Fire & 5th

The brand is Irish, built around a philosophy of contrasting botanical pairings rather than mimicking gin, rum, whisky or any other established spirit category. Each bottle pairs two headline flavours with a supporting cast of functional botanicals, creating drinks that have their own character rather than trying to convince you they are something else.

The Chilli & Blood Orange is the signature expression. The combination reads like it might be gimmicky, but the execution earns it: there is genuine citrus brightness from the blood orange, then a slow, building warmth from the chilli that develops through the drink rather than arriving as a sharp hit. Behind those two leads sit ginger, green tea, guarana and ginseng, which add complexity and a gentle functional dimension without announcing themselves loudly. It is a drink that rewards paying attention.

The range extends to Mint, Cardamom & Blackberry and Rhubarb & Grapefruit, each following the same principle: two contrasting flavours, botanical depth beneath them, no artificial additives. All are vegan and gluten free.

Fire & 5th sits at the more creative end of the AF spirits market. It is not trying to stand in for a gin and tonic or a rum and coke; it is making a case for non-alcoholic drinks as interesting in their own right. The flavours are bold enough to hold up with tonic or soda, and complex enough to drink more slowly if you want to.

Currently available through Amazon UK and specialist AF retailers, which limits its visibility on the high street, but the brand is building a following among people who have already moved past the substitution mindset.