When I first spotted Haus on gram it was a love at first moment! The packaging is drop dead gorge! And as I read more about the company and Apéritif Culture I became immediately obsessed. I knew I had to experience them. So I reached out and was so very happy they wanted to partner with Go French Yourself!

HAUS APÉRITIF REVIEW

Haus is a fairly new wine based apéritif, made from all-natural ingredients on a farm in Sonoma County, California by husband and wife team Helena and Woody. Their apéritifs are made with with only real ingredients (farm to bottle) - no sketchy additives. Love that they have less sugar too…..I really try to avoid too many drinks for this reason!

Here are a few of the ingredients they use to make their superb apéritifs.

Chardonnay Grapes

The foundation of every bottle. They started with grapes from their farm and now they source the best grapes from growers they love nearby. This isn’t like your mom’s chardonnay — their grapes are unoaked for a clean, fruity palate.

Elderflower

No synthetic syrups here. Extracted from tiny white flowers, elderflower berries contain citric acid, which packs lots of flavor — think a delicate mix of sweet and tart. It also gives each bottle its golden color.

Star Anise

With that potent licorice flavor, star anise brings a nutty and savory note to every bottle.

Lemon

They peel their lemons by hand and use the rinds for their essential oils to add a bright, citrus flavor that gives the taste buds a wake up call without tipping the balance of the flavors.

Clove

This classic baking spice makes it feel like the holidays all year long — and adds a hint of sweetness.

Raw Cane Sugar

Unlike those European liqueurs, they don’t use too much — and that’s how we like it. With more impurities than refined sugar for a more natural taste, and a slight molasses aroma.

“It all started with alcohol, an industry that hasn’t evolved since prohibition. It’s still ruled by huge liquor companies that spend big to get their products on store shelves and in bars. And you’re stuck with their choices. Sketchy ingredients, too much alcohol, outdated aesthetics, and too many hangovers.

Something needed to change, and as winemakers and grape farmers, we knew alcohol could be different. It can come from organic farms, not factories. It can be fermented naturally and made with real fruits and botanicals, not artificial flavors.

So we created our own alcohol brand. We made our first batch of Haus in our living room with a bucket of chardonnay and lemons and elderflower from our yard. Today each bottle is still handmade by our team in Sonoma County — we’re proud to be making something you can feel good about drinking.”

— Helena and Woody.

WAIT – WHAT EVEN IS AN APÉRITIF?

“We’re putting a modern spin on the apéritif
Woody discovered apéritifs when he moved to Berlin in 2009. There, he experienced a different type of drinking culture. People weren’t drinking to get drunk, they were focused on connections and being present. When they went out, everyone drank aperitifs and the Americano — a low-ABV apéritif cocktail with vermouth, Campari, and soda — quickly became his go-to.

Made with herbs, fruits, and botanicals, apéritifs have been popular in Europe for centuries. Apéritifs are complex in flavor, but low enough in alcohol that you can sip them all evening without getting too drunk or feeling bad the next day.

Our apéritifs put a modern spin on the European tradition. You’ll find them less sweet and less bitter than traditional apéritifs, deriving flavor from the fresh fruits, herbs and botanicals in every bottle. The result is fresh, complex, and easy to drink.”

— HAUS

It’s not about getting drunk, but rather on focusing on connections and being present in the moment?! I am so here for this as a person who NEVER drinks to get drunk. It is more just the social aspect for me that I love-something pretty to sip and maybe just loosen up a bit!

I have tried two of the four flavors I recieved! I just loved what I experience so far and wanted to get this post out before Christmas because their sampler kit (you can choose four flavors, for $40) would just make the most perfect gift!

They have Limited-edition gift boxes to make it extra special RIGHT NOW too! You can even personalize your gift with a complimentary note!

Spiced Cherry

This one is sooooo good! Rich and fruit-forward with just the right amount of spice, this apéritif has deep flavor from cherry, anise seed, fragrant tellicherry pepper, and cocoa nibs. It’s very fresh, bright and refreshing. I love it as is and sometimes I enjoy it over ice as a spritzer! Cannot wait to experiment with this one in a cocktail…maybe a cherry manhattan! Or a little Spiced Cherry + Cola! Anyway-the aroma is intoxicatingly divine!

Rose Rosé

This apéritif is like a taste of summer, anytime, with notes of raspberry, rose, and juicy cherries. On the rocks or in a spritz, there’s no wrong way to drink it! And considering it’s 75 degrees here in Oklahoma this December…well, I am just going to keep drinking summer beverages! LOL. I made a delicious Paloma with this one from the little recipe book Haus sent me. Sharing that recipe over on Instagram later today so be sure to check that out! It was soooooooo delicious.Love a good paloma!

Citrus Flower

A fresh Californian take on the apéritif. Made with crisp lemon and subtle elderflower. Refreshing and a bit playful — this flavor is great with club soda, prosecco, or all on its own. Cannot wait to try this one next!!!!

Bitter Clove

Made with the amaro and whiskey lover in mind, this herbaceous aperitif will keep you feeling warm all year long. Crafted with ingredients like star anise, clove, and Saigon cinnamon, it’s lovely neat or on the rocks. I know Lin will love this one so much so I actually am gifting him this in his stocking! We will definitely report back on this one!

Haus does not expire but you want to keep them in the fridge after opening to keep those natural ingredients FRESH!

HAUS MEMBERSHIPS

You don’t have to be a member to enjoy Haus but they do offer some nice membership options if you decide you love it as much as I do! you can get a 1 bottle, 2 bottle or even 6 bottle membership. There is no cost to join Haus Membership; all you pay is the discounted price on your monthly bottle allotment. Your membership begins the day you sign up. You’ll receive your first monthly shipment within 8-10 business days, and instantly have access to the perks. You can pause or cancel your membership at any time, and rejoin when you like. There’s no fee to cancel or (re)join. Plus as a member, you’ll get access to limited-edition apéritifs crafted just for members. Plus you will get free shipping always, plus product discounts when you receive two or more bottles per month. Plus member events. (to resume again when it’s safe)