Ghia Review

Ghia is for people who want bitterness, herbs, citrus peel, and a drink that does not taste like juice.

What it tastes like

Ghia is bitter, herbal, citrusy, and a little savory at the end. It can remind people of amaro, aperitif, grapefruit peel, rosemary, and orange rind more than a sweet mocktail.

It is not shy. That is the reason to buy it, and also the reason some people bounce off it.

How I would mix it

Start with a small pour over ice and add sparkling water or tonic. Add citrus if the bitterness needs a lift. A grapefruit wedge, orange peel, or lemon wheel helps.

I would not serve a giant glass of Ghia to someone without warning. It is better as a focused pre-dinner pour than an all-night drink.

Who should buy it

Buy Ghia if you miss bitter drinks, aperitifs, or amaro-style flavors. It is also a good choice for someone who hates sweet mocktails and wants something sharper.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you want something soft, fruity, or easy for everyone at a party. Crodino is friendlier. Lyre’s Italian Spritz may be closer to an Aperol-style glass. Ghia is more opinionated.

Bottom line

Ghia is one of the better NA aperitif bottles if you want bitterness and herbs. Buy it for spritzes, tonic, and pre-dinner drinks. Skip it if sweetness is what you actually want.

The bottle has enough bitterness that you do not need a heavy pour. A smaller drink often tastes better than a tall one.

Start with one part Ghia and three or four parts sparkling water over ice. Add orange or grapefruit. If that tastes too sharp, try tonic instead.

Best first mix

Start with Ghia, sparkling water, plenty of ice, and an orange slice. That keeps the drink bright and bitter without burying the bottle under too many ingredients.

If that tastes too sharp, add a splash of tonic or ginger beer. If it tastes too sweet, use plain seltzer and more citrus. Ghia is better when the mixer gives it lift instead of turning it into fruit soda.