A rooftop launch in Midtown showcased why Naked Life‘s Italian Spritz may be the summer’s standout non-alcoholic cocktail.
Cocktail culture and NYC go hand in hand. What also comes with it, unfortunately, are the exuberant amounts of carbs and calories in every drink, not to mention the high costs. Sometimes we just want something to sip on while chatting, without the toll on our body and the messiness of alcohol.
The solution to this issue comes like a warm June breeze: Naked Life’s alcohol- and sugar-free cocktails. With all the class and punch of a typical cocktail, without any of the guilt, these are the perfect drink for a conscious individual to enjoy during the summer. I was lucky enough to attend the launch of their newest flavor in the U.S., the Italian Spritz, at the exclusive members-only club Branch at Park Terrace Hotel.
Naked Life X Breads Bakery
-Courtesy of The Knockturnal
Entering the venue, I was immediately enamored by the rustic charm of the setup: a rooftop overlooking Midtown with greenery, vines, and a splendid early-summer feel. Naked Life had partnered with Breads Bakery to create a charming spread to complement the new spritz, featuring an assortment of focaccias, pastries, and baked goods. I meandered to the bar, where I was able to try the Italian Spritz in all its glory. This spritz variant of a cheery Italian aperitivo gave off a hyper-refreshing and simply irresistible flavor, with notes of bitter orange, herbs, and florals. The bartender added a light slice of orange and some ice to top it off, and a drink that looked as good as it tasted was born.
What stood out to me most was that Naked Life never tried to market the Italian Spritz as a replacement for the “real thing.” Talking to some of the other enjoyers of the beverage at the event, it felt like its own experience entirely. At just five calories and completely free of sugar, it manages to strike that balance surprisingly well while still feeling like a proper cocktail rather than a flavored soda. I actually tricked my brain several times into thinking I was drinking alcohol and even felt a placebo tipsiness from the drink. That’s how accurate the taste was. I got the chance to try several other flavors as well, including a Gin and Tonic and a Pink Paloma, and both were absolutely wonderful. It’s easy for me to see why Naked Life has become Australia’s leading non-alcoholic cocktail brand, and I knew the U.S. was next.
The Branch
-Courtesy of The Knockturnal
As the sun began to set over the Manhattan skyline and conversations lingered long after the drinks had been poured, the evening perfectly embodied what Naked Life was trying to capture. The Italian Spritz isn’t about replacing happy hour—it’s about making it more accessible to everyone, whether you’re taking a night off from drinking or simply looking for a lighter option. Judging by both the drink itself and the atmosphere surrounding its launch, this newest addition to Naked Life’s lineup is poised to become a staple of summer gatherings long after spritz season has ended.
