Your Guide to Non-Alcoholic Gin

With campaigns like Dry January and the emergence of alcohol-free bars, a market for so-called non-alcoholic spirits has arisen. This movement includes non-alcoholic gin, which is an excellent option for individuals who prefer not to consume alcohol or those who want to enjoy the taste and experience of gin without the intoxicating effects. Learn more about non-alcoholic gin in this guide.

What is non-alcoholic gin?

Non-alcoholic gin, also known as alcohol-free gin or zero-proof gin, is a beverage designed to replicate the flavors and botanical profiles of traditional gin without containing any alcohol. Traditional gin is a distilled grain spirit made with herbs, such as juniper berries that give it its famous pine flavor.

How is non-alcoholic gin made?

Non-alcoholic gin typically contains a blend of botanicals such as juniper, coriander, citrus peels, and other herbs and spices to replicate traditional gin's distinct taste. However, instead of using the traditional process of distillation, non-alcoholic gin is usually created through methods like maceration or steam distillation to extract the flavors and aromas without the alcohol content.

Many non-alcoholic gin brands strive to replicate the complexity and character of traditional gin by carefully selecting botanicals and using techniques to extract their essence. Some non-alcoholic gins may also incorporate alternative ingredients or techniques to add depth and flavor to the final product.

How do you drink non-alcoholic gin?

Non-alcoholic gin can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including with tonic water, soda, and other non-alcoholic mixers to create refreshing mocktails or alcohol-free gin and tonics. Additionally, it can be used as a base for creative alcohol-free cocktails, providing a botanical and aromatic foundation for these drinks.

Where can you buy non-alcoholic gin?

Non-alcoholic gin can be found in many liquor stores, online retailers that specialize in these types of alcohol-free beverages, and directly from zero-proof producers. Note that non-alcoholic gin's availability may vary depending on your location.

Five best non-alcoholic gins

Interested in giving non-alcoholic gin a try? Check out these five zero-proof examples.

1. Monday Zero-Alcohol Gin

The award-winning Monday Zero-Alcohol Gin is crafted in small batches by hand in Southern California. The ingredients of include natural spring water, monk fruit extract, natural juniper extract, natural coriander seed extract, and natural cucumber extract. The taste on the palate is described as "strong juniper throughout is accompanied by notes of bitter lemon, grapefruit with a hint of coriander."

2. Ish Non-Alcoholic Gin

Award-winning Ish Non-Alcoholic Gin's flavor notes include "sun-dried juniper berries from Southern Europe, coriander seeds mainly from Provence, France, peppercorn, bitter orange and a unique distillate using the shells from chili seeds to provide the satisfying heat we love." This zero-proof spirit is meant to be a mixer with tonic water and in mocktails instead of drinking it on its own. Ish is based in Denmark and currently directly ships its products to 14 European countries.

3. Tanqueray 0.0

Since 1830, Tanqueray Gin is one of the most renowned traditional gin brands in the world. In 2021, they launched their zero-proof version, Tanqueray 0.0. According to its webpage, "four botanicals are perfectly balanced to give Tanqueray 0.0% Alcohol Free a citrus style and juniper led profile, with a delicate botanical complexity behind it."

4. Sobrii 0-Gin

Sobrii 0-Gin is "Canada's first distilled non-alcoholic gin." Besides traditional gin flavors of juniper berries, coriander, all spice, and star anise, this award-winning zero-proof spirit includes Canadian ginseng as a nod to its roots and to give it a distinctive Canadian flavor. Sobrii currently directly ships its products to Canadian provinces and the continental U.S. at this time.

5. Ritual Gin Alternative

According to Ritual, their spirits are made for non-alcoholic cocktails and not meant to be consumed straight or neat. Keep that in mind when consuming their Ritual Gin Alternative as a 1:1 replacement for traditional gin with your favorite mixer. The tasting notes mention, "Lively botanical notes are accented by cucumber and sharpened by juniper. Crisp and bright."

To wrap things up, non-alcoholic gin is a refreshing option for those who want to enjoy the flavor of gin without the alcohol content. It's worth noting that the taste and quality of non-alcoholic gin can vary among brands, so it may be worthwhile to try different options to find the one that suits your preferences.