Ghia

The brand draws heavily from Mediterranean drinking culture. Not the boozy kind, but the ritual itself: that golden hour when the day winds down and conversation picks up over something bitter and beautiful. Masarin grew up with this tradition during childhood summers near the Mediterranean, and the gap between that memory and what she could actually order sober frustrated her enough to start a company.

Ghia's original apéritif is a concentrated botanical blend built around citrus, rosemary, and bitter herbs. It needs mixing, typically one part Ghia to three parts sparkling water or tonic. The flavour profile sits firmly in amaro territory, bright with yuzu and lemon balm, finishing with that appetising bitterness that defines Italian drinking culture. A Berry variant followed, leaning into strawberry, black currant, and jasmine tea for something juicier and more tannic.

The Le Spritz range offers convenience without compromise. These ready-to-drink cans come in four varieties: the original Ghia Soda, a warming Ginger version, the citrus-forward Lime and Salt, and the adventurous Sumac and Chili with genuine heat. Each delivers the aperitif experience without requiring a home bar setup.

What distinguishes Ghia is its commitment to clean formulation. No added sugars, no artificial flavours, no caffeine. The products incorporate nervines, botanical extracts traditionally associated with calming properties, which fit the aperitivo brief of unwinding before dinner rather than powering through it.

Ghia launched direct-to-consumer during the pandemic and has since expanded to Target and various speciality retailers across the US. International availability remains limited, with the UK served through a handful of stockists including Healf, plus direct shipping from their website. It's a brand built for a specific mood and ritual: the slower, more deliberate end of drinking culture, minus the drink.