SAPINCA is the drink you’ll want to enjoy all summer, from shot to mocktail
Sometimes you come across a drink that you immediately become addicted to. SAPINCA is one of those drinks. Not just because of its flavor, but also because you can drink it in different ways. As a shot, in your hot tea and in a mocktail. But what is it made from and how did it come about?
SAPINCA. The first thing you notice is the name: a play on Sap and Inca, but also derived from the title used for the emperor of the Inca Empire, Sapa Inca. The people worshipped him as the supernatural son of the sun.
Ten different types of roots
The distinctive flavor of SAPINCA—ginger and horseradish are the first things you notice—is the result of a recipe consisting of ten (!) different types of roots. Most come from South America; many of these ingredients were already used by the Incas, who knew them for their powerful flavor or medicinal properties. The spicy flavor elements of ginger and horseradish are blended with the sweet flavor of maca, yacon, tapioca, licorice root and orris root. And there are also some earthy flavors to detect, thanks to the use of turmeric, galangal and ashwagandha.
I had never heard of many of these types of roots, and neither had Diederick Evers, the man behind this drink. While traveling through South America, he discovered all kinds of new flavors and was immediately enthusiastic. He wanted to capture those flavors in a drink, and—with help from his mother, a chef—he succeeded.
He chose ginger and blue agave as the base ingredients. In search of the right balance, he experimented until the recipe was just right.
From shot to mocktail
As I mentioned, there are several ways to enjoy SAPINCA. I think a (straight) shot is a delicious kickstart to the day. In the afternoon, I add a splash to my tea (warm water makes it spicier). And for alcohol-free moments, SAPINCA is delicious with some sparkling water and ice (and a sprig of rosemary). I use a ratio of 25 ml SAPINCA to 200 ml sparkling water.
Where to buy SAPINCA
You can buy SAPINCA Organic Root Elixir (as it is called in full) at Gall&Gall, EkoPlaza, Marqt and ODIN, among others. A bottle costs €16.95. SAPINCA is now also available outside the Netherlands. It is sold in the Dutch Caribbean and will most likely soon be available in France as well. A new flavor has been launched this month, made from powerful fruits. SAPINCA Organic Fruit Elixir (same price and same retailers).
And sympathetically, part of the proceeds from every bottle of SAPINCA goes to the Child Nutrition program of Misión Huascarán, a non-profit organization in Peru. For more information, take a look at the SAPINCA website.
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Header image: SAPINCA founder Diederick Evers
