What is a MerTail?
MerTails are produced in small batches with transparent practices & organic components telling a story from seed to vessel. This line of elixirs both champions the cocktail culture, providing a familiar & healthy alternative to pair with spirits, while also serving sober curious folks who crave an alcohol-free drink with the craft & care of mixology. Our community can expect clean, healthy & organic formulas that can be enjoyed daily with easeful preperation.
Sip on a MerTail & ride the wave with us!
The NOHM Collective is a national band of herbalists, healers, artists & educators who have come together to create a socially responsible movement in our current consumer culture.
The MerTails is a beverage line we have curated to invite conscious consumption & storytelling into various social settings from culture to cup.
We value intention, transparency & tradition in every step of the process when it comes to sourcing, producing & packaging our formulas.
Our relationships & vigor for collaboration nurtures the foundation of who we are & this empowers us to responsibly source each ingredient to ensure we are leaving a better trace on the earth & the ocean.
We employ regenerative practices when it comes to harvesting local flora, sensible packaging to fulfill orders & treating our water with a positive frequency so that our intention carries itself into your vessel.
You will find organic plants with personality, clean water, mineral rich deep sea salt & LOVE in every bottle.
The MerTails are handcrafted elixirs that offer results rooted in traditional folk medicine, yet innovated with a western woman’s touch.
These beverage concentrates are designed to enliven your sensory experience with an herbaceous twist on your favorite cocktails and with familiar flavors; furthermore, without the harsh side effects one can find with mass produced ingredients, overly processed sweeteners, synthetic preservatives, modified genetics, toxic pesticides and hands-free machinery.
We aim to make a splash by inviting an introspective approach to how & why we consume in social & event settings.
A portion of our potions support offerings to the ocean, contribute to ecological education & advocacy for urban permaculture projects with our give back program.
We believe that self care is a viable form of healthcare as well as commerce can be cooperative & it starts with what we fill in our glasses.
Our Promise to Quality
Our Team
Owner & Operator of The MerTails
- Partnership & Sales
- Event Administration & Coordination
- Head Biodynamic Brewer
- Supply Chain Management
Jillian Ashley
Jacquelyn Alexa
Creative Director
- Brand & Content Stategist
- Media & Marketing Development
- Seasonal Product Development
- Event Aesthetic & Installation
Biodynamic Media Manager
- Content Creation
- Media & Marketing Administration
- Event Videographer & Photographer
Elizabeth Scranton
James Sauter
Graphic Designer & Storyteller
- Branding Animation & Illustration
- Regional Sales and Fulfillment
- Event & Media Contributor
Mixology Brand Ambassador
- Cocktail and Mocktail Mixologist
- Cocktail Class Instructor
- Virtual Happy Hour Facilitator
Rachael Green
VioLet Go
Artisanal Herbalist
- Seasonal Product Development
- Lunarly ZINE Curation
- Event & Media Contributor
Our Partners
Ethical Sourcery
Materia Medica
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa):
- Organically grown and harvested by Herbs Etc. in New Mexico.
- Chlorophyll, found in all green plants is just one molecule different from human blood that helps to oxygenate, fortify and stimulate the production of red blood cells, while also balancing digestive pH.
- Promotes the healing of skin by providing vital nutrients for healthy regeneration of cells.
- Reduces inflammation and promotes systemic detoxification.
- Rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, iron, magnesium, calcium, beta-carotene, antioxidants, all nutrients necessary for a healthy metabolism.
Bay Rum (Pimienta racemosa):
- Native to the Carribean islands, organically grown and harvested at Punta Mona Center, on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica.
- The essential oil present in the leaves and stems is composed of diterpenes that are anti-bacterial and have a clove-like fragrance.
- Pain relieving 'rub' for sore muscles, strains, and sprains, historically applied topically as a compress to the kidneys to warm the body for the treatment of viral infections
- Providing a pleasant aroma, the carminative qualities promote healthy digestion and ease upset stomachs.
- Popular in men’s fragrance products such as the classic Old Spice.
Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea):
- Native to Southeast Asia, butterfly pea flower has a light earthy taste similar to that of mild green tea.
- Commonly known and brewed as Blue Tea often served as a cold beverage with lime, it is a favorite in Thai cuisine for dying rice purple.
- Therapeutically beneficial for general pain and inflammation.
- A nootropic, it increases brain health & vitality as a powerful antioxidant.
Cardamom pod (Elettaria cardamomum):
- A common culinary spice native to Asia, it is a favorite in Indian cuisine and one of the principal spices in Chai and Golden Milk.
- Aromatic, carminative effects act on the digestive system to help promote digestion and soothes the stomach by eliminating gas.
- Freshens bad breath.
- Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich, the diuretic properties are known to reduce blood pressure, protecting both the heart and kidneys.
- Ethically harvested by Celtic Sea Salt, off the Coast of Hawaii.
- Salt has been used for centuries as a way to preserve and flavor food, while increasing the vital nutrients and trace minerals.
- Rich in electrolytes, helping absorption of water, nutrients from food, and active ingredients in medicine. Sea salt provides important vitamins and trace minerals that our bodies need.
- Flavor enhancer in almost every cooking recipe from savory to sweet.
- This sea salt has 33% less sodium than table salt and provides 2% daily value of calcium and magnesium per serving; and it has an alkalizing pH of 10.22 compared to regular table salt, which has a neutral pH of 7.
- Contains potassium, selenium, plus many trace elements, such as copper, iron, zinc, manganese and chromium, which are missing from common surface water.
Fair Trade Cane Sugar (Saccharum officinarum):
- Organically grown and sourced fair trade from Columbia.
- Cane Sugar has been recorded being used in culinary practices since 8000 BC in Polynesia. For centuries it was traded through Asia and India to Europe, eventually planted in the Carribean islands, Central and South America for global cultivation.
- Sugar is primarily used as a sweetener, though raw sugar has added benefits including trace minerals and antioxidants.
- One can use sugar to increase low blood pressure or blood sugar.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale):
- Organically grown and harvested by Rayburn Farms in North Carolina.
- An aromatic root native to the tropics in Asia traditionally used to add spice to dishes.
- Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, this culinary herb is found in kitchens around the globe as well as herbalist’s apothecaries.
- A diaphoretic, it induces perspiration, which assists in detoxification of the digestive tract, blood stream and kidneys.
- Promotes a healthy, productive fever, by actively releasing the heat in the body.
- A potent digestive aid, promotes the production of HLC while also eliminating gas.
Juniper (Juniperus):
- Ethically wildcrafted by The NOHM Collective in the Southwest.
- Gin is a neutral spirit that, with the addition of Juniper, creates a spicy, floral, bitter and slightly fruity flavor profile.
- Used for centuries in medicinal and spiritual ritualistic practices since 1500BC in ancient Syria and then Egypt. The Scots in medieval times would use Juniper to flavor whiskey,to cure an assortment of digestive issues and to stimulate labor. In the 19th century the Dutch began the first process of Gin called Genever.
- In England and Scotland the berries were added to sauces,especially for game dishes and were used to flavour bread and cakes.
- Anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants, Juniper is slightly astringent and carminative.
Kola nut (Cola nitida):
- Organically grown and harvested at Punta Mona Center, on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica.
- The fruiting body of the Koca Tree, this nut is used in West African culture as a stimulant and digestive aid, particularly as a laxative.
- The large nut is chewed to provide energy, as it contains caffeine and theobromine, the bitter heart stimulating alkaloid found in cacao.
- It is a good general tonic for energy, working on the nervous system as a nourishing and stimulating heart tonic.
- It was the main stimulating component used in the manufacturing of soft drinks, though the nut has a bitter flavor, the aroma is sweet and rose-like.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinale):
- Ethically wildcrafted from organic naturalized patches by The NOHM Collective in North Carolina.
- A bushy herb native to Europe, Lemon Balm is a highly aromatic plant known to provide nourishment to the nervous system by soothing and relaxing the nerves, while not sedating the body.
- A wonderful antidepressant, a cup a day promotes general wellbeing while gently yet powerfully lifting away the veil of sadness.
- It smells of lemon and mint, and is an excellent digestive aid, eliminating gas and soothing the stomach.
- A powerful antiviral, this herb suppresses Herpes Simplex viruses 1, 2 & 4, while also supporting the nervous system to prevent stress induced outbreaks.
- A suppressant of the Thyroid, this is one of the few herbs that are therapeutic for Hyperthyroidism.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus):
- A grass native to Southeast Asia, popular in Carribean and Tropical Latin American gardens, is a favorite culinary spice.essential oils are antibacterial and antifungal as well as insecticidal. The essential oil can improve oral health as a tea or in toothpastes.
- Soothing to the digestive system as an antispasmodic and carminative, while also promoting healthy cholesterol levels.
- As a diaphoretic, and induces sweating to break a fever, hence its popular Carribean name “fever grass”, typically prescribed for common colds and flus.
- Increases red blood cell count, it has a historical use in the treatment of mosquito borne illness such as Malaria and Dengue fever, both of which cause severe anemia, fever and depletion.
Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia):
- Organically grown and harvested by Lakewood Organics in Florida.
- Originating in Northern Malaysia, spreading to the Americas in the 16th century, Lime is now found in every home throughout the world.
- Tangy and bitter, it is a popular flavor for food and beverages.
- In traditional medicines, many varieties of lime are utilized as astringents, antiseptics, anthelmintics, as a mosquito repellent, digestive and appetite stimulant, for stomach diseases, as an antiscorbutic, tonic, diuretic, and for headaches, arthritis, sore throats, coughs and colds.
- Lime relieves stress-related disorders such as nervousness, stomach aches and insomnia. The peel’s essential oil has anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, anticoagulant and reduces cholesterol.
May Chang (Litsea cubeba):
- Organically grown and ethically sourced by Essential Oil Wizardry.
- May Chang is an evergreen shrub that is native to China, Indonesia, Taiwan and other parts of Southeast Asia.
- The dried fruits have a peppery & lemon-lime taste.
- It is a digestive aid and carminative.
- A mood elevator and sedative.
- A widely known antispasmodic and expectorant is therapeutic in the treatment of asthma.
- Some recent studies described the functional properties of L. cubeba, such as its therapeutic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-insecticidal activities.
Oat Straw (Avena sativa):
- Sourced from North Carolina.
- The stalk of the Oat plant is nutritive and full of minerals like iron, magnesium and calcium.
- Restorative to the nervous system, reproductive system, & digestive system as well as fortifying to bones, hair.
- It’s tonic effects are seen through long-term and daily use of the herb to restore natural energy reserves, promoting vitality.
- Energetically sweet, slightly cool & moistening ( generally well received amongst all constitutions/ body types).
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus):
- Ethically wildcrafted from organic naturalized patches by The NOHM Collective in North Carolina.
- Rosemary originates on the Mediterranean coastlines and has been naturalized around the globe in dry bioregions.
- Medicinally used since the times of Greeks and Romans; scholars used rosemary to help their memory.
- A common culinary spice, the rich flavor helps the digestion of proteins and carbohydrates. Aroma-Therapeutically helps to clear the mind, and in the treatment and prevention of dementia.
- Rosemary leaf is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, analgesic, and improves blood flow, respiratory support, hair health and cognitive function.
Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata):
- Organically grown and harvested at Punta Mona Center, off the Carribean Coast of Costa Rica.
- The tropical Sarsaparilla, this woody root is bright red and looks like fresh meat when harvested.
- One of the most potent blood builders, this root makes a bright red tea and supports the production of red blood cells while also being rich in bioavailable iron.
- Historically used for both male and female reproductive health, it helps nourish and support the flow of blood to the lower body.
- A mild lymphatic, it is beneficial for swelling and congestion of the lower extremities.
Star Anise (Illicium verum):
- Originating in South China, Star Anise is dried in the sun until greyish-brown, then used as is or ground into a powder.
- Star anise is the major source of the chemical compound Shikimic Acid, a primary precursor in the pharmaceutical synthesis of anti-influenza drugs, and was the main component of resolving the swine-flu.
- Thymol, Terpineol, and Anethole are essential oils that are beneficial in treating coughs and fighting the flu.
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamin A and C,fighting free radicals that cause aging,diabetes, and irregular cell growth.
- It is also known to improve digestion and alleviates cramps and nausea, bloating, gas and constipation.
- Flavor is similar to anise or licorice.
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica):
- Ethically wildcrafted from organic naturalized patches by The NOHM Collective in North Carolina.
- An iconic European herb known for stinging the skin creates an allergic reaction that causes acute inflammation, drawing white and red blood cells to the surface of the skin. Once the inflammation recedes, the tissue has an increase in blood flow, congestion is alleviated and pain is reduced. Many people use this technique, called Urtication for the treatment of arthritis.
- Ironically the plant taken fresh internally as a tea acts as an antihistamine for allergic rhinitis aka hay fever.
- A powerful nutritive and herbal-multivitamin, Nettle is rich in chlorophyll, iron, protein, calcium, vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, manganese and many trace minerals. , this plant is important for maintaining healthy bone mass as we age.
- An effective diuretic,it helps keep the body’s fluids moving while maintaining electrolyte balance.
- Nourishing to the nervous system, this plant tones and supports healthy stress responses.
- A common pot-herb with a flavor similar to spinach mixed with cucumber must be cooked to eliminate the effects of the stinging hairs.
Vanilla bean (Vanilla pompona):
- Organically grown and harvested by Via Vanilla, sourced Fair Trade from Costa Rica.
- Originating in Mexico, this is the only edible seed produced by an orchid.
- Vanilla is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and is rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium.
- A natural antidepressant and anxiety remedy, this is a delicious herbs for maintaining stable mental health.
- Historically formulated with Cacao and Cayenne, to increase circulation to the reproductive organs, Vanilla is an aphrodisiac, enhancing the production of hormones-dopamine and oxytocin. The sultry, sweet smell calms the mind and opens the body to love.
- A culinary confection spice, it is also popular in fragrances and hygiene products for its pleasant and familiararoma.
- A base note in perfumery, it blends well with a variety of scents from light citrus floral high notes to sexy pheramonal low/mid notes like Jasmine and Black Pepper.
- Vanilla beans are grown inside of a pod; then cured to stop the vegetative and oxidative process as a form of preservation. They are stored for 5-6 months in a box to cure which increases the density of flavor and smell.
Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis):
- Organically grown and harvested by Guayaki in Paraguay.
- A shrub native to South America, contains compounds Xanthina and Theobromine, similar to caffeine concentrated in its leaves.
- High in antioxidants affeoyl derivatives and polyphenols, as well as saponins, are bitter anti-inflammatory and cholesterol lowering constituents that add extra benefits to the stimulating properties, without the crash.
- Sustainable source of energy that stimulates the nervous system, promoting mental acuity while not stressing the Adrenal Glands, Yerba Mate helps to combat fatigue while also supporting weight loss as an appetite suppressant.
- Contains 7/9 amino acids and nearly every vitamin and mineral your body needs.
Mocktail & Cocktail Recipes
Iced Mate Kola
- Shake your MerTail & pour 1oz over ice
- Top off with 7oz of soda water
- Stir it up!
- Garnish with candied ginger & star of anise
- Make it boozy by adding 1.5oz of spirits; Whiskey, Rum or Brandy
Stimulation MerKola Mocktail
Stimulation MerKola Mocktail
Spiced Apple Cider
- In a small pot heat 7 - 10oz of water
- Shake your MerTail and add 1.5 - 2oz
- Fill mug of choice with hot liquid
- Add 1 - 3 tsp of organic apple cider vinegar, depending on desired strength
- Garnish with cinnamon stick, flavor will evolve
- Make it boozy by adding 1.5oz of spirits; Whiskey, Rum or Brandy
Hot Toddy
- In a small saucepan heat 7 - 10oz of water
- Shake your MerTail and add 1.5 - 2oz
- Fill mug of choice with hot liquid
- Express an orange peel over the liquid
- Garnish with cinnamon stick, flavor will evolve
- Make it boozy by adding 1.5oz of spirits; Whiskey, Rum or Brandy
Stimulation MerKola Mocktail
Stimulation MerKola Coffeelixir
Jungle Chai Latte
- In a small pot or milk steamer heat 8oz mylk
- Shake your MerTail and add 1 - 1.5 oz
- Garnish with a pinch of cardamom powder
- Make it dirty by adding coffee or espresso
- For an iced latte combine ingredients over ice without heat. Best when shaken not stirred!
Yin & Tonic
- In a shaker combine ¾ ice, ¼ oz lime juice, 1oz MerTini concentrate (shake well), 1.5oz Gin
- Shake vigorously until chilled throughout
- Strain contents over fresh ice
- Top off with tonic water and stir
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge
Hydration MerTini Cocktail
Hydration MerTini Mocktail
Hydration Tonic
- Shake your MerTail and pour 1 oz over ice
- Top off with 7oz of soda and a pinch of salt
- Stir it up!
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge
- Add an ounce or two of our MerTini mix with lime and a pinch of salt to your water bottle during workouts and to have on hand throughout the day for maximum hydration
Hydration Martini
- In a shaker combine ¾ ice, ¼ oz lime juice, pinch of salt, 1oz MerTini, 2oz Gin or Vodka
- Shake vigorously until chilled throughout
- Strain contents into a martini glass
- Top off with soda water
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge
Hydration MerTini Cocktail
Relaxation MerGarita Mocktail
Relaxation Tonic
- Shake your MerTail and pour 1 oz over ice
- Top off with 7oz of soda or flat water
- Stir it up!
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge
- Add an ounce or two of our MerGarita mix with lime and a pinch of salt to your water bottle during workouts and to have on hand throughout the day for maximum chill factor