Philters Wiski and Philters Ruhm: Zero-Proof Spirits Powered by Cognizin® Citicoline

Philters Wiski and Ruhm bring real cognitive support to zero-proof spirits. With 250mg Cognizin® Citicoline per serving plus L-Theanine and B-vitamins, these functional tonics deliver mental clarity without the hangover. Whiskey and rum alternatives that actually support your brain.

The zero-proof beverage market has exploded in recent years, but most non-alcoholic spirits focus solely on mimicking taste. They're missing something crucial: the functional component that makes a social drink feel complete. That's where Philters, made by the Maya Tea Company, comes in with a different approach entirely.

Philters Wiski and Philters Ruhm are crafted functional tonics that deliver real cognitive support through Cognizin® Citicoline -- a clinically studied nootropic that enhances focus, memory, and mental clarity. Instead of trading one impairment for nothing, you're getting genuine brain benefits in every pour.

These aren't your typical mocktails. With 250mg of Cognizin® per 2 fl oz serving alongside L-Theanine and B-vitamins, Philters is bringing supplement-grade ingredients to the bar cart. Whether you're the designated driver, exploring the sober-curious lifestyle, or just want to skip the hangover, you don't have to sacrifice sophistication or function.

Let's get into this, and for those who are new to our space (welcome!), we also talk about the benefits of supplementing with clinically-tested focus ingredients like Cognizin®.

About Philters

Philters is made by Maya Tea Company, a brand that's been crafting functional beverages with purpose and precision. These aren't mass-produced alcohol substitutes, either: they're carefully formulated tonics designed to support your cognitive function while delivering the ritual and complexity of a real spirit.

Each 2 fl oz serving is shelf-stable, requires no refrigeration, and stays good for six months after opening. At $39.95 per bottle, you're investing in a functional beverage that delivers measurable cognitive benefits with every cocktail.

Both Wiski and Ruhm share the same core nootropic stack, which includes Cognizin® Citicoline, L-Theanine, Niacin, Biotin, and Vitamin B12. Let's dig into each one:

Philters Ingredients (Both Products)

• Cognizin Citicoline

  Cognizin® Citicoline is the star ingredient in both Philters formulas, and for good reason. This is one of the most thoroughly-researched nootropics available, backed by numerous clinical studies demonstrating its cognitive benefits.

  Citicoline is a precursor to two critical brain compounds: acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for learning, memory formation, and attention. When you're socializing, networking, or just trying to stay sharp during a long evening out, acetylcholine is what keeps your brain firing on all cylinders. Phosphatidylcholine, meanwhile, is a major component of brain cell membranes, supporting overall brain structure and function.

  What makes Cognizin special is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently. Many compounds can't make this journey, but citicoline does it easily, delivering its cognitive benefits directly where they're needed. Once in the brain, it gets to work supporting mental energy, focus, and memory -- exactly the cognitive processes that alcohol tends to impair.

  While we don't know the exact dose in Philters, what can be formally stated is that Cognizin® supports brain and cognitive health,^[1-6] it provides daily support for brain health^[5,7] and it also supports healthy brain cell signaling, brain DNA synthesis, and repair^[8-10] When taken daily, Cognizin® supports long-term brain health,^[5,7] and it helps maintain healthy neurotransmitter levels, supporting acetylcholine, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels.^[8]

  

  Cognizin® Citicoline is dubbed the The Brain Choline not just because it provides choline, but because it also supplies cytidine, which is also needed for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine

  This creates an interesting dynamic in a social drink. While traditional alcoholic beverages degrade cognitive function, Philters does the opposite! You get the ritual, the flavor complexity, and the social lubricant effect without the mental fog. In fact, you're actively supporting your brain health with every sip.

  Whether you're networking at an event, staying sharp on a date, or just want to wake up tomorrow without regret, Cognizin® provides the cognitive edge that alcohol takes away. It's brain support disguised as a cocktail ingredient.

  For more details on the mechanism and research behind this ingredient, check out our main Cognizin® page.

• L-Theanine

  L-Theanine is a calming amino acid naturally found in tea leaves, and it's the perfect complement to Cognizin in a social drinking context. While citicoline sharpens your focus and mental energy, L-theanine provides smooth, relaxed alertness without sedation.

  L-theanine works by promoting alpha brain wave activity -- the same brain state associated with calm focus and creativity. You're alert and engaged, but not jittery or anxious. This makes it ideal for social situations where you want to feel present and relaxed without the cognitive impairment that comes with alcohol.

  When paired with Cognizin's cognitive support, you get the best of both worlds: mental clarity with calm confidence.

• B-Vitamins (Niacin, Biotin, B12)

  

  The B-vitamin trio in Philters -- Niacin, Biotin, and Vitamin B12 -- rounds out the formula by supporting the metabolic processes that keep your brain running efficiently. These vitamins act as cofactors in energy metabolism and neurological function, helping your body convert nutrients into the fuel your brain needs.

  Niacin is an NAD+ precursor that supports circulation and cellular energy production. Biotin aids in neurotransmitter synthesis and nervous system health. B12 is crucial for myelin formation and overall neurological function. Together, they create a foundation that allows the Cognizin and L-theanine to work at their best.

The Flavor Profiles

• Philters Wiski

  Philters Wiski is designed to replace whiskey in your favorite cocktails, and it nails the profile. The base is built on malty, smoky notes from Lapsang Souchong tea and oak chips, creating that deep, warming complexity you'd expect from a good bourbon or scotch. There's an immediate warming sensation when it hits your palate -- the kind of gentle burn that makes whiskey feel like whiskey.

  Use it anywhere you'd normally reach for whiskey: old fashioneds, manhattans, whiskey sours, or simply over ice. The oak aging and tea-smoked flavor create authentic depth that goes far beyond typical whiskey alternatives.

  

  Full ingredients: Filtered Water, Oak Chips, Glycerin, All Natural Flavors, Gum Arabic, L-Theanine, Cognizin Citicoline, Chicory, Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate (To Protect Flavor), Sodium Bisulfate, Lapsang Souchong, Niacin, Biotin, Vitamin B12.

• Philters Ruhm

  Philters Ruhm takes on spiced rum territory with a warm, complex spice blend that's perfect for tropical and tiki-style drinks. The flavor profile is built around anise, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and fenugreek -- the classic spices that make a good spiced rum memorable. There's a subtle sweetness from organic evaporated cane sugar that balances the spice heat without being cloying.

  This is your go-to for mojitos, dark and stormy cocktails, rum punches, or anywhere you want that Caribbean spice character. The spice complexity and slight sweetness create a full-bodied spirit alternative that works beautifully with citrus, mint, and ginger beer.

  Full ingredients: Filtered Water, All Natural Flavors, Glycerin, Oak Chips, Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar, Anise, Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Fenugreek, L-Theanine, Gum Arabic, Cognizin Citicoline, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate (To Protect Flavor), Sodium Bisulfate, Niacin, Biotin, Vitamin B12.

How to Use Philters

• As a mixer: Use 2 fl oz (60mL) as the spirit base in cocktail recipes
• On the rocks: Pour over ice and sip neat
• In classics: Wiski for old fashioneds/manhattans; Ruhm for mojitos/dark and stormy
• Timing: Social occasions when you want the ritual without impairment

Who Philters Is For

• Designated drivers wanting sophistication without alcohol
• Sober-curious exploring zero-proof options
• Anyone prioritizing cognitive health during social events
• Those avoiding next-day effects while maintaining social life

Wrapping Up: A Better Way to Imbibe

Katie Emerson and Tony Miano of Kyowa Hakko join PricePlow to discuss the latest Cognizin and Setria research developments at Expo West 2025 in Episode #163.

We love this, and it's the first time we've covered this space on the PricePlow Blog in thousands of articles.

Philters Wiski and Philters Ruhm deliver sophisticated zero-proof spirits with real cognitive support from Cognizin Citicoline alongside authentic flavor profiles that respect the craft of cocktail culture. Whether you're shaking up a Manhattan with Wiski or mixing a mojito with Ruhm, you're getting a powerful and clinically-studied form of citicoline that actually supports the mental clarity alcohol takes away.

For anyone who wants the social ritual without the trade-offs, Philters delivers on both fronts. Sophisticated flavor, functional ingredients, and zero regrets the next morning.

If you want to learn more, see our main Cognizin® article, and also check out our podcast with Katie Emerson and Tony Miano of Kyowa Hakko talking about forthcoming research we hope to see soon!