What is Non-Alcoholic Gin?
Fans of gin, unite! You can now enjoy your favourite G&T or gin-based cocktail as a mocktail instead with alcohol-free gin, which is 100 percent spirit and 0 percent alcohol, for a better, tasty, and healthier option. Non-alcoholic gin has quickly been gaining a lot of traction, with many now making the switch.
If you work in the alcohol industry, you've most likely heard the slogan "What to drink when you're not drinking." Whatever you think of non-alcoholic beverages or spirits – good or bad – no one can deny that they've developed a new product category almost entirely on their own.
Health-conscious, booze-free, "alcohol-free spirits" have burst into the market in recent years and are generating a lot of interest and buzz. More and more companies are releasing products that mimic the flavour of gin, rum, or whisky. Just without the component that distinguishes spirits from other beverages: alcohol.
So what is non-alcoholic gin? it is basically just as it sounds, Gin that is in fact, non-alcoholic. But it goes deeper than that, with its amazing ingredients and impeccable presentation. Non-alcoholic spirits are changing the game for those who may not want to partake in alcohol.
While non-alcoholic gin is not new information, it is quickly becoming a common (and more widely available) option among health-conscious, discriminating consumers. Those looking for a crisp, refreshing cocktail with a distinct gin flavour without the alcoholic side effects (bye, bye, bloating). And the good news is that non-alcoholic gin tastes pretty close to the ‘real’ thing, without some noticeable alcoholic effects, such as that next day hangover headache.
So, what exactly does non-alcoholic gin consist of? Well, most if not all modern non-alcoholic spirit brands use essences and aromas extracted by distillation or maceration.
What's the added bonus? This brand's drinks are sugar-free and sweetener-free, allowing them to have a true, nutritious drink as well as a modern alcohol-free alternative to traditional alcoholic spirits.
Since most mocktails rely on sugar syrups and several pre-made mixers are loaded with additives, this is a perfect way to get a taste of gin in a more PG form and with very low calories, so guilt free!
Our collection of non-alcoholic gin?
Here at Craftzero we have a wide range of non-alcoholic gin’s, all of which we highly recommend. One of our personal favourites has to be the Lyre’s Dry London Spirit . This is a classic gin drink only without the alcohol. Flavoured with juniper and citrus undertones, this spirit can be enjoyed as a full-bodied Gin and Tonic with a slice of lemon, ice and plenty of sparkles.
How is alcohol-free gin made?
Some non-alcoholic spirits are made in the same way as low-alcohol spirits are: a neutral grain spirit and botanicals are combined in a still, which is then distilled several times to extract all of the alcohol.
Alternatively and now the more common method of making any non-alcoholic spirits includes relying on maceration, a method in which botanicals are allowed to "soak" in a liquid before they produce a flavour close to that of real gin. These processes can also alter a liquid's mouthfeel, giving it a more "ginny" flavour.
Why non-alcoholic gin is here to stay!
Non-alcoholic gin is especially popular among younger people, who are increasingly opting to either abstain fully or drink in moderation. According to a 2018 Guardian survey , the proportion of people aged 18 to 25 who do not drink alcohol has risen from 18 percent to 29 percent - nearly a third! - in ten years.
While we know many will never abandon their standard-strength gins, these modern spirits alternatives are useful in a variety of different situations. No-ABV spirits can be a perfect way to still enjoy the botanical flavours in your favourite drinks or gin and tonics whether you're driving, breastfeeding, trying to cut back on your consumption during the week, or participating in Dry July, these non-alcoholic gins come extremely handy and could fool anyone, your friends will have no idea you’re drinking an alcohol free drink, goodbye peer pressure!
Other reasons such as pregnancy, health considerations, or certain drugs that interact poorly with alcohol, religion, and other personal interests are all possible reasons for not wanting to drink. This is why a non-alcoholic alternative is so appealing, allowing you to partake in social drinking activities or events without actually consuming any alcohol.
Or what about when your designated sober mate decides to have one to many and now you have to pay for a $70 uber home or take the train at 2am which is never a good idea. Well, now you can feel as though you are drinking gin & tonics all night long without having any of the alcohol side effects, including that nasty hangover and queesy stomach the next morning - I know we all hate hangovers, especially as we age.
Our recommendations
Struggling to find a good non-alcoholic gin? It can be overwhelming especially because these spirits can often be quite pricey so you definitely do not want to be disappointed. Here are a few of our house recommendations.
Monday Distillery Non-Alcoholic Classic G&T - What if you could have your favourite gin and tonic anywhere, anytime? Now you can with Monday’s ready-to-drink non-alcoholic classic G&T bottles. Give in to your desires and have as many as you’d like over dinner with friends, at a Sunday picnic, or on your own to unwind and relax. Refreshingly carbonated, non-alcoholic, and sugar-free -- you can’t go wrong.
Sea Arch Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirit - A non-alcoholic distilled spirit made using traditional distillation techniques. The first sip gives a clean crisp taste with aromatic juniper and bitter grapefruit flavours, followed by sweet blood orange and coriander undertones. Enjoy on the rocks with a tonic water for a Sea and T. 0.5% alcohol, zero calories, and a delicious refreshing crisp taste - let's drink to that!
