Episode 20: Mindful Drinking with Bethan Higson

15 Jul

Healthily | 07/15/21

This is one for all the foodies out there, for anyone looking for inspiration and practical ideas for reducing alcohol, and for those interested in hearing from an inspirational female founder.

Bethan Higson is a wine merchant-turned-alcohol-free-drinks crafter and mum of two. Her experience of juggling life as a new mum, managing exhaustion, anxiety, and low mood, is what inspired her to launch Mother Root, a brand that celebrates the role of joy in wellbeing.

Their Ginger Switchel is a neo-aperitif: a flavourful pre-dinner drink inspired by the functional benefits of traditional aperitif recipes.

Combining flavour and function, Mother Root celebrates the ritual of the end-of-the-day drink most positively.

In this episode, I chat to Bethan about the emotional connection so many of us recognise when it comes to drinking, and how to harness the positive and joyful in a practical and health-promoting way, rather than using drink as a crutch or coping mechanism. We also discuss ways in which to bring additional flavours, aromas, and serving techniques to drinks to support physical and emotional well-being.

This is a really lovely episode, and Bethan is a true inspiration and all-around wonderful person. As the sponsor of this series of Healthily, Bethan has also kindly offered all of us a 15% discount on her wonderful drink. I’ve already taken full advantage of this generous offer, and invite you to do the same. Simply use the code HEALTHILY15 at checkout when ordering via her website: www.motherroot.london. I really hope you enjoy listening to this happy and relaxing episode.

TAKEAWAYs

✔️ The Origin of Mother Root

Bethan, previously in the wine trade for 10 years, wanted a flavorful alcohol-free alternative during pregnancy and early motherhood.
Mother Root’s first product, the Ginger Ritual, combines pressed ginger juice, organic apple cider vinegar, blossom honey, and chili.
Aim: to transform the concept of “drinking for pleasure” into a ritual that supports wellbeing, mood, and better sleep.

✔️ Importance of Ritual

The experience of pouring, garnishing, and sipping the drink provides parasympathetic nervous system activation, similar to the calming ritual of a glass of wine.
Ritual matters as much as the ingredients; it helps demarcate the end of the day and create a mindful pause.

✔️ Flavor Philosophy

Mother Root drinks are complex and layered, balancing sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy notes.
Ingredients like ginger and chili not only provide flavor but encourage slower, mindful consumption.
Bitterness and aromatic herbs like rosemary can enhance digestion and support relaxation via neurological pathways (e.g., GABA).

✔️ Health & Functional Benefits

Apple cider vinegar: helps regulate blood sugar, supporting mood stabilization and digestive readiness.
Ginger: anti-inflammatory, supports gut motility, and can improve energy and vitality.
Herbs & adaptogens: future Mother Root flavors may include thyme, citrus, and adaptogenic roots to reduce stress and balance cortisol levels.

✔️ Sustainable & Ethical Focus

Mother Root is moving towards fully organic ingredients and B Corp certification, emphasizing ethical sourcing, environmental impact, and holistic business practices.
This includes collaboration with suppliers on traceability, emissions, and sustainable practices.

✔️ Serving & Versatility

Can be enjoyed over ice with soda water, in cocktails, or as a warm drink (“Hot Knock Toddy”) with honey.
The versatility allows it to replace wine or other alcohol in rituals without losing satisfaction.
Ice quality and glassware contribute to the overall experience.

✔️ Cultural & Historical Context

Mother Root revives shrub-making traditions: vinegar-based drinks dating back centuries, historically enjoyed for both flavor and health benefits.
Western culture lost this tradition in the 20th century due to refined sugars and refrigeration, replaced by simple sodas.