You're standing in the liquor aisle, or more likely scrolling through a high-end direct-to-consumer website, and you see it. Aplós. The bottle looks like something you’d find in a minimalist boutique in Soho. It’s frosted, elegant, and expensive. But when you’re looking to evaluate the non-alcoholic cocktails company Aplós on margarita mocktail quality, the aesthetic doesn't matter much if the liquid inside tastes like spiked lime juice or, worse, a sugary soda.
Non-alcoholic spirits have exploded. It’s a crowded room now. You have the giants like Seedlip and the newcomers like Ghia, but Aplós occupies a weird, cool middle ground. They don’t just make "fake gin." They make functional spirits. Their flagship, Arise, is meant to lift you up, while Calme is meant to... well, you get it. But when we talk about a Margarita, we're talking about a specific chemical architecture: the bite of agave, the sharp slap of lime, and that salty finish that makes your mouth water.
The Reality of the Aplós "Margarita" Profile
Most people trying to recreate a Margarita without the tequila reach for Aplós Arise. It's their "sun-drenched" spirit. Honestly, it’s a bold choice for a Marg. Arise isn't trying to be a Blanco tequila. It’s more of a citrus-forward, herbal complex. It contains functional ingredients—things like Suntheanine (L-theanine), Moringa, and Panax Ginseng.
When you mix this into a Margarita format, something interesting happens. You aren't getting that gasoline-and-earth funk of a cheap tequila. Instead, you get a bright, grassy, and slightly bitter profile that mimics the sophistication of a cocktail without the burn. It’s different. If you go into this expecting a 1:1 replica of a Jose Cuervo classic, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want a drink that feels "adult," it hits the mark.
The company has also leaned into the "ready-to-drink" (RTD) market. Their canned cocktails are where the Margarita conversation gets real. The Aplós Chili Margarita is a canned expression that tries to solve the biggest problem in the mocktail world: the lack of "back-of-throat" heat. Alcohol provides a literal chemical burn. Without it, most mocktails feel thin. Aplós uses Capsaicin and ginger to replicate that sensation. It works, mostly. You take a sip, and there’s a prickle. It’s spicy. It’s tart. It’s actually quite good.
What Most People Get Wrong About Mocktail Mixology
Here is the thing. You can't just swap 2oz of tequila for 2oz of a non-alcoholic spirit and expect magic. Science doesn't work that way. Alcohol is a solvent; it carries flavor differently than water-based spirits. When we evaluate the non-alcoholic cocktails company Aplós on margarita mocktail performance, we have to look at the "mouthfeel."
Water is thin. Alcohol is viscous.
To make an Aplós Margarita work at home using their bottled spirits, you need to compensate for that lack of weight. A lot of home bartenders forget the agave nectar. They think, "Oh, the spirit is flavored, I'll just use lime." No. Use the agave. You need that syrup to coat the tongue. You need the salt rim to bridge the gap between the herbal notes of the Arise spirit and the acidity of the citrus.
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I’ve seen people complain that Aplós is "too herbal" for a Margarita. Maybe. It has notes of agave, sure, but also grapefruit, orange, and sea salt. It’s more like a Paloma and a Margarita had a baby in a high-end spa. If you’re a purist who wants that smoky, toasted agave note, Aplós might feel too "green" for you. It tastes healthy. Tequila, famously, does not.
Functional Benefits vs. The Buzz
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the price. Aplós isn't cheap. You’re paying for the "functional" aspect. They use adaptogens. These are plants and herbs that supposedly help your body manage stress. Does it work?
The research on L-theanine, which is in their Arise blend, is actually pretty solid. Studies, like those published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, suggest it can help reduce anxiety in people under stressful conditions. When you drink an Aplós Margarita, you aren't just avoiding a hangover; you’re actively putting stuff in your body that is meant to mellow you out or pick you up.
- Arise: Focuses on Lemongrass, Ginger, and Mint.
- Calme: Focuses on Hemp (CBD-based).
If you’re making a Margarita with the Calme bottle, you’re looking at a very "chill" evening. It’s earthy. It’s heavy on the floral notes. It’s almost too relaxing for a party, but perfect for a Tuesday night on the couch.
Comparing the RTD Cans to the Bottled Spirit
The canned Chili Margarita is a different beast entirely. It’s convenient. No shaking. No mess. It uses a blend of citrus, sea salt, and that "capsaicin" heat I mentioned earlier. Honestly, the cans are where Aplós wins the Margarita battle.
Why? Because they’ve balanced the acidity for you.
When you mix it yourself, it’s easy to over-lime. The cans have a precise Brix level (sugar content) that mimics the density of a real cocktail. It feels "heavy" in a way that many home-poured mocktails don't. Plus, the chili adds a layer of complexity that distracts you from the fact that there’s zero ethanol in the glass. It’s a clever trick of the palate.
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Is the Agave Note Real?
This is where we get into the weeds. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant. Aplós uses agave flavors, but it's not a fermented agave product.
For some, this is a dealbreaker. If you want that specific, pungent, fermented funk of a Tequila Blanco, you might prefer a brand like Ritual or Lyre’s, which try harder to mimic the "stink" of booze. Aplós is cleaner. It’s more "botanical garden" than "distillery floor."
The Verdict on Value
Is it worth $40 or $50 a bottle?
If you are a "sober-curious" person who misses the ritual of a drink, yes. The bottle is heavy. The liquid is complex. It doesn't taste like juice. If you are just looking for a sugar-free limeade, then no, save your money.
The real value in an Aplós Margarita is the lack of a sugar crash. Most restaurant "Margarita Mocktails" are just lime juice and simple syrup. They are sugar bombs. Aplós is relatively low-calorie and focuses on flavor layers rather than sweetness. That’s the expert-level difference.
How to Build the Perfect Aplós Margarita
If you’re going to do this, do it right. Don't just pour it over ice and call it a day.
- The Glass: Use a rocks glass. Chill it first. A warm mocktail is a sad mocktail.
- The Rim: Mix Maldon sea salt with a tiny bit of chili powder or Tajín. This complements the "Arise" herbal notes perfectly.
- The Mix: 2 oz Aplós Arise, 1 oz fresh lime juice (must be fresh), 0.5 oz agave nectar.
- The Shake: Shake it with way more ice than you think you need. You want it bracingly cold.
- The Garnish: A dehydrated lime wheel. It looks fancy and adds a concentrated citrus aroma.
Actionable Insights for the Non-Alcoholic Consumer
To truly evaluate the non-alcoholic cocktails company Aplós on margarita mocktail offerings, you have to decide what kind of "drinker" you are.
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If you want the spicy, punchy kick of a spicy marg without the effort, buy the Aplós Chili Margarita cans. They are arguably the best in the RTD category right now because of the heat balance.
If you like the "apothecary" vibe and enjoy mixing your own drinks, get the Arise bottle. It's versatile enough to work in a Margarita, but it also makes a killer highball with just fever-tree tonic.
Avoid using the Calme (CBD) version for a traditional Margarita unless you want a very "damp," earthy flavor profile that might clash with the brightness of the lime.
The future of social drinking is changing. It's less about the "buzz" and more about the "sip." Aplós has figured out that we don't just want to replace alcohol; we want to replace the experience. Their Margarita interpretation isn't a carbon copy of the original—it's an evolution of it.
Check your local high-end grocers or specialized "bottle shops" first. Shipping glass is expensive, and you can often find these locally now in cities like New York, LA, or Austin. If you're ordering online, look for the "sampler" packs. It’s the only way to figure out if you’re an "Arise" or a "Calme" person before committing to a full-size bottle.
Start by replacing just one "real" Margarita with an Aplós version during your next happy hour. Observe how you feel 30 minutes later. Usually, the "placebo" effect of the ritual combined with the L-theanine gives you that social "loosening" without the subsequent brain fog. That, ultimately, is the real selling point.