Like many during the pandemic, it is difficult for me to unwind when working from home. Many turn to alcohol to relax but I do not drink daily. The hemp-infused beverage Aplós is perfect for replacing a nightly cocktail.
Aplós means “simple” in Greek. The hemp-infused beverage emphasizes a return to simplicity from our busy and distracted society.
Co-founder Emily Onkey wrote to Emerald Magazine that Aplós is meant to be a recalibration. It is “a brand that creates products and experiences that help us slow down and reconnect to the magic of the natural world,” wrote Onkey.
Onkey enjoyed the socialization and relaxation of drinking alcohol but not the poor sleep or hangovers. She and co-founders David Fudge and Jessica Manley wanted to create a functional alternative to enjoy during cocktail hour.
What is Aplós?
$48 per bottle
20 mg of CBD per serving/160 mg of CBD per bottle
Renowned New York City mixologist Lynnette Marrero formulated Aplós in collaboration with the founders to replicate the experience of drinking premium liquor without the hangover. Unlike most nightcaps, Aplós is calorie-free, sugar-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.
Hemp provides the uplifting effects of Aplós. Hemp is a variety of the cannabis sativa plant legal in all 50 states. You will not get high consuming hemp because it contains less than 0.3% of THC.
Hemp is rich in CBD, the non-intoxicating cannabinoid exalted for various medical benefits. Studies show CBD may be an effective treatment for anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia, according to Harvard Health Publishing. I personally find CBD relieves my stress and calms my racing thoughts.
Aplós contains 20 mg of broad-spectrum hemp per 2 ounce serving. Each bottle has about eight servings and retails for $48. Its serene and cheery effects set in around 30 minutes after consuming and last up to two hours.
Aplós has a similar onset time and duration as an alcoholic beverage because the hemp is in smaller particles than traditionally extracted cannabis. According to their website, Aplós uses unique nano-emulsification technology to break down the hemp oil. This means the body absorbs the hemp faster and more efficiently.
Reviewing Aplós
When you first twist open the bottle of Aplós, pungent notes of cannabis, citrus, and rosemary waft from the opalescent liquid. Its intoxicating smell reminds me of walking into a spa and breathing in air infused with essential oils.
Aplós pleasantly surprised me by how smooth it went down. I expected the aromatic drink to be more bitter. The first sip is biting and refreshing with a hint of ginger. The satin aftertaste is bright and full bodied like citrus and cannabis. I enjoyed the taste because I enjoy the smell of weed. It may be a bit pungent for those who don’t.
It is best to sip the drink to fully appreciate its complex flavor. I enjoy the dynamic and bold taste of Aplós neat, but others may prefer it in a cocktail. The Aplós website provides three different mocktail recipes. But I decided to get creative and make my own.
I am not a bartender but an amateur mixologist. I look in my fridge and throw together what looks good, which is how I came up with this drink. It’s basically a mojito but with blood orange italian soda instead of club soda and Aplós instead of rum.
The mint and freshly squeezed lime tasted delicious paired with Aplós. It certainly felt like a luxurious drink unlike the disappointment of many mocktails. While Aplós did not get me wasted like tequila, I noticed I felt much more peaceful and cheerful after drinking around two shot glasses, or 3 ounces.
The Bottom Line
Aplós is a unique product on the market as it is one of the few that sources high-quality hemp to create a classy CBD cocktail. According to their website, the hemp infused in Aplós is sourced from a regenerative farm in New York’s Hudson Valley and third-party testing ensures the potency and purity of the CBD.
Lab results provided to me by Aplós verified the drink contains 20 mg of CBD per serving, or 159.9 mg of CBD per bottle. However, the lab results did not test for terpene content, residual solvents, or pesticides. Therefore, I cannot confirm that Aplós uses a full-spectrum formula.
My only hesitation with Aplós is the $48 dollar price tag. While the price may reflect the ethical sourcing of its high-quality ingredients, it may be a steep cost for a weekly purchase.
Overall, Aplós impresses me for succeeding at its purpose of being a functional alcohol alternative. It helps me unwind and slow my racing thoughts without the calories, sugar, and negative effects of alcohol. If that’s worth the price to you, I recommend it.
Rating: 4.5/5 Emeralds
Blood Orange Mojito Hemp-Infused Mocktail
Serves: 1 person
Start to finish: 5 minutes
- 2 ounces Aplós Hemp-Infused Non-Alcoholic Spirit
- 8 ounces Blood Orange Italian Soda
- 1 small lime, sliced into quarters
- 3 to 6 mint leaves
- Ice cubes
In a tall glass, mash together half a lime and mint leaves with a muddler or a wooden spoon.
Add as many ice cubes as preferred to the glass and pour in the Aplós Hemp-Infused Non-Alcoholic Spirit.
Fill the rest of the glass with the blood orange Italian soda.
Shake well and garnish with lime slices and mint leaves.
Sit back, sip, and enjoy!
Will drinking this product have any effect on passing a drug test?
Hello! Great question, which I know many consumers wonder about!
It’s worth considering that hemp contains trace amounts (0.3% or less) of THC — the cannabinoids that typical drug tests look for. Here are a few sources to consider:
https://theemeraldmagazine.com/cannabis-drug-testing-and-how-long-cannabis-can-be-detected-in-the-body
https://theemeraldmagazine.com/will-cbd-show-up-on-a-drug-test/
We recommend always checking a product’s test result to confirm whether it’s made from hemp or cannabis, and that its THC content lines up with what is advertised.