Remove petals from stems and run them under luke-warm water to remove any leftover residue and/or bugs and critters.

This month, Chris is comparing his new V60 Cross Country with his outgoing VW Touareg. You can read earlier VW reports here. As someone who has lived with insomnia for my entire life, I’ll make a beeline for pretty much anything with Valerian in it, so I was just as excited to try the nighttime beverage in Three Spirit’s range as I was about revisiting the social tipple and testing out the energiser. Nightcap comes in my favourite of the three bougie bottle designs, and here’s what you need to know about what it has to offer. Flavour: Valerian is a powerful plant with soothing properties, helping to bring a sense of peacefulness. Hüll Melon hops are known for their antioxidant and mood-making functions. They offer a mellowing effect and provide a fresh, fruity flavour. Lemon balm is wonderfully refreshing and rejuvenating. It will help the mind replenish and aids a sound sleep. Nightcap Tasting Notes Regardless, I was intrigued to discover whether or not this night cap drink would actually enhance my sleep, or make me feel as though I was winding down more easily, in place of my tea.

Clean energising Amazonian holly

I opened the bottle and lifted it to my nose. It smelled incredibly earthy, it half reminded me of a lovely, fresh and healthy summer salad whilst simultaneously bringing the image of pond water to my minds forefront. After experiencing its unusual juxtaposed scent I was a little nervous to taste it, but I mixed 50ml with tonic water as advised, and sat down to enjoy the morning.

Note: reducing alcohol consumption, or going sober overnight, may not be an option for everyone. For some people, total abstinence could be the only way to go – if you're worried about your relationship with alcohol or fear you may be dependent upon it, speak to a doctor or trusted organisation, such as Alcohol Change UK . Schisandra Berry– align your physical performance with this invigorating berry! Used by Russian WWII pilots for endurance, this intriguing berry pops up in many guises across Asia and Russia. Often called the “5 flavour berry”, as the red flesh carries 5 distinct flavours: sweet, salty, bitter, spice and sour. The leaves are often cooked as a vegetable in Russia and have a lemony flavour, in Korea, the berry is made into a cordial named Omija-cha! Native to the northern forests of China, where it climbs for it’s life as it chases the light! Good news, you can grow Schisandra in Northern Europe, it’s known to be hardy down to -30C and copes with wet conditions too! Where the XC excels is in the other situations, the other miles that made up the bulk of our 7900. I didn’t bond with the fiddly touchscreen and its clunky map, the strangely noisy wipers or the 34mpg average consumption.While both give you more ground clearance than regular saloon cars – the Cross Country’s floorpan is raised 60mm over a regular V60’s, and it also gets hill-descent control – only the Touareg offers an air suspension option allowing you to lift it further clear of obstacles. This one’s all about energy and euphoria. While Shisandra berry is better known to some as a plant that helps to fight symptoms of the menopause, and is also one of the OG adaptogens, it’s the Guayusa and green tea that do a lot of the heavy lifting in this concoction. The Nightcap is a soothing elixir to be enjoyed at the end of the evening. Designed as a slow-sipper it will provide a dreamy, mellow feeling – helping to calm the mind and soothe the body. Health benefits inside the Nightcap Whether my calm state was the result of the lemon balm and valerian, or the fact that I was very much in the present and focusing on the taste and the experience I was having - I'm not sure - but I can tell you that I felt ready to rest after drinking it. The floral, exotic aromas in the Livener are given by a rather simple ingredient; rosewater. Typically made from Rosa damascena, but any well-fragranced rose will do. The simplest recipe method of all is the simmering method, and it’ll take you 30 minutes tops!

What sets Three Spirit apart from other grown-up ‘soft’ drinks is not only the fact that their spirit trio isn’t designed to impersonate anything else. Though part of their charm and appeal is that they aren’t aping gin, whiskey or another type of alcohol, a big reason they’re proving so popular is that these drinks aren’t just designed to taste great. Social Elixir, Livener and Nightcap each make promises about their ability to boost your mood in one way or another, using the power of plants and herbs from around the world to make you more sociable, energised or relaxed. The no/low alcohol market is continuing to grow, with a moderation trend that’s showing an increased demand from consumers for reduced alcohol, or alcohol-free drinks. By 2024, consumption is expected to grow by 31%, according to the IWSR.However, I cant help but feel as though alcohol-free options for adults are limited, so when I saw advertisements for these Three Spirit herbal elixirs, my interest was certainly peaked and I had to see if it was as effective as it declared itself to be. Unfiltered for flavour and function. Some sedimentation is normal. Shake to awaken. Store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Reseal after opening and consume within 12 weeks. Please seek professional advice if pregnant or taking regular medication.