Functional, Brand New & Alcohol-Free: Karmaceuticals Launches the Elderberry Daiquiri

The alcohol-free cocktail space just got a vibrant new addition, and it’s packed with both flavour and function. Karmaceuticals, known for blending botanicals with purpose, has launched their latest creation: the Elderberry Daiquiri – a bold, berry-forward mocktail infused with wellness-focused ingredients. In this exclusive interview following launching their cocktail in July's JOMO Discovery Box, we chat with the team behind Karmaceuticals to learn what inspired this innovative new serve, the benefits behind their functional approach, and how they’re helping redefine cocktail culture for the sober curious and beyond.

Welcome Karma! We are so excited to be showcasing your brand new launch in this month’s box for our wonderful members to enjoy in the sunshine. To kick things off, can you set the scene with an introduction to Karmaceuticals?

Thank you, it’s amazing to be part of this! Karmaceuticals was created to reimagine how we celebrate and connect. We specialise in alcohol-free cocktails and functional elixirs that elevate your mood, energy, and focus, and essentially help you to be your true, authentic self, using clinically considered botanical extracts. Everything we create is designed to deliver the feeling of a great night out (or in), without the hangover or the crash. It’s about conscious celebration that doesn’t compromise on taste or experience. We are also ecstatic to announce the launch of London’s first 0% craft cocktail bar at the Sanctuary & Soul in Shoreditch, come and enjoy the movement with us at 114-116 Cheshire St.

We have to delve right into this new launch. What is the Elderberry Daiquiri, what can we expect, why elderberry and why did you want to add this to your range?

Euphoria is our playful, alcohol-free twist on a classic daiquiri, a summer favourite. Expect rich, dark berry notes layered with a subtle zing of citrus and a deep complexity from our favourite functional ingredient Schisandra berry, also known as the five flavour berry. Elderberry was a natural choice for us: it’s packed with antioxidants, traditionally known for its immune-boosting benefits, and it brings this beautiful depth of flavour that makes it feel indulgent but still light enough for the sunniest days. We wanted something that celebrated the season while cultivating connection with functional benefits.

Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration behind launching Karmaceuticals?

I’ve always been fascinated by ritual, how we gather, celebrate, and alter our states. Having grown up in the UK’s underground culture and later training as a medical herbalist, I saw an opportunity to bring these worlds together: creating drinks that are not only social and celebratory but also beneficial. Karmaceuticals is about offering people an alternative, something rooted in plants, science, and pleasure, so they can feel connected, elevated, and clear.

Along with your ready-to-drink cocktail range, you also have your drops. Can you tell us about these?

Of course! Our drops are concentrated botanical elixirs designed to be taken alone or mixed into drinks. Each formula is crafted around a specific need, whether it’s boosting focus, relaxing the body, delivering a fiery boost of energy, or enhancing connection. They’re fast-acting and dosed to actually make a difference, something that was really important to me as a herbalist. It’s all about making the benefits of functional plants accessible and easy to integrate into daily life.

How important was the functional botanical extract element to your drinks?

It was essential, non-negotiable, really. We didn’t want to create another “just for flavour” 0% drink. The idea was to craft something that would not only taste incredible but actually make you feel something positive, Euphoria is powered by our All Night Long elixir which helps to create deep connection to yourself, those around you, and even the environment, due to the oxytocin releasing herbs. We carefully dose each drink with botanicals known for their functional properties, backed by traditional use and modern research, so you’re getting real, tangible benefits with every sip.

Since your launch, have you found a shift in consumer behaviours and how do you think functional drinks and products in general will evolve? 

Absolutely, people are becoming much more intentional about what they consume, it’s no longer enough for something to just taste good; they want it to do something positive for their body and mind. We’ve seen huge interest not just from the sober-curious community, but from people who still enjoy alcohol but want more balance. I think the future of functional drinks will be about deeper personalisation, products tailored to how you want to feel, when you want to feel it.

What is your favourite way, occasion and setting to enjoy this month’s cocktail?

For me, it’s difficult to choose a single setting. I enjoy the Euphoria on a late afternoon in the garden, sun starting to dip, music playing softly in the background, and close friends around. The Elderberry Daiquiri is perfect for that golden hour moment when you want something to bridge the transition from day to evening.

Alternatively, it’s incredible for those nights when you find yourself on the dance floor, the energy building, and the music pulling you in. It’s the kind of drink that keeps you feeling light, present, and at one with the crowd and the rhythm. Just pure joy that gently carries you well into the night with the subtlest of stimulation and no crash.

Without being too controversial (as it feels it a bit these days), do you think there will be a shift in education and use across the pharmaceutical/neutraceutical/herbal space? 

I do, and I think it’s already happening. There’s growing awareness that prevention and complementary healthcare are just as important as intervention. We’re seeing more interest in herbal medicine, not just for acute issues but for everyday support especially as people learn more about the link between physical health, mental wellbeing, and lifestyle. I believe we'’ll continue to see herbal medicine move out of the fringes and into more mainstream, evidence-based wellness conversations. I would highly recommend anyone seeking to take control of their own health in the hands of a highly qualified professional to reach out to their local registered herbalist.

In terms of our efforts towards educating the public, we are excited to be working on one of our long-term goals to provide an evidence based platform with easy to absorb information to those wishing to grow their grey matter on this subject. Expect to see KarmAcademy launching some time next year!

Finishing on something lighter, can you share your perfect Summer’s day? 

Definitely, a slow morning easing into the festival day, the smell of grass warming under the sun, music drifting from every corner. Spending the afternoon exploring new sounds, sharing incredible food with friends, and feeling the energy build. As the sun dips, the sky turns gold, and you’re right there in the heart of it, laughter, dancing, a cold can of Sonder in hand. As night falls, the music deepens, the crowd moves as one, carried by the rhythm until the stars take over the sky.