy habits among her patients during the coronavirus pandemic, holistic medicine practitioner Giulietta Octavio introduced her beverage brand.
Initially crafted to mimic the bitters found in alcoholic cocktails, she created Ceylon AF. Her elixir collection features potent blends of diverse herbs and mushrooms.
Octavio noted, "I would gift my clients small bottles, recommending they blend it with soda water instead of their typical cocktail to aid in cutting down on alcohol intake. What amazed me were the extra advantages they encountered—not only did they steer clear of alcohol, but they also relished immune-boosting and mood-enhancing effects."
Presently, Ceybon AF, purportedly translating to 'it's good' in the realm of Chinese medicine, presents a comprehensive lineup of Elixirs and non-alcoholic Mushroom Wellness Cocktails. These are accessible in three options: bright AF, chill AF, and happy AF.
Octavio strived for the products to radiate the elegance and luxury of a legitimate adult beverage.
The entrepreneur, who transitioned from being a holistic medicine practitioner, expressed that steering clear of alcohol becomes simple when you can derive the same pleasurable experience from something that is genuinely beneficial for your health.
"After a 40-day period, we extract all the mushrooms and herbs together with their liquid, which transforms into the active ingredient, the medicinal essence within the bottle," she elaborated.
Octavio remarked, "Having delved into all the research, I recognized the substantial health advantages mushrooms provide, but creating the beverages made me realize that people genuinely take note of it."
"What truly astonished me was listening to individuals express, 'I feel improved, my skin has cleared up, my sleep is more restful, my weight remains steady, my digestion has enhanced, and I sense a greater level of hope, optimism, and positivity.'"
Aligned with its mission, Ceylon AF products provide diverse encounters for consumers, reminiscent of a range of cocktails. Yet, in contrast to alcohol, these offerings are designed as a daily refreshment. Octavio emphasized, "There's truly no risk of overindulging with these."
The initial flavor profile, Chill AF, is depicted as a summer delight resembling a gin-infused cocktail, perfect for a pre-dinner beverage. The subsequent flavor profile, Happy AF, presents a flavor and sensation akin to mezcal, making it an excellent choice for savoring during a meal.
In addition to consumers like Gen Z, who are cutting back on alcohol consumption, Octavio has garnered favorable responses from distributors. Furthermore, older age groups, such as women going through menopause and men who have developed a reduced tolerance to alcohol over time, are expressing curiosity about the product.
"Bars appreciate partnering with us due to the resemblance of our products to alcoholic beverages, simplifying their integration into any unique menu offering."
As awareness of the detrimental effects of alcohol grows among consumers, an increasing number of companies are crafting alcohol-free beverages such as mocktails.