Three Spirit Nightcap is a non-alcoholic botanical elixir built for slow, after-dinner sipping, with Canadian maple syrup layered with mosaic hops, lemon balm, turmeric, ashwagandha, vanilla, valerian, licorice, ginger and a trio of peppers. Rich vanilla and maple give it a rounded opening, while earthy botanicals, citrusy herbs and black pepper pull it firmly away from dessert territory; tannin and a flicker of chile heat bring structure to the long, warming finish. Dark, woodsy and gently bittersweet, it has the weight and complexity you want when the evening calls for something poured short and savored.
Why We Love It
Nightcap understands that an evening drink is as much about ritual as refreshment. Rather than trying to impersonate whiskey or amaro, Three Spirit gives us something distinctive: dark, botanical, substantial enough to sip slowly, and interesting from the first pour to the last. We especially like that its richness comes with enough tannin, herbal character and peppery bite to keep the maple in check. It occupies a useful little corner of the Cheeky & Dry shelf: the bottle to reach for when sparkling and citrusy aren't what you're after.
How to Drink Three Spirit Nightcap
Pour 2 oz over a large cube and add a few dashes of aromatic or orange bitters, then finish with an expressed orange peel. It's simple, properly grown-up, and lets Nightcap's woody botanicals and spice do the work. Three Spirit also recommends Nightcap over ice or in cocktails.
Cheeky & Dry Signature Serve — The Last Word Before Bed: 2 oz Three Spirit Nightcap, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ¼ oz maple syrup, and 2 dashes orange bitters. Shake with ice and strain over a large cube in a rocks glass. Express an orange peel over the top and discard. The lemon tightens Nightcap's richer edges while the bitters pull its citrus, spice and botanicals forward.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Vanilla, maple, earthy herbs and black pepper.
Palate: Rounded maple and vanilla give way to hops, warm ginger, savory botanicals and peppery spice.
Finish: Long, herbal and warming, with tannin, black pepper and a subtle chile prickle.
Body: Full and smooth for a non-alcoholic botanical elixir, with enough tannic structure to hold up beautifully over ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Three Spirit Nightcap non-alcoholic?
Yes. Nightcap is a non-alcoholic botanical elixir designed for sipping over ice or using in cocktails.
What does Three Spirit Nightcap taste like?
Nightcap is dark, woodsy and botanical, with maple and vanilla richness balanced by earthy herbs, tannin, ginger and peppery spice. It is richer than many botanical spirits but finishes with enough herbal character and heat to keep it balanced.
Is Three Spirit Nightcap sweet?
Canadian maple syrup provides noticeable richness, so this isn't an austere or bone-dry spirit alternative. Herbal bitterness, tannin and peppery spice give it balance and keep the sweetness from standing alone.
What botanicals are in Three Spirit Nightcap?
The current U.S. formula includes mosaic hops, lemon balm, turmeric root, ashwagandha root, vanilla orchid, valerian root, licorice root, ginger, black pepper, Sichuan pepper and habanero pepper.
Does Three Spirit Nightcap contain caffeine?
No. Three Spirit identifies Nightcap as caffeine-free.
Does Three Spirit Nightcap contain licorice?
Yes. The current ingredient information specifically notes that Nightcap contains licorice.
How should I drink Three Spirit Nightcap?
It's particularly good poured short over ice with bitters and orange peel. It can also be used as the base for spirit-forward non-alcoholic cocktails.
