Kristo Tomingas won the international competition Battle of the Modern Bartender at the New York Restoran Show on March 8 with an alcohol-free cocktail based on the Flâneur, an alcohol-free distilled spirit from Lahhentagge.

Estonia’s first non-alcoholic distilled beverage, Lahhentagge Flâneur, is distilled in Kuressaare from the juniper berries of Saaremaa.

“Since Flâneur’s taste is the closest to the taste of gin, I used it in the competition for a new type of cocktail, something suitable for those who can’t or don’t want to drink alcohol,” said Kristo Tomingas of Cocktail Catering OÜ.

“Everybody was mesmerized - you are really competing with a non-alcoholic cocktail? They all wanted to get a glimpse of alco-free gin, and they really liked it,” added Tomingas.

Given the global trend and the market potential of non-alcoholic beverages in, for example, Islamic countries, Lahhentagge is also crowdfunding on Fundwise to expand its production and exports. The minimum target of 100,000 euros was reached within two days, and it lasts until March 24 if the maximum goal 200,000 euros is not reached earlier.

“Non-alcoholic cocktails are gaining popularity around the world. Hence we decided to create a gin-like non-alcoholic drink,” said Lahhentagge founder Maarit Pöör.

“We occasionally hear from the older people - often men - who wonder for what do you need alcohol-free gin for? However, such issues do not arise with younger clients, especially in foreign markets. Young people all over the world are increasingly looking for exciting taste experiences, rather than just booze,” said Pöör.