9 Meadows: Innovative Non-Alcoholic Creations

Summer Sunset and Alpine Sky are sitting on my tasting desk in recycled glass bottles. Two non-alcoholic spirits from 9 Meadows, a Swiss brand sourcing its botanicals from nine Alpine meadows. The question is straightforward: does the Swiss provenance justify the premium pricing?

A Philosophy Rooted in Nature

9 Meadows has a clear identity: their connection to the Swiss landscape is not a marketing angle but the foundation of every bottle. The founders walked the shores of Lake Zurich and asked whether you can capture the essence of mountain meadows without compromising biodiversity. That became the guiding principle.

Their partnership with FREETHEBEES, a nonprofit promoting natural beekeeping, fits that commitment. Not a badge on the label but a concrete extension of their biodiversity stance.

The Botanical Sanctuary

Each botanical is sourced from one of nine specific meadows across Switzerland, where sustainable farming keeps the ecosystems intact. Copper pot distillation, recycled glass, sustainable label paper: not selling points but baseline choices for this brand.

The Spirits

Summer Sunset

Summer Sunset pours clear with a subtle pink hue. The nose leads with bright citrus — bitter orange and grapefruit — then a fresh basil note that catches you off guard. On the palate, rhubarb meets pink pepper; 3.6g of sugar per 100ml gives just enough sweetness without crowding the botanicals. The finish is long and layered.

Alpine Sky

Alpine Sky is crystal clear, no color, no compromise. Mountain juniper leads the nose, followed by the soft sweetness of Swiss aronia berry. Mint gives the palate a cooling backbone; zero sugar lets the botanicals speak for themselves. The persistence stands out.

Innovation in Motion

9 Meadows has installed solar panels at their distillery and is working toward zero-waste production. They keep exploring new native Swiss botanicals — not as a selling angle but as the actual work of the brand.

Verdict

Summer Sunset and Alpine Sky are not compromises. They deliver what they promise: Alpine botanicals in a bottle, without alcohol as a cover for thin flavor. Summer Sunset wins on complexity and playfulness; Alpine Sky is tighter and more direct.

Does Swiss provenance justify the premium price? Yes, if you’re willing to pay for rigorous sourcing and real craft. This is what non-alcoholic can be when no shortcuts are taken.

More information: https://9meadows.de/