Three Spirit, the pioneering functional non-alcoholic drinks brand, today announces its landmark listing with Waitrose, marking a historic first for the category: the arrival of a functional non-alcoholic spirit in UK grocery retail. Now available across more than 260 Waitrose stores nationwide, the listing introduces two flagship expressions – Nightcap and Livener – to a premium audience and signals a pivotal moment for the rapidly growing functional beverage sector.
“This is a huge moment not only for Three Spirit but also for the functional beverage category. It shows that shoppers are increasingly looking for feeling as well as flavour in their key drinking moments and rituals and we are so excited to provide this for even more people by partnering with Waitrose.” – Luke McFayden, Head of Sales, Three Spirit
THE PRODUCTS
Nightcap
Rich, woody and indulgent with bright stone fruit and citrus aromas, Nightcap is Three Spirit’s answer to the perfect end-of-evening drink. A thoughtfully crafted blend of hops, lemon balm, valerian and ashwagandha, serve neat over ice as a sophisticated whisky or aged-spirit alternative, or lengthen it in a highball with your favourite soda for an effortlessly elegant nightcap moment.
Livener
Berry-forward, fruity and fiery, Livener is the higher tempo expression in the Three Spirit range. A hint of natural caffeine from guayusa and green tea makes it the ideal companion for celebratory occasions and daytime drinking moments alike. Enjoy it as you would a light spirit: with tonic in a Spritz, or paired with grapefruit soda for a vibrant, alcohol-free Paloma.
A CATEGORY IN FULL BLOOM
The Waitrose listing arrives at a moment of remarkable momentum for functional beverages in the UK. According to data from North Star by Circana (January 2025), functional drinks are growing at +26.4% year-on-year – a rate almost 90 times faster than the +0.3% growth recorded by standard carbonated soft drinks over the same period.
Recent research conducted by KAM Insight and Club Soda underlines the scale of consumer appetite for functional drinks:
• 61% of all consumers say that if they’re cutting down on alcohol, it’s important that their alternative drink still offers an element of functionality.
• 64% of UK consumers are willing to pay MORE for a drink with functional benefits than for a standard non-alcoholic drink.
Three Spirit’s entry into Waitrose positions the brand at the intersection of these powerful consumer trends, bringing premium, plant-powered functionality within reach of a broad, health-conscious and adventurous shopper base.
