Botivo collaboration taps into female sensuality

British apéritif Botivo has joined forces with luxury pleasure brand Coco de Mer to create a limited edition aphrodisiac-inspired expression that seeks to showcase pleasure as craft.

Founded by Imme Ermgassen and Sam Paget Steavenson, Botivo's latest expression reimagines Britain’s drinking culture with a palate-led, pleasure-first philosophy. Crafted in collaboration with Coco de Mer, a London-based luxury brand that creates and curates a distinctive collection of lingerie and sexual wellness products, Botivo has crafted a limited edition expression that boasts layers of cherry, chilli, velvety cacao and warming ginseng, which have been incorporated into the non-alcoholic apéritif's botanical base. The result is a ritual-led drink that seeks to dissolve the boundaries between taste, design and desire. The collaboration is said to reflect a shared commitment to British-led craft and the pleasure found in what is carefully made, thoughtfully sourced, and artfully designed. “After collabing with Ottolenghi, we wanted to surprise people by stepping somewhere even more playful and unexpected,” said Ermgassen. “Fashion and food and drink are increasingly colliding in brilliant, creative ways, and Coco de Mer felt like the perfect partner – a brand that shares our love of British craft and a pleasure-first philosophy. “Together, we wanted to create something a little disruptive: a collaboration that brings the worlds of pleasure and drinks together with humour, creativity and storytelling at its heart.” Lucy Litwack, owner and CEO of Coco de Mer, added: “Designing exciting sensory experiences is at the heart of what we do, so partnerships like this one are a true joy. “The collaboration with Botivo celebrates a wonderful fusion of creativity, craft and passion – and we’re thrilled to bring this to life together. At Coco de Mer, we exist to champion female sensuality in all its forms, and as we mark 25 years of pioneering pleasure, this aperitivo feels like the perfect way to honour the milestone – a sensory delight that captures our spirit of curiosity, indulgence and celebration.” Limited to a run of 1,000 bottles and positioned as a collectable cultural object, the bottle’s label artwork has been designed by Rozalina Burkova and reimagines Botivo’s illustrated characters through Coco de Mer’s sensual lens. The liquid has been designed to be served long with soda over ice and a cherry garnish, or used to elevate alcoholic cocktails. It is available from today (15 April) via www.botivodrinks.com and in Coco de Mer’s flagship London store for £34 (US$46).