Non-Alcoholic Drink ReviewReady To DrinkTostTOST Rose Non-Alcoholic Sparkling

First off – let me set expectations, the Tost Rose is not a rose, but what it is – is delicious! OK, so let’s look into what you’ll find when you get your hands on a bottle of Tost and get to try the non-alcoholic bubbly taking the world by storm.

Tost Non-Alcoholic Rose is an all-natural ingredient non-alcoholic sparkling rose made up of:

  • An Elderberry led flavour profile;
  • Cranberry & Ginger notes;
  • A sweet body;
  • Finishing notes of tartness from white tea; and
  • Strong and spirited bubbles and carbonation.

While those flavours are not ‘rose’ related, find out exactly what they link back to.

non alcoholic spritz style bottle in hand

What Does Tost Rose Taste Like?

Each glass of Tost Rose will likely bring you big flavours of Elderberry, Cranberry and Citrus quickly followed by a sweet body of Ginger and finished with dry crisp notes of White Tea. All of which leads the Tost Rose to be a refreshing and thirst-quenching summer tipple!

When tasting it for the first time, I was surprised at how different the flavours were from traditional rose.  But after that I was really able to enjoy the Tost Rose for what it actually is – a spritz style – agrum related non-alcoholic option!

In essence, the Tost Rose less like a ‘Rose’ and more like a ready to drink, brilliantly flavourful base for cocktails, an aperitif or something to reach for as an all day thirst quencher!

Positives Could be better
Doesn’t demonise sugar (9 grams per 240ml). Not the Rose flavours you were expecting.
Full flavour – Ginger, White Tea & Elderberry led. The name may cause frustration if you were looking for a rose.
Full of Summer vibes Opening a bottle can be an ‘experience’ of fizz!

https://tipplezero.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/tost-rose-in-glass-and-bottle.jpg

In terms of body and drinkability, it gets a great tick. Given Tost Rose is not a wine, it does benefit from the use of sugar which supports the overall body by adding depth and roundedness to the flavour profile.

Just keep in mind, if you are looking for a glass of sparkling rose that replicates the traditional berry flavours of rose like the Tautila, Leitz, Funky Monkey or Vinada, you’re not likely to find it in the Tost.

So, while it isn’t for those looking for the traditional flavours of a rose, who would like it and where would it work?

Who Would Like Tost Rose?

Drawing comparisons to Ready to Drink options like Monday Distillery or ALTINA, the Tost Rose is more likely to slot into the mixed drink category.

If you’re looking for a base to a non-alcoholic cocktail, or an extremely fresh and new take on what can be achieved in an adult tasting glass of bubbles you might want to give the Tost Rose a go.

While I actually quite enjoy the flavour profile and it would make an amazing thirst-quenching drink, when comparing it to ‘what it says on the tin’, I can’t help but feel the Rose misses the mark.

Looking for a more traditional Rose? I’ve written a post that includes my top 3 Rose options for summer that you might want to check out.

alcohol free spritz bottle on bench

Where Can I Buy Tost Rose?

The Tost Rose is available instore and online at Brunswick Aces and over at Craft Zero and will cost you between ~$18 – $20 a bottle.

In terms of a price comparison I would link this back to the Monday Distillery range priced at approx. $23 for a 4 pack or the Altina which lands at approx. $19 a bottle.

Buy yourself a bottle now and see the craze sweeping the USA!

non-alcoholic bottle in hand

When to Drink Tost Rose?

I see this as a great option when you would reach for in place of a:

  • Pimm’s style jug of non-alcoholic goodness;
  • gin and tonic; or
  • different ready to drink option

If you’re looking to pair it with a non-alcoholic gin, I’d suggest giving Banks and Burbidge a go due to their similar flavour profiles!

Tost Rose bottle on bench

Tost Rose Nutrition.

Coming in at only 16.7 calories and 3.75 grams of sugar per 100ml, the Tost Rose is a low sugar and low-calorie option for those spring and summer occasions you’re looking for an alcohol free option.

While many options in ready to drink category are sugar free, the Tost doesn’t shy away from using sugar and the results in terms of mouthfeel speak for themselves.

If you’re looking for a full list of nutritional information, the Tost Rose nutritional panel is below.

If you’re keen for a full breakdown, the full nutritional panel is dropped in below for more information.

Avg Quantity
Per Serving (240ml)
Avg Quantity
Per 100ml
Energy 167.3 kJ
40 Cal
69.8 kJ
16.7 Cal
Protein <0.1 g <0.1 g
Fat, total <0.1 g <0.1 g
   — saturated <0.1 g <0.1 g
Carbohydrate 9 g 3.75 g
   — sugars 9 g 3.75 g
Sodium <0.01 mg <0.01 mg

In terms of Tost Rose Ingredients, you’ll find each bottle has

  • Carbonated Water
  • Cane Sugar
  • White Tea Powder
  • White Cranberry Concentrate
  • Elderberry Concentrate
  • Natural Ginger Extract
  • Natural Citrus Extract
  • Natural Flavours
  • Food Acid (Citrus)

Tost Rose nutrition panel on labell

About Tost Rose

Tost is created to create a new category of flavourful, refreshing and bright drinks for people not drinking alcohol.

Tost is pieced together by a team of food and beverage experts who have used all natural ingredients to develop a duo of non-alcoholic drinks that drive their own path forward and develop and create a whole new category of drinks for all age ranges.

The Round Up: Final Thoughts

This is a tough one, the flavours and profiles are great, and I’ll definitely be keeping bottles on hand when I’m putting together a non-alcoholic version of a Pimm’s jug on Christmas morning!

BUT, the label of “Rose” had me expecting something different from what came out of the bottle, and if you’re going into a bottle with the expectation of something like a Vinada Rose or a Leitz Rose, you’re likely to be left a little disappointed.

My gripe is common to new categories and new products and will be overcome with consumer education once Tost ad dollars start rolling out into the Australian market and people will know what to expect.

Overall, rating this as a rose – would do nobody any favours given that’s not what it is!

So slotting it into the ready to drink category, it gets a 7/10 due to a creating a supremely versatile drink with a great flavour profile and mouthfeel.

by Jonathan Lambrianidis

Non-alcoholic drinks writer and podcaster, beer brewing and winemaking side-kick, lawyer and cyclist. Owner of Tipplezero.com and the Non-Alcoholic Drinks Podcast.