89Süd Organic Cassis Lemon Syrup Essence. Organic syrup essence made from blackcurrant juice with lemon – fruity, zesty, and non-alcoholic, for spritzers, aperitifs, and cocktails.

89Süd Organic Cassis Lemon Syrup Essence is an organic syrup essence from the 89Süd manufactory in Waldkirch, Bavarian Swabia: half blackcurrant juice, enhanced with a touch of organic lemon juice and organic sugar. Non-alcoholic and vegan, 330 ml in a swing-top bottle. Not a classic syrup, not a powdered mix, and no added flavorings – a concentrate that you dilute with water, sparkling wine, or soda.

Cassis Lemon Syrup Essence by 89Süd is the manufactory's latest variety and, alongside rhubarb, its fruitiest. Cassis is the French name for blackcurrant, which accounts for 50 percent of the juice in the bottle; the lemon remains in the background, keeping the berry profile fresh. Flora and Christoph Nieß intentionally call their concentrates "essences": compared to conventional syrups, the manufacturer notes they contain significantly less sugar and a higher concentration of raw ingredients. This makes them highly dilutable – one part essence to eight or nine parts water creates a spritzer, meaning the 330 ml bottle yields about three liters. The producer calls this variety their all-rounder: spritzer, aperitif, cocktail base.

Dark berry upfront, zesty lemon on the finish

The Cassis Lemon Syrup Essence tastes first of blackcurrant: dark, fruity, and with that slightly tart note that distinguishes this berry from raspberries or strawberries. Only then does the lemon come through, zesty and clean, leaving the palate feeling refreshed.

Diluted with water, it becomes a deep red spritzer that tastes of berries yet remains light. The acidity of the lemon prevents the blackcurrant from feeling heavy or jam-like.

Those expecting a mild, sweet berry spritzer will find this essence bold and fruity-tart. This is the bottle for people who associate blackcurrants with the bush in the garden and cassis with a good aperitif.

Spritzer, aperitif, cocktail base: one part essence to eight or nine parts

A spritzer is the classic choice: one part essence to eight or nine parts cold mineral water, ice cubes, and it’s ready. The manufacturer recommends it as a refreshing spritzer for the summer and for guests who prefer non-alcoholic drinks.

For an aperitif, add a splash of essence to sparkling wine, Prosecco, or non-alcoholic sparkling wine – the dark berry colors the glass, while the lemon keeps it zesty. As a base for cocktails and long drinks, the essence takes on the role usually filled by cassis liqueur, only non-alcoholic and with more acidity: try it with gin and soda or vodka and tonic.

Store the bottle in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and used promptly; the manufacturer does not specify a timeframe.

Our tip: Add a splash of essence to a glass of cold sparkling wine, top with a lemon twist – the aperitif looks like a Kir Royale, but features berries and lemons from a Swabian garden.

From Waldkirch in Bavarian Swabia, simmered by hand

The 89Süd manufactory is based in Waldkirch, a district of Winterbach in the Günzburg region. Flora and Christoph Nieß grow most of their fruits, herbs, flowers, and vegetables themselves using mixed cultivation; other ingredients are sourced as regionally as possible.

The essences are simmered and bottled when the raw ingredients reach their ideal harvest time – all by hand, from cultivation and bottling to the label. The illustration on the bottle is drawn by Flora Nieß herself. Since the summer of 2020, the essences have been officially organic certified (control body DE-ÖKO-006); the blackcurrants, lemons, and sugar in this bottle come from organic farming. All varieties are vegan and non-alcoholic, and according to the manufacturer, flavor enhancers are strictly avoided. Cassis Lemon is the seventh and newest variety in the range.

For summer spritzers, aperitifs, and guests who drink non-alcoholic

The Cassis Lemon Syrup Essence is for anyone wanting a fruit spritzer with depth – dark, fruity, and with acidity rather than being a sugar bomb. It’s perfect for the family table in the summer, for the home bar as an aperitif base, and as a gift for those who love a Kir but need to drive in the evening.

If you prefer something lighter and more tart, try the Rhubarb Syrup Essence; if you want to highlight the lemon, reach for the Bitter Lemon Syrup Essence. All seven varieties can be found on our 89Süd page, and other concentrates are available in the Syrup category. The essence is not suitable for those expecting a mild, sweet lemonade – it remains fruity and tart, even when mixed with sparkling wine.

Blackcurrant and a hint of lemon from Bavarian Swabia, simmered by hand – the non-alcoholic organic syrup essence for spritzers, aperitifs, and cocktails.